Dec
14

IPK MIA

By Mike Axisa

Ian Kennedy hasn’t pitched in eight days; not sure what’s up with that. Mayaguez has had a few scheduled off days and weather issues since he last pitched, so it could be that the rotation’s a bit off kilter. They don’t play again until Tuesday, so we’ll see if he gives it a go then. His last three starts have been dynamite (22 IP, 11 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 17 K).

The winter league notables:

  • Melky Cabrera: 20 for 65 (.308), 13 R, 4 2B, 6 RBI, 8 BB, 8 K, 2 SB in 17 games
  • Robbie Cano: 16 for 54 (.296), 13 R, 6 2B, 1 HR, 5 BB, 3 K, 1 SB, 1 HBP in 13 games … still more BB than K after 13 games? who is this man and what has he done with Robinson Cano?
  • Frankie Cervelli: 11 for 43 (.256), 8 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 8 BB, 12 K, 1 CS, 1 HBP in 19 games
  • Walt Ibarra: 14 for 71 (.197), 3 R, 2 RBI, 6 BB, 16 K, 3 SB, 1 CS in 33 games
  • Ramiro Pena: 24 for 91 (.264), 10 R, 3 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 0 BB, 8 K, 1 SB, 1 CS, 2 HBP in 26 games
  • Jon Albaladejo: 13.1 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 1 WP in 11 appearances
  • Wilkins Arias: 10.2 IP, 16 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 7 BB, 12 K, 2 WP, 1 HB in 16 appearances

Use this as your open thread for the evening. The Jets already won a bit of a nailbiter against the Bills, while the G-Men take on the Cowboys at 8:15pm. Brandon Jacobs is sitting this one with a bum knee, spelling certain doom for my fantasy team in Round One of the playoffs. Damn you tommiesmithjohncarlos, damn you to hell.

You know the deal, talk about whatever’s on your mind, just keep it kosher.

Posted on Sunday, December 14th, 2008 at 6:59 pm in Down on the Farm, Open Thread.

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297 Comments »

BigBlueAL says:

Pretty soon if the trade happens there wont be a need to keep posting Melky’s winter league stats.

Mike Pop says:

Just do it for the hell of it.. It will either provide some laughs or some jaw drops

 
Ian Kennedy says:

Just trade me already! I don’t see a future and no longer want to be here. I believe the best place for me will be a team in the National League.

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Apparently, your ass is TSJC’s. Fantasy football’s a fickle bitch, huh.

Mike A. says:

Tell me about it, Jacobs sits and my two best options to replace him are … Rudi Johnson and Leonard Weaver. Yeah.

I guess if McNabb falls on his face tomorrow I still have a chance.

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

U r teh fantasy football bust!1!!!!!!!!!11!

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I guess that should have been “suXOr” or something, not “bust.” I’m no good at that stuff.

Steve H says:

Since the thread is named after IPK, I find bust to be appropriate. He sucks so bad his Puerto Rican league team won’t even pitch him!!

j/k

 
 
 

Hey Mike–do you have my score against Rafi. My gut tells me I have no chance.

 
 
 
 
Matt says:

It’s because he’s such a bust that even the PR League doesn’t want him to pitch.

 
Ryan S. says:

This is the line that pops out the most to me:

# Jon Albaladejo: 13.1 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, 1 WP in 11 appearances

WOW. Should be interesting watching guys like him and Melancon duke it out for a spot in ST.

Matt says:

I think Albaladejo should, and will, make the team out of ST. I don’t think Melancon will start in the majors out of ST, but will be called up when someone (Veras) hiccups.

 
Steve H says:

That caught my eye as well. He showed he had decent stuff in his callup this year. The cache of young power arms we have for the bullpen should help us stave off the inconsistency of bullpen arms. If someone who was great last year sucks, we can plug someone else in. Cash has done a great job of assembling this stockpile.

Ryan S. says:

Combine that with Girardi being able to manage the bullpen superbly and this is one area that should be a major strength this year.

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Yeah that trade’s looking like a major win for Cashman, right? I mean, it looks like if the Yankees get productive innings out of Albaladejo out of the pen, that’s more than they would have gotten out of T-Clip (in all likelihood, nothing). (I hope T-Clip all the best and hopefully he’ll have a nice career and prove that statement wrong.)

Ivan says:

Brian Cashman makes good trades? When?

Mike Pop says:

Farnsworth 4 Pudge—Horrible
Soriano 4 AFraud——Horrible
Marquez + 4 Swisher–Horrible

Cashman is the SUXOR!!

When he had the chance to make the great trade for Johan he didnt and he saved the prospects and signed CC..

CASHMAN YOU COWARD~!!!!!

 
 
Matt says:

I like your courteousness, but T-Clip ain’t gonna amount to anything. That trade was lopsided in the Yankees favor.

Manimal says:

Is there any reason to take these stats seriously? Brackman has a 5.56 ERA while Bleich has a 1.77 ERA and IPK has a 1.56.

Mike A. says:

Nah, they’re just something to look at, really.

 
 
The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

I agree that T-Clip wouldn’t have helped the Yankees had he not been traded. Who knows, maybe he’ll get into a groove for a year or two and provide some innings to someone at the MLB level though. Unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

 
 
 
 
Chip says:

Well to be fair, the guy has been pitching for a very long time this season. I mean, at some point they have to give him a break before spring training right?

 
Infamous says:

What the hell were bills thinking about throwing it on 2nd down the way Lynch was running all over them.

Buffalo Ed says:

From a lifelong Buffalo fan: That was typical. Losman is horrid and the play call was worse.

 
 
patrick says:

anybody know ipk’s inning total this year?

Manimal says:

5 innings. Or 1 start.

 
Rich M says:

He is around 150+ for the year. They might be shutting him down soon. He might be getting a few weeks off for Christmas too.

 
Matt says:

39.2 IP with the Yankees
77.0 IP in the minors
34.2 in winter ball so far so…

150.4 IP

 
Joe says:

I read somewhere that it was around 165

 
 
Bonnie says:

So, does anybody have any new rumors on Mark Teixeira. I really think he could be a great help to the current Yankee lineup.

Manimal says:

It totally invalidates the trade for swish, but I agree.

pat says:

Unless we trade nizzady and put swish in right. I dunno how i feel about that yet but it is possible.

Matt says:

I’d rather have Tex at first and Swisher in right and Nady traded.

Manimal says:

B….B…But its a contract year.

 
Matt says:

Or Nady and Matsui could do a DH platoon, which I think would be very nice.

A.D. says:

Matsui doesn’t really need a platoon, he’s hit lefties quite well in career too, though less power than Nady

Matt says:

But at this point in his career, with his health, I’d rather have him in a platoon.

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A.D. says:

I’d actually prefer to give Nady more at bats, and Swisher less

 
Matt says:

Definitely not. Swisher has good pop and takes a ton of pitches/walks a lot. He’s a much better fit for the lineup than Nady.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
pat says:

God i cant wait to watch the gmen wreck dallas tonight. Pop get ready to drink urself to sleep again like last weekend.. bahaha

Steve H says:

I just hope there’s a fight on the field. Between the Cowboys and………..the Cowboys.

Manimal says:
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Pssssshhhh pleasee.. No Jacobs or Plax.. Your in trouble.. I read we might have a 6 man D line. I dont understand it but w.e Im down for it.. Put it on Eli hes got nothing without Plax

pat says:

steve smith and domenik hixon beg to differ.

Mike Pop says:

Hixon ? U mean the guy who dropped a TD last week ? Im not scared by those two.

Matt what about Eli last week ?

pat says:

they dropped passes like gangbusters last week it was cold and windy and crappy out.

 
Matt says:

Last week? What? There was no Giants game last week. There was a Pop Warner game, but no Giants game.

/denial.

 
 
 
Matt says:

Eli w/o Plax vs. ARI

26-33, 240 YDS, 3 TD

 
pat says:

eli will light them up if they put 8 in the box

 
 
 
A.D. says:
Mike A. says:

What does Bill James know? I WATCH THE GAMES WITH MY OWN TWO EYES!11111!1!!! Phil Hughes is a bust. If he got out of his mother’s basement, he’d know that.

A.D. says:
 
 
Matt says:

Woah. That projection is a little bold, IMO. I hope you’re right, Bill.

Chip says:

It’s possible. He’s got a track record of dominating in leagues which he has no business in dominating so the potential is there. And we all know somebody will go down with injury

 
 
Ivan says:

That is interesting, I mean that is whoa.

 
Reggie C. says:

Those Hughes figures just don’t make sense… its not even overly-optimistic… its just crazy.

Ivan says:

If Hughes is third in the AL in ERA, Yanks are winning the WS period.

Reggie C. says:

Well … YEAH !! If Hughes does that he’s the comeback kid.

I’d hate to think Bill James would sully his rep and partake in a misinformation campaign to hurt the Yanks … so I won’t.

Chip says:

Lol coming back from what exactly? Usually somebody who wins CPOY was very good at some point or has a Josh Hamilton type story

Reggie C. says:

I didn’t mean the actual award (CPOY) literally. I’m just referring to alot of the heat he’s taken from fans and media in his very short career. I wonder if Bill James projected that eRA over a full season’s work..

 
 
Sweet Dick Willie says:

If Hughes does that he’s the comeback kid.

Has a 23 year old ever won come back POY?

 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

I can certainly see Jon Sanchez have a big year. That dude has a sick arm from the left side.

As for Hughes, the ERA and the overall #’s are pretty high but I can certainly see Hughes pitch pretty well in the 09 season.

But he’s a bust so who’s a give a fuck.

 
Accent Shallow says:

From the small amount I’ve seen, James’ projections tend to be on the optimistic side, especially for young pitchers. I’d love to see Hughes get near those projections, but I’d be surprised, unless he gets extensive use out of the bullpen.

(Besides, we all know that Phil would have >1 K per inning, right?)

Matt says:

James’s projections are always more optimistic than Marcels, that’s for sure.

 
Mike Pop says:

Id be happy with 150 innings with 140 k’s and a 4.20 era but anything over 4.20 trade his ass!!!!!!

 
 
 
andrew says:

Rotoworld has a story on the yankees and padres trying to work out the finances so that Igawa can be included in the deal.

The Brewers and Yankees are trying to work out the finances to make Kei Igawa the third player in the proposed Mike Cameron-for-Melky Cabrera swap.
Igawa is owed $12 million over the next three years. He’d be a nice gamble for the Brewers if the Yankees would pick up about a third of that in a deal. Of course, Cameron for Cabrera would still be a significant and unnecessary downgrade.

andrew says:

the second paragraph should be quoted from their website

 
A.D. says:

Cameron for Cabrera would still be a significant and unnecessary downgrade.

I just found that funny. But since the Brewers owner only wanted to fork out an extra 20M a year if its CC, Brewers are forced to slash payroll to go and add a few starters

 
 
Matt says:

That’s enough, Faith Hill.

 
Reggie C. says:

The damn intro song has got a Cowboy bent to it…. you’d think they were America’s team or something.

 
Reggie C. says:

And here we go. Go git ‘em G-MEN !!

 
A.D. says:

Any chance the Yankees can make a move for an OF prospect to pair with AJAX in the future

Matt says:

Maybe if they sign Tex and have to move Nady or Matsui they could get something.

Steve H says:

They’re not getting any good OF prospects for those two.

Matt says:

Yeah, I’m grasping at straws.

Regardless, I’d like to try that situation–sign someone and try and trade one of those two guys–or platoon them.

 
 
 
 
Balls Deep says:

IPK pitching good is great, need his ass this year, maybe in 2010 he’ll help the team.

Cashman has done a good job this offseason; he’s had some bad trades in the past, but I can’t believe anyone would say ARod for Soriano was bad… Soriano still sees curveballs going over the outside corner into the left handed batters box and he’s still swinging…oops, he just struck out again…

ARod was all world last year, too bad no one was there to help him… Why they need Tex, put ARod in #3 spot.
Cano has got to go, those #’s in DR suck… Get Orlando Hudson in here or what would it take to get David Eckstein; I love that scrappy little bastard.

Matt says:

I’m going to assume that last part was facetious.

Balls Deep says:

You don’t like Eckstein? One of those, I hate the word, but “intangible” players… you don’t need 9 guys blasting the ball all over.. hell, we need 1 guy to bunt. and he’s a good 2B… bat him 9th, let him hit 265… can live with that…

pat says:

where the hell u gonna put him..? DH? SS?
just stop with the eckstein nonsense

Matt says:

David Eckstein can’t make the throw from SS to 1B w/o a cutoff man.

 
 
Jack says:

Why do we need a guy to bunt?

Matt says:

http://www.baseballprospectus......cid=310118

There was no situation this year in which bunting would’ve improved a run scoring chance. Interesting.

 
 
Matt says:

First of all, Cano is OPSing .830 in the DR. That’s fantastic.

Second of all, Eckstein isn’t a very good baseball player. Robinson Cano can hit .265 while batting ninth and provide much more power than Eckstein in a very down year.

Why do we “need” a guy who can bunt? The Yankees aren’t–and shouldn’t be–a small be team. Why? Because small ball costs your team runs.

And 9 guys blasting the ball all over is much more effective than “scrappy.” Let’s compare here with RC/G

Adam “I Blast the Ball All Over the Place” Dunn:
7.3

David “Scrappy McHuslter” Eckstein:
4.6

Patient power hitters–like the Yankees’ hitting core–are more effective/productive than players like Eckstein.

Mike R. says:

I am with you 100%, but “OPSing” come on! No need to turn stats into verbs. Donniebaseball is turning in his grave right now! :)

Matt says:

haha, I love turning things into verbs. It’s fun.

 
 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

Cano has got to go, those #’s in DR suck

Brilliant, in about 2 weeks he’s hitting .294, and almost half his hits have gone for XBH.. that doesn’t suck, and its the winter leagues, not that big of a deal

Right now the best offensive 2B on the market is probably Wiggington

Steve H says:

Thank god we have no need, at all, for a new 2b.

Matt says:

You’re welcome.

/blasphemy (can an Agnostic blaspheme?)

 
Steve H says:

Thank god Mo we have no need, at all, for a new 2b.

Had to correct myself.

 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Does ANYONE know when tickets go on sale for the regular season?

The Honorable Congressman Mondesi says:

Good grief, dude, call the ticket office tomorrow.

Manimal says:

Why waste a phone call when there are plenty of well educated people here. And Im a lazy fuck.

pat says:

What Manimal really meant: Why waste a phone call when there are plenty of well educated people here. And Im a lazy fuck.

Manimal says:

and I need to get tickets first day so I can guarantee I get tickets during my april vacation.

 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Oh man. The giants pushed the Cowboys out of field goal range with sacs and false starts.

Mike Pop says:

I am putting a hit out on corey proctor

Steve H says:

Just tell Torre he’s related to Scott Proctor and I’m sure he’ll take care of it for you.

Mike Pop says:

Romo is hurting, Im a bit worried

Manimal says:

looked like his back

pat says:

on that sack a few series ago it looks like he fell on proctors foot

 
 
 
justin says:

Yeah his elbow will be effed in no time

 
 
 
 
SWB says:

Who out of our projeted bullpen still has options left? That may make a big difference on who gets a shot out of ST and who doesn’t. They basically have to give the guys w/o options a chance and stick the guys with options in AAA all things else being equal (ie. performance in ST)

 
Manimal says:

Giants not looking too good.

Manimal says:

I should say that more often. 35 yards on two plays and a hurt cowboy.

 
Matt says:

The O-Line is playing terribly. Eli’s got no time back there so far.

Mike Pop says:

D-Ware is D-Ware though.. Hes a fucken beast and arguably the best linebacker in football

Steve H says:

I would argue that he’s not the best linebacker in football.

A.D. says:

he’s one of the best pass rushers, as an all around linebacker… far less so

Mike Pop says:

far less so
Thats bs, hes easily a top linebacker and isnt far less than number 1 IF he isnt number 1..He is a monster, has an effect on every play. He is the best man when you in include all factors

A.D. says:

below I wrote more what I meant

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Whos better come on ? This dude dominates his positiion

A.D. says:

I would say Patrick Willis is a better pure linebacker (not a pass rusher) same with Barnett & Ryans.

Ware is dominant at the rush linebacker, him Porter, Harrison all having nasty years… and I’d probably take Ware out of those 3

 
Steve H says:

This year James Harrison is better. Dude has forced 7 fumbles. Joey Porter has been at least as good as him this year. Ray Lewis, who I hate, is better. Patrick Willis. Urlacher is still very good. Ware is great, and among the best, but he’s not #1.

Mike Pop says:

MLBs and OLB’s are completely different..Barnett and Ryans really ???

Harrison great dont get me wrong but I believe the help of his system

MLB’s cant be compared with OLB’s… Willis is great but he gets all those tackles cuz the rest of the D sucks and hes on the field so much..

I also think MLBS will have more tackles because you do not see them rush as much.

They are all great linebackers but at this point Ware is better than Porter without a doubt.. Porter has had a great season this year but lets not forget Steelers cut him. Ware would never be cut.

Ill give you Urlacher and Lewis.. Pat Willis is great and Im a huge fan of his but I dont know if it is right to compare MLB’s and OLB’s

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Mike Pop says:

I love talking football lol… Love these “arguments”

Shit both of us could right and wrong but what I see from Ware week in and week out I just think he is the best linebacker in football.. Would not be suprised to see him get a 100 million dollar contract

 
Steve H says:

Porter wasn’t cut for a lack of production. Let’s not forget the salary cap in the NFL. And the Steelers historically do not sign players to big deals, they let them go and build from within, see Harrison. Tons of good/great players get cut in the NFL. If Ware down the road doesn’t restructure a contract here or there, he might get cut as well. Just because Porter was cut has no bearing on how good of a season he is having.

 
A.D. says:

It probably isn’t, thats the problem with the statement “best linebacker in football” with the use of the pass rush linebackers of the world they are a different beast than a more classic middle backer, or just some of the good backers out there that don’t really rush.

Guys like Merriman, Harrison, Ware are nasty and are disruptive, but in some ways are very 1 dimensional, which is fine, but makes it hard to compare

 
Mike Pop says:

Ya I hear that A.D. so hard to compare

Steve H

Wouldnt you take Ware over Porter ?

 
Ivan says:

Mike has a point, it’s hard to compare Linebackers cuz certain linebackers play different positions like OLB and MLB.

Besides, Taylor is considered the greatest LB eva and he was an OLB, so really while it’s complicated to compare this LB to this one, overall they are LB’s right?

 
Mike Pop says:

Some stop the run, some stop the pass, some rush the outside and others the middle.. Its complicated..

But T Choice is my boy !!

 
Steve H says:

I would certainly take Ware over Porter. If the argument is for this year only, Porter has been every bit as good as Ware, but Ware is a better player, and obviously the better bet going forward.

 
 
 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

hate to agree with a cowboy fan… but Ware is the best player at his position.

 
 
Matt says:

Fucking four man rush and they can’t contain it. This is fucking awful.

Matt says:

I am absolutely hating the New York Football Giants right now.

 
 
 
 
pat says:

I would rather listen to 2 feral cats having sex on the couch next to me than john madden announce this game.

Steve H says:

I give up. I bet I am one of a bunch of people that have been trying to come up with a reply to this, but I am humbled and left speechless.

Nice job.

Matt says:

How about two rhinos simultaneously giving birth to quadruplets?

 
 
 
Balls Deep says:

Madden just goes thru the motions now, he’s been done for a few years… Rather have Frank Caliendo in there; now that is Madden. Simms is the best color guy on TV.

A.D. says:

Buck + Troy during Cowboy game is the worst combo

 
 
Manimal says:

You got to love Romo for giving owens a thumbs up and winking after a pass attempt.

Steve H says:

Wonder if they drew that one up in a private session.

 
 
Manimal says:

TO is ___________ Manny.

Worse, better, or equal.

Matt says:

In terms of what?

Manny is a better baseball player than TO is a football player, that’s for sure.

As for the distraction factor, well, I guess equal because I don’t care much about that stuff if the guys put up the numbers in between the lines, and both of those guys do.

 
A.D. says:

Worse, TO can have a bigger negative effect on his team than Manny, and has pulled this shit in SF, Philly, Dallas, and managed to create some drama briefly in Baltimore where he never even played.

A.D. says:

on top of that Manny has at least gotten his team 2 championships…TO nothing

 
 
Steve H says:

Worse. TO has never won a title. TO’s teams have not had the success that Manny’s teams have had. Manny’s teammates, present and former pretty much never say anything bad about him, and vice versa.

Mike Pop says:

I agree but its a Dumb comparison .. In baseball your batting alone and running alone really, your not working with your teamates like you are in football.

Steve H says:

Agreed. But in a way that magnifies TO’s being worse. Camaraderie and teammwork mean a hell of a lot in football. Not in baseball.

Mike Pop says:

Yea man I agree with you completely

 
 
 
 
 
Balls Deep says:

worse, because he doesn’t really drag his team down… he’ll piss them off, but he just does his stuff; where TO has to make sure everything runs thru him.

pat says:

learn the reply buton, see bottom right corner Reply to this comment

Balls Deep says:

missed it, fucking sorry :*

 
 
 
Manimal says:

I meant behavior…. TO vs Manny. Oh well.

 
pat says:

what the fuck is going on with this protection

A.D. says:
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Kevin Boothe and Corey Proctor===Fail

 
A.D. says:

Whats with people tackling around the head… seriously Ross you going to bring Witten down by tackling his face

 
Mike Pop says:

Man T.O why didnt you just get the first down

Manimal says:

lol looked like an invisble guy tackled him.

 
 
Yankee1010 says:

Here’s a downside of the Sabathia and Burnett signings – http://weblogs.newsday.com/spo.....go_ba.html

Hooray for Joba to the bullpen stories. I love this line – “With Bruney, Marte, Veras, et al, they have some OK arms, but no one who is a shutdown reliever like Joba. You don’t want to win innings 1-7 and lose the game in inning 8.” Apparently, winning innings 1-7 is a given. How exactly is it that people believe Joba should be a reliever?

Steve H says:
 
Matt says:

Because of the overvaluing of closers in the last few years.

And because people don’t know enough about the minor league system to realize people like Melancon are being groomed to take over that role.

 
A.D. says:

Bam go CC 7&8 23 mil a year to shut down 2 innings

Steve H says:

Seriously, why don’t the people who think Joba to the pen is a good idea think that CC to the pen is a good idea? Why don’t set-up men get the huge contracts every offseason, since the 8th inning is so damn important. It’s amazing that anyone could think that putting a potentially great starter in the bullpen is a good idea. It’s completely asinine.

Matt says:

I love how there isn’t this controversy over David Price.

Steve H says:

Especially since David Price, out of the bullpen put the Rays in the WS. Joba did not send the Yankees to the WS out of the bullpen, he instead got picked up and carried out by midges. Why didn’t Torre try to get the game delayed again? I can understand to a point that it’s a New York thing, but every single analyst (I use the term loosely) on ESPN who thinks Joba belongs in the pen should rightfully be making the same argument on Price. Of course, not a one of them has or will, because it’s pointless.

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
Ryan S. says:

Joba has 4 or 5 major-league quality pitches. As long as he can endure the workload, there is absolutely no question that he is better suited to be a starter, especially when you look at how stacked we are with bullpen arms. Using Joba in relief has become Plan B.

I thought this argument was settled when he out dueled Josh Beckett last year.

Steve H says:

As long as he can endure the workload

On that note, there is no proof whatsoever that starting or relieving is any better or worse on your health. You can get hurt either way. What’s worse, throwing 100 pitches every 5 days, or throwing 20 pitchers 4 out of 6 days, with increased warming up and sitting down. Honestly I don’t know, but I’d be willing to bet relievers and starters suffer injuries at the same rate.

Ryan S. says:

You raise a good point. I’m curious if there is any empirical information that says one way or the other. I would think there are at least some particular injuries that would affect a starting pitcher more than a relief pitcher, things that cause shoulder fatigue might force a starter into a reliever’s role, for example..

That said, the inherent risk of injury is probably the same…all the more reason to bitch slap people that think Chamberlain should be a reliever.

 
 
 
 
 
Mike A. says:

Erg, I swear to God … we’re going to start requiring registration to comment, and when you sign up you’ll be asked “Should Joba be a starter or reliever?” and anyone that says reliever is declined a membership. How can people continue to be so stupid?

Manimal says:

Were you serious about the registation part? Theres way to many steves and Tommysmithjohnwhatever keeps changing the end of his name.

Mike A. says:

Nah.

But if it keeps TEH 8Th INNInG!11!!1!1! crowd away, we might.

Steve H says:

Make it a 10 or 20 question quiz. One shot only. Throw an essay at the end.

 
 
 
 
JD says:

People need to shut up about Joba being in the bullpen. He wants to be a starter, the Yankees want him as a starter, he was dominant as a starter and only got hurt because he wasn’t thinking and almost got his head taken off by pudge on a throw to secondbase(not because of pitching!)! Joba has 4 MLB quality pitches, you don’t have a pitcher like that in the bullpen.

Joba = Starter…….GET OVER IT!!

 
Reggie C. says:

NO. That blogger has it very wrong. Joba provides infinitely better value pitching 140 innings this season than the 70 or so innings he’d accumulate as a reliever. People forget how good Damaso Marte really is. Now that he’s locked in, we’re going to see the goods. Bruney and Edwar both impressed. Coke looked good in his brief stint. The pen will get additional help once Melancon smashes through a couple AAA innings. The ‘pen is not a weakness.

pat says:

albie is gonna be in the mix too

 
 
 
Manimal says:

Throw a fucking flag, my god.

Steve H says:
pat says:

hmm the file is entitled red flag but the flag thrown is yellow

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
 
A.D. says:
Mike Pop says:
 
 
Manimal says:

Finally, Manningham gets some play time.

Matt says:

Every play he’s been in has gone for negative yards.

Can Kevin Gilbride please be fired? I’m so pissed he didn’t take the Syracuse coaching job.

Manimal says:

I agree, I was never fond of him

 
pat says:

I think the giants are the highest scoring team in the nfl. Coming into last week they were averaging like 29 points a game. You wanna fire the guy bc mario manningam had 2 plays for nagative yards? I

Manimal says:

Some plays are questionable and playcalling is just dull and un inventive. with a very versatile team the plays are plain and traditional.

pat says:

In his defense the team loses alot of versatility without its two biggest playmakers. Plax and jacobs are two guys you have to gameplan against.

 
 
Matt says:

No, not because of Manningham’s plays; just in general, I think he’s no good.

 
 
 
 
pat says:

orlando scandrick is acting like a punkass

Mike Pop says:

He’s nice for real.. For a 5th round pick I thought he was a nobody but he has played great

pat says:

Nice for real? Pops take your hip hop jargon and your do rags AND GET OFF MY LAWN!!!!

Mike Pop says:

I got black friends sorry and that just ruined my night

pat says:

he actually salvaged that by knocking it out of bounds on his way down otherwise tuck probably would have recovered it for a TD

 
Ivan says:
Mike Pop says:
Mike Pop says:

Dont think of me differently now

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Ivan says:
 
Mike Pop says:

I like to think of it as racially sophisticated

 
pat says:

we only used to respond to your posts because we were obligated by affirmative action, now NO RESPONSES!

 
Mike Pop says:

I might as well find a new blog, Im fucked

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:
Manimal says:

Top 5 QB on his back.

 
Ivan says:

Well I think he is or there’s an arguement for him.

Brady and Peyton are 1 and 1A, Brees is the best QB not name Brady or Peyton so that’s 3. To me Roethlisberger is #4. At that 5th spot, who’s really that much betta than Romo and even if they are betta it’s debatable between that QB and Romo right?

Mike Pop says:

I think he is but almost everyone on here will chastise me for that

Thomas says:

I agree I think he is definitely top 5, probably number 4 after Brady, Peyton, and Brees.

Ivan says:

Who’s #5?

To me I think Romo is or at least make an arguement for it but I would rank him at #5 if he was in the top 5.

Mike Pop says:

Heh Matt Ryan, Kurt Warner

Ivan says:

Yea but Romo is betta than Warner and I gotta see Ryan sustain that success longer or have a longer track record. Nevertheless he has a terrific future.

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Steve H says:

Romo is better than Warner? Warner is a 2 time MVP with a shot at the HOF. He’s also won a ring. Romo has time to do these things, but I wouldn’t call Romo better than Warner.

 
Ivan says:

Warner was a product of a great system and had some of the sickest players in the NFL on offense around him. Plus, Warner had 3/4 years where he fell off and was basically a back up until now..

He’s a good QB but not great and I think Romo is better.

 
Steve H says:

Warner was never all that bad though, and suffered thru some injuries. The guy is phenomenal. Romo has great weapons as well as a great system. Warner has never had a good tight end, which is often a QB’s safety valve. If you start comparing systems and teammates you’ll never come to a conclusion. If Tony Romo has the career that Kurt Warner has had he will be very happy by the time he retires. If it was only the system, why has Martz not duplicated his success? He hasn’t had the QB to run it. Warner is among the most accurate passers in NFL history, and that means success in any system.

 
 
 
Thomas says:

Probably either Warner or Rivers. I think Warner is probably better, but is definitely helped by having better receivers, no competition in his division, and he gets to throw the ball every down.

Ivan says:

Warner and Rivers Over Roethlisberger?

Heck I might pick Eli over Rivers.

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Steve H says:

I’d take Eli over Rivers, hands down. I hate em both too, so I’m not biased.

 
Thomas says:

The big problem with ranking QBs is that some take the success of the team into account more than others. Roethlisberger has always been on good teams, but he hasn’t always been that good. This year his QB rating is 80 with a 14 TD – 12 INT not great yard and completion.

Rivers’ stats are great, but of course his team sucks.

 
Steve H says:

From Don Banks today on si.com. He hits the nail on the head.

“I know Philip Rivers has absolutely boffo statistics this season, but I really don’t know when exactly he rolls up all these numbers. Every time I watch him play this season he never makes a play.

To look at Rivers’ 28 touchdown passes, 3,515 yards passing, and just 11 interceptions, with a quarterback rating in triple digits, you’d think the Chargers would be 11-3 material this season.”

 
Ivan says:

Yea but Roethlisberger last season had a terrific season #’s wise.

Nevertheless, I bounce back and forth on whether Big Ben is overrated or not sometimes. Right now he isn’t.

 
Ivan says:

Interesting point.

 
 
 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

your a good poster so the chastise wouldn’t sting too much

lol

 
 
 
Steve H says:

Definitely top 10. Have to throw Warner and Eli out there as well. And Cutler and Ryan haven’t been around too long, but they’ll be in the discussion sooner rather than later. What Ryan is doing with that team is amazing. From where they were a year ago, with the Vick saga, and Petrino quitting, to being a playoff team is shocking. I know he’s not the only piece, but it’s impressive.

 
 
 
Manimal says:
 
pat says:
Reggie C. says:
pat says:

A professional wide receiver should make that catch one handed.

Reggie C. says:

He was in front of the corner…. Hixon couldn’t haul it in. That wasn’t as horrific as last week’s drop, but yeah … YOU GOTTA MAKE THAT CATCH !!!

pat says:

David Tyree would have caught it with his buttcheeks, we’ll just leave it at that

 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

WTF P-FUCKING-I. Refs want cowboys to win. Its like the yankees.

 
Mike Pop says:

Gmen are going to win this game

Manimal says:

Not with fieldgoals and safties

 
Mike R. says:
 
 
Mike R. says:

I just had a genius idea. Move Joba to the pen. You have the 8th and 9th innings down. Have Sabathia pitch the 7th, AJ pitches the 6th, Wang the 5th, Hughes the 4th, Pettite the 3rd, and have a starting rotation of:

Kennedy
Aceves
Wright
Igawa
Giese

Not much of a rotation, but BOY! What a bullpen!!!!!!! :S

Steve H says:

Have you sent in your resume yet to be the Yankees manager? Hell, you might deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame for reshaping the game of baseball with that ingenius idea. I love it.

Mike R. says:

Thank you. It came to me while listening to WFAN in a Peyote tent in Mexico.

Steve H says:

Get the peyote and the address of that tent to Girardi ASAP!!

 
 
 
 
Terrel O. says:

Witten sucks! I could have made that play. :(

A.D. says:

you would have dropped the ball

Terrel O. says:

I only drop balls because Romo puts KY on the footballs during his secret meetings with Jessica Simpson!

 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

Latest on Brandon Jacobs from Rotoworld: (not good)
“NBC’s Andrea Kremer reports that the Giants’ “tentative plan” is for Brandon Jacobs (knees) to play in Week 16 against Carolina.
However, Kremer says Jacobs has a partially torn PCL in his left knee and a mild MCL strain in his right. In an “ideal world,” the Giants would reportedly shut him down for Weeks 16-17. But with Carolina breathing down their neck for the No. 1 seed in the NFC, it appears the Giants will push Jacobs to play. Keep an eye on whether he makes it through practice next week.”

Reggie C. says:

oh yea … game is over too. Damn….

 
A.D. says:

Jacobs career will be defined by his knee health

 
 
Manimal says:

Good. I like being under dogs anyways.

 
pat says:

Game jehova see you next week.

 
Mike Pop says:

FUCK YOU ALL GIANT FANS!!

Had to say it just cause all the shit you have given me over the last 2 weeks or so

Terrel O. says:

Do you live in Dallas or are you just a fan?

Mike Pop says:

When I was growing up my bro was a huge fan and Ive been ever since

 
 
pat says:

Ahh whater you’re still not going to the playoffs

 
Manimal says:
pat says:

without even looking i hope this is romo messing up that hold

pat says:

ah damn ill take TO’s alligator tears.

Mike Pop says:

We are going to the playoffs and that video does not get me upset

Manimal says:

Its funny as hell though hahahah

Mike Pop says:

I remember when I saw that the first time I was like Oh No but at the same time it was real deep for me lol

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pat says:

I dunno about the playoffs, we’ll see how romo is feeling next week when convicted alleged murderer ray lewis and bart scott are blowing him up.

Mike Pop says:

alleged murderer

Fixed

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Mike Pop says:

alleged murderer

Fixed

 
Mike Pop says:

Well that didnt work twice I meant to cross out alleged lol

 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Aw damn, forgot about that.

 
 
 
 
BigBlueAL says:

I think the injuries/controversy might be finally becoming too much for the Giants. Granted this game really means nothing for them since the division is clinched, but they seemed to have lost their edge. It would be nice to see them win vs the Panthers next week and clinch homefield throughout because unlike last year the lack of talent due to injuries/suspensions might catch up to them this season.

Manimal says:

controversy doesnt make the O line collapse.

BigBlueAL says:

No, but not having Plaxico and Jacobs allows the other team to just pin their ears back and attack the QB cause you dont have to fear the Giants’ weapons on offense anymore.

Mike Pop says:

I agree it is huge.. If you dont have those two in the playoffs you are in trouble

Thankfully this isn’t the playoffs yet, so Jacobs has some time to get healthy.

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

no offensive TDs tonight. a couple drops + no run game + weak pass protection…

ergh. Super Bowl Champs or not , the Giants lost alot of shine tonight. We need Jacobs back right now..

 
 
Mike A. says:

Am I the only one that found it absolutely hysterical that K-Rod said the Mets are the team to beat? I wonder where he’s been the last two years…

Manimal says:

Weren’t the angels the team to beat last year?

 
A.D. says:

they didn’t have the 62 save wonder

Manimal says:

Because saves is such an important stat. It’s what makes Cy young winners.

pat says:

and in some writers minds, MVP candidates

 
 
 
BigBlueAL says:

Cole Hamels disagrees…

 
Greg G. says:

Thank you for changing the subject away from the Giants game!

 
Ryan S. says:

Mets have lost the right to declare that they are the team to beat in the NL East until they actually win the NL East again. At this point, its just getting awkward.

Mike R. says:

I disagree. Look at the stats. The teams that win the NL east usually beat the Mets on a fairly regular basis. No?

 
Ivan says:

They are the team to beat…………until September rolls around.

 
 
Ivan says:

How many times the mets are gonna beat their heads against the brick wall?

Plus, you think the NL hate the Mets now, wait til K-Rod convert his first sv as a met.

 
Ivan says:

Also, in the Post like a couple days ago, said that Mariano didn’t even want K-Rod locker right next to his in the All-Star game and didn’t even wanna talk to him.

Tells ya alot about K-Rod doesn’t it.

Ryan S. says:

Why did K-Rod get the cold shoulder from Mo?

pat says:

I can think of 62+ reasons why

 
Ivan says:

Besides the constant celebrations, constantly showing off, the arrogance he shows and etc, I really don’t know.

 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

Nice TO bashes the reporter

 
A.D. says:

Andrea Kramer pretty much regretted asking the question once TO responded

pat says:

shit what did he say i changed the channel

Mike Pop says:

Ed Werder had alot of unprofessionalism on his part

 
A.D. says:

she asked Witten about the controversy, and he was like they both make me better, dunno how im a part of it yadda yadda.

Then she went to TO and he goes well i think it was a lack of professionalism on ed werders part… and you could see she wasnt pleased by that answer, at the same time Romo and Witten start laughing

pat says:
Mike Pop says:

Witten is going on at his conference

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

The only thing I’m worried about is going into the playoffs with a bye week and a pretty dull and cold team. Usually Championship teams get hot at the end of the season, not cold. ex: Colorodo Rockies of 2007, Phillies of 08, Giants of 08

I think this is overblown in terms of the Giants run last year. They were 1-2 in their last 3 games. It’s not like they were steamrolling into the playoffs. They had that stinker at home to Washington on Sunday night, won the game in Buffalo thanks to Jacobs and Bradshaw, and lost to the Pats (even though they played well, they still lost the game). It’s just a matter of being healthy and executing in the playoffs.

 
 
Manimal says:

Oh yeah, when you see the safety again, check out number 71 or 77 on the O line. Dude didn’t move AT ALL, it looked like madden for a second.

Mike Pop says:

That Procter for you, he did not even know the play was going on

Mike R. says:

Do you think Proctor suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. Does hide in the fetal position in his closet whenever his phone rings?

Mike Pop says:
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Did anybody saw that clip of a news reporter throwing both his shoes at George Bush? Hillarious.

Mike R. says:

That’s the beauty of living in a free country. He couldn’t have done that is Saddam were still in power.

Mike Pop says:

Bush dodged those nicely though

 
Ivan says:

Whats so funny is that Bush had that smirk as he’s being attacked by the dude.

 
 
 
kunaldo says:

so i’m not exactly excited about the AJ Burnett signing, but I’m definitely trying to be optimistic….so i was thinking that it will be exciting to watch 3 ridiculous strikeout pitchers next year in our rotation…I mean, cc/aj/joba all had 9+K/9 (well, to be exact, CC was a tick under 9, but you get the point)…heck, we might lead the league in K’s, w/ our bullpen being pretty awesome at racking them up as well

 
Manimal says:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....as-th.html
Pettite recieved a 3 year 36 Million deal from someone…. My guess is the rangers.

 
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