So now I’m an official Long Beach resident I figure I have to do two things: One, change my Logo; the second was trying to figure out where all the drama is, cause Snoop told me there was and how hard it was many moons ago. Harder still was throwing the first pitch Padres game the other night. Snoop’s terrible first pitch made sports news segments across our great land, one more in the long line of famous/semi-famous people throwing baseballs when they shouldn’t with the best, and still champ, Carl Lewis. Why don’t these guys and gals take a practice toss or two? Does it seem easy? At slow pitch softball the pitchers take practice throws; and that’s slow pitch softball!
Or, is it a greater scheme to bring these arguably famous (and Snoop is famous, but he’s certainly not relevant and hasn’t been for a while) people back into the spotlight? Nah, I think it’s just cause baseball games need someone to throw out the first pitch, and if you can get a has-been or flavor of the moment, all the better over the state controller, or assistant district attorney, or a dying kid (actually it should only be dying kids if I ran the world).
The Cubs continue to do something akin to this with the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” a tradition I grew up listening to the slurry Harry Carey sing with great aplomb. Or great plums (in his mouth), whichever you like better. Back in 2013 they supposedly (NOT supposebly) ended the practice of having actual famous people perform; but it looks like that’s not true as Warren G of Regulate fame (and being Snoop’s cousin) as well as two guys from Sporting Kansas City (Soccer) and Craig Sager have done it this season. The interwebs went a bit overboard over Warren G’s “horrible” rendition, which I didn’t think was that bad. There have definitely been worse.
The Cubs should just play the music as no one needs to “lead” the song anymore. Almost everyone going to a Cubs game knows it and it’d be a little like karaoke with 40,000 friends. And this has been another installment of “What’s on Phil’s mind as he looks up guys to write about for this week’s article.” Check back next week as we tackle red versus white versus yellow onions: is there a difference? And why do Southern Californians think they have a monopoly on bad highway traffic? (Topics subject to change)
Onto the OPS, which is what you’re really here for. Who’s first this week? A shortstop by the name of Jhonny. Peralta, that is. (Like there’s anyone else with an H in the wrong spot on purpose). He’s back, already has a home run, and if he’s out there in your league go get him. He usually starts strong and putters toward the end, but since he’s starting his season in June he won’t start sucking until September at the earliest! In the first half of 2013, Mr. Jhonny Peralta had an .808 OPS and eight homers, 2014 he had an .783 OPS with 14 homers, and last season a. 828 OPS and 13 homers. He can help if you need SS or Utility help, and the Cards should find him at bats at third base, so he should add that eligibility too. Owned in only 23% of ESPN Leagues and 38% of Yahoo, he’s a solid add especially in OPS leagues.
Another guy I’ve written about before, Leonys Martin of the Seattle Mariners, is about to come off the DL and is only owned in 23% of ESPN Leagues and 37% of Yahoo leagues. That’s way too low, and I bet dollars to donuts (which doesn’t make any sense but is fun to say) those numbers rise by 15% minimum by next week. Hamstrings usually lead to less running, but he was improving in power anyway; so let’s hope he focuses on that and doesn’t get caught up in getting caught stealing bases. Before he got hurt he had .221 ISO and an .822 OPS. His BABIP was .309, nothing crazy, and I don’t see why he can’t continue the power surge. I’ve held him in my leagues but maybe he’s available in yours.
A blast from the past is Chris B. Young. I was watching the other day and had to be sure it’s still the same Chris Young. Who would’ve thought both Chris Young’s would still be in the league in 2016? If you would’ve asked me in 2013 I would’ve taken that bet, up to $100. He’s been en fuego with five homers in his past 16 games to go along with a 1.284 OPS in that span. On the season his OPS is up to 1.002; how is he only 3% owned in Yahoo and ESPN? That shizz is crazy. I’m adding him up right now in my leagues. He’s only 32! Also he has 20+ homers seasons five times in his career, albeit all before 2012. Since then he’s been on both New York teams and Oakland. Now though he’s right in line with his career K% and BB%; his .310 ISO won’t keep up sure but I don’t see why he won’t continue to hit in Boston’s stacked lineup. Brock Holt is dealing with a concussion so left field should be his for the foreseeable future. At the very least ride his hot streak.
If you really want to go out on a limb (and really, who would? Not me, I’m good right here on the ground thank you very much) a guy to look at is Robbie Grossman of the Twins, formerly of the Houston Astros, formerly drafted by the Pirates, former Chicago Bears QB (who lost the super bowl when spotted a touchdown versus Peyton chokes in big games Manning; wait that’s Rex, my bad; I’m still bitter) who is hitting the cover off the ball lately. Nothing in his past suggests he can keep this up, but four homers, 13 RBIs and a 1.100 OPS in 19 games isn’t anything to sneeze at. Rather sneeze at the person who brings their dog into the grocery store. Yes I saw this the other day; yes it was in an upscale supermarket, and yes my wife and I just laughed as one of the employees walked by her with the most disgusted look on his face. Even funnier/grosser is that she lives near us within walking distance of the store. So she easily could’ve left little Fifi at home. Back to Robbie (just go by Robert c’mon man); he’s only owned in 3% of Yahoo leagues and 10% owned in ESPN. He’s for those in really deep leagues and those who like to live dangerously with their teams.
Lastly, just for fun, who wouldn’t want to see Noah Syndergaard hit more? He’s got a 1.071 OPS in the last month fellas! It’s long past the point that we need to get both pitching and hitting stats for a pitcher. I mean, could you imagine playing fantasy in 1918 when Babe Ruth led the league with a .966 OPS and 11 (count ‘em, 11!) homers to go with a 2.22 ERA, 13 wins and 1.04 WHIP? And then in 1919 with a 1.114 OPS, 29 homers and 113 RBIs to go with a 2.97 ERA and nine wins? You’d be pissed to miss out on either of those stats. (The previous paragraph has been brought to you by our good friend sarcasm. Say hello to our OPS friends sarcasm; on a side note would it be funny or lame or redundant if a ventriloquist had a puppet named sarcasm? Or would it be real meta? I’m asking you, I’m truly not sure). In any case, have a good weekend Razzballers and Razzballettes!
