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.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
International Market
The Cubs spent a little over $14M for Desi Guerrero. A purported SS that in my estimation would make a fine 3B at the most or one hell of a RF if the glove doesn't materialize. Could have a decent eye, good against the right handed persuasion, pull his own against lefties with some pop in the old toothpick but may lack in the contact department. Has enough speed to steal a few bases along the way also. Health is not so great and may be the leading concern about this youngster. Money I think was well spent as he would have went in the top tier of a draft.
Now of the last two which was better? Harsh? Maybe a little but the truth is sometimes. In reality comparing the two is difficult. Desi has diversity in position as Rubby has the speed and contact. Both have a disability that could hurt down the road. Late in the season and money can't be taken with you, Baseball Econ 101 message. So which one is better depends on taste and I really can't decide.
Now of the last two which was better? Harsh? Maybe a little but the truth is sometimes. In reality comparing the two is difficult. Desi has diversity in position as Rubby has the speed and contact. Both have a disability that could hurt down the road. Late in the season and money can't be taken with you, Baseball Econ 101 message. So which one is better depends on taste and I really can't decide.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
International Market
The Indians cried about the market being bad this year but yet spent $22.3M signing Rubby Santiago. Granted it is late in the season and very few prospects will propagate their way into the market place. So what did the Indians get for the kings ransom? Not much in reality. Professes to be a 2B but chances are he will never arise beyond LF. Does have speed and a good durability to hit in the upper end of the lineup. Just a cut above a mediocre eye, very lucky against lefties, good pop and steady contact. Should be good but not great, if he was in the draft some would put him as a mid first rounder.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Dirty Thirty
Once again it is time to get down and dirty for the last 30 games.
NL North
Cubs has widened the gap a bit to four games. Pittsburgh is hanging tough. One of these two are playoff bound if not both.
NL East
The Mets and Phillies have played cat and mouse for much of the season. Cleveland fans are excited because they know there is a chance. Taking advantage hasn't exactly been their strong suit so far.
NL South
Florida is the first team to 100 this season and has widened the lead to 12 games. Houston has decided to play it safe down the stretch as they have a wide lead for the first wild card spot.
NL West
Salem walked away early with the division crown and hasn't looked back. Arizona was hoping for a wild card spot but that looks even remote at the moment.
1. Florida
2. Salem
3. Chicago/Pittsburgh
4. Mets/Phillies/Indians
5. Houston
6. One of the losers in the 3 or 4 slot with an outside shot of Arizona or Milwaukee.
AL North or is it the West, dakar is confused?
Mariners surge ahead only to find the Twins still there in the morning. That might actually be fun if it was the twins from next door.
AL East
Boston is all alone at the top, we are not sure how really guess it is because they have the most wins. 18 game lead says it all though.
AL South
Tampa Bay is widening the gap but we ain't rulin them Texicans out after last years surprise finish.
AL West
The Padres are surprising themselves and have tamed the unruly west this season and have jumped out to the #1 seed even.
Wild Card here is more entertaining than the NL. With 8 teams still in a viable position for the two slots. 10 games separate most of them form top to bottom.
At the moment, Minnesota, Helena and Las Vegas are within slapping distance of each other while the rest of the East and West keep within shouting distance. Who will get hot and who will lose ground remains to be seen.
1. San Diego
2. Boston
3. Seattle/ Minnesota
4. Tampa Bay/Texas
5. and 6. is really too close even think about calling it.
NL North
Cubs has widened the gap a bit to four games. Pittsburgh is hanging tough. One of these two are playoff bound if not both.
NL East
The Mets and Phillies have played cat and mouse for much of the season. Cleveland fans are excited because they know there is a chance. Taking advantage hasn't exactly been their strong suit so far.
NL South
Florida is the first team to 100 this season and has widened the lead to 12 games. Houston has decided to play it safe down the stretch as they have a wide lead for the first wild card spot.
NL West
Salem walked away early with the division crown and hasn't looked back. Arizona was hoping for a wild card spot but that looks even remote at the moment.
1. Florida
2. Salem
3. Chicago/Pittsburgh
4. Mets/Phillies/Indians
5. Houston
6. One of the losers in the 3 or 4 slot with an outside shot of Arizona or Milwaukee.
AL North or is it the West, dakar is confused?
Mariners surge ahead only to find the Twins still there in the morning. That might actually be fun if it was the twins from next door.
AL East
Boston is all alone at the top, we are not sure how really guess it is because they have the most wins. 18 game lead says it all though.
AL South
Tampa Bay is widening the gap but we ain't rulin them Texicans out after last years surprise finish.
AL West
The Padres are surprising themselves and have tamed the unruly west this season and have jumped out to the #1 seed even.
Wild Card here is more entertaining than the NL. With 8 teams still in a viable position for the two slots. 10 games separate most of them form top to bottom.
At the moment, Minnesota, Helena and Las Vegas are within slapping distance of each other while the rest of the East and West keep within shouting distance. Who will get hot and who will lose ground remains to be seen.
1. San Diego
2. Boston
3. Seattle/ Minnesota
4. Tampa Bay/Texas
5. and 6. is really too close even think about calling it.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Oddity
Wholck didn't like the odds makers likening of the Indians. To tell the truth I don't have a clue as to what is going to happen but I can offer this.
With 32 games to go all one has to do is look at the Mets schedule and despair that wreaks havoc. 11 games to go against the likes of Salem, Houston and Florida isn't very promising at all and that is one third of the games. That leaves 9 games against the division and more than likely must win games. Add in the 7 games against Arizona and 3 against Milwaukee which just happens to be the best of the below .500 teams. Plus I lost one of my better pitchers for most of the remainder of the season doesn't help either. You can see why my team is more confident about the situation than I am. Hmm, I wonder if there are some hidden confidence ratings we don't know about?
Oh BTW, the Phillies schedule is about as bad as mine. They have 11 remaining against Florida, Salem and Pittsburgh. 10 against the Reds and Mexico City. Doesn't leave much room for error there either. In my mind that puts them a few games up on the Mets.
The Indians on the other hand are in one of their tougher battles against Pittsburgh and only face Houston for 3 games later on. Other than the division it leaves a lot of room to make up 8 games. I think the odds makers see the schedule as a 20-12 split for the Indians and that give the odds a big boost in their favor. They also see the reverse for the Mets and Phils, OMG, don't tell me that makes a possible three-way split?
With 32 games to go all one has to do is look at the Mets schedule and despair that wreaks havoc. 11 games to go against the likes of Salem, Houston and Florida isn't very promising at all and that is one third of the games. That leaves 9 games against the division and more than likely must win games. Add in the 7 games against Arizona and 3 against Milwaukee which just happens to be the best of the below .500 teams. Plus I lost one of my better pitchers for most of the remainder of the season doesn't help either. You can see why my team is more confident about the situation than I am. Hmm, I wonder if there are some hidden confidence ratings we don't know about?
Oh BTW, the Phillies schedule is about as bad as mine. They have 11 remaining against Florida, Salem and Pittsburgh. 10 against the Reds and Mexico City. Doesn't leave much room for error there either. In my mind that puts them a few games up on the Mets.
The Indians on the other hand are in one of their tougher battles against Pittsburgh and only face Houston for 3 games later on. Other than the division it leaves a lot of room to make up 8 games. I think the odds makers see the schedule as a 20-12 split for the Indians and that give the odds a big boost in their favor. They also see the reverse for the Mets and Phils, OMG, don't tell me that makes a possible three-way split?
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
International Market
Paul Zhang was signed by the Kansas City Royals for $14.9M. How this kid escaped my reporting clutches is unknown, maybe KC was trying to keep him under wraps. The kid might be a lefty but should be a force at the ML level in time. Good control and very good splits combined with some misaligned pitches should confuse and zhing hitters. A very good buy if you ask me.
Mariano Diaz was signed by the the Mets for $1M. The seeming innocuous event doesn't look like much but enable the Low A team to have a little respect. Causing a sudden 23-9 outburst has made the rest of the team pick up their game.
Mariano Diaz was signed by the the Mets for $1M. The seeming innocuous event doesn't look like much but enable the Low A team to have a little respect. Causing a sudden 23-9 outburst has made the rest of the team pick up their game.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
The Flirty Forty
The Jose SWAGs and what they really think is self evident. Which would you choose?
Now on to the brighter future.
Actually this post was really suppose to happen after the next game, but oh well, time constraints ya know.
The NL is like a mess, more like the IN crowd and the wanna be's!
NL North
The Cubs and Pirates are in a battle for the division crown. Will the loser get the 6th seed that could be enshrouded in a Castle mystery novel with Niki Heat. The Brewers and Reds remain hopeful but the reality of the situation looks more like a Grimm fairy tale.
NL East
Looks like the NL North with different names. Mets and Phillies with a diabolical plot with so many twists and turns that makes the head rattle. The remaining schedule of both teams looks like a plausible escape for the Indians to make a sneak attack. The Chikenwings in Louisville have been plucked and look forward to an enjoyable snack during the playoffs.
NL South
What can be said this year, Florida took over a few games ago and hasn't looked back and have their sights set on the number 1 seed. Houston has already claimed the number 5 seed but haven't given up hope. Haven't they? Mexico City took the analysis to heart a bit and have ushered in the Yoshii ball era. He has single handily enjoined the devilish spirit of the team for a 5 game win streak. Don't count them out as of yet to make a run at the 6th spot. The Hawks has succumbed to their fate but will pick up the number 1 pick next year.
NL West
Salem has been dragging their cleats lately but still could fight their way to the number 1 seed. The D'Backs aren't eliminated from the division crown yet, but come on, they would need to win them all, like that would happen. Could make a push to the last wild card spot though. The Dodgers and Giants play spoiler where they can.
At a Glance:
1. Florida - Already a playoff team
2. Salem - Already a playoff team
3. Cubs/Pirates/Mets/Phils - One of them gets this slot
4. Cubs/Pirates/Mets/Phils - One of them gets this slot - broken record
5. Houston - Just because no one else can
6. Repeat of the broken record with Arizona, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Mexico City joining the fray.
After Florida, Salem and Houston, it looks like mediocrity at best, but mediocrity has a tendency to win.
On to the AL where mediocrity seems to reign supreme.
AL North
Seattle has taken recent control of the situation with a 9 game win streak as Minnesota tripped over home plate. Even the Tigers are showing some life. The Blue Jays have been shooing the cats away.
AL East
The Red Sox suddenly came alive enough to throw the rest of the division into despair. I don't expect there to be much of a fight in the final forty. Despair is only short lived as the rest of the division is actually still in a wild card race.
AL South
It took over half the season for this division to right itself. Tampa Bay spurts then sputters just enough to keep Texas off their fins. Don't rule those gun totin Texans, remember lasts years remarkable run to fall just short. Little Rock and KC just keep rockin the boat.
AL West
The Padres zoomed out to the lead early and no one has decided to put up a fight to slow them down. The rest of the pack seem to be having a bitter sibling fight that just isn't going away.
At a glance
1. San Diego - With 10 more wins another team would be hard pressed to catch up.
2. Boston - Same as San Diego but the only thing here is who has the most wins at the end.
3. Seattle/Minnesota - eenie meenie minee moee
4. Tampa Bay/Texas - Remarkable isn't it?
5 and 6. It is easier to list the three teams that don't look capable. Speaking of mediocrity.
Now on to the brighter future.
Actually this post was really suppose to happen after the next game, but oh well, time constraints ya know.
The NL is like a mess, more like the IN crowd and the wanna be's!
NL North
The Cubs and Pirates are in a battle for the division crown. Will the loser get the 6th seed that could be enshrouded in a Castle mystery novel with Niki Heat. The Brewers and Reds remain hopeful but the reality of the situation looks more like a Grimm fairy tale.
NL East
Looks like the NL North with different names. Mets and Phillies with a diabolical plot with so many twists and turns that makes the head rattle. The remaining schedule of both teams looks like a plausible escape for the Indians to make a sneak attack. The Chikenwings in Louisville have been plucked and look forward to an enjoyable snack during the playoffs.
NL South
What can be said this year, Florida took over a few games ago and hasn't looked back and have their sights set on the number 1 seed. Houston has already claimed the number 5 seed but haven't given up hope. Haven't they? Mexico City took the analysis to heart a bit and have ushered in the Yoshii ball era. He has single handily enjoined the devilish spirit of the team for a 5 game win streak. Don't count them out as of yet to make a run at the 6th spot. The Hawks has succumbed to their fate but will pick up the number 1 pick next year.
NL West
Salem has been dragging their cleats lately but still could fight their way to the number 1 seed. The D'Backs aren't eliminated from the division crown yet, but come on, they would need to win them all, like that would happen. Could make a push to the last wild card spot though. The Dodgers and Giants play spoiler where they can.
At a Glance:
1. Florida - Already a playoff team
2. Salem - Already a playoff team
3. Cubs/Pirates/Mets/Phils - One of them gets this slot
4. Cubs/Pirates/Mets/Phils - One of them gets this slot - broken record
5. Houston - Just because no one else can
6. Repeat of the broken record with Arizona, Cleveland, Milwaukee and Mexico City joining the fray.
After Florida, Salem and Houston, it looks like mediocrity at best, but mediocrity has a tendency to win.
On to the AL where mediocrity seems to reign supreme.
AL North
Seattle has taken recent control of the situation with a 9 game win streak as Minnesota tripped over home plate. Even the Tigers are showing some life. The Blue Jays have been shooing the cats away.
AL East
The Red Sox suddenly came alive enough to throw the rest of the division into despair. I don't expect there to be much of a fight in the final forty. Despair is only short lived as the rest of the division is actually still in a wild card race.
AL South
It took over half the season for this division to right itself. Tampa Bay spurts then sputters just enough to keep Texas off their fins. Don't rule those gun totin Texans, remember lasts years remarkable run to fall just short. Little Rock and KC just keep rockin the boat.
AL West
The Padres zoomed out to the lead early and no one has decided to put up a fight to slow them down. The rest of the pack seem to be having a bitter sibling fight that just isn't going away.
At a glance
1. San Diego - With 10 more wins another team would be hard pressed to catch up.
2. Boston - Same as San Diego but the only thing here is who has the most wins at the end.
3. Seattle/Minnesota - eenie meenie minee moee
4. Tampa Bay/Texas - Remarkable isn't it?
5 and 6. It is easier to list the three teams that don't look capable. Speaking of mediocrity.
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