May 22, 200520 yr Author comment_2226886 How exactly does on determine a pitcher perphirals? I've always wondered that. Essentially you look at three stats. Home runs, walks and strikeouts. You're looking for a pitcher who strikes out at least 6 per nine innings, walks less than three per 9, and does not surrender many home runs. Strikeout to walk ratio is important as well. You want a pitcher who has a ratio of at least two. Also why does the MLB start up the All-Star Ballots soon? I mean, aren't we like two-three months away from the All-Star game? For most purposes, it is to advertise the game and build interest.
May 23, 200520 yr Author comment_2238817 What's your take on saves as a recognizable stat in baseball. Saves are practically useless, and realistically should be discarded. When I look at a list of league leaders for saves, I don't see anything beyond a literal answer to the question of who has the most saves. They certainly do not identify the elite closers. I think they encourage improper usage of closers. A closer probably should not be used to protect a three-run lead. Closers are better used simply in CLOSE games. It makes sense, doesn't it? Use your closer when you can least afford to give up a run. As far as statistics, the best closers are identified by their peripheral statistics. ERA is safer for closers because they are rarely substituted. These days, a closer with a K ratio better than a batter an inning are commonplace. Ignore records of saves and blown saves if the reliever has any record as a middle reliever. Relievers are credited with blown saves if they lost a one run lead in the seventh, because that was technically a save situation.
May 23, 200520 yr comment_2238930 Al, if they got rid of Saves and Holds (since it is becoming used for relievers), how exactly would they determine a relief pitchers worth? Cause I hear a lot of them needed those stats in order to present themselves with something to determine how much of a pay raise they can get. BTW, also, thanks for answering all my questions. Appreciated.
May 24, 200520 yr comment_2252217 Bases Runners per inning pitched, strikeout total, ERA, and how many inherited runners scored off him.
May 24, 200520 yr Author comment_2254200 Al, if they got rid of Saves and Holds (since it is becoming used for relievers), how exactly would they determine a relief pitchers worth? Cause I hear a lot of them needed those stats in order to present themselves with something to determine how much of a pay raise they can get. Runs prevented below average, I would guess. Why is Roger Clemens seemingly getting better with age? Steroids? I don't want to get into the usual guessing games. It is difficult to explain out of the ordinary aging patterns, but they happen.
May 24, 200520 yr comment_2254605 Why is Roger Clemens seemingly getting better with age? Steroids? I don't want to get into the usual guessing games. It is difficult to explain out of the ordinary aging patterns, but they happen. That's what I was going to say. Clemens has been vey lucky in that he's only had one arm surgery and it was like 20 years ago. The only other ailments he's had have been strained groins and hamstrings. He works out like an animal as well, but to be his age and this dominant is a litle fishy.
May 24, 200520 yr Author comment_2254655 That's what I was going to say. Clemens has been vey lucky in that he's only had one arm surgery and it was like 20 years ago. The only other ailments he's had have been strained groins and hamstrings. He works out like an animal as well, but to be his age and this dominant is a litle fishy. It is, to be truthful. But it is not unprecidented. Cy Young had a better season at age 41, and he certainly did not have steroids. When Warren Spahn was 42, he went 23-7. Nolan Ryan went 16-10. It is rare for players to perform well in their early 40s, but it can happen.
May 24, 200520 yr Author comment_2256300 Is it too early to ask who the biggest busts have been? Yes. Give it a few weeks yet.
May 25, 200520 yr comment_2261093 Why is Edgar Rentaria struggling so much? In a radio interview, Tony LaRussa said that the atmosphere in Boston really isn't the best for a guy like him. You buy that? Are there any young 1st baseman that will be available at the trading deadline or in free agency? The sooner Millar gets less playing time, the better.
May 25, 200520 yr comment_2261122 Why is Edgar Rentaria struggling so much? In a radio interview, Tony LaRussa said that the atmosphere in Boston really isn't the best for a guy like him. You buy that? I do. I think he'll adapt, but it's not going to be an easy one. You think of where Edgar has played in his career (Florida and St. Louis) and it's not tough to see why he's had such a hard time in Boston. He's gone from a place where they cheered for Larry Walker when he struck out in his first at-bat as a Cardinal, to one of the roughest media towns in the country.
May 25, 200520 yr Author comment_2263185 Why is Edgar Rentaria struggling so much? In a radio interview, Tony LaRussa said that the atmosphere in Boston really isn't the best for a guy like him. You buy that? Anyone who has watched Bull Durham knows this speech. One hit a week is the difference between a .250 hitter and a .300 hitter. I do think Renteria was overrated in the first place. There is some adjustment involved, and we'll see how Renteria turns out. I do not think it is due to the "atmosphere" of Boston. Are there any young 1st baseman that will be available at the trading deadline or in free agency? The sooner Millar gets less playing time, the better. If the Red Sox were willing to part with Kelly Shoppach, I'd deal them Ryan Howard. Mike Sweeney is available, and I imagine the Athletics would be interested in dealing either Scott Hatteberg or Erubiel Durazo. Aubrey Huff is also talked about often.
May 25, 200520 yr comment_2264961 Sweeny is a free agent after the season, right? Does he still suck at defense and does he still have injury problems? I'll pass on Durazo and Hatteberg. Fun Fact about Hatteberg: He is (unless someone has done it since) the only player to ever hit into a triple play and hit a Grand Slam in the same game. He did it in his lasy year with Boston (2001?).
May 25, 200520 yr comment_2269280 They were talking about David Wells on ATH today and whether he's finished or not. What do you think? To me, he seems like he's too old and out of shape to make that big of a turnaround, although I do believe he's a better second-half pitcher. At any rate, was signing him to any kind of deal a bad idea?
May 25, 200520 yr Author comment_2269302 Sweeny is a free agent after the season, right? Does he still suck at defense and does he still have injury problems? Sweeney is under contract at $11 Million through 2007. He remains an injury risk, although he has been healthy this season. As for defense, I see no real evidence that he is particularly bad at defense at all.
May 25, 200520 yr Author comment_2269370 They were talking about David Wells on ATH today and whether he's finished or not. What do you think? To me, he seems like he's too old and out of shape to make that big of a turnaround, although I do believe he's a better second-half pitcher. At any rate, was signing him to any kind of deal a bad idea? Wells has a 22:4 K/BB ratio. His problem is that he has allowed 52 hits in 37 innings. His batting average on balls in play is a ridiculously high .359. Given that he's been written off before, I am not about to write him off now. Do not be surprised to see a turnaround.
May 25, 200520 yr comment_2269473 Wells was bad in his first few starts and then had two great ones before getting hurt. He hasn't really had a chance to get going yet. Schilling will be fine when he comes back, too.
May 29, 200520 yr comment_2305465 More of Al's favorite questions: The Cubs! - The Cubs are done, aren't they? - What would it take (besides a miracle) for the Cubs to salvage the next four months? - What kind of trade does this team need to make? - With the latest injury, do you think it's possible, just possible, that this team is in fact cursed? - Do they have a chance to win a WS in MY lifetime? - You're no doctor, but would you tend to believe the two months line from the Cubs about Prior, or do you think he's done for 2005? - Why didn't I completely fall apart when I heard about Prior's injury? Is it knowing that I won't have to be heartbroken later on in the season because the Cubs are pretty much out of it now, or have I just become desinsitized to bad things happening to this team? I know there's a lot of looking into the crystal ball on this one, but do what you can, big man.
May 29, 200520 yr Author comment_2307175 - The Cubs are done, aren't they? Yes, for the most part. - What would it take (besides a miracle) for the Cubs to salvage the next four months? Less time wasted on futility infielders like Enrique Wilson, and more playing time given to youngsters such as Mike Fontenot and Jason DuBois. - What kind of trade does this team need to make? With the Cubs nearing the edge of contention, I would seriously consider shopping Kerry Wood. The Cubs should build their rotation around Zambrano and Prior, and work on building their offense. Beyond Wood, Todd Walker is probably their most tradeable commodity, since Jerry Hairston is around. - With the latest injury, do you think it's possible, just possible, that this team is in fact cursed? No. Every year is a 30:1 shot. Stuff happens. - Do they have a chance to win a WS in MY lifetime? Yes. - You're no doctor, but would you tend to believe the two months line from the Cubs about Prior, or do you think he's done for 2005? I'd believe it, simply because it is a straightforward injury. If it was shoulder soreness or the dreaded "dead arm," then I'd start to worry. - Why didn't I completely fall apart when I heard about Prior's injury? Is it knowing that I won't have to be heartbroken later on in the season because the Cubs are pretty much out of it now, or have I just become desinsitized to bad things happening to this team? Well, it could be worse. MiB's team had a pitcher DIE during a season three years ago. Some teams just have more injury problems than others.
May 29, 200520 yr comment_2307265 Less time wasted on futility infielders like Enrique Wilson, and more playing time given to youngsters such as Mike Fontenot and Jason DuBois. See, this is what worries me. As long as Baker's around, the young guys aren't going to get any playing time, whether the team's in contention or completely out of it. He's going to continue to shove guys like Hollandsworth and Macias down our throats. If this season's a wash, I'd love to see the younger guys get serious MLB experience so they can be of use to the team in the coming years. This is the one positive I see of being out of it this early, but knowing Baker, it won't happen. You mention building the team around Prior and Zambrano. Ramirez is obviously going to be a part of that for now. Do you think Lee and Patterson are also worth building around, or do you think someone like Patterson may be on his way out soon enough?
May 29, 200520 yr Author comment_2307307 You mention building the team around Prior and Zambrano. Ramirez is obviously going to be a part of that for now. Do you think Lee and Patterson are also worth building around, or do you think someone like Patterson may be on his way out soon enough? Yes. Players who are above average and not on the verge of free agency for two or three years are worth keeping around. Especially Patterson, who plays good defense at a key position. The trick is finding guys to fill the rest of the holes. There's a good core there at least.
May 29, 200520 yr comment_2307573 And Baker probably needs to go before we can expect anything positive from the team in terms of contending, correct? Unfortunately, the rash of injuries may ensure his job for another season, although I'd swear he's trying to get fired sometimes.
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