C - Andy Reagan wins the award. How many times we got to tell ya, the CF is not the new 2B.
1B - Heinie Watkins wins the award with 11 minus plays. If it wasn't for his bat, probably the worst position player of all time. His career fielding stats are not indicative of his true ability.
2B - Denny Matheson wins the award. We had a couple choices here but his sprained finger sealed the deal, he shouldn't have had it stuck there. Could it be why the Slobs went on a 12 game win streak at the end of the season?
3B - Eswalin Romano wins the award. Heinie taught him everything he needs to know about defense, playing with the ball girls.
SS - Sam Charles wins the award after further review. He never was that good at SS but now he is a mere shell of that even after his 91 games of bloopers. Everyone thought it would be Louie James but he got cut some slack after replays showed that 1B and 2B was in the stands buying hotdogs during most of his bloopers.
LF - Ebenezer Munoz wins the award. Maybe that is why he ended up on the DL? Extreme fielding justice.
CF - Felix Yoshii wins the award. Well, he was the last man standing and he was funny to watch out there for the limited time. We also cut Jair Bennett some slack because he had to cover LF also.
RF - Travis Ball wins the award. RF really?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Mets
What can you really say about a team that few doubted could be a contender. Still they were in it till the last day. A sweep over Cleveland coupled with two losses by Pittsburgh would have put them in the playoffs instead of Pittsburgh. Even on the last day, a win and another Pittsburgh loss would have done it, but alas it wasn't meant to be. Yeah, I held all the tie breakers.
Bitter? Not that I lost the game wholck. It was more that I should have beat up on that particular type of pitcher early. The third game I put Henley because I didn't care anymore and we win against a better pitcher, go figure. Just got frustrated as it was that way all season, lose to weak off-speed or so-so pitchers and beat the good ones. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense.
On a brighter note, what the Mets did well. Second season in a row we have been above .500, that is an accomplishment in itself. We did well at home for once, on the road was another matter. What they accomplished though is surprising. For starters, 227 doubles, 218 home runs and 178 stolen bases. Those numbers haven't been in the Mets vocabulary very often. Emil Flores even joined the 30/30 club, something that never happened in Salem. 31-19 in 1-run games and 14-6 in extra inning games, how cool is that.
So the offense was right on target really but the pitching had its moments, one day it was good and the next not so hot. Not sure what is up with that but it very well could spell doom next season.
Defense was pretty good also. Some still say that it doesn't matter but still all the playoff teams are under 100 errors. That really stands out to me.
Next season.
To start off we are hoping the coaching staff decides to return. I see no reason why they won't. However there will be a change at pitching coach unless something strange happens. We are looking for Kline to take over that position and our 10 year vet in Lee to take a hike. I know it sounds cruel, but no increase in the last 8 years and ranks 3rd from the bottom, time for a change.
It will be a trip to Free Agency as we are losing two pitchers off the staff and the minors just isn't ready. Tabaka did sign finally, not sure what was up with that exactly. Two in the second year of arbitration, me thinks they will get long term contracts. Other than that the Mets will be ready once again, this time to win.
KFC was right, that loss didn't help things at all. But to me the ones that hurt the most was the four game series at home against Mexico City that hurt the most followed closely by the Hot Pocket debacle. In the end it was Cleveland that did us in.
Bitter? Not that I lost the game wholck. It was more that I should have beat up on that particular type of pitcher early. The third game I put Henley because I didn't care anymore and we win against a better pitcher, go figure. Just got frustrated as it was that way all season, lose to weak off-speed or so-so pitchers and beat the good ones. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense.
On a brighter note, what the Mets did well. Second season in a row we have been above .500, that is an accomplishment in itself. We did well at home for once, on the road was another matter. What they accomplished though is surprising. For starters, 227 doubles, 218 home runs and 178 stolen bases. Those numbers haven't been in the Mets vocabulary very often. Emil Flores even joined the 30/30 club, something that never happened in Salem. 31-19 in 1-run games and 14-6 in extra inning games, how cool is that.
So the offense was right on target really but the pitching had its moments, one day it was good and the next not so hot. Not sure what is up with that but it very well could spell doom next season.
Defense was pretty good also. Some still say that it doesn't matter but still all the playoff teams are under 100 errors. That really stands out to me.
Next season.
To start off we are hoping the coaching staff decides to return. I see no reason why they won't. However there will be a change at pitching coach unless something strange happens. We are looking for Kline to take over that position and our 10 year vet in Lee to take a hike. I know it sounds cruel, but no increase in the last 8 years and ranks 3rd from the bottom, time for a change.
It will be a trip to Free Agency as we are losing two pitchers off the staff and the minors just isn't ready. Tabaka did sign finally, not sure what was up with that exactly. Two in the second year of arbitration, me thinks they will get long term contracts. Other than that the Mets will be ready once again, this time to win.
KFC was right, that loss didn't help things at all. But to me the ones that hurt the most was the four game series at home against Mexico City that hurt the most followed closely by the Hot Pocket debacle. In the end it was Cleveland that did us in.
The Finality
Season 2 finally comes to a disgruntled end, even the server gave up hope.
The NL
1. Florida Marlins: odds of winning 2:1
2. Salem Super Sequoias : odds of winning 2:1
3. Chicago Cubs: odds of winning 1:3
4. Philadelphia Phillies: odds of winning 1:4
5. Houston Astros: odds of winning 1:2
6. Pittsburgh Pirates: odds of winning 1:5
The AL
1. Boston Red Sox: odds of winning 2:1
2. San Diego Padres: odds of winning 1:1
3. Seattle Mariners: odds of winning 1:2
4. Tampa Bay Rays: odds of winning 1:3
5. Las Vegas Slobs: odds of winning 1:2
6. Minnesota Twins: odds of winning 1:4
The NL
1. Florida Marlins: odds of winning 2:1
2. Salem Super Sequoias : odds of winning 2:1
3. Chicago Cubs: odds of winning 1:3
4. Philadelphia Phillies: odds of winning 1:4
5. Houston Astros: odds of winning 1:2
6. Pittsburgh Pirates: odds of winning 1:5
The AL
1. Boston Red Sox: odds of winning 2:1
2. San Diego Padres: odds of winning 1:1
3. Seattle Mariners: odds of winning 1:2
4. Tampa Bay Rays: odds of winning 1:3
5. Las Vegas Slobs: odds of winning 1:2
6. Minnesota Twins: odds of winning 1:4
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Final Ten or The Odd Man Out Rule
Here we are sports fans, end of the season madness. The last ten games seems to bring out the best and worst in people. But excitement mounts and nerves are on edge and now the reason why.
NL
Three spots are already taken by Florida, Salem and Houston. Three spots remain and four possible outcomes are in the works. The next series are important to how everything will end.
The Cubs invade the Marlins and hope to do some fishing on the fly. With only a two game lead over archrival Pittsburgh, every game is important after losing 2 of three to them.
The Pirates move across state to take on in-state foe Philadelphia, and their is no brotherly love between the two. Both are fighting for their playoff lives.
The Mets, who are only two behind Philly, host Arizona. Arizona still has a long shot at making the playoffs, okay, extremely long shot.
All in all the Mets and Cubs are hoping for a sweep in Philadelphia and don't care which one, though the Mets are favoring Pittsburgh while the Cubs favor Philly. Regardless the Mets are in a must win situation to remain in the hunt for either the division crown or a wild card.
AL
The AL is in a hell of a mess once again with 10 to go. Only Boston and San Diego have ensured a place in the playoffs and are fighting over the top seed.
Seattle has secured a two game lead over Minnesota once again but how long will it last this time? Seattle makes a long trip to Anaheim before traipsing to Minnesota for their showdown. Minnesota travels to Boston and takes on the possible number 1 seed. Seattle would seem favored but the way the season has gone so far, doubt looms.
Tampa Bay has a seven game lead over Texas which would by normal means a playoff spot. However, the Rays must go to San Diego which would be a difficult situation. Meanwhile, Texas plays host to Atlanta. Since Texas and Tampa Bay have finished their rivalry for the season, it would be tough on Texas to make up that many games.
The wild card is even murkier as Minnesota, Helena and Las Vegas are within kissing distance of each other. Anaheim and Texas can't exactly be ruled out here either, though both have huge mountains to cross.
Helena is in Dover while Las Vegas hosts Toronto. While the two may decide a playoff spot in the last three games in Las Vegas.
NL
Three spots are already taken by Florida, Salem and Houston. Three spots remain and four possible outcomes are in the works. The next series are important to how everything will end.
The Cubs invade the Marlins and hope to do some fishing on the fly. With only a two game lead over archrival Pittsburgh, every game is important after losing 2 of three to them.
The Pirates move across state to take on in-state foe Philadelphia, and their is no brotherly love between the two. Both are fighting for their playoff lives.
The Mets, who are only two behind Philly, host Arizona. Arizona still has a long shot at making the playoffs, okay, extremely long shot.
All in all the Mets and Cubs are hoping for a sweep in Philadelphia and don't care which one, though the Mets are favoring Pittsburgh while the Cubs favor Philly. Regardless the Mets are in a must win situation to remain in the hunt for either the division crown or a wild card.
AL
The AL is in a hell of a mess once again with 10 to go. Only Boston and San Diego have ensured a place in the playoffs and are fighting over the top seed.
Seattle has secured a two game lead over Minnesota once again but how long will it last this time? Seattle makes a long trip to Anaheim before traipsing to Minnesota for their showdown. Minnesota travels to Boston and takes on the possible number 1 seed. Seattle would seem favored but the way the season has gone so far, doubt looms.
Tampa Bay has a seven game lead over Texas which would by normal means a playoff spot. However, the Rays must go to San Diego which would be a difficult situation. Meanwhile, Texas plays host to Atlanta. Since Texas and Tampa Bay have finished their rivalry for the season, it would be tough on Texas to make up that many games.
The wild card is even murkier as Minnesota, Helena and Las Vegas are within kissing distance of each other. Anaheim and Texas can't exactly be ruled out here either, though both have huge mountains to cross.
Helena is in Dover while Las Vegas hosts Toronto. While the two may decide a playoff spot in the last three games in Las Vegas.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Record Updates
Pascual Solano became the all-time Saves leader with his 524th save. Highlighted by the fact he has only played with Toronto throughout his entire career.
Ivan 'The Terrible' Johnson passed pitching icon Yamil Pulido and now has 286 wins to his credit. He has his eyes set on being number 1 currently held by Omar Elcano who currently has 332 wins. It is unknown whether Omar will retire at the end of the season or not as he is starting to wane like Nolan Ryan.
Dwight Hall continues up the ladder as he has passed the 400 save mark in his career and currently has 412.
Zeus Singleton has passed the legendary Mitchell Ray on the all-time save list for third place. Currently with 470 saves is still young enough to catch up and surpass Pascual Solano.
Dom Tabaka has also passed the 400 save mark and is in hot pursuit of Dwight Hall for fifth all time. However his unwillingness to resign with the Mets could put him jeopardy of ever achieving that goal. Why you ask? His ratings doesn't really project to a star closer especially for a lefty.
Everett Hill has moved up the list in Home runs to the number 2 spot all time with 683. Needing less than 70 may still have the ability to make it to the number 1 spot. Joey Tracy is still trying for that magic 750 shot.
Ivan 'The Terrible' Johnson passed pitching icon Yamil Pulido and now has 286 wins to his credit. He has his eyes set on being number 1 currently held by Omar Elcano who currently has 332 wins. It is unknown whether Omar will retire at the end of the season or not as he is starting to wane like Nolan Ryan.
Dwight Hall continues up the ladder as he has passed the 400 save mark in his career and currently has 412.
Zeus Singleton has passed the legendary Mitchell Ray on the all-time save list for third place. Currently with 470 saves is still young enough to catch up and surpass Pascual Solano.
Dom Tabaka has also passed the 400 save mark and is in hot pursuit of Dwight Hall for fifth all time. However his unwillingness to resign with the Mets could put him jeopardy of ever achieving that goal. Why you ask? His ratings doesn't really project to a star closer especially for a lefty.
Everett Hill has moved up the list in Home runs to the number 2 spot all time with 683. Needing less than 70 may still have the ability to make it to the number 1 spot. Joey Tracy is still trying for that magic 750 shot.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Tantilizing Twenty
Yep, it is that time. 142 games down and 20 to go. So what kind of titalating finish can we have this year?
AL North
Ummm, dakar's rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream ...err Nightmare! Twins and Mariners tied with 20 to go. What more drama can the AL handle?
AL East
Boston Red Sox has things wrapped up and is going for the gold.
AL South
Tampa Bay has a 6 game lead but those pesky Rangers just won't go away. Gunfight at the OK Corral forthcoming.
AL West
The Padres have things well in hand and are holding down that #1 seed.
Wild Card Race
At the moment it is the loser of the Northern conflagration with Helena, Las Vegas and Anaheim showing themselves for the final spot or maybe both spots if something drastic comes this way. Outside chances still remain for Texas and Atlanta, miracles do happen.
NL North
Cubs remain in first but the Pirates have closed the gap again to 1 game. Even with the severe injury to David Gomez, his young replacement, James Saitou has filled the void and continued their merry way.
NL East
Simmy is playing games with the Phillies and Mets and the frustration is evident. The Indians had their chance but seemed to have packed it in for the season.
NL South
The Marlins have things well in hand and hold a 6 game lead for the #1 seed. Houston has decided to rest up for the playoffs.
NL West
Salem is enjoying their 6th straight 100 win season and 7th straight division crown. Now they want that big ass trophy for their efforts.
NL Wild Card
Houston has one spot all spiffy and neat. Most reliably speaking the loser of either the North or East will claim the other. Arizona remains hopeful with the big outside shot but it is quite slim. Best bet is the loser of the North.
AL North
Ummm, dakar's rendition of A Midsummer Night's Dream ...err Nightmare! Twins and Mariners tied with 20 to go. What more drama can the AL handle?
AL East
Boston Red Sox has things wrapped up and is going for the gold.
AL South
Tampa Bay has a 6 game lead but those pesky Rangers just won't go away. Gunfight at the OK Corral forthcoming.
AL West
The Padres have things well in hand and are holding down that #1 seed.
Wild Card Race
At the moment it is the loser of the Northern conflagration with Helena, Las Vegas and Anaheim showing themselves for the final spot or maybe both spots if something drastic comes this way. Outside chances still remain for Texas and Atlanta, miracles do happen.
NL North
Cubs remain in first but the Pirates have closed the gap again to 1 game. Even with the severe injury to David Gomez, his young replacement, James Saitou has filled the void and continued their merry way.
NL East
Simmy is playing games with the Phillies and Mets and the frustration is evident. The Indians had their chance but seemed to have packed it in for the season.
NL South
The Marlins have things well in hand and hold a 6 game lead for the #1 seed. Houston has decided to rest up for the playoffs.
NL West
Salem is enjoying their 6th straight 100 win season and 7th straight division crown. Now they want that big ass trophy for their efforts.
NL Wild Card
Houston has one spot all spiffy and neat. Most reliably speaking the loser of either the North or East will claim the other. Arizona remains hopeful with the big outside shot but it is quite slim. Best bet is the loser of the North.
Player Awards
I have been looking over the awards also and trying to make sense of them myself. Of course there are 21 games to go and things could change.
NL MVP: Salem has an overwhelming edge at winning the coveted award. I agree with Pichardo being in the top slot but more inclined that Hill be in the second slot mostly because of dinger count. Brennaman has a great average and hits a lot of doubles don't get me wrong.
AL MVP: Shayne Marte with a .232 average? Pepe Feliz with a .264 average? Pablo Solano is more like it if you ask me with that .313 average even though his dinger production is 10 below the others.
NL Cy Young: Here is the biggest oddity of them all. Five pitchers in the list and the top four haven't started a game. Albert Cubillan is the only starter and only has 14 wins. Almost sounds disrespectful to the award. Maybe we need a new one?
AL Cy Young: Things look just as amiss here if you ask me. Rob Holzemer, a lefty no less, has 17 wins, shocker? My lefty actually has as good a ratings and struggles to win a game on a good day. If it wasn't for the NL list, Byung-Hyun Chong would be a surprise. Shaggy "Dinger" Stratton in the 3rd slot with 16 wins is another. Turner Ferrell has 16 wins also with a good park and team for doing that. Winston "Long Ball" Maxwell also chimes in with 16 wins. I wonder if someone can enlighten me about his ratings and his propensity for allowing home runs?
NL Rookie of the Year: No qualms about Carl Mattingly winning the award, his hitting and thievery is becoming legendary as is his non-plays at 2B.
AL Rookie of the Year: Clark Parrish is first and Del Alvarez is second, both on the Royals diamond. Alvarez looks better with a bat in hand. Parrish is being groomed to play 2B instead of shoving him into the position he isn't ready for.
Fireman of the Year: May not be the best but he who has the most saves.
NL MVP: Salem has an overwhelming edge at winning the coveted award. I agree with Pichardo being in the top slot but more inclined that Hill be in the second slot mostly because of dinger count. Brennaman has a great average and hits a lot of doubles don't get me wrong.
AL MVP: Shayne Marte with a .232 average? Pepe Feliz with a .264 average? Pablo Solano is more like it if you ask me with that .313 average even though his dinger production is 10 below the others.
NL Cy Young: Here is the biggest oddity of them all. Five pitchers in the list and the top four haven't started a game. Albert Cubillan is the only starter and only has 14 wins. Almost sounds disrespectful to the award. Maybe we need a new one?
AL Cy Young: Things look just as amiss here if you ask me. Rob Holzemer, a lefty no less, has 17 wins, shocker? My lefty actually has as good a ratings and struggles to win a game on a good day. If it wasn't for the NL list, Byung-Hyun Chong would be a surprise. Shaggy "Dinger" Stratton in the 3rd slot with 16 wins is another. Turner Ferrell has 16 wins also with a good park and team for doing that. Winston "Long Ball" Maxwell also chimes in with 16 wins. I wonder if someone can enlighten me about his ratings and his propensity for allowing home runs?
NL Rookie of the Year: No qualms about Carl Mattingly winning the award, his hitting and thievery is becoming legendary as is his non-plays at 2B.
AL Rookie of the Year: Clark Parrish is first and Del Alvarez is second, both on the Royals diamond. Alvarez looks better with a bat in hand. Parrish is being groomed to play 2B instead of shoving him into the position he isn't ready for.
Fireman of the Year: May not be the best but he who has the most saves.
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