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Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Risky Business: Rich Harden and the Chicago Cubs
I decided to give myself the night to sleep on it before I posted about Rich Harden. If I had tried to blog yesterday, I would have come off as an excited school girl who just got asked to prom by the captain of the football team. I've took some time and gathered my thoughts and I am now here to tell you all why this trade is probably the best trade for a starting pitcher this season (dating back to Bedard) and definitely better than the CC trade.
I'll state it here and now: Rich Harden has a history of injuries. I accept that and understand that for awhile (if not for the rest of the season), we might only see 5-6 innings a start out of Rich Harden. Every pitcher is an injury waiting to happen - pitching is one of the most unnatural motions we force our bodies to do. Rich Harden has been injured more than most, but as of right now he is strung together a nice streak of quality and healthy starts. I believe Hendry said it best that if he didn't have these health issues recently, he wouldn't even be on the market. While you would love to be getting a Rich Harden whose made 30 starts the last three years and has been just as electrifying throughout it all, he wouldn't have been available and even if he was you weren't going to get him without a package including your top two or three prospects.
That being said, obviously the package obtained by the A's reflect those concerns. There is no Carlos Gomez, no Matt LaPorta, and definitely no Adam Jones in this package. Matt Murton has hovered between Triple A and a 4th outfielder even though he is/was touted to be much more than that. Sean Gallagher is a young and talented pitcher. He could bloom into something good (not great), but there is a risk he won't. With any prospect, it is a very real possibility that nothing will come of their talent they have shown at lower levels of competitive play. So while I completely see the risk of Rich Harden, at least we know he can play and dominate at the Major League level. Not many people can say that about their talent and execution. If I could have made a package without Gallagher, I would have, but he is the only part of the package that I am somewhat going to miss.
While Murton was shuffling back and forth between MLB and Triple A, Eric Patterson proved he can play but was still not hitting enough. He is an OF and can play second base. The OF is a bit full with Soriano, Fukudome, and Pie (eventually). Even after that, DeRosa is still hanging around for another year. Long story short - We have a bit of a jam in the OF/2B position. I wasn't sold on Patterson (maybe I'm still hurting from Corey) so again, he is someone that I won't miss. We sold from a relative strength in our OF since we've been able to get players from the free agent pool. The final piece was a Double A catcher Josh Donaldson. With Soto showing he can field and hit his position well, I don't mind sending a low ball catcher away in a package.
This post started with me accepting that there is a huge risk in getting Rich Harden. Well, there is a huge risk that Matt Murton never becomes more than a 4th outfielder. That Sean Gallagher is never more than a mediocre pitcher. That Eric Patterson never finds his swing in the big leagues. These are the risks you see with all prospects and the reason why you try to hold onto them is because you hope they reward you with success in the MLB. No one in that package offers the reward that Rich Harden offers if he does put his injuries behind him. On top of the fact that his upside outweighs all of the others, the Cubs also got the A's to put an insurance policy into the deal: Chad Gaudin. Is he Harden? No. But this isn't a deal that if Harden goes on the DL we can officially say we handed the A's four prospects.
There is one more aspect of this trade that I'm excited for that is more of an intangible. The idea of competition within a team is not always a bad thing. Kevin Garnett talked about what it felt like to truly play with people he considered on his skill level in Boston. It often drives you to play up to your maximum potential. That isn't to say Garnett wasn't trying in Minnesota, but sometimes you don't even realize you have another level until the skill around you catches up to your own level. Carlos Zambrano hasn't had another ace on his staff since 2003. In 2003, he was sort of the young, wild guy who was hoping to be Mark Prior and Kerry Wood (I still get emotional thinking about it...). After that, Big Z was on his own here to lead the staff. He has done well and pitched like an #1 pitcher. I personally want to see what Harden and Zambrano do for one another. I won't claim that this had anything to do with Zambrano 8 inning 1 hitter against the Reds tonight but hopefully you can see my point. There will never be a way to measure it or even be sure it is happening, but I think adding a pitcher of Harden's quality to a group of good pitchers brings everyone up a level. Aside from the rotation, Harden can hopefully help the bullpen as well. While he might not eat innings, you can actually rotate your bullpen pitchers into games a lot better if you are calling for them in 4-0 and 5-0 games instead of going to the same guys that you look to in close games.
And on top of all this, Rich Harden isn't even a rental. The Cubs control Harden for '08 and '09. So when the Brewers have to accept two draft picks and hope they find the diamond in the rough in next year's draft, the Mariners trade away Erik Bedard for pennies on the dollar because their team sits in last place, the Diamondbacks hope that not all 5 prospects sent over to Oakland turn out to be studs even though Haren has been great, and the Mets pray that Santana is worth the money in years 4 and 5 of his deal, the Cubs get a year and a half of one of the best pitchers in baseball. If they are smart and they watch his pitch count, which is hard because when he strikes out 8 in 4 innings and hasn't allowed a hit you think its going to be an off day for your bullpen but he needs to throw a lot of pitches sometimes to get those strikeouts, and give him that extra day each time it comes up throughout the season, the Cubs will put Harden in the best position possible to remain healthy. The Cubs also have 6 starters (Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Marquis, Harden, and Marshall), a starter turned reliever (Lieber) and a reliever-starter hybrid (Gaudin). Obviously some of those names are more marketable than others but adding Harden may turn the Cubs into a minor seller at the trading deadline in order to add a prospect or maybe address other needs. There is always a need for a starting pitcher and teams who need to trade for them (the New York Yankees anyone?). It just opens the door for Hendry to throw a few more names around the league.
As a Cubs fan, I am not saying that this is a flat out steal of a deal because I realize that he needs to stay healthy, but I can only help but smile when I think about what it might be like if he does. Forget the curse and the World Series, lets just see 6 quality innings this Saturday. I'll be wearing my Rich Harden T-Shirt Jersey until then.
The Return - Matt and Joe Radio - July 10th 2008 - 10 PM - Listen Here
I'll state it here and now: Rich Harden has a history of injuries. I accept that and understand that for awhile (if not for the rest of the season), we might only see 5-6 innings a start out of Rich Harden. Every pitcher is an injury waiting to happen - pitching is one of the most unnatural motions we force our bodies to do. Rich Harden has been injured more than most, but as of right now he is strung together a nice streak of quality and healthy starts. I believe Hendry said it best that if he didn't have these health issues recently, he wouldn't even be on the market. While you would love to be getting a Rich Harden whose made 30 starts the last three years and has been just as electrifying throughout it all, he wouldn't have been available and even if he was you weren't going to get him without a package including your top two or three prospects.
That being said, obviously the package obtained by the A's reflect those concerns. There is no Carlos Gomez, no Matt LaPorta, and definitely no Adam Jones in this package. Matt Murton has hovered between Triple A and a 4th outfielder even though he is/was touted to be much more than that. Sean Gallagher is a young and talented pitcher. He could bloom into something good (not great), but there is a risk he won't. With any prospect, it is a very real possibility that nothing will come of their talent they have shown at lower levels of competitive play. So while I completely see the risk of Rich Harden, at least we know he can play and dominate at the Major League level. Not many people can say that about their talent and execution. If I could have made a package without Gallagher, I would have, but he is the only part of the package that I am somewhat going to miss.
While Murton was shuffling back and forth between MLB and Triple A, Eric Patterson proved he can play but was still not hitting enough. He is an OF and can play second base. The OF is a bit full with Soriano, Fukudome, and Pie (eventually). Even after that, DeRosa is still hanging around for another year. Long story short - We have a bit of a jam in the OF/2B position. I wasn't sold on Patterson (maybe I'm still hurting from Corey) so again, he is someone that I won't miss. We sold from a relative strength in our OF since we've been able to get players from the free agent pool. The final piece was a Double A catcher Josh Donaldson. With Soto showing he can field and hit his position well, I don't mind sending a low ball catcher away in a package.
This post started with me accepting that there is a huge risk in getting Rich Harden. Well, there is a huge risk that Matt Murton never becomes more than a 4th outfielder. That Sean Gallagher is never more than a mediocre pitcher. That Eric Patterson never finds his swing in the big leagues. These are the risks you see with all prospects and the reason why you try to hold onto them is because you hope they reward you with success in the MLB. No one in that package offers the reward that Rich Harden offers if he does put his injuries behind him. On top of the fact that his upside outweighs all of the others, the Cubs also got the A's to put an insurance policy into the deal: Chad Gaudin. Is he Harden? No. But this isn't a deal that if Harden goes on the DL we can officially say we handed the A's four prospects.
There is one more aspect of this trade that I'm excited for that is more of an intangible. The idea of competition within a team is not always a bad thing. Kevin Garnett talked about what it felt like to truly play with people he considered on his skill level in Boston. It often drives you to play up to your maximum potential. That isn't to say Garnett wasn't trying in Minnesota, but sometimes you don't even realize you have another level until the skill around you catches up to your own level. Carlos Zambrano hasn't had another ace on his staff since 2003. In 2003, he was sort of the young, wild guy who was hoping to be Mark Prior and Kerry Wood (I still get emotional thinking about it...). After that, Big Z was on his own here to lead the staff. He has done well and pitched like an #1 pitcher. I personally want to see what Harden and Zambrano do for one another. I won't claim that this had anything to do with Zambrano 8 inning 1 hitter against the Reds tonight but hopefully you can see my point. There will never be a way to measure it or even be sure it is happening, but I think adding a pitcher of Harden's quality to a group of good pitchers brings everyone up a level. Aside from the rotation, Harden can hopefully help the bullpen as well. While he might not eat innings, you can actually rotate your bullpen pitchers into games a lot better if you are calling for them in 4-0 and 5-0 games instead of going to the same guys that you look to in close games.
And on top of all this, Rich Harden isn't even a rental. The Cubs control Harden for '08 and '09. So when the Brewers have to accept two draft picks and hope they find the diamond in the rough in next year's draft, the Mariners trade away Erik Bedard for pennies on the dollar because their team sits in last place, the Diamondbacks hope that not all 5 prospects sent over to Oakland turn out to be studs even though Haren has been great, and the Mets pray that Santana is worth the money in years 4 and 5 of his deal, the Cubs get a year and a half of one of the best pitchers in baseball. If they are smart and they watch his pitch count, which is hard because when he strikes out 8 in 4 innings and hasn't allowed a hit you think its going to be an off day for your bullpen but he needs to throw a lot of pitches sometimes to get those strikeouts, and give him that extra day each time it comes up throughout the season, the Cubs will put Harden in the best position possible to remain healthy. The Cubs also have 6 starters (Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Marquis, Harden, and Marshall), a starter turned reliever (Lieber) and a reliever-starter hybrid (Gaudin). Obviously some of those names are more marketable than others but adding Harden may turn the Cubs into a minor seller at the trading deadline in order to add a prospect or maybe address other needs. There is always a need for a starting pitcher and teams who need to trade for them (the New York Yankees anyone?). It just opens the door for Hendry to throw a few more names around the league.
As a Cubs fan, I am not saying that this is a flat out steal of a deal because I realize that he needs to stay healthy, but I can only help but smile when I think about what it might be like if he does. Forget the curse and the World Series, lets just see 6 quality innings this Saturday. I'll be wearing my Rich Harden T-Shirt Jersey until then.
The Return - Matt and Joe Radio - July 10th 2008 - 10 PM - Listen Here
The Kids Come to New York City
Last night maybe the two best pitchers in baseball were pitching in New York. And yes, those two are both only 24 years old. Scott Kazmir went to the mound at Yankee Stadium while Tim Lincecum went to the mound at Shea Stadium. Both will be at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday for the All-Star game, but last night was the chance to watch these two studs throw in the biggest city in the world.
However, while Lincecum and Kazmir were pitching, the night went to another youngster; Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey defeated Lincecum, going seven scoreless innings while striking out five. Pelfrey is now 5-0 in his last eight starts with an ERA of 2.70. His season record is now 7-6 and his ERA is below 4 (3.93).
On the other side of the Triborough Bridge, Andy Pettitte showed Kazmir that he's been a very good lefty since before Kazmir entered high school. Pettitte was definitely a senior citizen on this night for pitchers in New York.
But it's truly a refreshing feel seeing young stars taking the mound, and maybe even another young one ready to blossom. What Kazmir and Lincecum are doing are in ways comparable to how all those great pitcher from way back when busted onto the scene. They are mowing people down and doing it very, very easily.
Maybe the best part about seeing young pitchers develop is the fact that this decade is most recognized for big hitting. And the reality is the real die-hard baseball fans absolutely loves his nine-inning pitchers duel.
Just taking the New York games last night, they were mostly a pitchers duel. While the final results read the Mets winning 7-0 and the Yankees winning 5-0, if you watched these games you saw a pitcher on each side having command. Yeah, the Mets got to Lincecum with the long ball, but other than that nothing more could really be done. And for the Yankees, they got to Kazmir early and his night was done after six. But it was something at least a little special (unless you're a Rays or Giants fan) having four pitchers in one city who just know how to pitch. There were the three kids and an old guy... OK, older guy.
But you know what, those kids are alright.
Tune in to the return of Matt and Joe Radio on Thursday July 10 at 10 PM
However, while Lincecum and Kazmir were pitching, the night went to another youngster; Mike Pelfrey. Pelfrey defeated Lincecum, going seven scoreless innings while striking out five. Pelfrey is now 5-0 in his last eight starts with an ERA of 2.70. His season record is now 7-6 and his ERA is below 4 (3.93).
On the other side of the Triborough Bridge, Andy Pettitte showed Kazmir that he's been a very good lefty since before Kazmir entered high school. Pettitte was definitely a senior citizen on this night for pitchers in New York.
But it's truly a refreshing feel seeing young stars taking the mound, and maybe even another young one ready to blossom. What Kazmir and Lincecum are doing are in ways comparable to how all those great pitcher from way back when busted onto the scene. They are mowing people down and doing it very, very easily.
Maybe the best part about seeing young pitchers develop is the fact that this decade is most recognized for big hitting. And the reality is the real die-hard baseball fans absolutely loves his nine-inning pitchers duel.
Just taking the New York games last night, they were mostly a pitchers duel. While the final results read the Mets winning 7-0 and the Yankees winning 5-0, if you watched these games you saw a pitcher on each side having command. Yeah, the Mets got to Lincecum with the long ball, but other than that nothing more could really be done. And for the Yankees, they got to Kazmir early and his night was done after six. But it was something at least a little special (unless you're a Rays or Giants fan) having four pitchers in one city who just know how to pitch. There were the three kids and an old guy... OK, older guy.
But you know what, those kids are alright.
Tune in to the return of Matt and Joe Radio on Thursday July 10 at 10 PM
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Great Trade For Second Place
We're Back. I had a long and elaborate intro to this blog about the return of Matt and Joe but honestly - We're All About Business. So here we go....
In the past 48 hours, the most interesting in season trade in the last few seasons has been finalized. CC (note the lack of periods between the C's, you're welcome CC) Sabathia is now a Milwaukee Brewer. This blog isn't to analyze the trade itself but talk about the timing of the trade. While it is impressive to see a GM go out and make a move with the trade deadline forcing him to do so (and thus maximizing the time they get to use CC and possibly negotiate with him), to me the trade was made with a team that doesn't seem to have the parts to make a run this season. The Brewers are turning things up offensively (recently, J.J. Hardy went on a 6 homer tear in a 8 game stretch) and Ben Sheets is reminding us that he is a true ace but I still see a team that isn't ready to make that push into the playoffs (or further).
Yes - The NL is WIDE OPEN. The NL West is making its yearly threat to send a sub .500 team into the playoffs (or is it a promise since one of those teams HAS to be in the playoffs?), the Brewers are currently better than the top of the NL East (Phillies only have 48 wins to the Brewers 49), and the Cubs are only 4 games ahead in the NL Central. This may seem like a great reason to go out and get yourself a stud like CC for a much lighter price than the ransom paid for Dan Haren. However, the Brewers still put Mike Cameron out in CF every day. Jason Kendall still takes batting practice with the pitchers just to boost his self confidence (that could be completely false). Gabe Kapler is the #4 outfielder and backup to all three positions. The bullpen is horrendous (better since they threw Gagne away, but still, not very good). Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy have heated up after slow starts while Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall (who lost his starting job to Russell Branyan) continue to play poorly. Ryan Braun is hitting well but not at the pace he set for himself with his amazing rookie season.
The list goes on and on - Jeff Suppan, though injured, will be a starter when he returns just because of the money invested in him - Ben Sheets already has 118 innings under his belt and while he has remained healthy, who knows what to expect as he approaches season highs in IP and pitches thrown - etc... This is a team that has pieces but while on a hot streak now doesn't seem to me like a team that righted the ship and is now playing up to their potential. This is a team playing a bit over their head and while that might mean they slow down a bit, it doesn't mean they are the San Francisco Giants. Adding CC to this group makes them better - How can you add an ace to your rotation, not lose any every day players and not call that an improvement? That being said, I don't think CC changes them from an good team to a great time. If the Brewers make the playoffs and the hitters are clicking, CC makes them a scary first round team just because you have to face either CC or Sheets twice if it goes to 5. However, even in the soft NL, I don't think CC necessarily is the piece that helps them get to the playoffs. I believe that the NL East (yes, this is mostly my belief in the NY Mets/Phillies) will produce the wild card team because I think the Mets have yet to play their best baseball of the season. Even with my NL Central bias as a Cubs fan, I think the Mets (assuming the Phillies take the East) have a better team and should win more games than the Brewers from here on out.
Again, not to analyze the trade, but LaPorta was a blue chip prospect that could project to big power numbers in the outfield. If the NL plays out the way I think it will, the Brewers will maybe keep it interesting but again miss the playoffs. While CC could sign with the Brewers, I don't think he will. Sure, you get 2 draft picks for him, but in the end draft picks are almost meaningless. Sure, you'd love to have a ton of them but honestly, first round players bust almost as often as 20th round players turn out to be aces. Scouting reports and work outs can only take you so far and in the end you just hope to get lucky and land on a true blue chip prospect. The Brewers traded talent to get talent but I don't think it was the move they needed to make to secure a playoff berth and therefore could be a move not worth making. Again, you love to add a pitcher like CC whenever you can but if he turns out just to be a rental and you don't even get a trip to the playoffs out of it, you have to ask yourself that one question: Was he worth it?
If the Brewers make the playoffs, this post is worthless and I'll delete it no one can read it and tell me just how wrong I was. Hell the trade would also be worth something if the Brewers don't make it but CC signs long term and LaPorta busts in Cleveland. But in the here and now, a team that needed some stability in its bullpen, a bit more offense from a few positions, a bit of consistency from their starting eight, and their ace to stay healthy just added another ace to the mix. I wouldn't complain about it but I don't think this makes them a lock for the playoffs. Only time will tell if this a move that should have been made, but for now, it seems to me like it will be the greatest trade of the season for a second place team. Maybe it is just wishful thinking from a hopeful (and jealous) Cubs fan, but CC might be more Bedard than Schilling at the end of the day.
The Return - Matt and Joe Radio - Thursday Night - 10 PM - 12 AM
In the past 48 hours, the most interesting in season trade in the last few seasons has been finalized. CC (note the lack of periods between the C's, you're welcome CC) Sabathia is now a Milwaukee Brewer. This blog isn't to analyze the trade itself but talk about the timing of the trade. While it is impressive to see a GM go out and make a move with the trade deadline forcing him to do so (and thus maximizing the time they get to use CC and possibly negotiate with him), to me the trade was made with a team that doesn't seem to have the parts to make a run this season. The Brewers are turning things up offensively (recently, J.J. Hardy went on a 6 homer tear in a 8 game stretch) and Ben Sheets is reminding us that he is a true ace but I still see a team that isn't ready to make that push into the playoffs (or further).
Yes - The NL is WIDE OPEN. The NL West is making its yearly threat to send a sub .500 team into the playoffs (or is it a promise since one of those teams HAS to be in the playoffs?), the Brewers are currently better than the top of the NL East (Phillies only have 48 wins to the Brewers 49), and the Cubs are only 4 games ahead in the NL Central. This may seem like a great reason to go out and get yourself a stud like CC for a much lighter price than the ransom paid for Dan Haren. However, the Brewers still put Mike Cameron out in CF every day. Jason Kendall still takes batting practice with the pitchers just to boost his self confidence (that could be completely false). Gabe Kapler is the #4 outfielder and backup to all three positions. The bullpen is horrendous (better since they threw Gagne away, but still, not very good). Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy have heated up after slow starts while Rickie Weeks and Bill Hall (who lost his starting job to Russell Branyan) continue to play poorly. Ryan Braun is hitting well but not at the pace he set for himself with his amazing rookie season.
The list goes on and on - Jeff Suppan, though injured, will be a starter when he returns just because of the money invested in him - Ben Sheets already has 118 innings under his belt and while he has remained healthy, who knows what to expect as he approaches season highs in IP and pitches thrown - etc... This is a team that has pieces but while on a hot streak now doesn't seem to me like a team that righted the ship and is now playing up to their potential. This is a team playing a bit over their head and while that might mean they slow down a bit, it doesn't mean they are the San Francisco Giants. Adding CC to this group makes them better - How can you add an ace to your rotation, not lose any every day players and not call that an improvement? That being said, I don't think CC changes them from an good team to a great time. If the Brewers make the playoffs and the hitters are clicking, CC makes them a scary first round team just because you have to face either CC or Sheets twice if it goes to 5. However, even in the soft NL, I don't think CC necessarily is the piece that helps them get to the playoffs. I believe that the NL East (yes, this is mostly my belief in the NY Mets/Phillies) will produce the wild card team because I think the Mets have yet to play their best baseball of the season. Even with my NL Central bias as a Cubs fan, I think the Mets (assuming the Phillies take the East) have a better team and should win more games than the Brewers from here on out.
Again, not to analyze the trade, but LaPorta was a blue chip prospect that could project to big power numbers in the outfield. If the NL plays out the way I think it will, the Brewers will maybe keep it interesting but again miss the playoffs. While CC could sign with the Brewers, I don't think he will. Sure, you get 2 draft picks for him, but in the end draft picks are almost meaningless. Sure, you'd love to have a ton of them but honestly, first round players bust almost as often as 20th round players turn out to be aces. Scouting reports and work outs can only take you so far and in the end you just hope to get lucky and land on a true blue chip prospect. The Brewers traded talent to get talent but I don't think it was the move they needed to make to secure a playoff berth and therefore could be a move not worth making. Again, you love to add a pitcher like CC whenever you can but if he turns out just to be a rental and you don't even get a trip to the playoffs out of it, you have to ask yourself that one question: Was he worth it?
If the Brewers make the playoffs, this post is worthless and I'll delete it no one can read it and tell me just how wrong I was. Hell the trade would also be worth something if the Brewers don't make it but CC signs long term and LaPorta busts in Cleveland. But in the here and now, a team that needed some stability in its bullpen, a bit more offense from a few positions, a bit of consistency from their starting eight, and their ace to stay healthy just added another ace to the mix. I wouldn't complain about it but I don't think this makes them a lock for the playoffs. Only time will tell if this a move that should have been made, but for now, it seems to me like it will be the greatest trade of the season for a second place team. Maybe it is just wishful thinking from a hopeful (and jealous) Cubs fan, but CC might be more Bedard than Schilling at the end of the day.
The Return - Matt and Joe Radio - Thursday Night - 10 PM - 12 AM
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
I ask you to relax about Pedro
Well Mets fans, I'm sure many of you are freaking out today. On the Rider University campus I've had numerous Mets fans approach me today with their concern about Pedro Martinez. While I haven't heard any reports yet, I am at a great state of ease regarding his injury. I could be wrong, but I really don't think it will be that bad when we hear the news. I love Gary, Keith and Ron on SNY, but they were over-doing it I felt with Pedro. And then of course the same went for the Baseball Tonight folks on ESPN.
But here were my impressions; Pedro slipped, hurt his hamstring. Maybe a little pop. But, and this is key, he walked... fine, he hobbled off to the clubhouse on his own. He was not carried, he was not guided, he simply limped by himself. Obviously he wouldn't be normal stride since he did just hurt his hammy a bit, but it did not look like an "Oh God, we're finished" moment. Mets fans, just think back to 2003 when Mike Piazza landed poorly and popped his groin. Remember how painful that looked? That's how you can tell how bad a leg injury is. That day Piazza was carried off by three Mets players. Last night Pedro walked away with the trainer at his side. That's a positive, if you think there can be one.
Again, this is just me going off of what I saw. Call me an optimist, but I've strained my hamstring and I've strained my groin in the past. When it was bad, I couldn't stand up. When it wasn't anything severe, I hobbled away much like Pedro. I think by this evening whenever the Mets release the report, we'll be saying it's not that big of a deal.
Monday, March 31, 2008
This Should Be a Holiday
You gotta love baseball. Opening Day hands down is one of my favorite days of the year. Yeah, it's an insignificant day in the win-loss column since the most you can be up is a game and the most you can be down is a game, but it's the return of baseball. Something that we all love so very much comes back, and that is a great thing.
My Opening Day wasn't spent the way I wished, but it was a great one. Due to practice followed by an exam, I had to set the VCR for the Mets opener and avoid all human contact. My cell phone was turned off from 4 to about 9:30, AIM was off. I was unavailable. I returned basically right when the game ended around 7:30, which was very perfect. Pushed play sat back and enjoyed Mr. Santana in a Mets uniform. Then with the ability to skip commercials and pointless down moments, I watched the Mets cruise to a 7-2 victory over the Marlins.
Johan Santana most definitely headlines Opening Day with a tremendous outing in his first start with the large contract. But other than the Mets defeating the Marlins, there was plenty more to enjoy on Opening Day 2008.
There were a handful of poor outings from starters. Mark Buerhle and CC Sabathia combined to give up 12 runs in their match up. Buerhle was the uglier of the two. Joe made mentions before of how flat he looked. Barry Zito picked up right where he left off; sucking. Zito got tagged for 4 runs in five innings. Justin Verlander didn't look so hot leading the Matt and Joe AL favorite Tigers, giving up 4 in six innings. And yep, the Tigers lost to the Royals. Brett Myers put a smile on my face with his performance today, giving up 4 runs in the fifth inning.
It was the battle of bad closers in Chicago today, with the Kerry Wood coming into a scoreless game and giving up three runs in the 9th, only to be matched by Eric Gagne matching him with a blown save.
I'll quickly some up my days good news; The Mets won. The Phillies lost. The Braves are losing. The Yankees didn't get in the way (they were postponed to tomorrow night).
All in all a pretty good Opening Day for Matt Dahl.
Still one game to go, Padres and Astros are underway with my fantasy pitcher (Jake Peavy) facing Joe's (Roy Oswalt). We'll both be watching this one.
Until tomorrow, folks! Hope you all enjoyed Opening Day.
My Opening Day wasn't spent the way I wished, but it was a great one. Due to practice followed by an exam, I had to set the VCR for the Mets opener and avoid all human contact. My cell phone was turned off from 4 to about 9:30, AIM was off. I was unavailable. I returned basically right when the game ended around 7:30, which was very perfect. Pushed play sat back and enjoyed Mr. Santana in a Mets uniform. Then with the ability to skip commercials and pointless down moments, I watched the Mets cruise to a 7-2 victory over the Marlins.
Johan Santana most definitely headlines Opening Day with a tremendous outing in his first start with the large contract. But other than the Mets defeating the Marlins, there was plenty more to enjoy on Opening Day 2008.
There were a handful of poor outings from starters. Mark Buerhle and CC Sabathia combined to give up 12 runs in their match up. Buerhle was the uglier of the two. Joe made mentions before of how flat he looked. Barry Zito picked up right where he left off; sucking. Zito got tagged for 4 runs in five innings. Justin Verlander didn't look so hot leading the Matt and Joe AL favorite Tigers, giving up 4 in six innings. And yep, the Tigers lost to the Royals. Brett Myers put a smile on my face with his performance today, giving up 4 runs in the fifth inning.
It was the battle of bad closers in Chicago today, with the Kerry Wood coming into a scoreless game and giving up three runs in the 9th, only to be matched by Eric Gagne matching him with a blown save.
I'll quickly some up my days good news; The Mets won. The Phillies lost. The Braves are losing. The Yankees didn't get in the way (they were postponed to tomorrow night).
All in all a pretty good Opening Day for Matt Dahl.
Still one game to go, Padres and Astros are underway with my fantasy pitcher (Jake Peavy) facing Joe's (Roy Oswalt). We'll both be watching this one.
Until tomorrow, folks! Hope you all enjoyed Opening Day.
We're talking baseball....
Well, I might of missed the first pitch of what I like to consider the real opening day, but I'll be here all afternoon for your blogging needs. Don't forget to go to www.blogtalkradio.com/mattdahlradio to check out our show from last night!
4:40 PM - Its early. I can't stress that enough. But the Detriot bullpen is BAD. I know I joked about Todd Jones, but he might be the least of the concerns. Cubs and Brewers are back at it....the Dodgers/Giants are starting and the Rockies are out to 1-0 over the Cardinals. There is almost too much baseball (thats a lie). I love it.
4:30 PM - Teahen thrown out at the plate in the 11th inning!!! Thank God for baseball. But the excitement didn't last as on the next at bat Tony Pena Jr. knocked in the run. Royals lead in the top of the 11th. Mets game just started, where is Matt Dahl? Jo-Jo-Jo-Johan and the Mets.
4:15 PM - Side note...if you had to give me one player who'd have a shot at breaking Joe DiMaggio's streak for hits in a game, I'd take Chase Utley. It is scary how good he is at everything he does. People said he was a subpar fielder, he decided to become a good fielder. He hits like a corner outfielder and he does it with average and power.
4:10 PM - Power Surge in Cleveland! 11 Runs already and its only the 3rd inning. Matt's Homey Jim Thome has gone yard twice and has 4 RBI's. He's early leader for the Matt and Joe Opening Day All Star Award.
3:50 PM - Not that I love baseball because of fantasy baseball, but sometimes I amaze myself. Mark Buerhle looks HORRIBLE. Not horrible cause he has given up 7 runs in one inning, horrible because his stuff is just completely flat.
3:45 PM - I step away for a second and things go wild. The Tigers lost the lead and then tied it up. A lot of other MLB action going including my Cubs/Brewers match up. For all the loyal readers, sorry if I step away from the Tigers/Royals but the Cubbies gotta take priority here. Elsewhere: Baltimore jumps out to a quick lead; Offensive explosion in the White Soxs/Indians game where the Tribe leads 5-2. I'll stop there because you can all read box scores but how about Mark Buerhle getting LIT UP for 6 in the 2nd (and it is still going)!
3:00 PM - After five beautiful innings, Verlander meets his first hickup: 2-Run homer by Alex Gordon. 3-2 Tigers. If I'm a Tigers fan, you can't be upset that Verlander gives you 6 innings, 5 K's, and 2 ER's on opening day, but you see a score like 3-2 and you have to take a breath and say: Oh wow, Todd Jones will be coming into this game in just two innings. Here is hoping that the Tigers either score 9 more runs or Todd Jones attached Zumaya's shoulder and arm onto his body while no one was looking...
2:45 PM - FINALLY! A homerun by this Tigers's offense. I was starting to get worried they were all bark and no bite. For those keeping track at home, Miguel Cabrera just hit homer #1 of the season. Update around the league: Cubs/Brewers - Delayed, D-Backs/Reds - Delayed, Yankees/Blue Jays - PPD
2:35 PM - Better yet, the Yankees/Blue Jays are postponed. No epic matchup between Halladay and Wang for us today...
2:30 PM - I got excited at the idea of a Verlander perfect game, even though it was way too early to think about it. He's looked dominant so far. Maybe thats partially because its the Royals, but whatever spring worries you had about Verlander, it looks like just another case of spring numbers meaning nothing. Side note: The Yankees/Blue Jays are still in a delay.
2:00 PM - Its the bottom of the third in Detriot and the Detriot offense has only scored 1 run. Talk about over hyped. The way everyone (including Matt and I) went on and on about them, you'd figure it'd be 10-0 already. Its only the first game, but Gil Meche might be better than everyone thought he was. Not a shut down ace, but a very nice pitcher. The inning just ended. All jokes aside, I really don't like Cabrera batting fifth in the lineup. I can see him really exploding from the 3 or 4 holes, but I imagine its Leyland's call that his is the best hitter of Sheffield-Magglio-Cabrera so he doesn't need the other to to protect him.
4:40 PM - Its early. I can't stress that enough. But the Detriot bullpen is BAD. I know I joked about Todd Jones, but he might be the least of the concerns. Cubs and Brewers are back at it....the Dodgers/Giants are starting and the Rockies are out to 1-0 over the Cardinals. There is almost too much baseball (thats a lie). I love it.
4:30 PM - Teahen thrown out at the plate in the 11th inning!!! Thank God for baseball. But the excitement didn't last as on the next at bat Tony Pena Jr. knocked in the run. Royals lead in the top of the 11th. Mets game just started, where is Matt Dahl? Jo-Jo-Jo-Johan and the Mets.
4:15 PM - Side note...if you had to give me one player who'd have a shot at breaking Joe DiMaggio's streak for hits in a game, I'd take Chase Utley. It is scary how good he is at everything he does. People said he was a subpar fielder, he decided to become a good fielder. He hits like a corner outfielder and he does it with average and power.
4:10 PM - Power Surge in Cleveland! 11 Runs already and its only the 3rd inning. Matt's Homey Jim Thome has gone yard twice and has 4 RBI's. He's early leader for the Matt and Joe Opening Day All Star Award.
3:50 PM - Not that I love baseball because of fantasy baseball, but sometimes I amaze myself. Mark Buerhle looks HORRIBLE. Not horrible cause he has given up 7 runs in one inning, horrible because his stuff is just completely flat.
3:45 PM - I step away for a second and things go wild. The Tigers lost the lead and then tied it up. A lot of other MLB action going including my Cubs/Brewers match up. For all the loyal readers, sorry if I step away from the Tigers/Royals but the Cubbies gotta take priority here. Elsewhere: Baltimore jumps out to a quick lead; Offensive explosion in the White Soxs/Indians game where the Tribe leads 5-2. I'll stop there because you can all read box scores but how about Mark Buerhle getting LIT UP for 6 in the 2nd (and it is still going)!
3:00 PM - After five beautiful innings, Verlander meets his first hickup: 2-Run homer by Alex Gordon. 3-2 Tigers. If I'm a Tigers fan, you can't be upset that Verlander gives you 6 innings, 5 K's, and 2 ER's on opening day, but you see a score like 3-2 and you have to take a breath and say: Oh wow, Todd Jones will be coming into this game in just two innings. Here is hoping that the Tigers either score 9 more runs or Todd Jones attached Zumaya's shoulder and arm onto his body while no one was looking...
2:45 PM - FINALLY! A homerun by this Tigers's offense. I was starting to get worried they were all bark and no bite. For those keeping track at home, Miguel Cabrera just hit homer #1 of the season. Update around the league: Cubs/Brewers - Delayed, D-Backs/Reds - Delayed, Yankees/Blue Jays - PPD
2:35 PM - Better yet, the Yankees/Blue Jays are postponed. No epic matchup between Halladay and Wang for us today...
2:30 PM - I got excited at the idea of a Verlander perfect game, even though it was way too early to think about it. He's looked dominant so far. Maybe thats partially because its the Royals, but whatever spring worries you had about Verlander, it looks like just another case of spring numbers meaning nothing. Side note: The Yankees/Blue Jays are still in a delay.
2:00 PM - Its the bottom of the third in Detriot and the Detriot offense has only scored 1 run. Talk about over hyped. The way everyone (including Matt and I) went on and on about them, you'd figure it'd be 10-0 already. Its only the first game, but Gil Meche might be better than everyone thought he was. Not a shut down ace, but a very nice pitcher. The inning just ended. All jokes aside, I really don't like Cabrera batting fifth in the lineup. I can see him really exploding from the 3 or 4 holes, but I imagine its Leyland's call that his is the best hitter of Sheffield-Magglio-Cabrera so he doesn't need the other to to protect him.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Gotay Claimed by Braves, and Minaya Screws Up Again
IF Ruben Gotay has been claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves. The Braves expect to put Gotay on their 25-man roster.
The Mets put Gotay on waivers late on Wednesday, and Gotay had the following comment when placed on waivers:
"I thought I did a good job last year and I didn't deserve this."
He's right. I was a big fan of Gotay and last year even said I'd be fine with him as our everyday second baseman. His defense wasn't like Castillo's, but give me a break. It's not like he had no mobility out there and couldn't field the position. His bat was great, and I loved it when Willie toyed around with him batting second behind Reyes. This is a shame, Gotay should be on this team.
And I hate to say this because I do like a lot that Omar Minaya has done, but Gotay is no longer on the Mets because Fernando Tatis is a Minaya guy. He was brought into Texas by Minaya, he was in Montreal when Minaya was running that show and he's been invited to Mets camp since Minaya has been back here. It's a joke that Tatis is gonna be our 25th man because he has versatility. He's a 32-year old failed steroid subject who's played one season since 2003 and only has one good year to his name, and that was 1999.
This is what's gonna happen; Tatis is gonna start the year 1-for-24, he'll be designated for assignment and the Mets are gonna wish they held onto Gotay because now they have to force Jose Valentin and Damian Easley into the lineup when Castillo needs days to rest his terrible knee, and then the bench is weakened because now we have to call up someone who isn't a Major League bat.
Maybe this is a Mets fan liking a scrappy player too much, but I don't understand why you wouldn't want Ruben Gotay on this team. He'd be a great asset. This is a shame. And it's even worse that he's going to Atlanta, because I'm sure he'll come back to kill us sooner rather than later.
The Mets put Gotay on waivers late on Wednesday, and Gotay had the following comment when placed on waivers:
"I thought I did a good job last year and I didn't deserve this."
He's right. I was a big fan of Gotay and last year even said I'd be fine with him as our everyday second baseman. His defense wasn't like Castillo's, but give me a break. It's not like he had no mobility out there and couldn't field the position. His bat was great, and I loved it when Willie toyed around with him batting second behind Reyes. This is a shame, Gotay should be on this team.
And I hate to say this because I do like a lot that Omar Minaya has done, but Gotay is no longer on the Mets because Fernando Tatis is a Minaya guy. He was brought into Texas by Minaya, he was in Montreal when Minaya was running that show and he's been invited to Mets camp since Minaya has been back here. It's a joke that Tatis is gonna be our 25th man because he has versatility. He's a 32-year old failed steroid subject who's played one season since 2003 and only has one good year to his name, and that was 1999.
This is what's gonna happen; Tatis is gonna start the year 1-for-24, he'll be designated for assignment and the Mets are gonna wish they held onto Gotay because now they have to force Jose Valentin and Damian Easley into the lineup when Castillo needs days to rest his terrible knee, and then the bench is weakened because now we have to call up someone who isn't a Major League bat.
Maybe this is a Mets fan liking a scrappy player too much, but I don't understand why you wouldn't want Ruben Gotay on this team. He'd be a great asset. This is a shame. And it's even worse that he's going to Atlanta, because I'm sure he'll come back to kill us sooner rather than later.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I'm a fan of baseball, not the dramatic series
Well Jose Canseco is at it again. He intends to release a follow up to his book "Juiced" on the Tuesday after all all teams have opened their season (April 1), looks to put more claims on people, mainly Alex Rodriguez.
Now I'm sure it's well known that I am not a big fan of A-Rod (The Lightning Rod), but can Jose Canseco please sit down and shut up? If he wants to try and help find a solution for the part steroids have in Major League Baseball, fine. But he's doing more than naming names. He's going out of his way to do it at a terrible time to make more money for himself, to appear on TV more, and to basically just get himself out there. His whole demeanor truthfully just irritates me. He goes out to sound like the one that brought steroids into baseball, and then he acts like he did absolutely nothing wrong.
Well not only what he did then was wrong, what he's doing now is totally wrong. If you have names, don't keep making books and appearing on any national TV show. Go to the commissioner in private.
Jose Canseco comes off to me as nothing more than a big jerk, and that's exactly what he was even in his playing days. This is becoming more and more of a joke every time he opens his mouth. Look, I hate the issue of steroids in baseball, but you know what I really want to hear about? The New York Mets. Joe wants to hear about the Chicago Cubs. The loud-mouth in Philly wants to hear about the Philadelphia Phillies (I'm just kidding about the loud-mouth part... kind of).
Opening Day is just around the corner. Come Monday, I don't give a damn who's accusing who about steroids. Message for Canseso; your days in baseball are over, just let it be. Move on and go away. You're ruining the game now as much as you did by presenting others to steroids.
Opening Day should be a happy time. I'm gonna enjoy it and push all this steroid BS aside.
Now I'm sure it's well known that I am not a big fan of A-Rod (The Lightning Rod), but can Jose Canseco please sit down and shut up? If he wants to try and help find a solution for the part steroids have in Major League Baseball, fine. But he's doing more than naming names. He's going out of his way to do it at a terrible time to make more money for himself, to appear on TV more, and to basically just get himself out there. His whole demeanor truthfully just irritates me. He goes out to sound like the one that brought steroids into baseball, and then he acts like he did absolutely nothing wrong.
Well not only what he did then was wrong, what he's doing now is totally wrong. If you have names, don't keep making books and appearing on any national TV show. Go to the commissioner in private.
Jose Canseco comes off to me as nothing more than a big jerk, and that's exactly what he was even in his playing days. This is becoming more and more of a joke every time he opens his mouth. Look, I hate the issue of steroids in baseball, but you know what I really want to hear about? The New York Mets. Joe wants to hear about the Chicago Cubs. The loud-mouth in Philly wants to hear about the Philadelphia Phillies (I'm just kidding about the loud-mouth part... kind of).
Opening Day is just around the corner. Come Monday, I don't give a damn who's accusing who about steroids. Message for Canseso; your days in baseball are over, just let it be. Move on and go away. You're ruining the game now as much as you did by presenting others to steroids.
Opening Day should be a happy time. I'm gonna enjoy it and push all this steroid BS aside.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Follow the Maine Man
While there's been plenty of concern on the offensive side for the New York Mets, the pitching staff seems to have solidified itself even more this spring. You knew Johan Santana and Pedro Martinez would provide a lethal 1-2 punch in the National League, and everyone's always talked about the ace-like stuff that Oliver Perez brings to the table. But maybe the biggest key in making this a seriously dangerous comes from the development of John Maine.
In the spring of 2006, Omar Minaya struck an under-the-radar deal with the Baltimore Orioles, sending Kris Benson to the O's in efforts to add bullpen help, which came in Jorge Julio. With Benson's so called "potential", Julio wasn't quite enough, and Minaya requested a young pitcher by the name of John Maine. The Orioles accepted, and the Mets rid themselves of one-half of Black Friday '04.
Maine began the year in the minors and wasn't given real consideration for the rotation in his brief stint at Mets spring training camp. But due to an injury-plagued team in 2006, he got his chance after Brian Bannister and Victor Zambrano (the second and worse half of Black Friday '04) went down with injuries. To no surprise, Maine developed a blister during warmups of his Mets debut. Despite a so-so outing that evening (at a game I was in attendance), Maine still looked to have good stuff. He soon returned and proved himself to be a winner at the big league level, putting together a string of 23 scoreless innings to begin the 2nd half of the season. His most impressive showings came in the postseason, having to fill in as the NLDS Game 1 starter and then showing up in the biggest game the Mets had played at that point, Game 6 of the NLCS with the Mets facing elimination. He showed up both times, and in Game 6 he pulled out a win with a tremendous performance shutting down the Cardinals.
Then last year, he was incredible to start the season. Maine went 12-5 in the early goings, but finished 3-5, stumbling a bit with all the innings. You can't knock him though, he had a tremendous first full ML season for someone who was a "throw in" during spring training 2006. And once again, showing up on a day the Mets without a doubt needed a win, Maine was nearly perfect, going 7-2/3 shutout innings only allowing the one hit which was a dribbler down the third base line to Pat Hoover. And oh yeah, he had 14 strikeouts.
Now Maine is expected to be an impact guy on this team. No, he doesn't have the dominance that Santana brings to the table, and no, he doesn't have the charisma that Pedro has, but he's got all the right tools to be a 17-game winner. Hell, if all the cards fall into place, he could be a 20-game winner.
It's no secret that I'm personally a big John Maine fan. Maybe it was being at his Mets debut, but there's something about him that I've always liked. He's got a great attitude and goes out there to win. He realizes his importance to the team each night he goes to the mound. He's not a kid anymore, he's a proven pitcher. And I'm sure some will continue to question Maine, and that's fine. But don't be shocked when he rolls through opposing teams this season. Just look at what his spring has been; dominant.
He's reliable and he's one of the reasons the Mets are more than alright even if Moises Alou and Carlos Delgado go through constant injuries this season. There's a lot of teams in baseball who would love to have John Maine in their rotation, and for the Mets he'll be a No. 3 or No. 4 guy. That's pretty damn good if you ask me.
It's hard to find a better Maine Man.
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