Howie Kendrick Keeper?
October 16, 2008
Category: 2009 Keepers
Or as someone with the first name Howie would call him, Howie Shmendrick. (In case, Sandy Koufax isn’t reading this to you, I’ll run down some baseball Yiddish. Erick and Willie Aybar are mishpochah, Manny Ramirez is meshuge, and Kendrick is a shmendrick.) Let’s breakdown the MI food chain. Placido Polanco is yawnstipating. Jeff Keppinger is Blanco Polanco. Howie Kendrick is wack. This year Kendrick finished with 43/3/37/.306/11. Not very impressive numbers, but he was injured for the better part of the year, only registering 340 at-bats. The problem is, Howie Kendrick is injury prone — Oops, I said it! — and may only get 340 at-bats in 2009, too. Now Kendrick does hit for a high average (In. Expli. Ca. Bly. Since he walked only 12 times all year), but it’s proving to be a very hollow average so far in his Major League career. He hasn’t sniffed double digit power yet and his speed is fine by a Carlos Lee standards, but as a light-hitting 2nd baseman, he better be stealing more than 11 a year — injury or not. So, each keeper league is obviously different, but my recommendation is to not keep Howie Kendrick. Anyway, here’s some more keepers or players to not keep for your fantasy baseball team:
KEEP
Max Scherzer – Jobacum’s already been covered in a Scherzer Keeper post, but I have news to update. According to the Diamondbacks, Scherzer will only be a starter from here on out. To keep the Yiddish theme going, no more putzing around for Scherzer in middle relief. Mazel tov! If that news causes you to have an erection for longer than four hours, it’s understandable. So far, Scherzer has looked extremely sharp in the Arizona Fall League.
Delmon Young – Maybe it’s his bravado, maybe it’s his attitude, maybe they’re the same things. Either way, I feel Alive with Pleasure like a Newport anticipating what Delmon can do in 2009. Anyone who could hit 30 home runs and steal 20 should get you excited.
Joba Chamberlain – Joba Rules say he is ‘officially’ going to be a starter in 2009. This is according to Hankenstein, Cashman, Girardi, Joba and Penny Marshall. This will ‘officially’ change seventeen times during the offseason.
DON’T KEEP
Mark DeRosa – Do you know how fast a .280/20/80 2nd baseman loses his value? Ask Mark Ellis.
Jayson Werth – Werth had a good year, no doubt. Twenty-twenty outfielder who hits .273 has value in all leagues. What about an outfielder who hits 15 home runs, steals 10 and hits .260? That’s like Randy Winn with dysentery.
Tags: fantasy baseball keeper, howie kendrick keeper, kendrick keeper
October 17th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Two things: Howie Kendrick has to be the most overrated player in fantasy baseball. I’m not sure how this happened, though it must have something to do with various experts over the last few years writing things like “I see a batting title in his future.” Great. You know what else I see in his future? 12 HR/11 SB. If he’s lucky. And healthy. It seems like the absolute best case scenario for him would be to bat second, hit like .340, score 110 runs, drive in 70, and maybe chip in 10 dingers and 10 steals. So basically his absolute tippy-top upside is Placido Polanco’s best year. Or about 2/3 of Ian Kinsler on a tear. Maybe if he did all that, he’d be worth your time. Until that day, not so much.
Two: Delmon Young. Rumor is, the Twins are shopping him, maybe to the Giants. I don’t know about you, but when a former consensus top prospect is shipped one year then potentially shipped the very next, that raises a red flag for me. Sure, he may turn out to be a late-bloomer like Carlos Pena, but then, he may not be Carlos Pena for five more years. In the meantime, there’s something fishy here. Plus, I’m not sure how 10 HRs in 575 ABs turns into 30 next year. So Honorable Mr. Grey, I will respectfully disagree with your Delmon recommendation, or Delmonmendation.
If you’re looking for 30/20 sleepers, I’d be more inclined to invest in either of Elijah Dukes or Lastings Milledge, in that order.
@BaronVonVulturewins: re: Kendrick. Yup, yup and yup.
re: Delmonification – The trade rumors don’t bother me much. Delmon Young has an attitude problem and a I-strikeout-a-lot problem. The latter is a serious problem and can hinder him. The talent is there according to his Single A and Double AA numbers; he just needs to find his groove. I see your Carlos Pena and I raise you a young Gary Sheffield.
re: 30/20 — I see you got the catsup stain out of your Nats jersey. Those are solid possibilities, as well.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:30 am
@Grey: Think Hippo has recovered yet this morning. Not only did the Rays’ plans get clouded last night but it was Glass Jaw Drew that drove the dagger.
What’s going through Shield’s mind today?
@BSA: Shields’s is probably thinking the same thing as all of the Rays, “We really better not screw this up.” That’s a really bad place to be mentally.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:38 am
@Grey: Yeah, I tell ya Maddon and staff have their work cut out for them because they found themselves living White Heat – “Top of the world Ma!”
Not saying the Sox don’t have their work ahead of them but there is definitely a swagger that has been missing for the last 24 out of 27 innings.
Boston radio was funny this morning as they read some emails from people who had emailed last night between the third and sixth inning trying to rub Boston’s face in it. The announcers had some fun calling them out.
@BSA: My girlfriend’s mom, who’s a Southie, wrote me during the third inning, “There’s always the Celts,” then after the game wrote me, “Game six!”
October 17th, 2008 at 9:45 am
@BSA: Every one loves a good comeback, but Boston fans are seriously in danger of becoming the new Yankees fans. That’s not a good thing. No outside Mass is rooting for the Sox. I know Sox fans don’t care. That’s the problem.
@Grey: Delmon may pop, but I’d say he’s a deep sleeper at this point. I say this as someone whose ship was sunk this year after being critically overloaded with “upside.”*
*BJ Upton: post-season HRs = 6. Regular season = 9. Me = bitter.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:02 am
Randy Winn with dysentery? What is that? Yawnarrhea? Sounds more annoying than yawnstipation, and Werth is that. Or at least his stupid goatee thing is.
@royce!: I think in stripper’s parlance that’s a landing strip.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:19 am
@BaronVonVulturewins: Yeah I agree because some are obnoxious and some are fans because they’re cool right now. People hate the Yankees because they spend a lot of money and win. Yet look at the Red Sox as a team right now. That is not what they intended to have out there back in April yet they weathered the injuries and have put some good pieces in place.
People always like an underdog and the Rays came in to the ALCS as such. Look at the Patriots right now – how many people cheered when Brady went down?
People want the powerhouse taken down.
Red Sox are hot right now, reigning Champs who are known for comebacks and the Rays have been a burr in the Red Sox ass for a long time. What will people say if the Rays become the fifth team in the Red Sox improbable postseason runs?
My take is like Lester’s line the other night. You know he was coming back to earth, too bad it was the other night (Volquez’s numbers). Is BJ coming back to earth, Longo, etc.? Is that Red Sox lineup a .240 lineup, no, so do the teams now play to their average from here on out?
I feel pretty good if they do?
@Grey: My mother in law actually called me (Yankees fan) at the end to express her dismay.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:21 am
@Grey: Rayhawk = landingstrip on BJ and Gomes’ heads.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:41 am
@BSA: Crikey (sans exclamation mark) = “Good heavens”, “my word”, “well I’ll be and similar” understated expressions of amazement.
Use the exclamation mark and you’re The Crocodile Hunter.
And we all (I assume) know what happened to him.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Ha! Obviously I meant “well I’ll be”.
@Steve: You’re defending the proper use of “Crikey,” and you got excited. It’s understandable.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:53 am
@Grey: It’s also early.
October 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
@Grey/All: What do you think of Shin-Soo Choo’s keep-ability? I’m in a verrry (count ‘em 3 rs) deep keeper league where previous year’s draft position determines keeper cost…
@Steve: 7 AM? Crikey!
@Wombaty: Might be something in a very deep league. Who are you keeping as of right now? How deep is the league? How cheaply can you keep him?
October 17th, 2008 at 11:29 am
@Grey: I’ll say. Saturday morning here – my turn to get up with the kids.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:40 am
@Grey: There are 16 teams, 24 man rosters. We get 8 keepers, and players picked up as FAs can be kept in any round, so I could keep Choo in rnd 24 if i want. Players slide up in cost each year, so value is obviously greatest the later in the draft you can lock in a talented player (ie, the lucky bastard who has Braun locked in as a 20th rounder has massive value, while keepeing Johan Santana would cost me a 1st rounder). My definite keeps are Hanley in round 2, BJ Upton (rnd 8), JD Drew (rnd 19). My borderlines are Abreu in the3rd, Wainwright in the 5th, AJ burnett in the 6th, and Fuentes in the 9th. I can keep any of the following in any round: Choo, Richie Weeks, Coco Crisp, Paul Maholm, Pat Neshek, and Kelvim Escobar…ich. Stats are R, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OBP, SLG for hitters and Ks, Ws, QS, SVs, HDs, ERA, and WHIP for pitchers. If you have indeed read this far…thanks.
@Wombaty: I would keep Choo, along with Hanley, Upton, Weeks and Maholm, if you don’t have to keep 8. If you have to keep 8, I’d add Abreu, Wainwright and Burnett.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:52 am
@ Grey: Thanks…and if you every feel like playing in a league with far too many obnoxious lawyers and a convoluted set of rules complete with minor league teams (all for a rather modest pot), let me know.
@Wombaty: I’m convinced Razzball has more attorney readers than the Yale Law Journal. The league sounds like it would be fun, but I already have a bunch of leagues. Thanks for the offer though.
October 17th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
@BSA:@Grey: Sorry I missed the party last night man. Fell asleep in the 6th woke up with the TV on, told JD to fuck off and turned off the lights. Hippos rise at 5 am.
Crikey!
Told you to keep the faith.
@BigFatHippo: Eh, it was no party for me.
October 17th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
@Grey: No, it wasn’t for me either. I’m just happy we get to hear BSA cringe in anguish one more time.
October 17th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
@Grey: The Love Guru is a comedic masterpiece!
Just one man’s opinion. The critics need to get a sense of humor.
@BigFatHippo: As long as you liked it, Mike Myers is happy.
October 17th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
@Grey: Guess that means I’m the only one that appreciates funny shit. The critics can kiss my big fat hippo ass.
Mike Myers has as many true fans as the Rays. Which is to say two, me and Dash. The boy likes penis jokes, what can I say? I’m proud.
October 17th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
@BigFatHippo: You’re sounding like my Bon Jovi smash single with Keep the Faith.
I knew seeing JD pull that one out would kill ya.
Anyways, I fell asleep earlier and simply wanted to check in before I rolled back over.
See ya Saturday in Tampa. I’m wearing my road greys already for the occasion and will be cracking another Oktoberfest at 8:00 EST.
@BigFatHippo: Was it better or worse than So I Married an Axe Murderer?
October 18th, 2008 at 5:00 am
@Grey: I’ll put it right on par with Austin Powers: Goldmember.
@BSA: Ice down the beer, I’ll be there right after working 11 hours. Beer:30.
October 18th, 2008 at 7:42 am
@BigFatHippo: Hopefully it is a good Satuday at the store. Wish you lived closer I would be a good customer as I am a month away from tiring an Odyssey and a Ridgeline. See ya tonight!
October 18th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
@BSA: Great Saturday at the store, thanks. I won’t bore you with the details.
Woulda been better with your 8 tires, oh and hope that Ridgeline isn’t a black one. The black ones always have bad brakes, both axles. We’re gonna need to replace the whole system. Good news is it will only cost 899.99. Come on down, I have a coupon for $20 I’ll let you use.
What’s that? The bell? It’s Beer:30
Go Rays
October 18th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
@BigFatHippo: Wow a whole 2% discount – I can’t get the wallet out fast enough.
My bell hasn’t rung yet. Still gettin’ the “Duties” done. Yet the beer is on ice. Stickin’ with Sam Oktoberfest!
Oh yeah -Not black, Red like my Sawx.
How ya like them apples? Now lets teach them Rays about mental fortitude and what happens when the big bats wake up.
First call – Upton either hit or buzzed up and in.
October 18th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
@BSA: Hate to be the bearer of bad news but the Red ones tend to wear out quicker. The rear end is the first to go, ouch, that’s gonna cost ya.
You’re boy, Bon Jovi is Lovin This Town. Is he talkin about Tampa?
October 18th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
@BigFatHippo: I’m actually thinking of going down by the river, along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves.
Oh wait I’m already there if I’m here.
Sure you can stay up tonight?
@BigFatHippo: @BSA: Technical with the MLB playoffs? What is this, a high school football game? Why am I watching Dick Clark?
October 18th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
@BSA: WTF? TBS is experiencing technical difficulties? I gotta watch The Steve Harvey Show?
Who’s responsible for this, Ted Turner or the Taliban?
October 18th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
@Grey: Turner power outage. Radio – Coco lead off single. Just got picked off first. Pedroia 1-2.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
@BSA: Shields is either high or bouncing ‘em in. Pedroia pops out after 6+ pitches. Papi up with two out.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
That’s right, Jane Fonda got all his money. I am not fond a Jane!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 18th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Rays coming up.
@BSA: WTF is going on? This is insane. Why is Steve Harvey on?
@BSA: You’re entitled to legal representation, mail and the baseball playoffs. This is some crap.
I approve this message for changing the channels.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
@Grey: This is bizarre, worse than the Heidi game in the NFL.
Turner sux.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Iwamura K. Upton pitchecd up and in, curve, fastball (93), curve, fastball inside full count, fuckin HR. Drill ‘em!
missed location.
October 18th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I’d rather see the Poltergeist screen, they’re heeeere…………..
October 18th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
its backkkkkkk
October 18th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Here we go……..
I’ll check back in aouple of innings
Wife is painting and baby won’t get too sleep.
Type or watch, type or watch?
October 18th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
@BSA: Hehe, nice play by play anti-Scully.
Bout time, unforgivable. I will never watch TBS ever, unless there’s baseball.
@BigFatHippo: That was bonkers. What did they say when it came back? Craig Sagar’s tie shorted out the electricity.
October 18th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
@Grey: They said Jane Fonda sold the rights to Al-Quaida, but the Taliban argued that they owned the rights. MLB stepped in and said something like….”This game may not be dissiminated without express written consent from Major League Baseball”
All parties involved bowed to Bud Selig and said “Game on”
October 18th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
BTW
I think Craig Sager greeted me at Wal-Mart yesterday. Nice guy.
October 18th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
@BigFatHippo: Word on Sager’s jackets – TBS or MLB, not sure which, told him to tone it down. I guess he decided to ignore them.
Lets see power outage, a new ump behind the plate, what next? How much deeper can Shields go?
Did you hear Tito thinks Beckett can go 8?
October 18th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Now how far does Tito let him go? Bartlet now has 2 HR in all of 2008.
October 18th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Boston radio today was talking about the importance of who scored both first and second.
Here is a little something to watch between innings rather than Barack.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1379184891/bctid1863282402
October 18th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hey Hippo, This one’s for you.
http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_RS_tam_10.17.08_ap.jpg
October 18th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
@BSA: Frickin Tek. Beckett go 8?
Tito’s grasping at if’s and but’s.
If “ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d all have a merryfuckinchristmas”.
I’m BigFatHippo and I approve this message.
go Rays
October 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
May Bartlett come up when there are two out, none on, and Beckett has 100 pitches. Nice one right in that sweetspot between the ribs and waist. Then see if he leans into another pitch during game 7.
October 18th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
@BSA: Hehe
You ever do that to me again, I will squash you like a bug. Bite me JD.
October 18th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Man the baby just won’t stay sleeping. Gotta go!
Oh yeah, Go Sawx. YOOOUUUUK!
@BSA: Tell your woman that it’s her turn to put the baby to sleep when the Sox are in the playoffs.
October 18th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
@Grey: Ha
Guess we know who wears the pants.
Looks like the Rays are just standing around waiting for the end. Show some life Dammitt.
@BigFatHippo: I hate to say it but if this goes to game 7, the Rays are in trouble.
October 18th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
@Grey: Youth movement, Schmouthmovement, in keeping with the Yiddish theme.
I could beat their ass in pool, darts, golf, bocce ball and horseshoes.
Probably not arm wrestling, but 5 out of 6 ain’t bad.
@BigFatHippo: I can’t imagine a Hippo losing in arm wrestling.
Hopefully the Rays come out and score some runs early tomorrow, otherwise they’re going to feel dead inside.
October 19th, 2008 at 4:34 am
@Grey: I pulled a Hippo and fell asleep between the 6th and the 8th. As to taking the kid during the playoffs, she was painting so the lesser evil was holding him. That’s probably why I fell asleep, or maybe it was the Rays play.
I do need to know, did Masterson try and hurt Bartlet or did he lean in AGAIN. WUSS!
See ya tonight. Calling hours for the Rays are 8 – 12 EST with an irish funeral in the Red Sox clubhouse from 12:30 – whenever!
@BSA: Masterson threw inside and it hit Bartlett’s elbow pad. Was a bit more Bartlett not moving out of the way, but it was neither’s fault really.
October 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am
@Grey: Two tripped circuit breakers in Atlanta delayed TBS by 20 min. I had a tripped circuit breaker at work when I got here, took me 4 seconds to fix it.
@BigFatHippo: Ted, “Flip the switch.” “Um… That just turned off the microwave.”
October 19th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Boys (especially you, Hippo) – a small literary diversion before game time. I am currently reading “Everything They Had” a collection of sports writing by the late, and truly great, David Halberstam.
There is a section devoted to baseball and in it there is a piece devoted in part to Bob Gibson. He talks about his incredible 1968 season and his record in the World Series. I’m a bit lazy, so you can check it out here:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/g/gibsobo01.shtml
Gentlemen, that is what even I (essentially a non-baseball guy) call a PITCHER. All those complete games – remarkable.
And on his Wikipedia page you can find these gems:
Gibson was known for pitching inside to batters. Dusty Baker received the following advice from Hank Aaron about facing Gibson:
“‘Don’t dig in against Bob Gibson, he’ll knock you down. He’d knock down his own grandmother if she dared to challenge him. Don’t stare at him, don’t smile at him, don’t talk to him. He doesn’t like it. If you happen to hit a home run, don’t run too slow, don’t run too fast. If you happen to want to celebrate, get in the tunnel first. And if he hits you, don’t charge the mound, because he’s a Gold Glove boxer.’ I’m like, ‘Damn, what about my 17-game hitting streak?’ That was the night it ended.” [2]
Gibson was surly and brusque even with his teammates. When his catcher Tim McCarver went to the mound for a conference, Gibson brushed him off, saying “The only thing you know about pitching is you can’t hit it.”
Gibson maintained this image even into retirement. In 1992, an Old-Timers’ game was played at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego as part of the All-Star Game festivities, and Reggie Jackson hit a home run off Gibson. When the 1993 edition of the game was played, the 57-year-old Gibson threw the 47-year-old Jackson a brushback pitch. The pitch was not especially fast and did not hit Jackson, but the message was delivered, and Jackson did not get a hit.
Classic. Halberstam examines Gibson’s life and career at considerable length in his book “October 1964″. Highly, highly recommended.
October 19th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
@Steve: Sounds like a good read for the off season.
It actually would make for a neat list to have a top ten baseball books to get you through the off season.
October 19th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Pregame word around New England is that the Red Sox have “officially” thrown their hat in the ring for Jake Peavy.
Also, pregame word from TBS – http://bostondirtdogs.boston.com/BDD_SHarv_tbs_10.18.08.jpg
October 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
@BSA: Here’s a start:
http://razzball.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=760
@Steve: I’ll definitely check it out, thanks for the recommendation.
@BSA: If the Sox get Peavy, I’ll vomit on myself. They’re actually making the Yankees likable.
October 19th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
@Grey: With all that’s happened, is Clemens still the greatest living pitcher? Gibson would have to run him awfully close woudn’t he?
October 19th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
@Grey: I think it is about driving up the price on the Yanks. The price would probably be Bucholtz, Bowden, and Crisp.
Also, I am sure you have heard Lowe would like to come back to the East Coast – Mets, Yanks, or Sawx – make your prediction. I go Mets.
October 19th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Did anyone read the article they are talking about out of St. Pete – Which team would you want to be tonight?
Hey Steve, working late today?
@Steve: I don’t think Clemens is the greatest living pitcher. Probably top five though. Koufax or Gibson probably in the greatest living pitcher argument, right?
Do you have the game on today in NZ?
@BSA: Lowe to the Mets makes sense.
That price — You’re bonkers.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
@BSA: Nope – 1pm Monday here.
A cynic might suggest that this is indeed late for me to be working, but am in fact hard at it – trying to decide what to have for lunch.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
@Grey: That’s why I think it is a ploy to drive the price higher for the Yanks. I ‘m just telling you what we’re
October 19th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
@Grey: Yup – looks like it is on.
I think Koufax and Gibson have to be right there. You could possibly mount the argument that the offenses were not as strong back then, but against that you could say that a starting pitcher had to do so much more of the work.
The numbers that Koufax and Gibson put up in their prime are nothing short of astounding.
One of the numbers that really stands out for me is that in ‘68 when Gibson’s ERA was 1.12 or whatever it was his record was ‘only’ 22-9. Offence was down everywhere that year – otherwise how the hell do you lose 9 games with a 1.12 ERA?
They lowered the mound in ‘69…
October 19th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
@Steve: Go for the Skate wing with meuniere butter sauce. Delicious. Follow it with a Sam Adams to punch the clock and go home a winner like the Sox tonight.
Hey Hippo this Sam’s for you!
October 19th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
@Steve: Thank you thank you thank you.
Gibby is truly one of the greatest of all time. Those 251 wins were topped by 255 complete games. That’s an amazing stat.
During Cardinal rain delays on FSN they frequently show Gibson, Brock and Mike Shannon sitting in Shannon’s restaurant in St Louis talking about the old days. Lots of laughs, lots of wine and lots of ribbing. If it’s a long delay they get to the end of it and by that time Shannon’s hammered, Gibby’s fired up and Brock looks like he’s ready for bed. Classic.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
@BSA: Good luck with that, you’re gonna need it.
One word sums up these kids on the Rays……….Resilient.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Ding dong – who strikes first and who strikes second tonight?
Red Sox first. Who is second?
@Steve: Did you look at Lou’s posts on this site? Randy Johnson and Maddux also put up some insane season during a heightened offense.
@BSA: @BigFatHippo: @Steve: I can’t tell if the crowd’s rooting for the Rays or the Sox. Just sounds like noise.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
@BigFatHippo:
One number 9-9 in elimination games.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
@Grey: I think they’re screaming YOOOOUUUKKKK
October 19th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
@Grey: We call the Trop, Fenway south. Lotsa noise on Pedroia’s HR.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
@BSA: That’s 2 numbers.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
@BigFatHippo: Semantics!
Alright Grey, Steve, and Hippo – call the bottom half of the inning!
October 19th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
@BSA: Longoria homer ties it up, that is all.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
@Grey: Does Garza have cotton wool in his ears? Must be noisy…
@Steve: We call it cotton balls.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
@Grey: Ah the English language! If he did, he looks as though he’s taken it out now.
Would be better for his team if he had golden balls.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Hippo, Nice 5 straight with a little “gimme the ball” at the end there toward Youk.
Papi said it best so the camera could read his lips, “Let’s Go – GD it!”
October 19th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Big YOOOUUUUKKKK at the end of that play could be heard. I’d give that crown a 50/50 maybe a 60/40 for the Rays. Either way that is too many road fans that take away some of the home field advantage.
@BSA: Sounded like Rays fans on that K.
October 19th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
@BSA: Have you sent the family out for the evening?
October 19th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
@BSA: You gonna fall asleep with the wee one in the 6th tonight?
Better watch it all, you have to teach tomorrow on the meaning of sportsmanship. “I stayed up to watch it all, even though we were losing 11-1.”
Don’t tell em about the Sam Adams.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I’m inclined to think it is going to get ugly with a buzz of Youk and plunking of Pedroia. Too may emotions and too much history between these clubs.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Damn, Lester’s dealing.
@BSA: @BigFatHippo: I think Lester hitting someone would be the best thing that could happen to the rays. They need a spark.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
@Steve: Nah, Everyone is sleeping and I am still multitasking – online grad course paper due, razzball, game seven.@BigFatHippo:
No falling asleep tonight – he’s already asleep I’m fired up. I’ll tell the kids about having a friend Sam come over with 5 friends. No biggie!
Oh yeah and nine straight is not setting up an 11-1 loss. I am calling this game 5-2.
No Rays will be hit until he lets one on base. How’s that for confidence – as long as we strike out, ground out, or pop out we won’t get plunked. HA!
October 19th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Double play coming at ya.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
There’s a start, leadoff guy. Do-over on the first time through the lineup.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hey Grey, did ya feel that wind Upton sent your way?
@BSA: I feel like everyone’s reverting to the mean at the wrong time. One more big inning, Rays! C’mon!
Wow, just after I submitted that. Nice.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
You’re correct on reverting to the mean. That was why I didn’t feel confident in Lester the last time out.
Nice play all around. Now how long does it take for the Sox to respond?
@BSA: As long as they don’t let that little cockroach, Pedroia, up.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
we like to call that little cockroach our Jockey.
Cora needs to sit down. What was he waiting for? I think Drew and he have been talking.
Cora – When should I swing?
Drew – Don’t swing until it is exactly the pitch your looking for.
Gotta go – my commercial is on with bobbo the clown.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
@BSA: Broncos coming to Foxborough tomorrow. Feel that wind?
That’s Cutler’s right arm warming up on Pat Bowlen’s private plane. It replaces the right wing the Dems stole during the convention.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
The rubber meets the road here in the bottom of the fifth with a leadoff double.
October 19th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
@BigFatHippo: I am mixing popcorn and beer tonight – smell that wind?
Did you just crap your pants on that Baldelli foul?
October 19th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
@BSA: Now I know why your humor is drier than a popcorn fart.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
@BigFatHippo: Dry humor – essential as a middle school teacher!
Alright now it is nervous time as Garza has been settling down and it is going to be low scoring. Don’t like playing catch up on the road.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Grey, Notice how crowd noise has shifted. Fair weather crowd down in Florida.
@BigFatHippo: Ha!
@BSA: I don’t know, the crowd kinda seems like it has been for the Rays. They did blow a great opportunity in the bottom of the 5th.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Now that swing by Papi was UGLY!
October 19th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
@Grey: @BSA: Damn, Scrappy Doo’s a tough out.
I can’t figure out if I love or hate the little bastard.
@BSA: He’s had ugly swings for four months. Minus like three games.
@BigFatHippo: No one ever listened to Scrappy-Doo but he still never gave up. Tenacity’s not just a city in, um, Tena.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Now obviously I am not happy about how that tuned out but did you notice how he slid trying to pop over the tag. He’s just plain scrappy. He brings back memories of early day Trot Nixon with the heads up baseball, trash talking, and dirty uniform.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
You know what is going to be annoying – As we enter the seventh inning the announcers will be killing us with reminders of game 5.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
What is Garza’s average/ high pitch count for the season? Anyone?
October 19th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
@BSA: Lenny Dykstra comes to mind.
@BSA: Isn’t it Tenacity in Ten Cities, or is that Intensity?
@BigFatHippo: I’m confused could you tell me to shut up?
@BigFatHippo: “Shaddup”
October 19th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Bases loaded or a run before it goes to the BP?
@BSA: @BigFatHippo: Wow, I really thought leaving Garza in right there was the wrong move. Glad it worked out okay.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Wow, wish I was at a bar watching this. Incredible.
But there’s only one baseball fan in the bootheel. There’s probably a Nascar race on at the bar.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
@Grey: Glad nothing! I thought he was dead. I don’t like the vibe right now, even with the top of the order coming up.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
There’s always Willy Ay-Bar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@BigFatHippo: Rays are all about unsung heroes and they keep trying to push Baldelli to be the hero (Dimaggio-like?) but it just feels forced.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Garza back out?!
October 19th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Hello? Hello? Is that a crack I see there? I also don’t get having Cora in there? His numbers against Garza don’t support the decision! Any idea..
October 19th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
@Grey: Never heard anyone compare Baldelli to Dimaggio. That was a little ridiculous.
October 19th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
@Grey: Guess that makes Aybar the next Reggie Jackson.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
What will the jockey do?
@BigFatHippo: Aybar’s Willie Mays.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
How pissed is he to miss that one? Now to stumble through the perils of a HR or nothing hitter in Ortiz.
There is the reminder to game five.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Wow
I keep finding my ass on the edge of the seat, which is a good thing cause it puts me closer to my beer.
Do you get the sense Maddon’s not really looking at matchups but just throwing darts at the board?
October 19th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Its as though he is looking at each batter and has no regard for the ninth. If one Red Sock here gets a run across it’ll be blowing up in his face. Johnson next for Drew?
Crap they just jinxed Drew! I hate this crap. Play ball!
October 19th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
@Grey: Don’t know but Drew gets to face Price.
Nice
Suspense, I like it.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
sorry Price versus Drew I misheard. Now it looks like Drew is throwing darts.
Think the camera crews are having a hard time picking out a 25 person section of the crowd that has no Sox fans?
Maddon should just leave Price in for the rest of the game.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Or trying to bring up Price’s fantasy draft round?
It worked
October 19th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Wow impressive! That was it right there.
@royce!: @BSA: I think Willy Aybar’s draft round is now N/A (Not Advised), but before it was N/A (Not Applicable). That’s a step in the right direction!
My new signature — Baldelli is the new Dimaggio.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
@Grey: @BSA: @royce!: Price has to close it out, right?
All the Rays draft picks showcased that way. Hollywierd coudn’t script it better.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
@Grey:
nice move with Price rounding it out. Red Sox haven’t seen him and they historically don’t do well against rookies. Never mind that Price was throwing nasty to Drew.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
@BigFatHippo: This is one script I can’t fault Hollyweird for producing.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Lets add some extra drama – Bay homers.
@BSA: @BigFatHippo: Don’t eat beans… Price is straight fire.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Is it his arm slot that everything comes in from left to right?
October 19th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
@Grey: thank goodness i skipped the beans and had beer, pizza and wings tonight…
Kotsay’s officially given up trying to be a major league hitter.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
@royce!: How is that better than beans?
October 19th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
@Grey: I had the same thought on strike two.
Kotsay’s taking hacks up there like he’s a NL pitcher.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
whoosh! smokey the bear’s gonna be pissed at me.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
@BSA: I can’t imagine your mindset right now. I’m not even a real Rays fan and this is driving me nuts.
Good luck.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
@BSA: Here comes the king of double plays!
Couldn’t ask for a better part of the lineup to face. I’m waiting for Rico Brogna to stroll up to the plate.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
I’m like the chick on the Orbitz commercial – shaky clicker finger yelling at every swing. Now pissed that he is making them look ugly.
Great rookie versus rookie.
Remove the Devil and the Rays get their wings.
Thanks for the comments, everyone. This was fun. See you tomorrow morning.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
@BSA: Sorry buddy, you’ve had enough lately. Time to share.
I’m just happy they made it 7 games and made it interesting.
October 19th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
CAPITAL F_U_C_K!
Even though I know that one lone Rays fan isn’t here tonight I’ll want to see the Rays win the Series. Basically I feel like if the Sox have to lose I want them to lose to the best.
Then I will be sending my list of Tampa players to drill next spring – Bartlett (for leaning into pitches), Gomes (because he has annoyed me every game), Upton (because he embarrased ‘em)
I would also have to say that the Rays fans are an embarrasement because they haven’t been there all along. Between the people crying last night and then the redhead standing there with his mouth open like he just had his first orgasm.
Good for Price!
What does the AL East look like in 2009?
Want to know more of what I am thinking?
Grey what’s the text from your girlfriend’s mother?
October 19th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Grey and Hippo, Razzball added a new dimension to the game. Good show!
See you all on Monday. I am going to kick each dog in my house, lay in bed pissed for awhile, and then get pissed again that I have to be up in five and a half hours.
Those poor kids tomorrow. How many detentions will be given out tomorrow?
October 19th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
@BigFatHippo: Yeah I know the Sox have had their share since 2000.
I really can’t wait to see what happens in the AL East next year.
As they talk about Maddon right now – How would you like to be Pinella tonight? Is there something to be said about management style?