Don’t FIP Out, They’ll Be Better
June 10, 2010
Category: fantasy baseball strategy
The other day I looked at the pitchers that were getting lucky for fantasy baseball. Today, we hold that up to the mirror and see how the other half lives. You know, the losers that should be winners. The Jon Cryer’s. Or is he just a loser? How about these guys are the Ronald Miller’s? They’re going to go from total geek to total chic. These pitchers are either not leaving men on base at a normal rate and/or they’re giving up hits like there’s 7 Pat Burrells behind them. They couldn’t get lucky with a bottle of Rumplemintz and Lindsay Lohan. But that could all change. Anyway, here’s a list of pitchers with the biggest difference between their xFIP and their ERA. (If your guy is on the list, it’s a good sign. Some would even say you could go out and trade for some of these guys, you educated fantasy baseball owner you!)
Gavin Floyd – 2.03. This list always makes me nervous. Floyd should be better, but you need alligator blood to trust him.
Jake Peavy – 1.63. Ugh, these guys aren’t easy to buy into, are they? Yes, Peavy should be better, but only in the mid to low 4′s. It’s like when your girlfriend pees the bed and you’re like “Well, at least it wasn’t number two!” Unless you’re, of course, into those sorta things.
Dan Haren – 1.53. Just went over why I think he should be better in my Haren bounce back post.
Brandon Morrow – 1.46. Also, Morrow’s rocking a 10+ K/9. Get on the bus!
Edwin Jackson – 1.36. Could be a bumpy road back to a 4+ ERA, but he should get there.
Randy Wells – 1.26. Wells also has the 2nd lowest BB/9 on the list (after Haren). Hard to stay randy on Wells with the way he’s been pitching, but he really should be better.
Joel Pineiro – 1.25. – Forget it, his K/9 is too blehtastic.
Aaron Harang – 1.17. – His ERA’s at 5.17 and he has the 3rd best BB/9 on this entire list. I don’t think he gets his ERA below a 4, but he’s should lower it a run to three-quarters of a run.
Kevin Correia – 1.05. – Has a 7+ K/9 and an under 4 ERA at home. He’s not much more than a hodgepadre, but you knew that already unless you are so 2000 and late.
Justin Masterson – 0.86 I will say that he still tempts me with his K/9, but you gotta pass because of his BB/9. He’s like a Jamaican (he was born there) Manny Parra. Or Monny Parra.
June 10th, 2010 at 11:03 am
haha~
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:04 am
what do you think type player i should give up for a morrow in a trade?
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:07 am
@chrisbenson: hard to say without knowing the type of league and the depth you have to spare
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:08 am
funny you mention peavy, I was just wondering if I should try and deal him for manny ramirez. if that gets shot down would you deal cain or garza for manny or do you think hes through?
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:11 am
This comment is relevant to the last post, but I figure we’ve moved over here now.
Anyhow, I was just researching Sean Rodriguez, and am amazed to say that he has actually gotten lucky all year. Yes, a man with a .264 AVG has gotten lucky. Dude has K’d 35% of the time this year overall, though in June alone he’s only K’d 20% (no walks in June, tho). His BABIP for the year is .386, while his LD rate is only 13.4%, so most of those hits are either bloops or GBs. Though he’s batted better in June, his June BABIP is an insane .474 (what out, Austin!). Now his ISO has increased considerably in June, (.106 Apr/May to .280 in June), so he could still be valuable, but it seems to me that even his crappy numbers are based mostly on luck.
Which means I will probably pick him up, hope for the luck to continue, fail to trade him, and drop him when the luck falls off. It’s the natural order of things.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:15 am
thx Grey, luv me some *new post for followups*, i get all fist pumped up 4 the refresh…
would you drop scherzer,gio gonz,cueto,or wandy for Floyd, Wells, Harang or Bumgarner?
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:19 am
any word on if hoffmann makes it back to the closing gig? should i continue to hold?
or should i drop him for someone like bumgarner or d.young?
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:22 am
16-team H2H-POINTS League
Still looking for 1B & 2B help…
Best so far: A-Rod FOR Tex & Figgins
Next up: A-Rod FOR Votto & Ian Stewart
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:22 am
I swear, I’m a razzball homerun jinx. No matter who I pick up, they hit a homerun immediately.
Omar fricking Vizquel has hit one total homerun in the past three seasons. I add him to my roster this week and he promptly has his best game of the year yesterday and goes yard today.
This is supposed to be my outlet!
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@chrisbenson: What Commish said.
@cain fan: I wouldn’t go after Manny normally, but I would trade Peavy for him.
@royce!: Ha! Yeah, he’s no great shakes right now.
@dingers: Ha! I’d lose Scherzer for Bumgarner,
@pjtres: I’d hold Hoffman.
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@Commish Cauda: I’d take Votto.
@Terrence Mann: Ha!
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:24 am
I know you’re not high on Cecil, AL East and all…but would you rather have Haren or Cecil going forward?
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:26 am
@danimal35: Haren, and it’s not even close. Haren still has stud stuff, and Cecil is still learning and, as you noted, has the tougher competition to deal with.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:30 am
@Commish Cauda: that’s my feeling too, but Iv’e never wanted to actually own Haren in the second half and Cecil’s been solid…guess I just needed a reality check
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:31 am
Drop Medlen or Scherzer for Morrow?
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@danimal35: I like Cecil, Haren’s much better.
@Sos: Scherzer…
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Is everyone really that excited about Bumgarner? Guy’s got 42 K’s in 62.2 IP in AAA…that doesn’t translate particuarly well in the majors. I guess he could pull of a Porcello-type rookie performance, but I’m just not seeing it. I’d expect more of a Hochevar.
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@Mark Geoffriau: Yeah, his K:BB is just eh. Worth a look in keepers and NL-Only leagues.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:49 am
@Grey: Thanks for posting stuff like this.
I’d man up and give Floyd a shot starting about now…drafted him as a late-rounder last year (in a points league) and after he gave me another beautiful 3 2/3 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, 6 BB, 3 K lines in late May, I offloaded him at which point he became a QS machine.
Turned down a Peavy-for-Greinke offer a week ago where I get Peavy so of course they looked almost exactly like the other one in each of their last starts.
Yes, my fantasy talent is owning players that kill me when I play them and kill me when I don’t.
And I love Masterson’s start last night…almost makes want to go back to the “definitely playing a guy against his old team” philosophy.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Got offered Broxton for Dunn, but I rejected it. Would it be worthwhile to see if I can get him to add Gardner to the offer?
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Grey, in a vaccum:
Stanton and Glaus
for
B. Phillips and Smoak
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Really? Max Scherzer gave up a homer to Omar Vizquel? And the White Sox are batting Vizquel second?
Best baseball year ever!
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Wow, Santana getting outdueled by Latos. Only guy Santana’s been able to strike out is Latos himself.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:55 am
Grey. What’s your opinion of Nolasco moving forward? His K/9 is down down from last year. Also, are you ready to throw Lind into the disgraceful list?
@Danks Nugs: Can’t hurt to try. Gardner is pulling off his best Ellsbury impression.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
So in my 8 Team H2H Keeper I just got offered Votto/Cliff Lee for Wright/Doc. I scoffed at that and told the guy I would deal Doc if he swapped Votto for Big Al. 1) was I right to scoff at that deal? And 2) should I take a Pujols/Lee for Wright/Doc deal (although I doubt he would offer it in the first place)?
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
@Grey: I hope I didn’t make a mistake dumping Floyd. It felt so liberating. That teams’ terribleness and the home park freaked me out. Might soon be time to go to option M – Masterson, which is even freakier. I may need me an alligator (or Keith Richards) blood transfusion to pull this thing off…
@Mark Geoffriau: His name is cooler than he is. He’s not more than a streamer in 12 team right now. Pacball & T Stick Park and good D could help him though.
@crews: Seriously. I’m still thinking about Matt “beer cooler legs” Stairs having more steals than an ’10 Alcides model SB class.
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@crews: No problem.
@Danks Nugs: Sure
@Bring Back Pluto: Phillips…
@crews: Ha!
@Mark Geoffriau: Latos looks like he might move out of hodgepadre territory.
@Eric C.: I think Nolasco turns it on at some point. Lind looks lost.
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@Wilsonian: Don’t see why you’d make either trade.
@3FingersBrown: Ha
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@Eric C.: i think Adam Lind finds his stroke and still finish with over 100 RBI’s.. i don’t think he’s hurt and I wouldn’t give up on em yet
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
@dingers: Hope you’re right about Lind…he’s unplayable right now in most formats. Except the Razzball league.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
@crews: nothing 2 worry about , i heard giambi is mailing Lind that old Man Thong to break the slump. such a nice guy that Jason is.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
H2H-POINTS LEAGUE
Zimmerman or Panda the rest of the way?
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
(edit)
Rank’em the rest of the way H2H:
Fielder
Zimmerman
Panda
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
hey hey hey…Beckham doubled again…that’s two days in a row!!!
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Would you drop Javier Vazquez for Madison Bumgarner or Morrow?
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Dont understand why my h2h opponent benched Latos 2day, and yesterday… dude also started Wandy @ Col… dude is also in 1st place, so wut do i know
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
@Grey: Dont start Garcia @ ARZ 2moro rite?
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
@aj: no way
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Bench Nolasco @ TB (Garza) this week? 10-team H2H mixed.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Drop Peavy for Lilly?
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@Commish Cauda: Zimmerman
@aj: Eh
@tHe ShiT: Ha
@tHe ShiT: I’d start him everywhere for now.
@GTS: Depends on your situation this week. I’d start him though in a vacuum.
@Matt: Yup
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
@Commish Cauda: We can make it a drinking game! …and he’s in the lineup today *takes a shot!*
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:42 pm
@GTS: I benched him in both my 16-team leagues, (in one for Latos…hehe). In a 10-team, you’ve got to have a more appealing option.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
@3FingersBrown: I own him everywhere. I have never lost faith and refuse to drop or trade him for cents on the dollar.
As long as I don’t have to drink a shot for each extra base hit times the number of leagues, I’m all for it.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
@Grey: thanks Grey. What about Zimmerman vs Fielder? Wash? Might be the simplest way to address my 1B problems, (and keep A-Rod). But I have serious man-love for Big Z.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
@Grey: BTW since I disagreed with you about Kottaras, he’s gone 0-10 1BB/3K. I think he reads Razzball and you hurt his feelings.
I’ll dump him when Nelly or Shutdown Sauce come back from the DL.
Hundley 1-3 with a BB. Came back from 0-2 on the BB. Nice work against Santana.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
12 team 5×5 roto keeper league. We keep 15 players with salaries totaling no more than $320 (players salaries go up $5 each year).
I was offered Hanson-SP ($12) for any one of my following OF’s – Hamilton ($17), BJ Upton ($33), Heyward ($7), or Cruz ($20)
We start 4 OF’s and my other OF’s are; Span ($13), Rajai ($15), and Desmond Jennings ($7)
My SP’s(We start 6); Ubaldo ($18), Lester ($25), Gio ($3), Kennedy ($10), Pavano ($10), Dirty Sanchez ($15), Kazmir($16), Morrow ($10), Hellickson ($4).
Do I trade for Hanson? If so who do I trade to him? My first though is Upton because of his price.
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@3FingersBrown: Ice him!
@Commish Cauda: If it addresses your 1B, sure. It works.
@3FingersBrown: That’ll teach you!
@Jeff: Sure, trading Upton for Hanson works.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
From a couple days ago, Niemann was exposed in the crap FIP category, but he’s on the wire and he’s got the Marlins at home this week. Yeah or meh.
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@Frank Rizzo: Interleague favors AL pitchers, so it’s okay.
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@Frank Rizzo: I will add, I wouldn’t own him anywhere.
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June 10th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
@Frank Rizzo: Depends on who you would have to drop. But he sure looked good the last time out. I’d grab him.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I get Berkman, Cano, Broxton, and Clayton Richard
I give Kinsler, Teixeira, Qualls..
Keeper pool. 10 teams, Keep 8 players. (7 X 6 format )
(R/HR/RBI/SB/K/AVG/OBP)
(W/L/SV/K/ERA/WHIP)
My current roster…
C – Posey
1B – Miggy
2B – Kinsler
SS – Zobrist
3B – Youkilis
OF’s – McCutchen, Austin Jackson, Pence, (ellsbury DL)
Util – Teixeira
SP – Wainwright, Felix, Leake, Niese, Ely, Colby Lewis, Gio Gonzalez, Tim Hudson, Baker, Francis, (Brett Anderson DL)
RP – Franklin, Nunez, Qualls.
Do I do the deal?
PS. Keep up the great work!
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Ah…The joys of forgetting to start Santana today….
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@Thebeau: I’d take it. Thanks!
@GopherDay: Yeah, not the greatest sign though.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
@GopherDay: As in the Johan variety
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
@Grey: Yeah….Owning him hasn’t been a fun experience.
I have a staff of Johan, Kershaw, Hamels, Billingsley, and Bucholze. My 5th starter has been my most consistant. This is sad.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Do you see Tabata as more valuable than Austin Jackson going forward? I’m feeling Jackson’s regression coming on strong.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Which side?
Lincecum & Wiggy FOR Ben Zobrist & James Shields
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
@Grey: Watch Maybin go ballistic now.
@Commish Cauda: I wasn’t crazy about Beckham coming into the year, but I didn’t want to spend big on the better 3B options. Now I’m paying for it. Instead I went $26 on Grienke.
FYI: Jacoby Ellsbury’s injury’s more serious than thought…
http://www.rototimes.com/mlb/player/6476/notes#160960
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Should I drop Zito for C.J. Wilson, Scherzer, Floyd, or just stay put?
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@Commish Cauda: I’d be dropping Leake (he was due) and picking up Niemann just for the matchup against Florida. Actually, Lilly and Slowey are on the wire as well. Would it be wiser just to pick up one of them instead?
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@Grey: Ok so u say start Jaime 2moro. Wut about Bills v Angels n Liriano v Bravos? Green lite on them 2?
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@GopherDay: Crazy game this baseball.
@kwak: Tabata…
@Commish Cauda: Timmy
@3FingersBrown: Maybin’s gonna bash someone’s head in.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
I like Lilly the most out of those four.
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@Nuke LaDouche: Eh, stay put.
@tHe ShiT: Green light them all, yeah.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
12 teams, H2H, 5×5, Non Keeper
Would you give Johan Santana and Nunez to get Wainwright? I don’t mind losing a closer, I’m just wondering if the upgrade from Santana to Wainwright is worth it.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
@Grey: Grassyass!
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Is anyone else scared to check the Tiger’s gamecast for fear of seeing Scherzer’s mug shot and his Emperor Palpatine eyes? He should start each game by yelling, “Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station! “
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@Vince: Eh
@tHe ShiT: De nada.
@Seequinn: Ha!
***Check this out:
http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2010/06/09/pro-wrestler-punches-fan-in-face/?synd=fanhouse
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
@Grey: Lilly vs. Slowey the rest of the year? A Soriano vs. A Lind the rest of the year if you had to drop one of them?
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
start or sit randy wells tomorrow against the white sox? i’d love to hold out hope, but my ass is starting to hurt from these last few games….
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@Grey: Dude that is hilarious. I used 2 go 2 those mexican wrestling matches as a kid n they were gr8! My bros n i would fuck around in the ring in between the matches but then the wrestlers would come out running 4 the next fight n chase us out of the ring… gr8 fun! 2 bad they changed the venue 4 those things, dont know any local ones…
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
@Grey: wow,thats a 3 run shot there buy the wrestler
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@Frank Rizzo: Soriano and Lilly.
@dj: Wait for a good start before sending him out there.
@tHe ShiT: Classic, right? Can’t spell luchador without ouch.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
F*** me. Oswalt getting some run support.
At least that’s what the pig who just flew by my window told me.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
@Steve: F*** ME, I started Chacin.
though the whip and Ks are still pretty…
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
@Grey: That’s awesome. La Parka actually looked pleased to be thrown into the chair so he could rest a spell.
And his mask looked like a coloured-in paper bag with holes cut for his eyes.
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
@xopchipili: And ‘only’ 4 of the runs are earned, according to ESPN. Silver lining!
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
@Grey: Lol, yup. i had never seen a fan try 2 unmask a luchador. That guy got str8 clocked!
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June 10th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Oh – and Dontrelle “watchoo talkin’ ’bout” Wills has a one-hitter going.
Too bad it’s a five-walker.
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@Steve: Ha… You jinxed that pretty quick.
@tHe ShiT: The fan looks like the Bumblebee Man from The Simpsons. Ay caramba, mi cabeza!
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
@Grey: When I sneeze, a snail in Troy, Michigan scratches his head.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Where do you rank Tabata in with these speed demons? Gardner, Rajai Davis, Pierre, Bourn and Scotty Pods…
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Grey: Lol true dat
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Grey: Muy mal! That shit is hysterical!
If that were ECW at the Elks lodge on Queens blvd, circa 1994 we’d be chanting “You fucked up!” at the fan.
I gotta see some lucha libre next time I’m in Socal.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
hamels for ludwick
which side is better at this point and going forward?
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@Grey: Im callin it rt now, since my opponent has Baker goin 2day n im sitting Butler cuz Baker owns him, Butler will go 4-4 with 3 singles and a double, that is just my luck. Hope i get sonovabenched by Butler so Baker gets shelled…
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Um, someone in the Houston ‘pen needs to get a grip pretty quick.
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@Steve: Ha!
@Big Nate: Last
@3FingersBrown: Just don’t try and unmask them.
@dj: Hamels, but it’s fair.
@tHe ShiT: There ya go.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Howdy Grey, please rank? 12 tm 5×5 roto.
Lilly
Morrow
Slowey
Masterson
Peavy
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@Kazmere: Lilly, Slowey, Morrow, Peavy…
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
@Steve: So now it’s down to Lindstrom.
Great.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
@Grey: That was a riot…they were talking about this on PTI the other day. Wilbon was convinced the fan was a plant.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
@crews: Oops…talking about the wrestling link posted.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
@Grey: Ricky Romeros lil bro got drafted in the 47th rd by (drumroll)……………………………the Blue Jays.
I think hell go 2 college though just like his bro. I watched him pitch a few wks ago and while he doesnt hv the velo Ricky does, his breaking pitches r good. Ethiers lil bro was drafted by the Dodgers also…
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
@tHe ShiT: Looks like your call was off- Butler’s not in the lineup. Congrats! Uh, I guess.
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Ellsbury has another cracked rib, likely out more time now…
http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/players/playerpage/1184595/jacoby-ellsbury?tag=pageContainer
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June 10th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Also, Madison Bumgarner is suspended 3 games 4 gettin ejected on Monday.
http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/players/playerpage/1619074/madison-bumgarner?tag=pageContainer
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
@royce!: Any news as 2 why not?
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Lyon gets save today instead of Lindstrom? Any idea why?
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@agarthered: No idea, but just grabbed Lyon in four leagues.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
@Grey: I just got offered Matt Holliday for Lidge,I had to do a double take.OF’s are the last thing I need, but………..
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@crews: Hmm… Not sure, he got hit pretty good.
@tHe ShiT: My little bro just started a cooking blog.
@tHe ShiT: Thanks for the heads up!
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@Doug Ault: Gotta take it.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
@Grey: Lol good one jackass…
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Yo Grey,
What is xFIP?
and
Adam Lind was just dropped in my 10t 5×5 H2H league. Do I blow my #1 waver priority to snag him?
–Breathless in Tuscaloosa
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@tHe ShiT: Hehe
@Jesse the Body: Search the site, it’s explained numerous times. I’d grab him.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
@tHe ShiT: I got nothing. I would assume it was what you said- 2 for 25 lifetime v. Baker
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@royce!: Im hoping its that and no injury. Got no more room on my roster 4 guys with boo-boos, already hv Cruz n Snider n dropped Brett Anderson on the wknd…
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
@Grey: I picked up Hochever for tomorrow’s start, but now dropped him for Lyon. I think Lyon getting the save was probably a sign from the gods that I should NOT give Hochevar another chance tomorrow.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
@Grey: You can rely on Lyon to sort shizz out.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
@tHe ShiT: this says just a night off: http://www.rototimes.com/mlb/player/5502/notes#160988
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
9 team Roto league, and I have no idea what to do with Markakis
I’ve got too many OF as is, and he’s total dead weight this year. No luck trading him in a package deal. Tried to swap him for a donkeycorn, no interest. I’ve resorted to offering him for folks like Roberts and Ellsbury that I can stash on my DL, but I suspect that won’t work either.
Would I be crazy to just drop him?
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Grey
Sit choo vs Lester and start tabata?
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
@Grey: Apparently just a day off to rest a stiff lower back:
http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2010/6/10/1512053/roy-oswalt-gets-back-on-track-to
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@royce!: Yup
@xopchipili: You can’t even get a brain freeze?
@cashmoney: Choo
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@Steve: Ah… Well, better safe than sorry.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
@Grey: Think I want a little more corroboration before I drop Lyon to get the guys I actually wanted to pick up.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
@Grey: I’m trying to petition my roto league to move from “Wins” to “Quality Starts” as I’m tired of having some junk reliever blow a good game from my starters. Any thoughts there? The opposition plays the “it’s part of the game” card but I think they just fear change.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
@Grey: Note, as I finished typing these two f-ing losers in Atlanta teamed up to blow Hanson’s short but gorgeous outing.
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@Seequinn: The only problem with QSs is it puts extra emphasis on very good starters. But that could be a good thing. At least then you’re rewarded when you have good pitchers.
The Tinkle Lady voodoo’d Hanson. There was no stopping her.
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June 10th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
@Grey: I’m starting to get a little worried.
I was just looking for an MR to grab, and was thinking “hmm, that Johnny Venters’ numbers look pretty good… ”
Seems I can jinx a guy just by thinking about picking him up.
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@Steve: Just don’t think about anyone on your team and you’ll be fine.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
@Steve:
@Grey:
if you guys are just now rostering brandon lyon ,
then , you’ve missed out on the team leader in wins ,
(5 , with 18 k’s in 25 innings) .
seems pretty effective in leagues that have an innings limit .
and , yes , no one else enters the picture as back-up to lindstrom .
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@big o: That would lead most of my teams in wins.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
tommy hunter
would u start him vs sea tonight
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
@Kazmere: Oswalt:
7IP, 2 ER, 6 Baserunners, 9Ks
Looks like Grey owes us a Daiquiri
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@barker: I wouldn’t own him.
@The Dude: Ha… Or she owes you.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
@Grey: Yeah, he’s been a rocky pitcher to own this year. Love his K’s though.
Also, I love all the names you guys come up with here, but have noticed one idea seems to be missing. From talking to other dudes, it seems that every league has certain players that the same managers seem to own every year, either through taking them a little early in the draft or ill-advised keeping, and the manager does so only because they can’t forget the echoes of some hype or the guy showed just enough greatness that they believe it’s still there, yet everyone else knows it’s gone or isn’t happening. Some good examples of players who certain guys in my league just won’t let go are Carlos Quentin, Ian Kinsler, Ryan Doumit, BJ Upton and Brad Lidge. I know the term “overrated” exists, but I think it takes on a new flavor when a guy is only overrated in one manager’s eye and everyone else gets a kick out of it. Does that make any sense?
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
qualls has got to be demoted,another mess he delivered today
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
drop hunter for arrieta ??
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@Seequinn: I used to be like that with Klesko.
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@ELVIS: Kazaam!
@barker: Eh
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
@Grey: would you say you were Kleskopic in your view of him?
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@Seequinn: I was. All I saw was 30 homers and 10 steals. Even when he was still a part-time player.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@Grey: I actually met the guy a couple times. The Kastens are family friends and we used to say hi to the players (as teenagers back in da day) when we’d go to games with them. Terry Pendleton sprayed me with champagne once! (it wasn’t weird….just after their first pennant in 91)
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@Seequinn: You remember it as champagne. I have memories like that too. No, it was a finger!
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
@Grey: Kleskomaniac, if you will.
A-Rod left the game, announcers are guessing it’s a hammy issue.
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@royce!: Mmm…hammy.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@Grey: Then Otis Nixon hit me in the face with a handful of powdered sugar he’d been snorting! Ah…childhood memories….
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Pena goes yard again. I acquired him on friday. Been a nice ride so far.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Old news, but it’s crazy that Moylan’s streak 102 1/3 innings over nearly two years without giving up a homer was ended by an inside the park homer (that looked like it could have been caught, had there been only one OF below it). I think an inside the park homer shouldn’t count as having broken his streak.
I read in a few places how Parra’s “bomb” won the game for ARI. Apparently the ball leaving the field of play, or even making it to the warning track, is not required for a “bomb.”
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Old news, but it’s crazy that Moylan’s streak of 102.1 IP w/o giving up a homer was ended by an inside the park homer (that looked like it could have been caught, had there been only one OF below it). I think an inside the park homer shouldn’t count as having broken his streak.
I read in a few places how Parra’s “bomb” won the game for ARI. Apparently the ball leaving the field of play, or even making it to the warning track, is not required for a “bomb.”
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I clearly feel strongly about this, so I had to write it twice. D’oh.
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June 10th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
@The Dude: @Grey: I made myself a daquiri. Thanks for having the cajones, Dude. Yo no tengo cajones. Heh.
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@Seequinn: Yeah, sugar, that’s the ticket.
@BKK: You’re welcome. Emoticon.
@royce!: That’s Al Qaeda’s definition.
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Is Hoffman worth a roster spot at this point? I have Montero coming off the DL should i dump Napoli when he comes off the dl? Would you start cueto next week or dump him for roster space? Thanks for all the help. I finally moved into first following your guidence.
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
colvin or crowe
twenty team league
thinking crowe b/c of fulltime gig
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@aj: Don’t carry two catchers. Let Montero come back and play a few games then decide next week. Cueto gets the Mariners, I’d start him.
@barker: Yeah, Crowe.
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@aj: Sorry, yeah, hold Hoffman.
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
@Grey:
“Lyon earned his first save of the season filling in for closer Matt Lindstrom, who sat out Thursday afternoon with lower-back stiffness. The Astros made it known Thursday that resting Lindstrom was simply precautionary, and that he’ll be ready for Friday’s opener in the Bronx.”
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@Steve: Thanks for the heads up! I’m still owning him though. It was either him or Wuertz anyway.
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
In Carlos Santana call-up non-news. Indians say he’ll be up by Labor Day… or he could be up before the All-Star break.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100610&content_id=11025582¬ebook_id=11043032&vkey=notebook_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnerId=rss_mlb
Face, meet palm
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June 10th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
@Grey: That kind of sugar was the first performance enhancing drug….
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@3FingersBrown: “Sometime in 2010… Or maybe 2011.”
@Seequinn: That and moonshine.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Grey, can you enlighten me on why Scott Baker is such a highly ranked pitcher? (ESPN top 30, blah blah) I got him as part of a trade, and he’s kinda stunk his last few starts. And his 3ER in the early innings vs KC isn’t looking too promising thus far. I owned him for most of the first half last season with his 5+ERA. Not a very high K rate, 4ish ERA… What am I missing?
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I initially agreed with the critics of the O’s for letting Arrieta debut against the NYY. Thinking about it more, I reflect on how much pitchers are coddled these days in terms of protecting their ‘confidence’. It seems like the start was a good learning experience for him.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
barbon or tabata?
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
“@Seequinn: You remember it as champagne. I have memories like that too. No, it was a finger!”
Almost spat out dinner…haha
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@Kazmere: He was a 3.45 ERA guy in 2008, then injured in the 1st half of 2009 and then a 3.28 ERA the 2nd half of last year. He has a 7 K/9 and a 2 BB/9, pretty good numbers. A 3.50 ERA and a solid WHIP has value. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have those things right now. But he *should*, so that’s good.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Speaking of meeting pro ball players at parties (isn’t that what we’re discussing), I’ve run into two:
Roger Clemens — He just stood there drinking a bottle of Bud Light and scowling — he was not enjoying himself (it appeared). We were at some random neighborhood backyard party with about 100 people and everyone was whispering about him being there. We did the obligatory stare, then just said “Meh”. He looked like he’d bite your head off if you approached him, and none of us cared to. We live in Atlanta.
Andruw Jones — Cool cat, very cool. Just laid back and mellow, and while I was a bit star-struck, I chatted with him awhile. He was enjoying himself just drinking beers with the normal folks.
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@Bodymore: re: Arrieta — Yeah, I was thinking something similar. I don’t think it was a great first start for him, but if he pitched well it would’ve been a nice confidence booster.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Orioles interim manager Juan Samuel said Thursday that David Hernandez is likely to get the majority of save chances moving forward.
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@uncdrew: I once sat at the same Benihana table as Ron Darling. So there!
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Oh, and the stats people finally changed Tommy Hunter’s stats from 2 ERs to 1 ER.
Sometimes I have a hard time determining if runs are earned when the third batter gets on via error and then you have sac flies and such, but when I read the play-by-play for the top of the 3rd I thought “No way are they giving him 2 earned runs for that mess.”
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@Kazmere: Thanks for the heads up!
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:11 pm
barbon or tabata
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@AJ: Tabata
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Stanton looks like he has to hunch over to fit into the tv screen. He is massive looking. The big tuna!
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Grey, do you see Hamilton becoming a sell guy at some point soon (similar to what you’ve been saying about Rios the past few weeks)? Once/If he gets injured, I think he’ll be really tough to trade, but I’m also loving all the production I’ve received from a guy I grabbed in the 9th or 10th round.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Damn you, Cecil and your good outing again…now I have to start you.
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@thepizzaman: Ha, totally. He’s Lurch.
@Van Hammersly: I don’t think so. He would have to go on an insane tear to get to sell territory. Everyone knows he’s injury prone now.
@Seequinn: Yup, damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
can you rank these pitchers for the rest of the season – floyd, slowey, cecil, kennedy, cueto, edwin jackson? thanks.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
WTF, why is Lyon picking up the save in Houston? Linstrom hasn’t pitched since Tuesday, and has quite pitched well since his little auto-fellatio duel vs Cappa the Hut.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
If Arrieta can nibble less and cut down the BBs he has a chance.
Grabbed Morrow, could use saves but I don’t really have anyone to drop for Hernandez. Why was Ely skipped? is he worth a drop?
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Clippard is warming up to pitch the 9th for the Nats in a save situation. Capps pitched the last two days but so did Clippard. Probably doesn’t mean anything.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Youk left the game holding left side.
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June 10th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
willingham or byrd?
5 usual cats and obp, err and gidp
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Can’t be long before the Mariners bring Aardsama in.
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Hey Grey
I’m not sure he’ll even take it, but would Ubaldo or Wainwright be too much to give up to get David Wright? Like I said, not sure he’ll even take it, but figure I’d run it by here first to make sure I don’t do anything stupid.
Also, different team entirely, but when do Teixiera or Fielder get better, power wise?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
@Grey:
Grey, any thoughts on starting Lackey tomorrow vs Philly?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
@GREY:
votto/leake for Lincecum/Derek Lee
Which side do you want?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Tony, you are a trade aholic!
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Best closer-in-waiting? Heilman in Arizona or Hernandez in Baltimore?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@BKK: hahaha…. just making moves “BKK”!!!!
i’ve always got stuff cookin’
BTW he wanted votto/leake for lincecum?
haha, no way am i doing that, votto is = to lincecum….. not throwing leake in there when in reality i dont need the SP that bad!
trade me braun?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
@Kazmere: You left out the part about him just keeping the seat warm for Shutdown Sauce.
*ridiculous Italian accent* Alfredo-a-gonna-closa-de-game when-a he get back.
I thought Arrieta was pretty impressive after all was said and done. I thought he’d get smoked.
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
@Grey: Is Dickey a good gamble vs the Bal?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
@3FingersBrown: SAGNOF! In a 3 way tie for saves, I’ll take what I can get.
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
is this one of the worst years for blown saves or what,not only blown saves but closers with 8 and 10 era,s
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: I’m hoping Wood can get a W out of it
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@nick m.: Kennedy, Slowey, Cueto…
@Seequinn: Steve has the answer above.
@Brian: Yeah, probably nothing.
@BSA: Did it look bad?
@paulzone: Willingham…
@Ryan Beariot: That’s fine for Wright. Could be any day for the big guys.
@Chris: I own him and am not starting him.
@Tony: It’s fair, depends on needs.
@Kazmere: Hernandez
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@Robert: Nope
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Tony, internet has been down for a couple days. Trying to keep up on my BB but can’t get the @ thingy to work. Anyway, Braun is not for sale.
I can’t even get to my fanatsy teams on Yahoo on this thing. ESPN works. Anyone know how to get to my fantasy yahoo teams on my BB?
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June 10th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
@BKK: Install Opera Mini and then browse to Yahoo log in and proceed as normal.
Don’t think there’s a BB app for Yahoo fbb.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
@3FingersBrown: Re: Arrieta, I changed my mind from yesterday’s comment and started Arrieta in my 20 team league. Can’t say I was disappointed considering I was expecting this to be a plus start against the Yanks. The walks are gross but two were intentional walks in the 6th, one versus Jeter in the fourth and one versus Moeller in the third. I’d say he pitched well against the Yankees. He threw 61 strikes in 106 pitches.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Just inherited a team with Leake, but was always cautious of him, even before today’s start. Notables on the WW: Cecil, Slowey, Silva, G Gonzalez. Swap him out for one or hold Leake?
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
“How about these guys are the Ronald Miller’s?”
You mean the “Ronnie Miller Experss” errrrr lawn boy, right?
nice!
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Dropped Cueto for David Hernandez, don’t trust Cueto after the last two starts and I don’t really need him with Kershaw, Haren, Nolasco, Hughes, Baker, and Vazquez.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Oh, and David Price, how could I forget him. I need a good start out of Baker so I can trade him to my leagues’ Twins fan.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Thanks Steve, works like a charm. Funny I once had Opera installed and never used it. A little clumsy but better than nothing. The Kiwi strikes again.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
@BKK: BOLT browser for Blackberry will let you manage your team. You can’t drag and drop players though, have to use the old drop down boxes to set your lineup.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
@Steve: And look I can even do this!
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
@Mark Geoffriau: I’ll give that a try.
@BKK: I’ve got a BB Storm and sometimes it won’t let me comment here using Opera Mini for some reason.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@Mark Geoffriau: Is BOLT better than Opera? I have always used the default browser.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
@Stephen: Yeah I saw the two intentional walks. He seemed to have good stuff and surprised me and was cool as a cucumber.
Speaking of impressive starts: how about Jon Niese? One batter over the minimum for the CG goose-egg. Was the Pod’s but still. I might pick him up for a stream at home.
Has anyone noticed how Niese looks like Gary Cohen’s son?
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Cruz and Greinke for Stanton and Haren?
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@Ruah: Slowey
@Fletch: Yup, hehe…
@Mark Geoffriau: Nice
@3FingersBrown: Ha!
@Black Beard: I’d take Cruz.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Here’s two eerily similar lines that should be drearily familiar to many Razzball commenters out there:
5-4, 58 K’s 18 BB’s 4.81 1.36 11 HR’s .283 BAA
5-4, 54 K’s 15 BB’s 4.60 1.29 11 HR’s .279 BAA
That’s Scott Baker and Ricky Nolasco, 2010 twins in mediocrity/yawnstipation.
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June 10th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
@penpen: Holy Schnikes, and to think both of them are on my team!
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June 10th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Price/Buchholz or Wainwright/Wells? My staff consists of Ubaldo, Hamels, Sanchez, Vazquez, Slowey, and Floyd (benched)….would be giving up Price and Buchholz
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June 10th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
@Mark Geoffriau: @Steve: Bolt is not nearly as clumsy or slow as Opera. Opera may be a bit prettier but Bolt seems a lot easier to use. Thanks for the tips guys.
I love this site. I come for baseball wisdom, knowledge, information etc. And learn about mobile device browsers, bands I hadn’t heard of, cool websites and scores of other stuff and of course a few laughs. Maybe the most unique site from a fantasy perspective. Awesome job Grey, Rudy and all ye Razzhands.
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June 10th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Should I let Lind rot on the bench for a while longer, or drop him for Hart?
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June 10th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
@Grey & Others: Time to finally give up on Wandy? 12 team H2H dynasty league. I’d like to lose Wandy and start streaming guys that are on hot streaks like Niese, Masterson, and Hochevar. Is Wandy ever going to turn the corner? I started him in week 1 and he’s been on the pine ever since. Thanks!
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@penpen: Yikes
@Ryan: Not good.
@BKK: Thanks!
@TastelessGarbage: Geez, the NL homer leader is on waivers in your league? Yeah, drop Lind.
@Bill Lumbergh: Grab Niese.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
@BKK: Here here. I come for the baseball wisdom but stay for the schmooze, as Eli Whiteside might say.
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June 10th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
***BREAKING NEWS***
C.S. Smooth is called up. Xmas in June continues…
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=5092
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