Open thread: Best infield ever, redux

March 10, 2010 by Joe Pawlikowski 232 Comments

In case you missed it, this afternoon Mike wrote about the Yankees infield as perhaps the best of the modern era. It was in response to a Bill Conlin column that, quite frankly, isn’t worth a second link. The article has made its arounds, and even Phillies fans don’t think it holds true.

Before Conlin unleashed his column, though, frequent RAB commenter Jamal G. was busily working on a similar article. But, instead of pandering to a fan base, he was legitimately curious as to which team in the modern era had the best infield. You can find his article here. To preview, it involves a lot of Yankees and Reds.

With that, here’s your open thread for the evening. We’ve got a Rangers-Devils bout in New Jersey, Knicks and Nets away games, and plenty of college basketball on ESPN.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama

I have been waiting for the Open Thread ALL DAY since I saw THIS awesome article that’s been making its way around the intertubes:
http://www.weei.com/sports/bos.....h?page=0,0

Enjoy. Make sure to read Page 2. It’s… special. Hey Theo Epstein, if you weren’t such a nerd, you could get all the ladies like… that guy! (Theo might be my least favorite person associated with the Sox, but he’s a good-looking man. The writer, at least in his tiny picture there, is not.)
- http://mystiqueandaura.com/ JMK the Overshare’s Mystique and Aura
  
  Yeah, that’s been busting through Twitter all day. I legitimately thought it was satire.
  
  Sadly, it appears not to be.
- Johan Iz My Brohan
  
  And as I do, there’s only one thing I see spoiling the party. One small, nagging turd in the punchbowl, mitigating an otherwise perfect celebration. I’m afraid that if … when … the Sox win it all this year, it will mean total victory has been achieved by that odd, creepy little subculture that lives among us: the Stat Geeks.
  
  Good One Jerry Thornton
- Salty Buggah
  
  Yea, that’s a funny/stupid article.
  
  “the Pedroias, Becketts, Lesters, Papelbons and Youkili … ”
  
  Heh.
- http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
  
  Have to give the commenters a ton of credit, they tear him to shreds.
  - http://mystiqueandaura.com/ JMK the Overshare’s Mystique and Aura
    
    Yeah, but he’s probably in the Shaughnessy crowd. Most Boston fans think of him as a hack. Hopefully they feel the same way about our new favorite man of Boston (with respect to Bill ‘Ali’ Simmons).
- A.D.
  
  Just wow, what a douche.
- pete
  
  I would like to point out that bexy is a woman. therefore we have also discovered women, and are hereby on thornton’s level now. well done. neat-o gang
  
  (high fives)
  - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
    
    but did you discover beer and sunlight yet, LOSER????
    - Nigel Bangs
      
      is sun light a beer? we can kill two birds with one stone!
Johan Iz My Brohan

Does anyone else have this problem with the new YES bar?

On the navigation bar, the image right next to ‘shop’ is missing… it is just a blank white space. I refreshed the page, emptied the cache, etc… and it still is missing.
- Stryker
  
  yeah it’s like that for me as well using firefox. not sure about chrome or IE.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    It works fine for me on my Mac running Firefox, but it’s all screwy on the iPhone (Safari, I presume).
  - Johan Iz My Brohan
    
    I’m using Safari, but it doesn’t work on Firefox for me either.
- http://mystiqueandaura.com/ JMK the Overshare’s Mystique and Aura
  
  i wouldn’t call it a problem—there’s nothing there. Maybe just a formatting quirk.
  
  If there’s an issue, it’s probably best to send a note to the guys using the Submit A Tip box toward the right.
- Jose
  
  The issue he is referring to is the white space. It appears as the navigation bar cuts off after “shop” rather than smoothly end with the gray as it does on the left side of the navigation bar. It is an aesthetic problem.
Chip

The reason it’s mostly the Yankees and Reds, Jeter and Morgan can be argued to be the best offensive forces ever at their positions. Morgan’s 12-win season is incredible.
- WIlliam
  
  I would probably rank Arod as the best hitter at his position ever, and he’s better then Jeter.
  - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
    
    Honus Wagner says ‘sup.
    - Jose
      
      From 1994-2003 (the years he was a SS) Arod had a 144 OPS+. Honus Wagner had a career 150 OPS+. His top 3 OPS+ seasons are 205, 187, 186. Arod’s are 176, 173, 162. Honus Wagner was amazing.
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        Also:
        
        http://www.baseball-reference......ar01.shtml
        
        The forgotten great shortstop.
        
        Jose
        
        I really think he would be remembered if he hadn’t missed those 3 years. Maybe been around 2500 hits?
  - WIlliam
    
    I actually wasn’t talking about SS, though looking back, I can see how you construed it that way. I was talking about 3rd.
    - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
      
      Ah. Yeah, I thought you were talking about SS.
      
      A-Rod is a good choice for 3B. Off the top of my head, so is Mike Schmidt.
      
      A-Rod as a 3B: .300/.401/.567/.968, 152 OPS+
      Schmidt, career: .267/.380/.527/.908, 147 OPS+
      Schmidt, peak (1974-1987): .274/.387/.546/.933, 153 OPS+
      - WIlliam
        
        I don’t really see how those two lines compare. A-rod seems far superior.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        Allow me to restate the lines. Emphasis mine:
        
        A-Rod as a 3B: .300/.401/.567/.968, 152 OPS+
        Schmidt, career: .267/.380/.527/.908, 147 OPS+
        Schmidt, peak (1974-1987): .274/.387/.546/.933, 153 OPS+
http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)

Retail therapy works, people
- Jose
  
  Until it leads to oniomania.
- http://twitter.com/riddering Riddering
  
  For the poorer among us, a tip:
  
  Shoplifting therapy is less effective.
Tommy

You think we can get a fifth fantasy league going? I keep missing out?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  If someone wants to be a commissioner, sure.
  - Tommy
    
    I’ll be the commissioner if no one else will. I’ve been the commish of several fantasy baseball leagues on yahoo before so it wouldn’t be a huge deal for me.
    - Jose
      
      You could also potentially join this one: http://riveraveblues.com/2010/.....ent-799651
http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size

(stands and applauds Jamal G.)

BTW, I love the Chinese Zodiac references, nice touch. And it makes me expect big things from one currently disgraced but soon to triumphantly return Eldrick Tont Woods, because guess what 2010 is?

That’s right… the year of the Tiger. The Yang (male) Metal Tiger, no less.

Eldrick’s coming back HARD, baby!
- Devil In A Blue Cap
  
  Eldrick’s coming back HARD, baby!
  
  TWSS.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    http://www.theonion.com/conten....._return_to
    
    Still awesome.
    - Devil In A Blue Cap
      
      That is amazing.
http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)

So who wants to give me a ticket to the Big East tourney tomorrow?
http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H

How the hell can Thornton write an article bashing Theo’s methods. They went 86 years without a title, have won two with Theo at the helm, yet they question him going forward. I just can’t fathom how little sense that makes.
- Jose
  
  I’m starting the official bring back Grady Little campaign.
  - Johan Iz My Brohan
    
    I hear Bill Bavasi is looking for a GM job, any chance Theo gives his job to Bavasi?
    - Jose
      
      I want someone with no GM experience who previously left a bitter taste in the Red Sox mouth.
- http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
  
  Oh, and this is the guy writing a column about geeks?
  
  http://www.weei.com/sites/defa.....ure-33.jpg (safe)
  - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
    
    SO HOT
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
      
      (douses bexy with a firehose to sate her raging libido)
      - pete
        
        “douses bexy with a firehose”
        
        ok tsjc we get it. you’re huge. no need to rub it in our faces. Or bexy’s for that matter
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        It’s a gift and a curse.
  - http://twitter.com/riddering Riddering
    
    Apparently he’s knee deep in pussy, fine spirits, and classic automobiles.
    
    Meanwhile, Theo has to pay for it.
WIlliam

Does anybody with master Googling skills know the record single season WAR total? I know Ruth has the record for all time.
- pete
  
  i think it was ruth with 14.0 at one point. Bonds had 13.9 in 04.
http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Today in the car I heard Kay talk about possible restructuring on leagues. I said it wasn’t necessary at all but my dad who is a Mets fan says baseball is the most unfair sport with no parity with the Yankees winning “all the time.”

I said that was ridiculous. The Yankees have 27 World Championships in let’s say in at least 110 years. That’s not all the time and smaller market teams are still making the playoffs and different teams are doing this.

So I was proceeded in being called a stupid Yankee fan who doesn’t know anything when the “facts” are in my face. He told me to grow up and to stop acting on a “high horse” when I don’t know anything.

Normally I wouldn’t care but my dad needs to chill.
- http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)
  
  Well, winning one WS every four years, on average, is kind of insane.
  
  I love it, though.
- Jose
  
  Which team is he a fan of? The Anything-but-the-Yankees?
  - http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ
    
    1. Mets
    2-29. Anyone but the Yankees
    30. Evil Empire
- king of fruitless hypotheticals
  
  email him the RAB url :)
- http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
  
  the Yankees win the World Series and all of a sudden it’s OMG WE HAVE TO RESTRUCTURE THE LEAGUES EVERYTHING IS SO WRONG
- http://twitter.com/riddering Riddering
  
  1996 seems so long ago.
Salty Buggah

I know someone here was looking for this the other day (don’t know if they found it. It’s Heywards HR

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....id=7182407
http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H

Question from Callis’ chat today:

Ryan (Milwaukee)
Prince Fielder for Jesus Montero who says no this summer assuming that the Yanks are in it and the Brewers aren’t?
Jim Callis
(2:13 PM)
That’s a good question. If I’m the Brewers, I want more than one prospect (even an elite prospect) for Fielder. If I’m the Yankees, admittedly money is no object, but Fielder would be locked into DH if I re-signed him. Montero has a chance to play catcher (though I’m dubious he’ll be an asset back there) and might be just as productive as Fielder in time. So while I’m intrigued, I’m not sure either team pulls the trigger on that one.

While Callis is right that the Yankees wouldn’t pull the trigger, I think his reasoning is a little off, in that he says money is not an object for the Yankees. Not only is that not true, but any money spent on Fielder would come from somewhere else. So if Montero, as a DH like Fielder would be, can provide 75% of Fielder’s production at a tiny fraction of the cost, it’s pretty easy to see that Montero+Lee/Beckett/FA pitcher>>>>>>>Fielder
- Jose
  
  Maybe I’m crazy, but I just don’t want anything to do with Prince Fielder for a long-term contract.
  - http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)
    
    You’re not crazy.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
      
      alex gonzalez…. THAT NUTJOB was crazy, but you, Jose, you’re good money.
  - http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
    
    You might be crazy for other reasons, but I have to agree on the Fielder long term contract issue, especially as a DH. If all he had to do was show up and swing the bat 4 times a game, I can’t imagine his conditioning would improve.
    - http://mystiqueandaura.com/ JMK the Overshare’s Mystique and Aura
      
      What if he cuts tequila out of his diet?
  - Cecala
    
    I completely agree, who wants player that would only be a full time DH in a few more seasons. In a perfect world, the Sox miss out on A-Gon and sign Fielder to a bloated contract.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
  
  So if Montero, as a DH like Fielder would be, can provide 75% of Fielder’s production at a tiny fraction of the cost, it’s pretty easy to see that Montero+Lee/Beckett/FA pitcher>>>>>>>Fielder
  
  Repeated for emphasis.
  
  Also, if you think Montero has questions about where he’ll play (or how productive he’ll be) due to body type, wait until we get a load (pun intended) of Prince Fielder.
- Accent Shallow
  
  I’m not really sure I want Lee or Beckett, either.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    Still, though:
    
    Montero + Lee/Beckett/the uncommitted financial flexibility to sign a better option once one hits the market >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Prince Fielder all by himself
http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size

From Steve in the adjacent thread:

It really depends on who they could have replaced Beckett with. Had they not taken on Beckett and Lowell’s contracts, they certainly would have had money to play with, along with the huge upgrade at SS.

Had the Sox not traded Hanley for Beckett, they presumably would have gone in heavy on the SP free agent market in the winter of 2005-2006 when the deal went down. Whom might they have signed? The headliners of that market, and the contracts they inked:

Kevin Millwood (leaving CLE, going to TEX): 4yr/48M
Kenny Rogers (leaving TEX, going to DET): 2yr/16M
Jarrod Washburn (leaving LAA, going to SEA): 4yr/38M
Esteban Loaiza (leaving WAS, going to OAK): 3yr/21M
Matt Morris (leaving STL, going to SFG): 3yr/27M

and…

A.J. Burnett (leaving FLA, going to TOR): 5yr/55M

I think we have our winner. Had the Sox not traded HanRam for Beckett, they probably would have gone in heavy and outbid J.P. Riccardi for the services of A.J. Burnett.

HanRam and Burnett (and Anibal Sanchez) >>>>>>>>>>>>> Beckett by himself
- Jose
  
  I can’t imagine HanRam mashing at Fenway. You have to remember Lowell’s contribution. Even though he was a through-in due to money obligations he still brought a lot of value.
  - Accent Shallow
    
    Why not?
    
    Ramirez is a right-handed power hitter, which is exactly the kind of player you want in Fenway. He was RoY in 2006, and got downballot MVP support in ’07.
    
    I don’t know who plays 3B for them (Youkilis?), but who cares, when you have someone like that at short.
    
    Maybe they don’t win the ’07 title, but that is a damn good team.
    - Jose
      
      You misunderstand. I can’t imagine not because I don’t think he would be able to, rather that it is a terrifying thought to put someone with his talent anywhere near that hitters park.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
      
      Solution:
      
      Move Mark Loretta (whom they also signed that winter) to 3B, move Alex Gonzalez (the incumbent SS) to 2B.
      
      Boom. Just that easy.
http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)

….Holy shit, I got Final Jeopardy right and it was a total guess!

Thank you, The Perfect Storm!!!
- http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
  
  I’m impressed. I had NO IDEA.
- thurdonpaul
  
  how much did you bet ?
  - http://www.puristbleedspinstripes.com Rebecca-Optimist Prime (Optimovelist Primus)
    
    all of it, duh.
    - thurdonpaul
      
      Good job :) You sharing ?
http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size

Torii Hunter pulls a Gary Sheffield:

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-.....id=4983236
- Jose
  
  “Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips?”
  
  Fact: I can be purchased for a bag of chips. Most likely fried plantains.
- thurdonpaul
  
  Maybe him and Ronan Tynon can share a house together.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    Meh, what Tynan said and what Sheffield/Hunter said isn’t quite the same.
    
    Sheffield/Hunter are boversimplifying, but there is a shred of truth to their comments: there most certainly are instances where Latino players are exploited/taken advantage of due to their language barrier, status as foreign citizens, and/or desire to leave their island homes and escape poverty. They’re probably wrong when they say that exploitation of young Latino players are somehow linked to discrimination specifically against black players (more likely, it’s Latino foreign nationals v. all American-born citizens regardless of race), but the central underlying premise has merit.
    
    Tynan implying that he didn’t want to live near Jews… that’s much more dubious. He’s not trying to address what he thinks is a racial injustice, he’s just saying he doesn’t like living around Jews.
    - thurdonpaul
      
      After re-reading the article, I must admit you are correct.
    - http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
      
      No, that’s not what happened. Tynan simply referred to some women whose names he didn’t know, that he only knew as “the Jewish ladies” by a previous RE Broker. The previous broker said they were very fussy and wouldn’t want to live near a singer who’s practicing all day long. That was the “scary” part. If you read his account, they matched up well with the one the press ran with and it was pretty clear the whole thing was just a misunderstanding. Tynan also apologized profusely, worked with the ADL, and even Abe Foxman was satisfied with his efforts.
      
      Hunter basically told everyone to go fuck themselves today, that he did nothing wrong (which he did) and owes nobody an apology. There’s really no comparison whatsoever.
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        Okay, perhaps I was too hard on Tynan.
        
        You’re way too hard on Hunter, though. What he said and what you just said he said are not remotely close.
        
        http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
        
        To be fair, I’m going on what I heard driving home today. I got home about a half hour ago. I’ll check into it further and see if it was being sensationalized. But the stuff I heard was being read verbatim, in the context of the article written.
        
        By all previous accounts, Hunter is one of the not just good, but nicest guys in all of baseball. Could be he has a blind spot, or could be these stories are true. I’ll check into it further.
        
        http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
        
        OK, Just read the ESPN and USA Today stories. Now it all matches up. He did clarify his remarks in the ESPN story, which was quoted from this blog piece:
        
        http://toriihunter.mlblogs.com/
        
        But he still should throw in an apology for anyone who was offended. He admits it was a poor choice of words. That’s his fault, not Bob Nightengales. It’s just the right thing to do.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        Oh, sure, of course.
- Accent Shallow
  
  I just want the highest quality of competition possible — that means new markets (like Jamaica, or Bolivia, if you have your way), and more American kids — whether they’re from suburban Connecticut or Compton.
- http://twitter.com/riddering Riddering
  
  The problem with his statement* is that IFA signings for impact players are usually more costly than signing a player a team has drafted.
  
  *(Well, one of many problems)
  
  And he better watch out talking smack about Boras. Next time he’s up to bat, Boras will be right behind him. Watching. Waiting.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    Next time he’s up to bat, Boras will be right behind him. Watching. Waiting.
    
    http://ckelly.typepad.com/.a/6.....970c-500wi (safe)
    - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
      
      that was my favorite part of all the playoff games in Anaheim
http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

Here’s 2 candidates for best infield ever

1997 Indians
1B-Jim Thome
2B-Tony Fernandez
SS-Omar Vizquel
3B-Matt Williams
C-Sandy Alomar

1938 Yankees
1B-Lou Gehrig (HOF)
2B-Joe Gordon (HOF)
SS-Frank Crosetti
3B-Red Rolfe
C-Bill Dickey (HOF)

http://www.baseball-reference......1938.shtml
- http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
  
  I love that 38 team. Going player by player with the 09 Yanks I’d guess they have the 09 team beat by a small margin at 3 of the 5 positions (Gehrig/Gordon/Dickey). But 38 gets beat at SS and destroyed at 3B, so 09 may still take it. Good one to kick around, though.
- Jose
  
  I think the ’82 Brewers were better than the ’38 Yankees.
  - http://theyankeeu.com Moshe Mandel
    
    Jamal will be posting an update later, because the 82 Brewers actually out-WAR the discussed clubs. However, they didnt match up in the other metrics he used, which is why they are not on his list. Still, a great infield plus catcher.
    - Jose
      
      Interesting. Great job doing the research guys.
      - http://theyankeeu.com Moshe Mandel
        
        It was all Jamal. All I did was post it and mention those Brewers. That’s it.
  - http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
    
    That’s a really good one.
    
    1B-Cecil Cooper
    2B-Ron Gantner
    SS-Robin Yount
    3B-Paul Molitor
    C-Ted Simmons
    
    http://www.baseball-reference......82+Brewers
    
    Cooper OPS+ 142, Yount 166. I’m going to post this over at TYU for Jamal.
    - Jose
      
      They even had a backup catcher nearly as good as their starter.
- Accent Shallow
  
  Why the ’97 Indians? They have three guys (Williams, Fernandez, Vizquel) who have offensive issues. No, that’s the infield of a good/great team, but best of all time?
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    Yeah, seconded. The 1997 Indians team falls far, far short of the elite grouping.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
      
      (Now, the 1995 Indians entire lineup top-to-bottom, that may be one of the best starting 9’s in baseball history, but that’s a separate convo.)
      
      http://www.baseball-reference......1995.shtml
      - Jose
        
        If only the ’31 Yankees had a DH.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        No doubt.
      - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
        
        hahahhaa Manny batting seventh. I know this was young Manny, but that still makes me laugh.
      - http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
        
        Albert Bell is such a fucking HOFer it’s not even funny. I don’t care who he pissed off in the media, and it’s silly that even is a factor. He had 8 or 9 of the best seasons of his era.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        From 1991-2000, Albert Belle averaged 77 extra-base hits per year.
        
        Accent Shallow
        
        You know all the shit that was written about Jim Rice and “fear”? Well, if he was half as scary as Albert Belle . . .
        
        http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
        
        or played in Fenway.
http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size

From the “Stat Geeks Will Inherit The Earth” traveshamockery of an article:

[The Stat Geeks are] like the Communist Party plotting to take over Hollywood in the 1950s before Ronald Reagan got wise to them and kicked their pinko butts all the way back to Moscow and Harvard Square. Only, instead of trying to write screenplays full of anti-capitalists rants, the Stat Geeks have succeeded in making otherwise normal, decent, God-fearin’ Americans start talking about VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) ratings and UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) numbers like they really believe in this nonsense.

Hang on a sec, lemme get this straight:

A) In the epic House Un-American Activities Committee/Joe McCarthy/SWG v. Dalton Trumbo, Paul Robeson, Lillian Hellman et. al battle, the blacklisted “Communists” were the bad guys and the HUAC/McCarthy/SWG were the good guys? Um… yeah, maybe not.
B) Ronald Reagan lead the great Hollywood Blacklist of the 1950s? He’s the one who “kicked the pinkos back to Moscow and Harvard Square”? Really?

Really? He wasn’t just a relatively mid-level player in the whole affair, using his presidency of SAG to harrass people and providing testimony to Congress but ultimately serving as just one of Rep. Hart/Sen. McCarthy’s many lapdogs?

Yeah… no.
- pete
  
  i just love anything that mocks intelligence. always funny. “kicked the pinkos back to Moscow and Harvard Square”
  
  Those damn Harvard students! Trying to use all there damn brains on us! Trying to get us to change! Geeks! Go to a gym!
  
  also the way he talks about women in that article is laughably sophomoric for a middle-aged man. It would not surprise me if 95% of all human contact he ever has outside of work is with men, and probably pretty “greasy” geeky men too
- http://iheartrerun.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/rerun.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
  
  Oh you didn’t hear? Joe McCarthy is actually quite the popular fellow these days.
  
  http://www.rightwingnews.com/i.....oulter.php
  http://www.prospect.org/cs/art.....g_mccarthy
  - http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7121919 Devil In A Blue Cap
    
    I’m afraid to click any link that has anncoulter in it.
    - http://iheartrerun.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/rerun.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
      
      Ha, fair enough. I guess you don’t even need to bother reading that stuff to know how a certain segment of the country feels about McCarthyism, what with the whole “Al-Qaeda 7″ issue in the news lately.
      
      The second link I listed above won’t liquify your brain, btw. It’s an article by Josh Marshall. It’s a bit old, but relevant.
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        Ann Coulter: Communism is like vegetarianism in that it’s actually not very healthy for most people but leftists continue to defend it because it seems like the thing to do.
        
        /boversimplified
        
        And, dare I say it:
        /SSS’d
YankeesJunkie

For anyone else that wants to join a fantasy league I am starting one up. It is 20 teams (five filled) and roto. Here is the site to the page.

http://baseball.fantasysports......0/settings

League Number: 411990
Password: Yankees28

I would be willing change up the stats and the settings and be the commish of the fifth league aswell.
Devil In A Blue Cap

Those Reds’ teams were absolutely ridiculous though. And Joe Morgan might be one of the most underrated players ever–there really isn’t a way to overrate him. If only he weren’t such an awful analyst.
- http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
  
  I remember one time on the JoeChat or whatever, someone asked Joe Morgan if Chase Utley was the greatest second baseman of all time. My reaction was OH SHIT!.
  
  Joe Morgan really was a totally insane player.
  - YankeesJunkie
    
    Usually when you are asking whether someone is the best at their position and they are only halfway through their career is stupid, but COME ON!!!
  - http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
    
    Joe Morgan really was a totally insane player.
    
    The lowest OBP he put up in a full season was .351.
    - http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
      
      Imagine that production at 2B. You could play Brett Gardner at 1B and still be fine.
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        In the three year stretch from 1974-1976, Morgan lead the league in OBP each year, walked a total of 366 times and stole 185 bases.
        
        http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
        
        Yeah, somebody posted that in one season he stole more bases than he struck out, which is insane. Talk about productive.
        
        http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        He actually stole more bases than he struck out in four separate seasons: ’72, ’73, ’75, ’76.
        
        His vital-line over that 5 year peak from ’72-’76:
        .303/.431/.499 (163+).
        
        From second base.
        
        :: head explodes ::
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    Joe Morgan really was a totally insane player.
    
    No, Joe Morgan was actually a very sane player. He’s a totally insane analyst, though.
    - http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
      
      Oh ha, ha.
    - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
      
      heh, well done. (twss)
- YankeesJunkie
  
  The numbers he put up between age 28-32 is just ridiculous. Also, his power speed numbers for his position and era are stunning no wonder he was in the top five of the MVP race for five consecutive years.
- Accent Shallow
  
  A 2.5 BB/K ratio? Absurd.
  - http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7121919 Devil In A Blue Cap
    
    For a pitcher? Meh…
    
    Oh holy fuck, you mean he did that as a batter?!
    
    *goes to baseball-reference*
    
    *stares incredulously*
http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

So when did this whole Nomar-on-steroids thing start? Was I totally ignorant of this?
- http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
  
  I think people just assumed because of the Sports Illustrated cover and the injuries he had throughout his career. Plus, I think he said something like “I didn’t take the steroid test out of VALIANT PROTEST but I am on the list because I didn’t take the test,” which is a BS excuse.
  
  But I don’t think he’s any more or less guilty than anyone else.
  - http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
    
    Interesting.
    
    Whatevs. I’m way over the whole ‘roids thing.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
      
      One thing is for sure, though: He didn’t start using until after he left the Red Sox. That’s 100% certain. Book it. There’s simply no way steroids would have been allowed in that Red Sox clubhouse; the team leaders care about the game way too much to let that happen.
      
      For Diamond Cutters, I’m Peter Gammons, ESPN.
      - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
        
        http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=2055896
        
        I think this is from 2005, based on various comments throughout the article. Anyway, heh. At one point, does he imply MOOSE was on steroids? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think anyone is beyond suspicion, but don’t just be like “hey look at the New York player that wasn’t throwing as hard early.”
        
        Boston’s “big three” of Arroyo, Tim Wakefield and Matt Clement started the year 11-1.
        I am so awful, but I am actually laughing at that.
  - http://theyankeeu.com Moshe Mandel
    
    Nomar never actually said that. He said there were some players who did that, but Im pretty sure he didnt actually say that he was one of them.
    - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
      
      You’re right:
      http://www.nesn.com/2009/07/ne.....tions.html
      
      “There were literally guys who said, ‘I’m not taking it. Go ahead and put me positive because I want the number to be above [the requirement to warrant steroid testing in baseball],’ because they wanted steroid testing,” he said.
      I think I only saw the quote in the quote and thought he was talking about himself.
YankeesJunkie

Marion Jones, disgraced track star is going to the WNBA.

The bigger shock is that WNBA still exists, but still.

http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba.....id=4982240
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
  
  The saddest part of the story: a disgraced track star joining the WNBA is easily the best thing to ever happen to the WNBA.
  - Jose
    
    Lisa Leslie was pretty cool.
    - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
      
      Who?
      
      (semi-kidding)
  - YankeesJunkie
    
    I don’t think it will make too much of a splash unless you are a WNBA fan or in the Tulsa area for whom she signed for. Women’s basketball is getting more coverage the last three years, which is good for the sport, but I don’t know if it is good for the average fan. Personally, I would rather see a sport like American and International soccer get more coverage.
    - Mike HC
      
      The most I have heard about womens ball was when that 6’8” girl connected on that haymaker.
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7121919 Devil In A Blue Cap

So, I’ve been weighing for a while if it’s worth it to play fantasy baseball. I’m crazy detail-oriented and very competitive, and I’m the kind of person who tends to procrastinate too much, so I’ve stayed away from it. But is there a way to put together a decent fantasy team without going overboard with it, or do you guys think that I should just give up on the whole concept?
- Mike HC
  
  In the time it took you to write that comment, you could have made the necessary adjustments to your team. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but if you have 10 minutes a day, that is all you need. All of the statistics and research is so easily accessible and sortable that even that does not take that long.
- YankeesJunkie
  
  You could always buy a book that does the rankings for you and then you should good for the most part. All you do is decide who you want to draft in what round, etc.
- andrew
  
  If you’re in a league of casual fans, you can compete with only checking the league once or twice a week just to set your pitching roster. If you happen to play in a competitive league where owners are checking everyday and on top of the waiver wire, it may be harder to keep up.
Hey ZZ

Question for the B-Jobbers of the world.

When he hits FA in 4 years why is it assumed he will re-sign with the Yankees to be “Mo’s heir” if he is given the opportunity to start somewhere else?
- YankeesJunkie
  
  Hopefully, four years from now this whole mess will be done with. Joba will either be a definitive starter or reliever. Another four years of this might kill me.
  - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
    
    And hopefully during that time Mike Francesa suffers a massive aneurysm while berating a caller and while the surgeons are able to save his life and allow him to live to a normal age with no ill-effects, they accidentally nick a nerve that controls his larynx function, rendering him mute and ending his radio career but entitling him to a hefty malpractice settlement so that he doesn’t lose any income.
    
    (I’m kidding… maybe.)
    - http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
      
      Sheesh, you’re no Sean Penn.
    - thurdonpaul
      
      Your a big fan of his, I can tell. lol
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        I tend not to not care for public figures with large, far-reaching media platforms who actively and repeatedly make their listening/reading audience markedly stupider, whether they’re doing it intentionally or not.
        
        thurdonpaul
        
        I feel the same way and I will include the Hollywood folks in there too.
http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ

Anyone think Strasburg will pitch in the majors this year?
- Hangoverologist
  
  I think he’s ready, but the Nats might wanna delay his FA clock by keeping him in the minors until May. Some more seasoning at AAA would also help Strasburg a bit more.
- http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
  
  Of course he will, just not right away.
- YankeesJunkie
  
  Yes. 100% unless he gets injured. However, I don’t think it will be until May. My guess though is he gets at least 100 IP in the majors in 2010.
  - http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ
    
    Alright I drafted him in the late rounds since he was available. Thanks everyone.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
  
  Yup. June, right after his arb clock is pushed back a year. By the July, their rotation should be Lannan-Marquis-Olsen-Strasburg-Stammen, with Wang ready to take Stammen’s spot sometime post-ASB.
- Mike HC
  
  It will probably depend on performance and/or usage limitations, but my guess is that he will pitch some major league innings (probably so the team can make some money).
Brooklyn Ed

QUESTION TO THOSE WHO WENT TO SPRING TRAINING BEFORE

I’m acutally going to spring training for the first time in my life next week. The question is, will the players stay after the game to work out or something?
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
  
  Every day, they pick a name and let everyone who has that name come hang out with them in the clubhouse all day.
  
  Tuesday is “Ed” day.
  - Brooklyn Ed
    
    lol hahas, good one dude.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa
  
  No, they’ll get out of there like the stadium is on fire. Get there early, that’s when they get their work in.
http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/new.....100310-akd

Can’t wait for those unsalted fries.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama

I was rereading Jon Heyman’s MVP and etc. ballot from 2009 and I would just like to remind everyone of one of his votes for Rookie of the Year:

3. Andrew Bailey, A’s: Big-time numbers, but let’s face it: He’s a closer on a loser.
Wowwwwww
- http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
  
  Par for the course with Jon. His career is based on being Scott Boras’ water boy, not his analysis.
- http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
  
  Who was his #1 vote?
  - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
    
    Porcello
    
    Became rare 20-year-old to win at least 14 games (Dwight Gooden was another) and pitched beautifully in the deciding game at the Metrodome. Plus, whipped Youkilis.
    
    The last sentence fragment there is the best part of the entire article.
    - http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
      
      http://guyism.com/2009/08/rick.....kilis.html
      
      Kevin forgot his purse, so he used his helmet instead.
      - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
        
        All of you are probably Yankees fans or extremely dumb. If you are the first, then you are the latter, as well. You’re totally biased with everything you’re saying and aren’t able to realize that Porcello’s a huge pussy that can only speak through his pitches and that it just looks like Youk lost the fight because of that shitty ass “HD” picture
        
        Go Sox
        
        Hahaha LOVE this in the comments too:
        mutual takedown
        
        signed,
        
        peter gammons
- http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
  
  I stopped reading him altogether a few weeks back. The constant “I can’t believe the Yankees showed 0 interest in clutch Johnny Damon” nonsense was the last straw.
http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H

God (Heaven)
Jesus Montero or me? Your deification of yet another overhyped Yankees prospect is troubling: beware the worshipping of false idols.

Jim Callis(2:28 PM)
Yeah you know me, Yankees fans are always complaining about how I overhype their prospects. Heyward and Montero are easily the two best all-around hitters (average, power, OBP) in the minors.

I laughed.
- http://www.theyankeeu.com/ Nostra-Artist
  
  I just pray he can stick behind the plate.
  - http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
    
    Even if he can’t, they’ll still hold on to him.
    
    /dead horse’d
http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H

Joe Morgan only got 81.8% of the HOF vote. Wow.

Yet what’s worse than that is Lou Whitaker being his #1 similar player on B-Ref, and he didn’t even stick on the ballot. These writers are just so beyond stupid it’s not even funny.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
  
  Lou Whitaker’s career WAR is 69.5, good for 55th all time.
  
  Higher than Brooks Robinson, Luke Appling, Tony Gwynn, Duke Snider, Carlton Fisk, Barry Larkin, Eddie Murray, Gary Carter, Willie McCovey, Craig Biggio, Manny Ramirez, Gary Sheffield, Mark McGwire, Ernie Banks, and (for the moment) Derek Jeter.
  
  http://www.baseballprojection.com/war/top500.htm
  - http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
    
    And can’t get 5%???????
- Jose
  
  I wish Charlie Hustle could be in the HOF.
  - Accent Shallow
    
    I think it’ll happen.
    
    Posthumously, though.
Joe from NC

Hey guys,

I’m about to start my fantasy baseball draft in the next 10 minutes..I have the 4th pick. Any thoughts? Utley? Braun? Arod (if available?) This is my first fantasy baseball go-around…so if anyone has any pointers on what a good approach is to drafting, I would greatly appreciate it!
- http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
  
  Utley, if available, for sure.
  - Joe from NC
    
    Thats what I was thinking. What’s your advice on drafting pitchers? Do you find your number one guy…then wait for bargains at the late round?
    - http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ
      
      Draft them later on. Like 6th or 7th pick. Stock up on hitters first. There’s plenty of pitching available afterward.
      - Joe from NC
        
        Thanks.
        Are there any guys that you think will be major sleepers this year?
        
        http://www.thechuckknoblog.com/ JobaWockeeZ
        
        Joba, Price, Buchholz, Sheets, Carlos Quentin, and Geovany Soto at the top of my head.
- http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
  
  A-Rod or Utley. Braun will (likely) put up better numbers than Utley, but due to his position holds a lot more value.
http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno

So my midterm today was open book. Best surprise ever.
- http://iheartrerun.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/rerun.jpg The Honorable Congressman Mondesi
  
  Did you study for it as if it wasn’t going to be open-book, though? That can make it a pleasant but annoying surprise.
  - http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
    
    Yeah, I did, so the book was more of a crutch than anything else.
    
    Funny open book story: My sophomore year at UConn, I showed up for a final quite early–about 20 minutes–to find most of my classmates there, with their books in hand. I was unaware it was an open book test. So (and UConn people will appreciate this because they’ll know the distance) I ran–in slippers, mind you–from CLAS (English Dept. Building) to Alumni and back just in time to start the test.
  - http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0902/mlb.alex.rodriguez.through.the.years/images/1993.alex-rodriguez.jpg Drew
    
    Heh, I was always mad when I studied diligently only to come to class and be told the test is open book.
- http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
  
  That rules but as Mondesi said, if you didn’t know it was open-book and studied for it, it can be frustrating. I’m sure you’ll take the frustration though. :)
  
  I always enjoyed when we were allowed to take “one piece of paper” in with us to take a test, and everyone wrote in the tiniest handwriting ever to cram everything on the paper. Heh.
- Jose
  
  An open book test? That is such crap. I never had one of those.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama

If y’all haven’t been reading Sports Pickle’s “previews” of the various teams, you really should. Here’s an example:
http://www.sportspickle.com/ar.....10-preview
STARTING PITCHING … Ace Johan Santana is as good as there is. But after Santana in the rotation it’s Mike Pelfrey (5.03 ERA, 1.51 WHIP), John Maine (4.43 ERA), and Oliver Perez (6.82 ERA, 1.92 WHIP). And that’s it. Many have called the Mets rotation hopeless. But obviously New York’s brass sees something in these guys because there is absolutely no one else. And I mean nowhere. Not in the bullpen. Not in the minors. Nowhere. Not a Plan-B. Not a safety net. Not an experimental option. Nothing. Zero. These are legitimately the four best guys the Mets can possibly put on the mound at the start of a game. Really. Mets management must be extremely confident in them. That’s the only explanation. Right?
- http://theyankeeu.com Matt Imbrogno
  
  Woo!
  
  Seriously, Jerry and Omar, turn Mejia into a reliever. It can only help that lack of SP depth.
  - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
    
    but he’s the next Mariano Rivera!!!
- A.D.
  
  Ahhh, sports pickle gold.
Andy In Sunny Daytona

@GordonEdes 2 HRs for Ellsbury today, and it’s only the 4th

I can’t believe that Tacoby was able to hit 2 HR’s by the 4TH inning. What an amazing player! The first time in history that a player has hit 2 home runs by the……What?……..that’s not true?
- A.D.
  
  Next you’re going to tell me someone hit 2 HR in an inning.
  - Andy In Sunny Daytona
    
    Gordon Edes has the early makings of THE greatest fan ever.
  - Jose
    
    Does anyone remember a batter hitting two home runs in an inning off the same pitcher? Or did that not happen.
    - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
      
      I’m not sure if you’re being sarcastic, but if you’re not:
      http://www.baseball-reference......4230.shtml
      That’s the all-time record for RBI in an inning, IIRC.
      - Jose
        
        Thanks. Yeah I totally blanked.
        
        http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
        
        yw. Did I mention that the “the cocaine snorting of the Keith Hernandezes and Doc Goodens has been replaced by the injuries of the Jose Reyeses and Carlos Beltrans” line STILL makes me randomly think of it and laugh like four days later?
    - http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
      
      Even better, it was two grand slams in the same inning by Fernando Tatis off of the one and only Chan Ho Park.
      - Jose
        
        Thanks. It just wasn’t coming to me.
      - Accent Shallow
        
        DFA plz.
        
        How many times has Edwar given up multiple grand slams in an inning?
        
        That’s right.
- http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
  
  Too bad it’s spring training, he was on pace to at least tie the major league record for HR’s in a game, and likely would have beaten it.
  
  However, as we have learned this offseason, Tacoby simply falls short of Mike Cameron in everything he does.
  - http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
    
    a. holy crap
    b. yeah well did Cameron steal home against the Yankees? no? he sucks then.
  - Jose
    
    He was close to hitting 5. He was hit in the 7th by a pitch, and in the 9th he hit a deep line drive to right but it wasn’t enough.
    - http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
      
      They were all solo. He’s simply not a run producer. Jason Bay had 119 RBI last year, that can’t be replaced.
      
      /95% of Red Sox Nation
      - Jose
        
        Mike Cameron is selfish. He should have just gotten on base and allowed someone else to get the RBIs.
        
        http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
        
        You’re half right. He should have gotten on base by way of a base hit. Had he gotten on base by a walk, it would not have helped his batting average, therefore it would not have been productive.
Accent Shallow

http://riveraveblues.com/2010/.....ent-799595

Re-posting my comment from an earlier thread.
- YankeesJunkie
  
  I have no idea to say other than very good luck and obviously a lot of skill in the position as well.
theyankeewarrior

As of 10 minutes ago, I left the last comment on the “stat geek” article. I had to type quick because I was leaving my parents’ basement to go to my girlfriend’s parents’ basement (haha I know). But I thought I’d ask the mass-community of people who hate the Sox and the idiots who cover them what they think. If you get a sec, read and critique.
- http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
  
  Well done. You didn’t need to say you were a Yankee fan though, the use of full sentences, commas and periods gave it away (your name too, I guess).
http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H

So bexy, you said if an article stupid enough to be FJM’d was written, you’d consider FJM’ing it for mystique and aura, does Thornton’s article qualify?
- http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w_id=436793&w=2005/open/topplays/archive07/071405_nyabos_arod_hr_350.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2005/07/14/nyamlb-bosmlb-1&cid=mlb&am bexarama
  
  Heh. I was actually contemplating that, but it means I would have to defend the Red Sox and Theo Epstein. I do not want to do that. (cries)
  
  But I still might because I just reread the second page and holy shit my inner sort-of-feminist just punched something really hard.
  - http://www.mystiqueandaura.com Steve H
    
    Agreed on the defending Theo part. I seriously just did that yesterday to a friend of mine who brought up Cameron’s average, and how it’s no better than Alex Gonzalez’ was……
    
    For the betterment of the baseball universe, these things need to be explained.
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/music2/nyspringsteen.jpg E Street Shuffle

Does anyone here watch Psych? What the hell just happened at the end with that picture
- Meat Loaf
  
  No. Flipping. Idea.
  - http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0902/mlb.alex.rodriguez.through.the.years/images/1993.alex-rodriguez.jpg Drew
    
    I think the photo was Yang and Shawn when he was a kid. I don’t think they gave us a hint on who Yin is.
donttradecano

Tommie

Re your mock yest.

Kindle doesnt fit the Giants. Exact same play as Sintim who would probably need to play the weakside where boley is entrenched.
- http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
  
  Sergio Kindle >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  
  …
  
  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  Clint Stintim
  
  (… that’s probably not enough >’s. But my finger got tired.)
  - donttradecano
    
    once again i guess well have to agree to disagree. OLB isnt as much of a need as MLB so why take Kindle when you can take Weatherspoon or Spikes in the 2nd? They could a RB like Spiller or Iupati with 15, instead of Kindle who translates to more of a 4-3 pass rusher anyway
    - donttradecano
      
      meant DE not pass rusher
      - http://twitter.com/tsjc68 tommiesmithjohncarlos a/k/a The Large Sample Size
        
        Kindle profiles as an excellent 4-3 OLB. He’s not a 4-3 DE at all. And he’s far better than Michael Boley, who isn’t “entrenched” in anything, since he looks woefully overmatched and a borderline bust FA signing.
        
        Giants LB’s, both inside and outside:
        Michael Boley
        Danny Clark
        Clint Sintim
        Jonathan Goff
        Gerris Wilkinson
        Chase Blackburn
        
        Number of those players who are solid NFL starters and don’t need to be upgraded: 0
        
        ILB and OLB are equal areas of need. There’s no playmakers there at all. Kindle is an impact OLB and fits both a 3-4 or 4-3 OLB role equally well. He’s a very solid selection.
Rose

The article has made its arounds, and even Phillies fans don’t think it holds true.

Did you ever help them out with that VORP and WAR data they were looking for?
KTEvent

Knicks on tv? Nets on tonight? Big whoop. Don’t cheapen the Bombers by ever including those long-time losers in the same story. We’re intelligent enough to figure out what’s on, and there’re enough program selections so we’re not bored to death from sub-mediocrity. Close out with a “knock-knock” joke if you’re hurting for words.