2009 MLB Regular Season Thread

[fantom1979]

Just noticed today that Chris Davis has struck out 44.2% of the time. That's impressive.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Logan

Agree. I also think there should be some sort of extra category between unearned and earned runs, something that accounts for runs that come on plays after the initial error. I mean I understand that an inning is prolonged so doing it this way says that the runs shouldn't have happened, but if a pitcher goes on to allow 6 additional baserunners and 5 more runs, to allow him off completely free is crazy IMO.

That would only happen with 2 outs, the theory being the error prevented the third out from occurring and the runs that came after would not have scored. I don't have a problem with that.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

On the side, I find the unearned run rule when a pitcher commits an error to be absurd. Detroit's Jackson had two brutal throwing errors last night which lead to two unearned runs. If the pitcher's doing the throwing, it shouldn't be unearned.

If ERA accounted for a pitcher's fielding, I think we would just use a modified ERA formula that was independent of fielding. Isn't that the trend in modern stats? Trying to take out variables that go beyond what we're trying to measure?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

I know its the Nationals, but I'm really, really impressed with the Mets winning with, basically, a collection of spare parts and grit. I think this run will help them throughout the season.

(muffled laugh)

So a $140 million payroll only gets you spare parts and grit nowdays? I'm thinking the Royals could get a whole lot more than that with $65M in additional payroll.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by molson

If ERA accounted for a pitcher's fielding, I think we would just use a modified ERA formula that was independent of fielding. Isn't that the trend in modern stats? Trying to take out variables that go beyond what we're trying to measure?

While realizing fully that it will never change, my impression is that the runs aren't counted against you if you weren't the reason that the runs were scored. Evidently, the actual definition is that you aren't charged for the runs if a run scores via an error, even if it was by your own hand.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

(muffled laugh)

So a $140 million payroll only gets you spare parts and grit nowdays? I'm thinking the Royals could get a whole lot more than that with $65M in additional payroll.

Uh... you may have missed the numerous injuries on the Mets mayhaps?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Uh... you may have missed the numerous injuries on the Mets mayhaps?

Everyone has injuries. Royals have been missing two key players for most of the season, but it's nothing but an excuse to say we'd be better with them. Fact is that it's a whole lot easier to weather injuries when you have a $140M payroll than a $70-75M payroll. Small market fans don't want any pity, but they don't want to hear any tales of woe from a fan base who is unfortunate enough to root for a team with a $140M payroll. I'm guessing that's why Mets fans created their own thread. They could bellyache amongst themselves.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Everyone has injuries. Royals have been missing two key players for most of the season, but it's nothing but an excuse to say we'd be better with them. Fact is that it's a whole lot easier to weather injuries when you have a $140M payroll than a $70-75M payroll. Small market fans don't want any pity, but they don't want to hear any tales of woe from a fan base who is unfortunate enough to root for a team with a $140M payroll. I'm guessing that's why Mets fans created their own thread. They could bellyache amongst themselves.

Two key players, LOL!

The Mets have 5 out of their starting 8 position players out.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Everyone has injuries. Royals have been missing two key players for most of the season, but it's nothing but an excuse to say we'd be better with them. Fact is that it's a whole lot easier to weather injuries when you have a $140M payroll than a $70-75M payroll. Small market fans don't want any pity, but they don't want to hear any tales of woe from a fan base who is unfortunate enough to root for a team with a $140M payroll. I'm guessing that's why Mets fans created their own thread. They could bellyache amongst themselves.

All he said was that he was impressed with his team. Then you started going nuts about payrolls. You brought it up. There's no "bellyaching" going on. Just completely unprompted whining from you.

This thread is like 90% Royals talk. One Mets fan wants to make a comment and you start bitching "payroll, payroll, whine, whine!!"

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Small market fans don't want any pity

Then why does this conversation keep coming up, year after year?

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by molson

All he said was that he was impressed with his team. Then you started going nuts about payrolls. You brought it up. There's no "bellyaching" going on. Just completely unprompted whining from you.

This thread is like 90% Royals talk. One Mets fan wants to make a comment and you start bitching "payroll, payroll, whine, whine!!"

True dat. Seriously, it isn't like I haven't been an advocate of the small market teams on various baseball threads. Or are you just a johnny-come-lately on them because the Royals are actually doing good?

[larrymcg421]

Hey I can join the misfortune competition.

The Braves have a GM so incompetent he couldn't get Joan of Arc to play for France, but they're still somehow over .500.

[molson]

Originally Posted by larrymcg421

Hey I can join the misfortune competition.

The Braves have a GM so incompetent he couldn't get Joan of Arc to play for France, but they're still somehow over .500.

Doesn't matter, they have way higher revenue than the Royals. Their accomplishments are meaningless. The Royals would be undefeated with the Braves' payroll.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Or are you just a johnny-come-lately on them because the Royals are actually doing good?

Yeah, I've not been a Royals fan until now.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by molson

Doesn't matter, they have way higher revenue than the Royals. Their accomplishments are meaningless. The Royals would be undefeated with the Braves' payroll.

Which is obvious a stupid overgeneralization. There's no question that any given team has a higher chance of playing winning baseball the higher their payroll is. We could roll out the numbers, but we all know that's a waste of time because we've seen the numbers before.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Which is obvious a stupid overgeneralization. There's no question that any given team has a higher chance of playing winning baseball the higher their payroll is. We could roll out the numbers, but we all know that's a waste of time because we've seen the numbers before.

And Missouri basketball has an unfair advantage over smaller, private schools.

Life's unfair, get over it and stop whining. People DO feel sorry for the Royals until their fans go over-the-top painting themselves as victims, and everyone else born in larger metro areas as villains. People otherwise root for the Royals to do well.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by molson

And Missouri basketball has an unfair advantage over smaller, private schools.

Life's unfair, get over it and stop whining. People DO feel sorry for the Royals until their fans go over-the-top painting themselves as victims, and everyone else born in larger metro areas as villains. People otherwise root for the Royals to do well.

No one painted the Royals as victims. You can take down the strawman now.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Two key players, LOL!

The Mets have 5 out of their starting 8 position players out.

Really six, either by counting Beltran who's out a few days, or Schneider, who technically was the starter.

You could have a team with a $500 million payroll and it would still have difficulty winning consistently with those level of replacements. A bench is utilized on a game to game basis for pinch-hitting, defensive replacements, and spot-starting. If you're lucky, you have one or two guys on there who you wouldn't mind to start everyday more than 4 times a week. Take five $10 million players, put them on your bench, and I'll show you a shitty bench.

When you're using more replacements than you typically even carry on a bench, it's a good job.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Everyone has injuries. Royals have been missing two key players for most of the season, but it's nothing but an excuse to say we'd be better with them. Fact is that it's a whole lot easier to weather injuries when you have a $140M payroll than a $70-75M payroll. Small market fans don't want any pity, but they don't want to hear any tales of woe from a fan base who is unfortunate enough to root for a team with a $140M payroll. I'm guessing that's why Mets fans created their own thread. They could bellyache amongst themselves.

Prove it or shut the fuck up.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

No one painted the Royals as victims. You can take down the strawman now.

This is hillarious coming from someone who considers it a "tale of woe" and "bellyaching" for someone to be impressed by their team.

You're a bitter troll, and if anyone else (other than a Royal fan) expresses the slightest bit of happiness, you want try to bring them down by bitching about payroll.

I assure you though, ISiddiqui, nor any big-market fan performed any evil deeds for their teams to have been fortunate enough to exist in large metro areas, so don't take out your sad, pathetic bitterness on them.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by molson

This is hillarious coming from someone who considers it a "tale of woe" and "bellyaching" for someone to be impressed by their team.

You're absolutely right. I shouldn't have gone to that degree. I apologize.

[stevew]

Bixler of the Pirates struck out over 60 percent of the time till he got sent down. Granted it was like 30ab.

Originally Posted by fantom1979

Just noticed today that Chris Davis has struck out 44.2% of the time. That's impressive.

[DaddyTorgo]

interesting article on cnnsi.com the other day talking about how in order for someone to hit .400 these days they'd have to put the ball in play more than hitters today too, and it essentially boils down to striking out in less than 4% of your AB's.

The man with perhaps the best chance to do that would be Pujols, and he still strikes out 8% of his AB's. So it'd take a normal-BABIP year from him plus a significant reduction in his strikeouts to even come close.

[ISiddiqui]

I think Cards fans would rather Pujols have a few more K's and keep up a very high SLG% .

[Atocep]

Its great to be a Mets fan and have the financial flexibility to pull Fernando Tatis out of a hut in San Pedro to come play baseball and get the Tigers to pay Sheffield's salary. Not to mention the bank Omar Santos and Ramon Martinez are making right now.

I do wish they would have passed on all those guys and given that money to Willie Bloomquist, though.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Cabrera just mashed a homerun into the left field seats. It was a great swing for those that want to catch it on the highlights.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Its great to be a Mets fan and have the financial flexibility to pull Fernando Tatis out of a hut in San Pedro to come play baseball and get the Tigers to pay Sheffield's salary. Not to mention the bank Omar Santos and Ramon Martinez are making right now.

I do wish they would have passed on all those guys and given that money to Willie Bloomquist, though.

LOLz!

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Atocep

Its great to be a Mets fan and have the financial flexibility to pull Fernando Tatis out of a hut in San Pedro to come play baseball and get the Tigers to pay Sheffield's salary. Not to mention the bank Omar Santos and Ramon Martinez are making right now.

I do wish they would have passed on all those guys and given that money to Willie Bloomquist, though.

Ha...very true my friend.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Atocep

I do wish they would have passed on all those guys and given that money to Willie Bloomquist, though.

Yeah, I can't think that the Mets would have any use for a player batting .371.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Yeah, I can't think that the Mets would have any use for a player batting .371.

Of course you would fixate on that, and not that he blew away your original argument.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Yeah, I can't think that the Mets would have any use for a player batting .371.

Who is batting .371?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Heheheh.

Certainly not Bloomquist.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Yeah, I can't think that the Mets would have any use for a player batting .371.

lol.

That's his OBP.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/player...?playerId=4603

[Logan]

There's comedy, there's high comedy, and then there's what MBBF will post next.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

You would think, being such a huge Royals fan, he might know whether a guy is hitting lights out or mildly above average.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Lathum

lol.

That's his OBP.

Willie Bloomquist Stats, News, Photos - Kansas City Royals - ESPN

.298. Fair enough. So the Mets don't need a .300 hitter who can play multiple positions?

[ISiddiqui]

As a comparison, a MUCH cheaper Gary Sheffield has an OBP of .430 and a SLG of .535

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Logan

Of course you would fixate on that, and not that he blew away your original argument.

He didn't blow away anything. He pointed out the few examples of trash heap finds, while pretending that the multi-millionaires on the team don't exist.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

As a comparison, a MUCH cheaper Gary Sheffield has an OBP of .430 and a SLG of .535

And destroys team chemistry everywhere he goes. No thanks.

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

He didn't blow away anything. He pointed out the few examples of trash heap finds, while pretending that the multi-millionaires on the team don't exist.

You mean the multi-millionaires who mostly happen to be hurt?

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

And destroys team chemistry everywhere he goes. No thanks.

Yeah, he really is messing up the Mets right now.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

And destroys team chemistry everywhere he goes. No thanks.

You know nothing.

He has been nothing but a blessing for the Mets and Wright openly campaigned to bring him in.

I realize the guys past is sketchy, but he is no TO. And chemistry is so stupidly overrated in baseball.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

And destroys team chemistry everywhere he goes. No thanks.

I don't know, for a career .394 hitter, I'd be willing to put up with a lot.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Yeah, he really is messing up the Mets right now.

Exactly right...the Mets do that fine on their own

But seriously like a few of you said, Manny hasn't killed any teams and I think at what the Mets are paying Gary, it's a steal.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Lathum

You know nothing.

He has been nothing but a blessing for the Mets and Wright openly campaigned to bring him in.

I realize the guys past is sketchy, but he is no TO. And chemistry is so stupidly overrated in baseball.

Couldn't disagree more with this. Chemistry is very important. Spats in the clubhouse can ruin a team.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

I don't know, for a career .394 hitter, I'd be willing to put up with a lot.

Must've hit well of late.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Which ones were ruined by clubhouse spats?

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

He didn't blow away anything. He pointed out the few examples of trash heap finds, while pretending that the multi-millionaires on the team don't exist.

Uhhhh, yeah he did. You stated it's so easy to find replacements and build a solid bench with a $140 million payroll. He showed how the guys contributing now are being paid salaries that are eclipsed by some advertising execs living in NYC. Not only that, but they basically came from nowhere and were still able to contribute. That's good personnel management.

Oh, and since I know what your typical "I'll ignore 95% of the facts and focus on the outlier" response is going to be, I'll go ahead and answer:

Sheffield might make $14 million but it sure as hell wasn't the Mets who gave it to him and any team could've had him for the minimum salary.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Couldn't disagree more with this. Chemistry is very important. Spats in the clubhouse can ruin a team.

My God you are amazing.

Baseball is wrought with histories of teams that hated each other and were successful.

I guess he ruined the Marlins in 1997

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

Which ones were ruined by clubhouse spats?

86 Mets?

Oh wait.