Due to several reasons....I've moved.
Check me out at Hitting The Boards. Swear to God, it's much more active than here.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Obviously, Julio Franco is our Savior.
1 for 3 with a 2-run single plus a standing O in his first game back as a Brave? And the Braves magically stop a 3-game losing streak?
You god damn right he is.
Nice quote from The Big Lead in its daily roundup....
Atlanta 10, St. Louis 1: Watching Mike Maroth out there taking a pounding (10 runs in five innings) was like watching Apollo Creed getting destroyed by Ivan Drago. Tony LaRussa was totally Rocky, sitting on the towel, watching his friend die.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
GRANDPA'S HOME!!!
I'm not going to try and write something up for Julio's return. These guys do it so much better than I ever can.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A Quick Aside...
Normally I wouldn't (and don't think I ever have) talked about anything other than Braves baseball on this fine site, but I have to take a few minutes and make an exception.
I just read this article about how a 16-year old British girl can't wear her "chastity ring" because her school won't allow jewelry. She says its about her faith. Fine. I'm not going to get into the ethical issues or religious issues or free speech or anything of the like. This is a baseball and HUMOR blog, damnit, and I'm going to throw some humor in the way. So here's a Talking Chop message to Little Miss Chastity....
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Look, sister. You're 16 years old. It's perfectly fine to be a virgin now, hell I was too (even though I don't like admitting it) at 16. And saying that you don't want to do it because you look at your friends getting the ol' hump-n-dump from their perverted, sex crazed asshole boyfriends and you don't want to have any of that. Nothing wrong with that at all.
But unless you don't plan on going to college, or don't plan on ever consuming alcohol, good luck staying a virgin until you're married. Just remember that you're a girl. Probably since you were 12 years old, guys have been trying to get in your pants. Spare me the "but I love Jesus more" crap.
I dated someone just like you once, someone who wanted no part of either alcohol or sex until she was married, or in the case of alcohol, legal age. She's what we all call a prude. That's not a good thing.
Just become a nun and get it over with. You girls are no fun.
Matt
PS. Don't fucking steal ideas from Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Chastity BELTS are cooler anyways.
I just read this article about how a 16-year old British girl can't wear her "chastity ring" because her school won't allow jewelry. She says its about her faith. Fine. I'm not going to get into the ethical issues or religious issues or free speech or anything of the like. This is a baseball and HUMOR blog, damnit, and I'm going to throw some humor in the way. So here's a Talking Chop message to Little Miss Chastity....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Look, sister. You're 16 years old. It's perfectly fine to be a virgin now, hell I was too (even though I don't like admitting it) at 16. And saying that you don't want to do it because you look at your friends getting the ol' hump-n-dump from their perverted, sex crazed asshole boyfriends and you don't want to have any of that. Nothing wrong with that at all.
But unless you don't plan on going to college, or don't plan on ever consuming alcohol, good luck staying a virgin until you're married. Just remember that you're a girl. Probably since you were 12 years old, guys have been trying to get in your pants. Spare me the "but I love Jesus more" crap.
I dated someone just like you once, someone who wanted no part of either alcohol or sex until she was married, or in the case of alcohol, legal age. She's what we all call a prude. That's not a good thing.
Just become a nun and get it over with. You girls are no fun.
Matt
PS. Don't fucking steal ideas from Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Chastity BELTS are cooler anyways.
This Just In: Kyle Davies Sucks
Except when he's playing the Mets, here's a quick revelation: Kyle Davies sucks.
In other news, the sun rose today.
Davies didn't even RETIRE A BATTER last night. From the AP report (emphasis mine):
"The Braves had won four straight and 12 of 16, but Atlanta starter Kyle Davies (4-8) failed to record an out and faced just five batters. After Griffey's RBI, Davies walked Adam Dunn with the bases loaded, and Braves manager Bobby Cox had seen enough. Davies allowed two hits and three walks. He threw just seven strikes in 21 pitches."
33% strikes?? I haven't seen a ratio that bad since I pitched in Little League!!
Kudos to Bobby for realizing it wasn't going to get any better and just yanking him. All in all, just a total team meltdown last night...starter didn't record an out, the Braves left 14 runners on, Jeff Francoeur got ejected for crying about balls and strikes, the relievers gave up 8 runs, and 4 of those were unearned. Oy fucking vey.
"That was a pretty awful exhibition of baseball all the way around," Chipper Jones said.
No. Shit. First intelligent thing you said all year.
At least the Braves get to face an equally shitty pitcher tonight in Brandon Bronson Arroyo. He's 3-10.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Mid-Season Preview Review
For reference, here's the original post. Braves review soon to come.
Projected Standings:
1) NY Mets
2) Braves
3) Phillies
4) Marlins
5) Nationals
So far, so good. That's pretty much going as planned.
Stolen Bases by Jose Reyes: 63.
Total as of 7/16: 46. That's probably getting topped.
Total games started by Pedro and El Duque combined: 10
El Duque's already got 14. Amazingly, he's stayed healthy. -1 for me.
Games played by Chipper: 98
As of 7/16: 68. Pleasantly, this one wasn't true.....yet.
Homers hit by Andruw: 57
Let's just move on.
Howard homers: 44
As of 7/16: 22. May actually be dead on by the end of the year. We'll see.
Women beaten by Myers: 2
I have no confirmation on ONE, let alone two. Don't disappoint me!
Hanley Ramirez SB's: 67
As of 7/16: 27. Oops.
Which will be higher: Dontrelle's batting average or his BAC next time he's pulled over? I'm taking the BAC.
As of 7/16: Dontrelle's hitting .167. Easily blow-able.
Games pitched by a pitcher who I've heard of before today: 4, when John Patterson gets hurt.
It ended up being 9 so far.....because Patterson got hurt. That includes 2 by Tim Redding, whom I only know because he's from Rochester and the local papers won't get off his nuts even though he's complete shit.
Projected Standings:
1) NY Mets
2) Braves
3) Phillies
4) Marlins
5) Nationals
So far, so good. That's pretty much going as planned.
Stolen Bases by Jose Reyes: 63.
Total as of 7/16: 46. That's probably getting topped.
Total games started by Pedro and El Duque combined: 10
El Duque's already got 14. Amazingly, he's stayed healthy. -1 for me.
Games played by Chipper: 98
As of 7/16: 68. Pleasantly, this one wasn't true.....yet.
Homers hit by Andruw: 57
Let's just move on.
Howard homers: 44
As of 7/16: 22. May actually be dead on by the end of the year. We'll see.
Women beaten by Myers: 2
I have no confirmation on ONE, let alone two. Don't disappoint me!
Hanley Ramirez SB's: 67
As of 7/16: 27. Oops.
Which will be higher: Dontrelle's batting average or his BAC next time he's pulled over? I'm taking the BAC.
As of 7/16: Dontrelle's hitting .167. Easily blow-able.
Games pitched by a pitcher who I've heard of before today: 4, when John Patterson gets hurt.
It ended up being 9 so far.....because Patterson got hurt. That includes 2 by Tim Redding, whom I only know because he's from Rochester and the local papers won't get off his nuts even though he's complete shit.
Adam LaRoche Loves Him Some Pranks
From the AJC (via Deadspin via 100% Injury Rate):
"Late in June, the Pirates played the Marlins in a day game in Florida while the Braves flew in from Washington for a series. Their uniforms and other trappings had already arrived and were hung in their assigned lockers at the Marlins’ ball park. Before the Pirates checked out, LaRoche fetched some scissors and cut the crotch out of every pair of underpants in the Braves lockers, and left a note behind that said, “Let it all hang out, fellas.”"
Ohhh, boy. I knew he was always trouble. Next thing you know, he'll be traded to San Diego! I bet Maddux and Giles (either one, really...) just MISS him over there!
Oh, and I'll have a midseason preview review (does that make sense?) up soon. It's time to get with the program here, and goddamnit, I'm going to give you that program. Job be damned.
"Late in June, the Pirates played the Marlins in a day game in Florida while the Braves flew in from Washington for a series. Their uniforms and other trappings had already arrived and were hung in their assigned lockers at the Marlins’ ball park. Before the Pirates checked out, LaRoche fetched some scissors and cut the crotch out of every pair of underpants in the Braves lockers, and left a note behind that said, “Let it all hang out, fellas.”"
Ohhh, boy. I knew he was always trouble. Next thing you know, he'll be traded to San Diego! I bet Maddux and Giles (either one, really...) just MISS him over there!
Oh, and I'll have a midseason preview review (does that make sense?) up soon. It's time to get with the program here, and goddamnit, I'm going to give you that program. Job be damned.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Lozoball??
Holy crap, it's been a long time since I updated this.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, take a gander...
http://lozo.blogspot.com/2007/07/welcome-to-lozoball.html
Talking Chop will be a part of Lozoball, quite possibly the greatest fantasy baseball undertaking known to man.
And um....I think I'll be posting about the Braves more often, so I don't look like a complete idiot to the blogosphere. I have an image to keep up, you know.
Gracias to Lozo for letting me partake.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, take a gander...
http://lozo.blogspot.com/2007/07/welcome-to-lozoball.html
Talking Chop will be a part of Lozoball, quite possibly the greatest fantasy baseball undertaking known to man.
And um....I think I'll be posting about the Braves more often, so I don't look like a complete idiot to the blogosphere. I have an image to keep up, you know.
Gracias to Lozo for letting me partake.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Catching Up
Now that external pressures have finally started to calm down a bit, I can catch up on what’s going on in the land of the Chop….
- So how did we lose to the Nationals again Monday night? This was supposed to be 17-18 easy wins, instead, 2 of their 4 wins are against the Braves. I enjoyed seeing the fire out of Smoltzie last night after he was pulled, chucking his glove against the dugout wall and then playing a little keg toss with the water cooler. Why do pitchers always go after the cooler? Smoltz loses points for only using his bare hands. It would have been better had he either used the glove to knock over the cooler, or taken a bat to it…
- Uber-classy move by the Nationals to wear the Virginia Tech hats last night. Classy enough to say I wouldn’t have been ashamed had we lost to the Nats again…
Standings Watch:
- The Braves are at 9-4, ½ game ahead of the Mets, whom they play again this weekend. First off is a 2-game series in Chicago against the Cubs, who just lost Alfonso Soriano to a hamstring injury. He suddenly lands a free agent contract and gets hurt…who does he think he is, Ken Griffey Jr?
- The Phillies are even worse than the Nationals (at 3-9), and last night after some Tom Glavine pwnage, manager Charlie Manuel challenged a radio host to a fight. Good to see Philly hasn’t changed one bit since the Larry Bowa days…
Stat Pack:
- It’s good to see the Joneses (especially Chipper) heat up. Chipper hit his 4th HR last night, and currently carries a .313/.441/.583 line. Just a matter of time before he gets hurt though. Andruw on the other hand is only hitting .188, which still looking like he’s going to rob a liquor store when the Braves play in the cold. On a positive note, he has drawn 8 walks to bump his OBP to .304, or just above the Francoeur line…
- …which Francoeur is just obliterating this year. He has SIX walks in 13 games after only 23 all of last season! What the hell?? That projects to 75 walks…did the Braves take the Forrest Gump approach where the dugout has to yell “STOP!!” when he’s ready to swing at a ball in the dirt? Anyways, he leads the team with 12 RBI’s and has a .352 OBP. See Jeff, we don’t care if your average stays around .260 if you actually get on base otherwise and stay productive. And Jeff would kick my ass if he knew I just compared him (Clemson) to Forrest Gump (Alabama). Oye…
- Sticking with the SEC connections (I’m on a roll with connecting these points today), Auburn boy and all around studly man Tim Hudson finally got his head out of his ass and started pitching like we expected him to two years ago. 21 IP, 16 K, 0.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP. Mmmm, tasty.
- That vaunted bullpen, while not officially blowing any saves, hasn’t been great aside from Buffet Bob. Gonzo has given up 14 baserunners in 6 1/3 innings, Raffy Soriano has a 4.26 ERA, and everyone else is hurt and/or complete shit. Lance Cormier is due soon to come off the DL, however. We need another arm back there.
- Can someone murder Mark Redman? Please? Anything to get him off this team…
- So how did we lose to the Nationals again Monday night? This was supposed to be 17-18 easy wins, instead, 2 of their 4 wins are against the Braves. I enjoyed seeing the fire out of Smoltzie last night after he was pulled, chucking his glove against the dugout wall and then playing a little keg toss with the water cooler. Why do pitchers always go after the cooler? Smoltz loses points for only using his bare hands. It would have been better had he either used the glove to knock over the cooler, or taken a bat to it…
- Uber-classy move by the Nationals to wear the Virginia Tech hats last night. Classy enough to say I wouldn’t have been ashamed had we lost to the Nats again…
Standings Watch:
- The Braves are at 9-4, ½ game ahead of the Mets, whom they play again this weekend. First off is a 2-game series in Chicago against the Cubs, who just lost Alfonso Soriano to a hamstring injury. He suddenly lands a free agent contract and gets hurt…who does he think he is, Ken Griffey Jr?
- The Phillies are even worse than the Nationals (at 3-9), and last night after some Tom Glavine pwnage, manager Charlie Manuel challenged a radio host to a fight. Good to see Philly hasn’t changed one bit since the Larry Bowa days…
Stat Pack:
- It’s good to see the Joneses (especially Chipper) heat up. Chipper hit his 4th HR last night, and currently carries a .313/.441/.583 line. Just a matter of time before he gets hurt though. Andruw on the other hand is only hitting .188, which still looking like he’s going to rob a liquor store when the Braves play in the cold. On a positive note, he has drawn 8 walks to bump his OBP to .304, or just above the Francoeur line…
- …which Francoeur is just obliterating this year. He has SIX walks in 13 games after only 23 all of last season! What the hell?? That projects to 75 walks…did the Braves take the Forrest Gump approach where the dugout has to yell “STOP!!” when he’s ready to swing at a ball in the dirt? Anyways, he leads the team with 12 RBI’s and has a .352 OBP. See Jeff, we don’t care if your average stays around .260 if you actually get on base otherwise and stay productive. And Jeff would kick my ass if he knew I just compared him (Clemson) to Forrest Gump (Alabama). Oye…
- Sticking with the SEC connections (I’m on a roll with connecting these points today), Auburn boy and all around studly man Tim Hudson finally got his head out of his ass and started pitching like we expected him to two years ago. 21 IP, 16 K, 0.86 ERA, 0.95 WHIP. Mmmm, tasty.
- That vaunted bullpen, while not officially blowing any saves, hasn’t been great aside from Buffet Bob. Gonzo has given up 14 baserunners in 6 1/3 innings, Raffy Soriano has a 4.26 ERA, and everyone else is hurt and/or complete shit. Lance Cormier is due soon to come off the DL, however. We need another arm back there.
- Can someone murder Mark Redman? Please? Anything to get him off this team…
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Wait, what? There's baseball going on?
Stanley Cup Playoffs >>>>>> Baseball.
Hypocrisy, I know.
But watching the Sabres win a playoff game is much, MUCH better than watching the Nationals (that AAA team) beat the Braves 5-1 last night. The Braves gave some dude named Chico the win. No word on whether he hopped back over the border after the game.
Hypocrisy, I know.
But watching the Sabres win a playoff game is much, MUCH better than watching the Nationals (that AAA team) beat the Braves 5-1 last night. The Braves gave some dude named Chico the win. No word on whether he hopped back over the border after the game.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Prediction Game 4/13
Friday the 13th Games
Reds (Harang 2-0) at Cubs (Zambrano 1-1) 2:20pm ET
-Cubs 6, Reds 5
Astros (Oswalt 1-0) at Phillies (Myers 0-1) 7:05pm ET
-Astros 4, Phillies 1
Giants (Ortiz 0-1) at Pirates (Duke 1-0) 7:05pm ET
-Pirates 4, Giants 3
Marlins (Willis 2-0) at Braves (Redman 0-1) 7:35pm ET
-Marlins 9, Braves 2
Brewers (Sheets 1-1) at Cardinals (Reyes 0-1) 8:10pm ET
-Brewers 6, Cardinals 1
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4/12 Results
Baltimore 2, KC 1
TalkingChop: KC 5, Baltimore 3
FireSather: KC 8, Baltimore 3
Detroit 5, Toronto 4
TalkingChop: Detroit 8, Toronto 4 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Toronto 10, Detroit 5 - 2 points, right team, losing score
NY Mets 5, Philly 3
TalkingChop: Mets 5, Phillies 2 - 2 points, winning score, winning team
FireSather: Mets 9, Phillies 2 - 1 point
Washington 2, Atlanta 0
TalkingChop: Braves Eleventy Billion, Nationals 0 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
FireSather: Braves 3259230529052 (approximately), Nationals 0 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 2
TalkingChop: DRays 6, Twins 3 - 2 points, right score, losing team
FireSather: Twins 11, D-Rays 8 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings
TalkingChop 8 (0-2-1-1-0-0) 2/5 picks
FireSather 6 (2-0-1-1-0-0) 2/5 picks
Overall Standings
FireSather 80 (26-2-2-6-1-3) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 27-56 (%)
TalkingChop 70 (24-8-3-7-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 30-56 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Reds (Harang 2-0) at Cubs (Zambrano 1-1) 2:20pm ET
-Cubs 6, Reds 5
Astros (Oswalt 1-0) at Phillies (Myers 0-1) 7:05pm ET
-Astros 4, Phillies 1
Giants (Ortiz 0-1) at Pirates (Duke 1-0) 7:05pm ET
-Pirates 4, Giants 3
Marlins (Willis 2-0) at Braves (Redman 0-1) 7:35pm ET
-Marlins 9, Braves 2
Brewers (Sheets 1-1) at Cardinals (Reyes 0-1) 8:10pm ET
-Brewers 6, Cardinals 1
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4/12 Results
Baltimore 2, KC 1
TalkingChop: KC 5, Baltimore 3
FireSather: KC 8, Baltimore 3
Detroit 5, Toronto 4
TalkingChop: Detroit 8, Toronto 4 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Toronto 10, Detroit 5 - 2 points, right team, losing score
NY Mets 5, Philly 3
TalkingChop: Mets 5, Phillies 2 - 2 points, winning score, winning team
FireSather: Mets 9, Phillies 2 - 1 point
Washington 2, Atlanta 0
TalkingChop: Braves Eleventy Billion, Nationals 0 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
FireSather: Braves 3259230529052 (approximately), Nationals 0 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
Minnesota 3, Tampa Bay 2
TalkingChop: DRays 6, Twins 3 - 2 points, right score, losing team
FireSather: Twins 11, D-Rays 8 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings
TalkingChop 8 (0-2-1-1-0-0) 2/5 picks
FireSather 6 (2-0-1-1-0-0) 2/5 picks
Overall Standings
FireSather 80 (26-2-2-6-1-3) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 27-56 (%)
TalkingChop 70 (24-8-3-7-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 30-56 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Standings Check
Yep, that's the Braves at 7-1. Two games ahead of the awesome, amazing, and talented Mets. That's what I thought.
Where's the Phillies, everyone's chic pick for first place? Oh yeah, 2-6. They need to resort to beating the Marlins to actually win a few games...
(hypocrite alert)
The Braves were 5-1 against the Phillies and Mets. Now get those "oh, you guys are beating up on the Nationals" thoughts out of your head.
Prediction Game: The "Holy Crap It's 2pm and I Haven't Done This Yet" Edition
EDITED 4:40PM 4/12!
4/12 Games...there's only 7 of them, and 1's already started...
So I'm giving you the other 6! Bonus game FTW! The 6th game points are DOUBLED!
Guess not. Mariners/Sox was washed out. So the other 5 games are scored as normal. Sorry.
Mariners (Washburn 0-0) at Red Sox (Wakefield 0-1) 4:05pm ET
-Mariners 6, Sox 2
Royals (Meche 1-1) at Orioles (Traschel (0-0) 7:05pm ET
-Royals 5, Orioles 3
Tigers (Maroth 1-0) at BlueJays (Ohka 0-0) 7:07pm ET
-Tigers 8, Jays 4
Phillies (Moyer 1-0) at Mets (Glavine 1-1) 7:10pm ET
-Mets 5, Phillies 2
Nationals (Bergmann 0-1) at Braves (Smoltz 1-0) 7:35pm ET
-Braves Eleventy Billion, Nationals 0
Bonus Game (2x points):
Devil Rays (Fossum 0-1) at Twins (Silva 0-1) 8:05pm ET
-DRays 6, Twins 3
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4/11 Results
White Sox 6, A's 3
TalkingChop: A's 7, Sox 2
FireSather: A's 7, Sox 3 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
Tigers 4, A's 1
TalkingChop: Tigers 6, A's 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Tigers 4, A's 1 - 10+1, I hate you.
Mariners 3, Red Sox 0
TalkingChop: Mariners 9, Sox 6 - 1 point
FireSather: Mariners 5, Sox 3 - 1 point
Angels 4, Indians 1
TalkingChop: Indians 7, Angels 6
FireSather: Indians 4, Angels 3 - 2 points, winning score, wrong team
Twins 5, Yankees 1
TalkingChop: Yankees 9, Twins 5 - 2 points, right score, wrong spot
FireSather: Yankees 11, Twins 4
Tonight's Standings:
FireSather: 16 (2-1-0-1-0-1) 2/5 picks
TalkingChop: 5 (1-1-0-1-0-0) 2/5 picks
Overall Standings:
FireSather 74 (24-2-1-5-1-3) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 25-51 (%)
TalkingChop 62 (24-6-2-6-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 28-51 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
4/12 Games...there's only 7 of them, and 1's already started...
Guess not. Mariners/Sox was washed out. So the other 5 games are scored as normal. Sorry.
-Mariners 6, Sox 2
Royals (Meche 1-1) at Orioles (Traschel (0-0) 7:05pm ET
-Royals 5, Orioles 3
Tigers (Maroth 1-0) at BlueJays (Ohka 0-0) 7:07pm ET
-Tigers 8, Jays 4
Phillies (Moyer 1-0) at Mets (Glavine 1-1) 7:10pm ET
-Mets 5, Phillies 2
Nationals (Bergmann 0-1) at Braves (Smoltz 1-0) 7:35pm ET
-Braves Eleventy Billion, Nationals 0
Devil Rays (Fossum 0-1) at Twins (Silva 0-1) 8:05pm ET
-DRays 6, Twins 3
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4/11 Results
White Sox 6, A's 3
TalkingChop: A's 7, Sox 2
FireSather: A's 7, Sox 3 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
Tigers 4, A's 1
TalkingChop: Tigers 6, A's 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Tigers 4, A's 1 - 10+1, I hate you.
Mariners 3, Red Sox 0
TalkingChop: Mariners 9, Sox 6 - 1 point
FireSather: Mariners 5, Sox 3 - 1 point
Angels 4, Indians 1
TalkingChop: Indians 7, Angels 6
FireSather: Indians 4, Angels 3 - 2 points, winning score, wrong team
Twins 5, Yankees 1
TalkingChop: Yankees 9, Twins 5 - 2 points, right score, wrong spot
FireSather: Yankees 11, Twins 4
Tonight's Standings:
FireSather: 16 (2-1-0-1-0-1) 2/5 picks
TalkingChop: 5 (1-1-0-1-0-0) 2/5 picks
Overall Standings:
FireSather 74 (24-2-1-5-1-3) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 25-51 (%)
TalkingChop 62 (24-6-2-6-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 28-51 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Prediction Game 4/11
4/11 Games
White Sox (Buehrle 0-0) at Oakland (Kennedy 0-1) 3:35pm ET
- Oakland 7, Sox 2
Tigers (Verlander 0-0) at O's (Loewen 1-0) 7:05pm ET
- Tigers 6, O's 1
Mariners (Hernandez 1-0) at Boston (Matuszaka 1-0) 7:05pm ET
- Mariners 9, Sox 6
LA Angels (Saunders 0-0) at Cleveland Indians of Milwaukee (Westbrook 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- Cleveland 7, Angels 6
Yankees (Mussina 0-1) at Minnesota (Ortiz 1-0) 8:10pm ET
- Yankees 9, Twins 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/10 Results
Astros 4, Cubs 2
TalkingChop: Astros 5, Cubs 2 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Cubs 8, Astros 3
Cardinals 3, Cubs 2
TalkingChop: Pirates 6, Cards 4
FireSather: Pirates 8, Cards 5
Braves 8, Nats 0
TalkingChop: Braves 8, Nats 1 - 2 points, winning score, winning team
FireSather: Braves 10, Nats 4 - 1 point
Dbacks 5, Reds 4
TalkingChop: Reds 6, DBacks 5 - 2 points, right team score, but not winning
FireSather: Reds 7, DBacks 6
Dodgers 2, Rockies 1
TalkingChop: Dodgers 9, Rockies 7 - 1 point
FireSather: Dodgers 6, Rockies 4 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
TalkingChop 7 (1-2-1-0-0-0) 3/5 games
FireSather 2 (2-0-0-0-0-0) 2/5 games
Overall Standings:
FireSather 58 (22-1-1-4-1-2) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 23-46 (50%)
TalkingChop 57 (23-5-2-5-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 26-46 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
White Sox (Buehrle 0-0) at Oakland (Kennedy 0-1) 3:35pm ET
- Oakland 7, Sox 2
Tigers (Verlander 0-0) at O's (Loewen 1-0) 7:05pm ET
- Tigers 6, O's 1
Mariners (Hernandez 1-0) at Boston (Matuszaka 1-0) 7:05pm ET
- Mariners 9, Sox 6
LA Angels (Saunders 0-0) at Cleveland Indians of Milwaukee (Westbrook 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- Cleveland 7, Angels 6
Yankees (Mussina 0-1) at Minnesota (Ortiz 1-0) 8:10pm ET
- Yankees 9, Twins 5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/10 Results
Astros 4, Cubs 2
TalkingChop: Astros 5, Cubs 2 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Cubs 8, Astros 3
Cardinals 3, Cubs 2
TalkingChop: Pirates 6, Cards 4
FireSather: Pirates 8, Cards 5
Braves 8, Nats 0
TalkingChop: Braves 8, Nats 1 - 2 points, winning score, winning team
FireSather: Braves 10, Nats 4 - 1 point
Dbacks 5, Reds 4
TalkingChop: Reds 6, DBacks 5 - 2 points, right team score, but not winning
FireSather: Reds 7, DBacks 6
Dodgers 2, Rockies 1
TalkingChop: Dodgers 9, Rockies 7 - 1 point
FireSather: Dodgers 6, Rockies 4 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
TalkingChop 7 (1-2-1-0-0-0) 3/5 games
FireSather 2 (2-0-0-0-0-0) 2/5 games
Overall Standings:
FireSather 58 (22-1-1-4-1-2) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 23-46 (50%)
TalkingChop 57 (23-5-2-5-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 26-46 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Braves back to AAA?
Oh wait, they just played a AAA team last night. My bad, sorry for the alarm.
Braves beat the Nationals 8-0, as Tim Hudson and two relievers combined on a 4 hit shutout. As Bob Uecker would say, 4 hits?? 4 GOD DAMN HITS!!!
Fortunately, we can say goddamn on the blog.
More to come today, I swear, including catching up on the Prediction Game and a couple of stories from last night that I want to share with you.....
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Prediction Game 4/10
Little busy today at work, will have results later.
4/10 Games
Astros (Sampson 0-0) at Cubs (Marquis 0-0) 2:20pm ET
-Astros 5, Cubs 2
Cardinals (Keisler 0-0) at Pirates (Gorzelanny 1-0) 7:05pm ET
-Pirates 6, Cards 4
Nationals (Chico 0-0) at Braves (Hudson 0-0) 7:35pm ET
-Braves 8, Nats 1
Reds (Lohse 0-0) at D-Backs (Gonzalez 1-0) 9:40pm ET
-Reds 6, DBacks 5
Rockies (Lopez 1-0) at Dodgers (Tomko 0-0) 10:10pm ET
-Dodgers 9, Rockies 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4/9 Results
TalkingChop 50 (22-3-1-5-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 23-41 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
4/10 Games
Astros (Sampson 0-0) at Cubs (Marquis 0-0) 2:20pm ET
-Astros 5, Cubs 2
Cardinals (Keisler 0-0) at Pirates (Gorzelanny 1-0) 7:05pm ET
-Pirates 6, Cards 4
Nationals (Chico 0-0) at Braves (Hudson 0-0) 7:35pm ET
-Braves 8, Nats 1
Reds (Lohse 0-0) at D-Backs (Gonzalez 1-0) 9:40pm ET
-Reds 6, DBacks 5
Rockies (Lopez 1-0) at Dodgers (Tomko 0-0) 10:10pm ET
-Dodgers 9, Rockies 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4/9 Results
Marlins 5, Brewers 3
TalkingChop: Marlins 5, Brewers 3 - 10+1, SUCK IT JAIME!!
FireSather: Brewers 6, Marlins 1
Rangers 8, DRays 4
TalkingChop: Tampa 6, Texas 2
FireSather: Texas 9, Tampa 4 - 2 points, losing team, right score
DBacks 5, Reds 4
TalkingChop: DBacks 3, Reds 1 - 1 point
FireSather: DBacks 7, Reds 6 - 1 point
White Sox 4, A's 1
TalkingChop: Oakland 9, White Sox 2
FireSather: Oakland 8, Sox 1
Padres 1, Giants 0
TalkingChop: Padres 2, Giants 1 - 1 point
FireSather: Giants 4, Padres 3
Tonight's Standings
TalkingChop 13 (3-0-0-0-0-1) 3/5 Games
FireSather 3 (1-1-0-0-0-0) 2/5 Games
Overall Standings
FireSather 56 (20-1-1-4-1-2) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 21-41 (%)TalkingChop 50 (22-3-1-5-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 23-41 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Monday, April 9, 2007
In a "shocking" development....
Mike Hampton. Season. Over.
"Hampton, who had elbow ligament-replacement surgery performed by Dr. Dave Altchek on Sept. 26, 2005, will have a torn tendon in the elbow repaired by Altchek on Tuesday. He is expected to be held out of pitching activities for at least six months."
He is owed $14.5 million this year and $15 million in 2008.
"Hampton, who had elbow ligament-replacement surgery performed by Dr. Dave Altchek on Sept. 26, 2005, will have a torn tendon in the elbow repaired by Altchek on Tuesday. He is expected to be held out of pitching activities for at least six months."
He is owed $14.5 million this year and $15 million in 2008.
Braves Weekend Wrapup and Notes
- After that Friday night debacle, the Braves took the other two games from the Mets by scores of 5-3 and 3-2 and lead the NL East with a 5-1 record. John Smoltz got the best of Tom Glavine in Saturday's game. He went six innings and allowed two runs, seven hits, walked four and struck out four. Glavine pitched 5 1/3 innings and gave up five runs (two earned), four hits, walked three and struck out two. He fell to 3-10 against the Braves since he pulled a Benedict Arnold and left Atlanta. The Braves batted around and scored three runs in the sixth to take a 5-2 lead, highlighted by a great Shawn Green non-catch on a Diaz fly ball. Buffet Bob Wickman picked up the save.
- Sunday's game was a little less exciting. I didn't catch most of this (still occupied by hockey and food), but Kelly Johnson led off the game with a homer and a couple of doubles in the 8th inning led the Braves to a 3-2 victory. Buffet Bob saved that one too. He now has the day off to gain 5 pounds with Chad Paronto. Kyle ****ing Davies gave up four hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings. He matched his career high with eight strikeouts and walked three. Safe to say this plesantly surprised me. It's a good thing because....
- Mike Hampton suffered a setback (surprise, surprise) in his recovery, this time feeling a twinge in his reconstructed elbow while throwing a bullpen session. Or maybe it was just his time of the month, who knows. In better news, Lance Cormier had a pain-free throwing session prior to Sunday's game. He's been on the DL since the injury suffered March 26th. "Today was definitely the best it's been. I didn't let it go, but I kept it on a line, not floating it." Cormier should resume throwing off a mound later this week, and baring a setback, should be activated from the disabled list around April 19. He's badly needed because Mark Redman should go out and shoot himself.
- The Braves need more depth. We can't keep running out scrubs like Woodward and Wilson every time a lefthander takes the mound. Obviously platooning to take advantage of lefties isn't working. Wilson is 1 for 11, Woodward 1 for 6 for a combined 2 for 17. Last year it was the bullpen, this year I think it will be the lack of talent outside of the top 8 or 9 guys that may be the Braves' eventual downfall.
- Which brings me to another point. I never understood why teams feel the need to switch a guy out when they don't hit lefties well. How are they ever supposed to get BETTER and become a full time player if they never play against lefties? Sometimes, especially with a young player, they need to work through those growing pains, especially when the supposedly better options (Woodward and Wilson) are playing like crap. Why not run Thorman and Johnson out there and see what happens? What would it hurt when their replacements are hitting around .100 anyways?
- Don't be surprised if Matt Diaz takes over the full time LF job from Ryan Langerhans soon. He's 4 for 12, slugging .583 and even stole a base.
- The Braves play a 3-game set in Atlanta against the Nationals starting tomorrow. If they don't take at least 2 out of 3 from that sad sack of "talent", I may just hang myself out the window at work. The Braves will be rolling out Hudson, James, and Redman most likely.
- Sunday's game was a little less exciting. I didn't catch most of this (still occupied by hockey and food), but Kelly Johnson led off the game with a homer and a couple of doubles in the 8th inning led the Braves to a 3-2 victory. Buffet Bob saved that one too. He now has the day off to gain 5 pounds with Chad Paronto. Kyle ****ing Davies gave up four hits and two runs in 6 2/3 innings. He matched his career high with eight strikeouts and walked three. Safe to say this plesantly surprised me. It's a good thing because....
- Mike Hampton suffered a setback (surprise, surprise) in his recovery, this time feeling a twinge in his reconstructed elbow while throwing a bullpen session. Or maybe it was just his time of the month, who knows. In better news, Lance Cormier had a pain-free throwing session prior to Sunday's game. He's been on the DL since the injury suffered March 26th. "Today was definitely the best it's been. I didn't let it go, but I kept it on a line, not floating it." Cormier should resume throwing off a mound later this week, and baring a setback, should be activated from the disabled list around April 19. He's badly needed because Mark Redman should go out and shoot himself.
- The Braves need more depth. We can't keep running out scrubs like Woodward and Wilson every time a lefthander takes the mound. Obviously platooning to take advantage of lefties isn't working. Wilson is 1 for 11, Woodward 1 for 6 for a combined 2 for 17. Last year it was the bullpen, this year I think it will be the lack of talent outside of the top 8 or 9 guys that may be the Braves' eventual downfall.
- Which brings me to another point. I never understood why teams feel the need to switch a guy out when they don't hit lefties well. How are they ever supposed to get BETTER and become a full time player if they never play against lefties? Sometimes, especially with a young player, they need to work through those growing pains, especially when the supposedly better options (Woodward and Wilson) are playing like crap. Why not run Thorman and Johnson out there and see what happens? What would it hurt when their replacements are hitting around .100 anyways?
- Don't be surprised if Matt Diaz takes over the full time LF job from Ryan Langerhans soon. He's 4 for 12, slugging .583 and even stole a base.
- The Braves play a 3-game set in Atlanta against the Nationals starting tomorrow. If they don't take at least 2 out of 3 from that sad sack of "talent", I may just hang myself out the window at work. The Braves will be rolling out Hudson, James, and Redman most likely.
Prediction Game 4/9
More Braves-related updating later today, I'm catching up.
You know, just as I was starting to come back, FS drops another 11 bomb on me....
4/9 Games
Brewers (Suppan 0-1) at Marlins (Sanchez 0-0) 7:05pm ET
Marlins 5, Brewers 3
Tampa Bay (Jackson 0-0) at Texas (McCarthy 0-1) 8:05pm ET
Tampa 6, Texas 2
Reds (Arroyo 0-1) at Arizona (Davis 0-1) 9:40pm ET
Arizona 3, Cincy 1
White Sox (Contreras 0-1) at A's (Harden 0-1) 10:05pm ET
Oakland 9, White Sox 2
Giants (Cain 0-0) at Padres (Young 0-0) 10:05pm ET
Padres 2, Giants 1
4/8 Results
Braves 3, Mets 2
FireSather: Mets 9, Braves 7
TalkingChop: Mets 6, Braves 4
Orioles 6, Yankees 4
FireSather: O's 6, Yankees 4 - 10+1. I hate you.
TalkingChop: Yankees 8, O's 7
Twins 3, White Sox 1
FireSather: Twins 5, Sox 0 - 1 point
Talking Chop: Twins 6, Sox 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
Tigers 3, Royals 2
FireSather: Tigers 4, Royals 3 - 1 point
TalkingChop: Tigers 7, Royals 3 - 1 point
Dodgers 10, Giants 4
FireSather: Giants 8, Dodgers 1
TalkingChop: Dodgers 7, Giants 3 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings
FireSather 12 (3-0-0-0-0-1) 3 for 5 on games
TalkingChop 4 (2-1-0-0-0-0) 3 for 5 on games
Overall Standings
FireSather 53 (19-0-1-4-1-2) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 19-36 (%)
TalkingChop 37 (19-3-1-5-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 20-36 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
You know, just as I was starting to come back, FS drops another 11 bomb on me....
4/9 Games
Brewers (Suppan 0-1) at Marlins (Sanchez 0-0) 7:05pm ET
Marlins 5, Brewers 3
Tampa Bay (Jackson 0-0) at Texas (McCarthy 0-1) 8:05pm ET
Tampa 6, Texas 2
Reds (Arroyo 0-1) at Arizona (Davis 0-1) 9:40pm ET
Arizona 3, Cincy 1
White Sox (Contreras 0-1) at A's (Harden 0-1) 10:05pm ET
Oakland 9, White Sox 2
Giants (Cain 0-0) at Padres (Young 0-0) 10:05pm ET
Padres 2, Giants 1
4/8 Results
Braves 3, Mets 2
FireSather: Mets 9, Braves 7
TalkingChop: Mets 6, Braves 4
Orioles 6, Yankees 4
FireSather: O's 6, Yankees 4 - 10+1. I hate you.
TalkingChop: Yankees 8, O's 7
Twins 3, White Sox 1
FireSather: Twins 5, Sox 0 - 1 point
Talking Chop: Twins 6, Sox 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
Tigers 3, Royals 2
FireSather: Tigers 4, Royals 3 - 1 point
TalkingChop: Tigers 7, Royals 3 - 1 point
Dodgers 10, Giants 4
FireSather: Giants 8, Dodgers 1
TalkingChop: Dodgers 7, Giants 3 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings
FireSather 12 (3-0-0-0-0-1) 3 for 5 on games
TalkingChop 4 (2-1-0-0-0-0) 3 for 5 on games
Overall Standings
FireSather 53 (19-0-1-4-1-2) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 19-36 (%)
TalkingChop 37 (19-3-1-5-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 20-36 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Prediction Game 4/8
4/8 Games
Mets (Hernandez 1-0) at Braves (Davies 0-0) 1:05pm ET
- Mets 6, Braves 4
Orioles (Bedard 0-1) at Yankees (Resner 0-0) 1:05pm ET
- Yankees 8, Orioles 7
Twins (Santana 1-0) at White Sox (Danks 0-0) 2:05pm ET
- Twins 6, Sox 1
Tigers (Bonderman 0-0) at Royals (Duckworth 0-0) 2:10pm ET
- Tigers 7, Royals 3
Dodgers (Wolf 0-1) at Giants (Zito 0-1) 4:05pm ET
- Dodgers 7, Giants 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/7 Results
Marlins 8, Phillies 5
TalkingChop: Phillies 7, Marlins 5 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
FireSather: Phils 3 Marlins 2
Arizona 7, Washington 1
TalkingChop: Arizona 4, Washington 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Washington 6, Arizona 3
Astros 5, Cardinals 1
TalkingChop: Astros 6, Cardinals 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Astros 2, Cardinals 0 - 1 point
Angels 2, A's 1
TalkingChop: Angels 7, A's 4 - 1 point
FireSather: Angels 7, A's 4 - 1 point
Padres 3, Rockies 2
TalkingChop: Padres 5, Rockies 4 - 1 point
FireSather: Padres 8, Rockies 7 - 1 point
Mets (Hernandez 1-0) at Braves (Davies 0-0) 1:05pm ET
- Mets 6, Braves 4
Orioles (Bedard 0-1) at Yankees (Resner 0-0) 1:05pm ET
- Yankees 8, Orioles 7
Twins (Santana 1-0) at White Sox (Danks 0-0) 2:05pm ET
- Twins 6, Sox 1
Tigers (Bonderman 0-0) at Royals (Duckworth 0-0) 2:10pm ET
- Tigers 7, Royals 3
Dodgers (Wolf 0-1) at Giants (Zito 0-1) 4:05pm ET
- Dodgers 7, Giants 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/7 Results
Marlins 8, Phillies 5
TalkingChop: Phillies 7, Marlins 5 - 2 points, losing score, wrong team
FireSather: Phils 3 Marlins 2
Arizona 7, Washington 1
TalkingChop: Arizona 4, Washington 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Washington 6, Arizona 3
Astros 5, Cardinals 1
TalkingChop: Astros 6, Cardinals 1 - 2 points, losing score, losing team
FireSather: Astros 2, Cardinals 0 - 1 point
Angels 2, A's 1
TalkingChop: Angels 7, A's 4 - 1 point
FireSather: Angels 7, A's 4 - 1 point
Padres 3, Rockies 2
TalkingChop: Padres 5, Rockies 4 - 1 point
FireSather: Padres 8, Rockies 7 - 1 point
Today's Standings
FireSather 3 (3-0-0-0-0-0) 3 for 5 on picks
Talking Chop 8 (2-2-0-1-0-0) 4 for 5 on picks
Overall Standings
FireSather 41 (16-0-1-4-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 16-31 (%)
TalkingChop 33 (17-2-1-5-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 17-31 (%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Prediction Game 4/7
4/7 Games
Philadelphia (Myers 0-0) at Florida (Willis 1-0) 7:05pm ET
Phillies 7, Marlins 5
Arizona (Webb 0-0) at Washington (Patterson 0-1) 7:05pm ET
Arizona 4, Washington 1
St Louis (Reyes 0-0) at Houston (Oswalt 0-0) 7:05pm ET
Houston 6, St Louis 1
Oakland (Haren 0-1) at LA Angels (Lackey 1-0) 9:05pm ET
LA 7, Oakland 4
Colorado (Fogg 0-0) at San Diego (Wells 0-0) 10:05pm ET
San Diego 5, Colorado 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
4/6 Results
Phillies 8, Marlins 2
TalkingChop: Phillies 6, Marlins 4 - 1 point
FireSather: Marlins 6, Phillies 4
Gamera: Marlins 4, Phillies 3
Reds 6, Pirates 1
TalkingChop: Reds 7, Pirates 2 - 1 point
FireSather: Pirates 8 Reds 5
Gamera: Reds 6, Pirates 4 - 2 points, winning score, winning team
Mets 11, Braves 1
TalkingChop: Braves 8, Mets 4
FireSather: METS 9 BRAVES 2 - 1 point
Gamera: Braves 6, Mets 3
Cubs 9 Brewers 3
TalkingChop: Brewers 6, Cubs 1
FireSather: Brewers 7, Cubs 5
Gamera: Cubs 4, Brewers 3 - 2 points, losing score, right team
Cardinals (Wainright 0-0) at Astros (Rodriguez 0-0) 8:05pm ET
Talking Chop: Cardinals 2, Astros 1 - 1 point
FireSather: Cardinals 3 Astros 0 - 1 point
Gamera: Cardinals 3, Astros 1- 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
TalkingChop 3 (3-0-0-0-0-0) 3 for 5 on picks
FireSather 2 (2-0-0-0-0-0) 2 for 5 on picks
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) 2 for 5 on picks
Overall Standings:
FireSather 38 (13-0-1-4-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 13-26 (50%)
TalkingChop 25 (15-0-1-4-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 13-26 (50%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Philadelphia (Myers 0-0) at Florida (Willis 1-0) 7:05pm ET
Phillies 7, Marlins 5
Arizona (Webb 0-0) at Washington (Patterson 0-1) 7:05pm ET
Arizona 4, Washington 1
St Louis (Reyes 0-0) at Houston (Oswalt 0-0) 7:05pm ET
Houston 6, St Louis 1
Oakland (Haren 0-1) at LA Angels (Lackey 1-0) 9:05pm ET
LA 7, Oakland 4
Colorado (Fogg 0-0) at San Diego (Wells 0-0) 10:05pm ET
San Diego 5, Colorado 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
4/6 Results
Phillies 8, Marlins 2
TalkingChop: Phillies 6, Marlins 4 - 1 point
FireSather: Marlins 6, Phillies 4
Gamera: Marlins 4, Phillies 3
Reds 6, Pirates 1
TalkingChop: Reds 7, Pirates 2 - 1 point
FireSather: Pirates 8 Reds 5
Gamera: Reds 6, Pirates 4 - 2 points, winning score, winning team
Mets 11, Braves 1
TalkingChop: Braves 8, Mets 4
FireSather: METS 9 BRAVES 2 - 1 point
Gamera: Braves 6, Mets 3
Cubs 9 Brewers 3
TalkingChop: Brewers 6, Cubs 1
FireSather: Brewers 7, Cubs 5
Gamera: Cubs 4, Brewers 3 - 2 points, losing score, right team
Cardinals (Wainright 0-0) at Astros (Rodriguez 0-0) 8:05pm ET
Talking Chop: Cardinals 2, Astros 1 - 1 point
FireSather: Cardinals 3 Astros 0 - 1 point
Gamera: Cardinals 3, Astros 1- 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
TalkingChop 3 (3-0-0-0-0-0) 3 for 5 on picks
FireSather 2 (2-0-0-0-0-0) 2 for 5 on picks
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) 2 for 5 on picks
Overall Standings:
FireSather 38 (13-0-1-4-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 13-26 (50%)
TalkingChop 25 (15-0-1-4-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 13-26 (50%)
Gamera 5 (1-2-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-5 (40%)
Friday, April 6, 2007
Series Preview: Mets at Braves
New York Mets (3-0) at Atlanta Braves (3-0)Turner Field, Atlanta
Friday: 7:35pm EDT
Saturday: 3:55pm EDT
Sunday: 1:05pm EDT
Pitching Matchups
Friday: Oliver Perez (0-0) against Mark Redman (0-0)
Saturday: Tom Glavine (1-0) against John Smoltz (0-0)
Sunday: Orlando Hernandez (1-0) against Kyle Davies (0-0)
I wonder what the highlight of THAT series is going to be???? And Method Man, can we get a win tonight please? I know you're bad enough to be cut by Kansas City, but we need some solid innings tonight.
--
I'm glad that we're playing the Mets, because we need some production out of Chipper. I really love the Mets fans' hatred for him, even though there really hasn't been many playoff series the last few years to amplify that.
--
A strong start here is important for the Braves. If they can take 2 out of 3 games from the Mets, that will be a HUGE confidence booster so in case they start to falter a little bit, it's easier than playing catchup later in the season, which is the problem they had last year.
--
The Mets have given up 2 runs in 3 games, but their pitching still doesn't scare anyone. It's just that the Cardinals sucked a whole lot over those three games and couldn't get any production.
--
I really do see the Braves taking 2 out of 3 here. Obviously tomorrow's game is the highlight of the weekend and I see Smoltz outdueling Glavine, who has struggled against the Braves after he left.
The Closer: Rolling the Dice
- Okay, you happy? There's my mandatory baseball fan Matsuzaka post. 10 K's over 7 innings, only allowing one run....
But it's the Royals. Please stop talking like he's going to win the Cy Young this year. And please stop with the bad K puns... "Special K", "Andrew Dice-K" and so on. It's getting old already.
- The Blue Jays/Tigers game was postponed because it was too cold outside. Cry me a fucking river and man up and play some ball. Weather doesn't stop football players. What's next? Hockey games being postponed because the ice is too cold? Baseball players, show more grit.
- Theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees lose!! On a wild pitch no less...Insert "the sky is falling" comment from NY media here.
- Barry Bonds did not homer. That doesn't (or would ever) stop ESPN from talking incessantly about him.
- Mark Buehrle took a Ryan Garko line drive off the pitching arm. Um, ouch????
Alert Update
A 3-game opening series sweep makes Talking Chop a giddy GREEN!
Remember, it's all in fun. And my Terror Alert level's always posted in the sidebar! :)
Remember, it's all in fun. And my Terror Alert level's always posted in the sidebar! :)
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Prediction Game 4/6
I wanted to get this up early for some people (Jaime) who wait until the last minute to play....
Scoring reminder HERE too.
Welcome Gamera to the game tonight!
4/6 Games
Phillies (Moyer 0-0) at Marlins (Mitre 0-0) 7:05 ET
- Phillies 6, Marlins 4
Pirates (Maholm 0-0) at Reds (Belisle 0-0) 7:10pm ET
- Reds 7, Pirates 2
Mets (Perez 0-0) at Braves (Redman 0-0) 7:35pm ET
- Braves 8, Mets 4
Cubs (Hill 0-0) at Brewers (Bush 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Brewers 6, Cubs 1
Cardinals (Wainright 0-0) at Astros (Rodriguez 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Cardinals 2, Astros 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
4/5 Results
White Sox 4, Cleveland 3
TalkingChop - Cleveland 7, White Sox 5
FireSather - White Sox 6, Cleveland 4 - 1 point
Tampa Bay 7, Yankees 6
TalkingChop - Yankees 9, Tampa 3
FireSather - Yankees 11, Rays 4
Arizona 4, Washington 3
TalkingChop - DBacks 8, Washington 6 - 1 point
FireSather - DBacks 3, Washington 2 - 1 point
Oakland 4, LA Angels 3
TalkingChop - LA 3, Oakland 1 - 2 points for one score right in the wrong spot
FireSather - LA 8, Oakland 3 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
San Francisco 5, San Diego 3
TalkingChop - San Diego 5, San Fran 2 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
FireSather - San Fran 6, San Diego 5 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
TalkingChop 5 (1-0-1-1-0-0)
FireSather 5 (3-0-0-1-0-0)
Overall Standings:
FireSather 36 (11-0-1-4-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 11-21 (%)
TalkingChop 22 (12-0-1-4-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 10-21 (%)
Gamera 0 (0-0-0-0-0-0) -- Welcome to the game tonight!
Scoring reminder HERE too.
Welcome Gamera to the game tonight!
4/6 Games
Phillies (Moyer 0-0) at Marlins (Mitre 0-0) 7:05 ET
- Phillies 6, Marlins 4
Pirates (Maholm 0-0) at Reds (Belisle 0-0) 7:10pm ET
- Reds 7, Pirates 2
Mets (Perez 0-0) at Braves (Redman 0-0) 7:35pm ET
- Braves 8, Mets 4
Cubs (Hill 0-0) at Brewers (Bush 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Brewers 6, Cubs 1
Cardinals (Wainright 0-0) at Astros (Rodriguez 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Cardinals 2, Astros 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
4/5 Results
White Sox 4, Cleveland 3
TalkingChop - Cleveland 7, White Sox 5
FireSather - White Sox 6, Cleveland 4 - 1 point
Tampa Bay 7, Yankees 6
TalkingChop - Yankees 9, Tampa 3
FireSather - Yankees 11, Rays 4
Arizona 4, Washington 3
TalkingChop - DBacks 8, Washington 6 - 1 point
FireSather - DBacks 3, Washington 2 - 1 point
Oakland 4, LA Angels 3
TalkingChop - LA 3, Oakland 1 - 2 points for one score right in the wrong spot
FireSather - LA 8, Oakland 3 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
San Francisco 5, San Diego 3
TalkingChop - San Diego 5, San Fran 2 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
FireSather - San Fran 6, San Diego 5 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
TalkingChop 5 (1-0-1-1-0-0)
FireSather 5 (3-0-0-1-0-0)
Overall Standings:
FireSather 36 (11-0-1-4-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 11-21 (%)
TalkingChop 22 (12-0-1-4-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 10-21 (%)
Gamera 0 (0-0-0-0-0-0) -- Welcome to the game tonight!
Wrapup: Braves Sweep Phillies
Kelly Johnson's first hit of the season was a great and timely one. After starting his season 0 for 11, Johnson hit a two-run HR to get the party started on a 6-run 5th inning, powering the Braves to a 8-4 victory and a series sweep in Philadelphia.
Chuck James went 5 strong, scattering 6 hits and a walk while striking out 5. The bullpen was worked again however, and Macay McBride and Chad Paronto attempted to bring back ghosts of last year's pitiful bullpen, putting the tying run at the plate in the 9th after going into the 9th up 8-1. But Raffy Soriano closed the deal and got the final out for the save.
3 Stars of the Game:
1 - Kelly Johnson
2 - Chuck James
3 - Edgar Renteria (3 for 5)
Rants, Raves, and Notes:
- It's good to see Kelly Johnson break out after a slow start. Of course, we all know he's a historically slow starter, but the Braves really need him to provide a consistent spark at the top of the order. Coming into the game, the Braves had 8 runs -- all of them crossing the plate on a HR. You can't keep playing like that, manufacturing runs is a MUST.
- It's also good to sweep the opening series in Philly after most progosticators had Philly winning the division this year. This will do wonders for Atlanta's confidence heading into this weekend's series against the Mets.
- I'm a little worried about the bullpen becoming a little overworked, especially headed into the weekend against the Mets with Redman and Davies on the mound and it looking like we might need extended innings out of that pen. Two extra inning games and today's game with the Braves using 5 relievers can take its toll, and over a long season, you don't want to get off on a bad foot and set the tone for an injury or fatigue later on.
- Brian McCann? Worth every damn penny.
- Even though the starters didn't go especially deep in this series, it's VERY encouraging to see especially Hudson and James get off on the right foot. Especially considering Hudson's struggles in Philly, it's a great confidence boost. Let's hope it continues.
- For all the talk about Philly's supposed "deep" rotation, I really don't think it's as good as advertised. It's not even better than the Braves in my opinion. And the Braves, as we've seen over the first three games, are infinitely better in the bullpen than the Phillies and compared to themselves last year. They might have blown that 8-1 lead last year.
Gameday: Braves at Phillies 4/5
So I'm a little late on this one. It's already 2-0 Braves in the 2nd on a 2-run Brian McCann single. I normally wouldn't start a Gameday post after the game's started but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to say....
I'M CHUCK JAMES, BITCH!!
The pride of Chattahoochie Valley College. Seriously, look it up, I didn't just make that name up.
Prediction Game: 4/5
4/5 Games:
Cleveland (Sowers 0-0) at White Sox (Buehrle 0-0) 2:05pm ET
- Cleveland 7, White Sox 5
Tampa Bay (Shields 0-0) at Yankees (Mussina 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- Yankees 9, Tampa 3
Arizona (Gonzalez 0-0) at Washington (Williams 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- DBacks 8, Nats 6
Oakland (Gaudin 0-0) at LA Angels (Saunders 0-0) 10:05pm ET
- LA 3, Oakland 1
San Diego (Hensley 0-0) at San Francisco (Morris 0-0) 10:05pm ET
- San Diego 5, San Fran 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/4 Results:
Braves 3, Phillies 2 (10)
TalkingChop: Philly 6, Braves 3 - 2 points for one score right in the wrong spot
FireSather: Phillies 3, Braves 2 - 5 points for exact score right, but wrong team winning
Dodgers 5, Brewers 4
TalkingChop: Dodgers 6, Brewers 1 - 1 point
FireSather: Dodgers 3, Brewers 2 - 1 point
Pittsburgh 5, Houston 4
TalkingChop: Houston 6, Pittsburgh 2
FireSather: Houston 6, Pittsburgh 4
Boston 7, KC 1
TalkingChop: KC 7, Boston 5 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
FireSather: Boston 10, KC 4 - 1 point
Minnesota 7, Baltimore 2
TalkingChop: Twins 8, Baltimore 5 - 1 point
FireSather: Twins 9, Baltimore 7 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
FireSather 8 (3-0-0-0-1-0)
TalkingChop 6 (2-0-1-1-0-0)
Overall Standings:
FireSather 31 (8-0-1-3-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 8-16 (50%)
TalkingChop 17 (9-0-1-3-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 9-16 (56%)
Cleveland (Sowers 0-0) at White Sox (Buehrle 0-0) 2:05pm ET
- Cleveland 7, White Sox 5
Tampa Bay (Shields 0-0) at Yankees (Mussina 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- Yankees 9, Tampa 3
Arizona (Gonzalez 0-0) at Washington (Williams 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- DBacks 8, Nats 6
Oakland (Gaudin 0-0) at LA Angels (Saunders 0-0) 10:05pm ET
- LA 3, Oakland 1
San Diego (Hensley 0-0) at San Francisco (Morris 0-0) 10:05pm ET
- San Diego 5, San Fran 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/4 Results:
Braves 3, Phillies 2 (10)
TalkingChop: Philly 6, Braves 3 - 2 points for one score right in the wrong spot
FireSather: Phillies 3, Braves 2 - 5 points for exact score right, but wrong team winning
Dodgers 5, Brewers 4
TalkingChop: Dodgers 6, Brewers 1 - 1 point
FireSather: Dodgers 3, Brewers 2 - 1 point
Pittsburgh 5, Houston 4
TalkingChop: Houston 6, Pittsburgh 2
FireSather: Houston 6, Pittsburgh 4
Boston 7, KC 1
TalkingChop: KC 7, Boston 5 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
FireSather: Boston 10, KC 4 - 1 point
Minnesota 7, Baltimore 2
TalkingChop: Twins 8, Baltimore 5 - 1 point
FireSather: Twins 9, Baltimore 7 - 1 point
Tonight's Standings:
FireSather 8 (3-0-0-0-1-0)
TalkingChop 6 (2-0-1-1-0-0)
Overall Standings:
FireSather 31 (8-0-1-3-1-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 8-16 (50%)
TalkingChop 17 (9-0-1-3-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 9-16 (56%)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Gamenight: Braves at Phillies 4/4
Atlanta Braves (1-0) at Philadelphia Phillies (0-1)Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
7:05pm EDT
Probable Starters: Hudson (0-0) vs Hamels (0-0)
After an off day, the Bravos are back to work against the Phillies. Unfortunately, it doesn't look promising, as Tim Hudson has struggled against the Phils, especially in Philly to the tune of a 5.68 ERA in 13.2 IP.
Two days ago, Edgar Renteria hit two HR's, including one in the 10th inning, in a 5-3 Braves victory. Hopefully they won't need extra innings this time.
This game isn't on any TV available to me, so looks like I'll just have to follow online boxscores because I'm too poor for MLB.tv.
Cormier to DL, Davies recalled
See, I was TOTALLY right in my initial season preview that had Kyle Davies in the rotation instead of Lance Cormier.
Cormier's headed to the 15-day DL after experiencing shoulder issues while playing some long-toss. Davies will be called up from Richmond to take his place and start on Saturday.
Cormier's headed to the 15-day DL after experiencing shoulder issues while playing some long-toss. Davies will be called up from Richmond to take his place and start on Saturday.
The Closer: Old Men Pitching (and Hitting)
(I've renamed the MLB roundup feature "The Closer". Gay, I know, but I had to do SOMETHING.)
- El Duque Hernandez had more RBI's (two) than the Cardinals team (one). He also became the second 41 year old pitcher to win a game for the Mets this season. The first one was Danny Almonte...
- The Nationals really, really suck. 2 games in, 2 players on the DL, and haven't had a lead this season. You sure that Selig put contraction on the shelf?
- Ugly: the Astros bullpen. Makes me feel like crap for taking a fantasy chance on Brad Lidge's bounceback year. And what the hell's gotten into Xavier Nady? That's two nights in a row...
- The Mariners defeated the A's for the second straight day, matching the total of wins that they were able to achieve in last year's 19-game season series vs. Oakland...
- This just in, Jake Peavy's pretty good. 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K. Zito wasn't horrible either in his first game as a Giant. 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K...
- And of course, because Barry Bonds played a game, he's all over the news sites despite going 1 for 3 without a homer. It's going to be a long season...
- Chris Carpenter will miss his next start due to elbow inflammation. I immediately regret taking the Cardinals to win the Central...
- El Duque Hernandez had more RBI's (two) than the Cardinals team (one). He also became the second 41 year old pitcher to win a game for the Mets this season. The first one was Danny Almonte...
- The Nationals really, really suck. 2 games in, 2 players on the DL, and haven't had a lead this season. You sure that Selig put contraction on the shelf?
- Ugly: the Astros bullpen. Makes me feel like crap for taking a fantasy chance on Brad Lidge's bounceback year. And what the hell's gotten into Xavier Nady? That's two nights in a row...
- The Mariners defeated the A's for the second straight day, matching the total of wins that they were able to achieve in last year's 19-game season series vs. Oakland...
- This just in, Jake Peavy's pretty good. 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 6 K. Zito wasn't horrible either in his first game as a Giant. 5 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K...
- And of course, because Barry Bonds played a game, he's all over the news sites despite going 1 for 3 without a homer. It's going to be a long season...
- Chris Carpenter will miss his next start due to elbow inflammation. I immediately regret taking the Cardinals to win the Central...
Prediction Game: 4/4
(Jaime, I had 1pm games on here, and this time I was nice and switched them out. Wake up before 1pm, please.)
Update 1:14pm: Looks like the Tor/NYY game was postponed anyways....glad I removed it while I could.
4/4 Games
Baltimore (Wright 0-0) at Minnesota (Ortiz 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Minnesota 8, Baltimore 5
Pittsburgh (Gorzellany 0-0) at Houston (Williams 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Houston 6, Pittsburgh 2
Boston (Beckett 0-0) at Kansas City (Seo 0-0) 8:10pm ET
- KC 7, Boston 5
Atlanta (Hudson 0-0) at Philadelphia (Hamels 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- Philly 6, Atlanta 3
LA Dodgers (Schmidt (0-0) at Milwaukee (Suppan 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Dodgers 6, Brewers 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/3 Results
Padres 7, Giants 0
Talking Chop - Padres 10, Giants 2 - 1 point
FireSather - Giants 7, Padres 3 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
Marlins 9, Nationals 3
Talking Chop - Marlins 7, Nats 1 - 1 point
FireSather - Marlins 5, Nats 1 - 1 point
Twins 3, O's 2
Talking Chop - Twins 6, O's 5 - 1 point
FireSather - O's 4, Twins 3 - 2 points for one score right in the wrong spot
Mets 4, Cardinals 1
Talking Chop - Mets 9, Cards 7 - 1 point
FireSather - Mets 9, Cards 4 - 1 point
Mariners 8, A's 4
Talking Chop - Mariners 5, A's 2 - 1 point
FireSather - A's 5, Mariners 3
Today's Standings:
FireSather 6 (2-0-1-1-0-0)
Talking Chop 5 (5-0-0-0-0-0) 5-0 tonight on winners!
Overall Standings:
FireSather 23 (5-0-1-3-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 5-11 (45%)
Talking Chop 11 (7-0-0-2-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 7-11 (64%)
Update 1:14pm: Looks like the Tor/NYY game was postponed anyways....glad I removed it while I could.
4/4 Games
Baltimore (Wright 0-0) at Minnesota (Ortiz 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Minnesota 8, Baltimore 5
Pittsburgh (Gorzellany 0-0) at Houston (Williams 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Houston 6, Pittsburgh 2
Boston (Beckett 0-0) at Kansas City (Seo 0-0) 8:10pm ET
- KC 7, Boston 5
Atlanta (Hudson 0-0) at Philadelphia (Hamels 0-0) 7:05pm ET
- Philly 6, Atlanta 3
LA Dodgers (Schmidt (0-0) at Milwaukee (Suppan 0-0) 8:05pm ET
- Dodgers 6, Brewers 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/3 Results
Padres 7, Giants 0
Talking Chop - Padres 10, Giants 2 - 1 point
FireSather - Giants 7, Padres 3 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
Marlins 9, Nationals 3
Talking Chop - Marlins 7, Nats 1 - 1 point
FireSather - Marlins 5, Nats 1 - 1 point
Twins 3, O's 2
Talking Chop - Twins 6, O's 5 - 1 point
FireSather - O's 4, Twins 3 - 2 points for one score right in the wrong spot
Mets 4, Cardinals 1
Talking Chop - Mets 9, Cards 7 - 1 point
FireSather - Mets 9, Cards 4 - 1 point
Mariners 8, A's 4
Talking Chop - Mariners 5, A's 2 - 1 point
FireSather - A's 5, Mariners 3
Today's Standings:
FireSather 6 (2-0-1-1-0-0)
Talking Chop 5 (5-0-0-0-0-0) 5-0 tonight on winners!
Overall Standings:
FireSather 23 (5-0-1-3-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 5-11 (45%)
Talking Chop 11 (7-0-0-2-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 7-11 (64%)
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Around the Opening Day Diamonds
I suppose I can make this a regular feature, especially on Braves off days. Or maybe I’m just bored at work with a lot of baseball to talk about….
- All hail King Felix? Absolutely pwned the A’s last night to the tune of 8 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 12 K. Too bad the rest of the Mariners (Ichiro notwithstanding) aren’t any good. Speaking of Ichiro, he’ll be gone by July….
- 46 year old (at least) Jose Contreras got lit the eff up yesterday by the Indians, not getting out of the 2nd inning. His line: 1 IP, 8 H, 8 ER, 1 BB, 1 K and an ERA of 72.00. Awesome….
- A-Rod dropped a popup, struck out with runners on, got booed, then hit a meaningless homer and everything was fine again. Until the next time he strikes out with runners on base….
- Hey Curt Schilling, please leave the blogging to us and do what you’re paid to do, which is pitch. On a related note, looks like the Royals got their money’s worth out of Gil Meche….
- Johan Santana has a 6.00 ERA. Something tells me that is the last time we’ll be seeing his ERA that high all season….
- Washington will lose at least 100 games this season, but we all knew that….
Braves Win, Prove Bunting Is For Pansies
Edgar Renteria thinks bunting's for pussies and instead hits a 2-run HR to win the game.------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Atlanta Braves are undefeated. After hitting one homer to tie the game in the 8th, Bobby Cox wanted Edgar to bunt and move the runner over into scoring position. But Edgar intentionally missed on two attempts because he thinks bunting's gay and wanted to hit the ball. Given the green light with two strikes to swing away, Edgar jacked it into the right field seats, giving the big middle finger to "small ball" advocates everywhere. Braves win 5-3. Buffet Bob Wickman picked up the win pitching the 9th and Chad Paronto picked up the save. Smoltzie went 6 solid innings, and the bullpen did its job. Last year, that 5-3 lead would have been blown in the bottom of the 10th. It's a good sign. Brian McCann also showed that he was very happy with his new contract, doubling, homering, and just being an all around beast of a man.
Braves are off today, but are back at it tomorrow night against these same Phillies. Pretty sure it's Hudson vs. Hamels.
And Brett Myers is still a wifebeating bitch.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Prediction Game 4/3
If there's day games like there is today, I'll try to keep a running standings tally of that day's events.
Post predictions in comments, and here's the scoring system.
4/3 Games
Padres (Peavy 0-0) at Giants (Zito 0-0) 4:05pm EDT
- Padres 10, Giants 2
Marlins (Olsen 0-0) at Nationals (Hill 0-0) 7:05pm EDT
- Marlins 7, Nationals 1
Orioles (Cabrera 0-0) at Twins (Bonser 0-0) 8:10pm EDT
- Twins 6, Orioles 5
Mets (Hernandez 0-0) at Cardinals (Wells 0-0) 8:10pm EDT
- Mets 9, Cardinals 7
A's (Blanton 0-0) at Mariners (Washburn 0-0) 10:05pm EDT
- Mariners 5, A's 2
-------------------------------------------------------
4/2 Results....
Braves 5, Phillies 3 (10)
Talking Chop: Phillies 7, Braves 5 - 2 points, right score on losing team.
FireSather: Braves 5, Phillies 3 - You gotta be fucking kidding me. 10+1=11 points.
Reds 5, Cubs 1
Talking Chop: Cubs 8, Reds 3
FireSather: Cubs 6, Reds 2
Brewers 7, Dodgers 1
Talking Chop: Brewers 4, Dodgers 0 - 1 point
FireSather: Brewers 8, Dodgers 2 - 1 point
DBacks 8, Rockies 6
Talking Chop: DBacks 5, Rockies 4 - 1 point
FireSather: DBacks 7, Rockies 3 - 1 point
Pirates 4, Astros 2
Talking Chop: Astros 4, Pirates 0 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
FireSather: Astros 4, Pirates 3 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
Standings:
FireSather 17 (3-0-0-2-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 3-6 (50%)
Talking Chop 6 (2-0-0-2-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-6 (33%)
Post predictions in comments, and here's the scoring system.
4/3 Games
Padres (Peavy 0-0) at Giants (Zito 0-0) 4:05pm EDT
- Padres 10, Giants 2
Marlins (Olsen 0-0) at Nationals (Hill 0-0) 7:05pm EDT
- Marlins 7, Nationals 1
Orioles (Cabrera 0-0) at Twins (Bonser 0-0) 8:10pm EDT
- Twins 6, Orioles 5
Mets (Hernandez 0-0) at Cardinals (Wells 0-0) 8:10pm EDT
- Mets 9, Cardinals 7
A's (Blanton 0-0) at Mariners (Washburn 0-0) 10:05pm EDT
- Mariners 5, A's 2
-------------------------------------------------------
4/2 Results....
Braves 5, Phillies 3 (10)
Talking Chop: Phillies 7, Braves 5 - 2 points, right score on losing team.
FireSather: Braves 5, Phillies 3 - You gotta be fucking kidding me. 10+1=11 points.
Reds 5, Cubs 1
Talking Chop: Cubs 8, Reds 3
FireSather: Cubs 6, Reds 2
Brewers 7, Dodgers 1
Talking Chop: Brewers 4, Dodgers 0 - 1 point
FireSather: Brewers 8, Dodgers 2 - 1 point
DBacks 8, Rockies 6
Talking Chop: DBacks 5, Rockies 4 - 1 point
FireSather: DBacks 7, Rockies 3 - 1 point
Pirates 4, Astros 2
Talking Chop: Astros 4, Pirates 0 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
FireSather: Astros 4, Pirates 3 - 2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning
Standings:
FireSather 17 (3-0-0-2-0-1) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 3-6 (50%)
Talking Chop 6 (2-0-0-2-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 2-6 (33%)
Hey, it's Opening Day!
Atlanta Braves (0-0) @ Philadelphia Phillies (0-0)
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
1:05pm EDT
Probable Starters: Smoltz (0-0) vs Myers (0-0)
But anyways, it's time to play some meaningful baseball. One day in, and the Braves are already one game back in the win column, awesome! Today, the Tomahawkers get to hopefully take out some aggressions on that wifebeating bastard Brett Myers and the Philles. Ol' reliable John Smoltz will be taking the hill for the Braves.
Okay, quick injury/roster report...just by looking at the transaction list:
3/30 Willy Aybar (3B) Placed on 15-Day DL (Sprained right hand)
3/30 Kyle Davies (P) Sent to Minors
3/30 Mike Hampton (P) Placed on 15-Day DL (Left oblique strain - out 6-8 weeks)
3/30 Peter Moylan (P) Sent to Minors
3/30 Martin Prado (2B) Sent to Minors
3/30 Tanyon Sturtze (P) Placed on 15-Day DL (Recovery from right shoulder surgery)
3/30 Kyle Davies (P) Sent to Minors
3/30 Mike Hampton (P) Placed on 15-Day DL (Left oblique strain - out 6-8 weeks)
3/30 Peter Moylan (P) Sent to Minors
3/30 Martin Prado (2B) Sent to Minors
3/30 Tanyon Sturtze (P) Placed on 15-Day DL (Recovery from right shoulder surgery)
So this means:
-Mark Redman and Lance Cormier fill out the rotation
-PETE ORR #4 has made the team
My expectations are low for this season. I'm just hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I'm even going home for a late lunch today to catch the first couple of innings...hopefully I'll actually see some Braves runs.
Go Braves.
New TC Feature
Welcome to Matt's Braves Terror Alert Level.
Just a barometer of how I feel about my team, and it's similar to the "other" terror alert level with some other different colors thrown in there for fun. Blues and Greens are calm, Yellow is in the middle, anything else, look out.
I'm just doing this for fun, nothing else.
It begins at Soothing YELLOW, and it will also be posted on the sidebar.
Just a barometer of how I feel about my team, and it's similar to the "other" terror alert level with some other different colors thrown in there for fun. Blues and Greens are calm, Yellow is in the middle, anything else, look out.
I'm just doing this for fun, nothing else.
It begins at Soothing YELLOW, and it will also be posted on the sidebar.
Prediction Game: 4/2
As always, post your predictions in the Comments.
4/1 Results:
Mets 6, Cardinals 1.
My pick: Cardinals 7, Mets 4
FireSather: Cardinals 6, Mets 2 -- 2 points, right winning score, wrong team winning
Season Standings: (see this post for scoring system)
FireSather: 2 (0-0-0-1-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 0-1 (0%)
Talking Chop: 0 (0-0-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 0-1 (0%)
Today's Handpicked Games:
Atlanta (Smoltz) at Philadelphia (Myers) 1:05 ET
- Phillies 7, Braves 5
Chicago (Zambrano) at Cincinnati (Harang) 2:05 ET
- Cubs 8, Reds 3
Dodgers (Lowe) at Milwaukee (Sheets) 2:05 ET
- Brewers 4, Dodgers 0
Arizona (Webb) at Colorado (Cook) 4:05 ET
- DBacks 5, Rockies 4
Pittsburgh (Duke) at Houston (Oswalt) 7:05 ET
- Houston 9, Pittsburgh 1
4/1 Results:
Mets 6, Cardinals 1.
My pick: Cardinals 7, Mets 4
FireSather: Cardinals 6, Mets 2 -- 2 points, right winning score, wrong team winning
Season Standings: (see this post for scoring system)
FireSather: 2 (0-0-0-1-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 0-1 (0%)
Talking Chop: 0 (0-0-0-0-0-0) Winning Pct on Games Picked: 0-1 (0%)
Today's Handpicked Games:
Atlanta (Smoltz) at Philadelphia (Myers) 1:05 ET
- Phillies 7, Braves 5
Chicago (Zambrano) at Cincinnati (Harang) 2:05 ET
- Cubs 8, Reds 3
Dodgers (Lowe) at Milwaukee (Sheets) 2:05 ET
- Brewers 4, Dodgers 0
Arizona (Webb) at Colorado (Cook) 4:05 ET
- DBacks 5, Rockies 4
Pittsburgh (Duke) at Houston (Oswalt) 7:05 ET
- Houston 9, Pittsburgh 1
Sunday, April 1, 2007
The Daily MLB Prediction Game
Edited 8:50am 4/2 to make more sense since I just slapped this together last night....
So all season, I'm going to post who I think's going to win the games of the day. Normally, I'll have something a little more in-depth, but I don't have too much time on my hands, so I'm going to call.....
Cardinals 7, Mets 4.
Scoring system for the season:
1 point for correct team winning
2 points for one score right in the right spot (example: Cardinals 7, Mets 2)
2 points for one score right in the wrong spot (example: Mets 4, Cardinals 3)
2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning (example: Mets 7, Cards 2)
5 points for exact score right, but wrong team winning (example: Mets 7, Cards 4)
10 points (+1 bonus point for right team winning) for right score, right team winning
Points are not cumulative for each game. What I mean is you don't earn 1 point for the win, plus 2 points for the right spot or score, plus 3 points for the score exactly right. The only exception to this is the 10 point score. Getting the team right plus the score right gets you that one point bonus. Whatever your highest score is, that's your score.
Update 8:35pm: And just to clear things up, I'm only going to be doing around 5 games (NL mostly) a day, not all 15.
So all season, I'm going to post who I think's going to win the games of the day. Normally, I'll have something a little more in-depth, but I don't have too much time on my hands, so I'm going to call.....
Cardinals 7, Mets 4.
Scoring system for the season:
1 point for correct team winning
2 points for one score right in the right spot (example: Cardinals 7, Mets 2)
2 points for one score right in the wrong spot (example: Mets 4, Cardinals 3)
2 points for right winning or losing score, but wrong team winning (example: Mets 7, Cards 2)
5 points for exact score right, but wrong team winning (example: Mets 7, Cards 4)
10 points (+1 bonus point for right team winning) for right score, right team winning
Points are not cumulative for each game. What I mean is you don't earn 1 point for the win, plus 2 points for the right spot or score, plus 3 points for the score exactly right. The only exception to this is the 10 point score. Getting the team right plus the score right gets you that one point bonus. Whatever your highest score is, that's your score.
Update 8:35pm: And just to clear things up, I'm only going to be doing around 5 games (NL mostly) a day, not all 15.
Friday, March 30, 2007
More Braves Previews from the Blogosphere
From TheBigLead:
Atlanta Braves - He’s probably not ‘The Natural’ good, but damn if we don’t love us some Jeff Francouer. We probably reached in our Fantasy draft and grabbed him early, but we’re anticipating .300-30-110. And those numbers will still only make him second banana to contract-year Andruw Jones. Sure, there’s a Paris Hilton-sized hole at first base, but that’s about the lone weakness on the roster. Tim Hudson may finally yank his head from his ass and if Chuck James can even come close to last year’s 11-4 showing, this could be a Top 5 NL staff, led by the ageless John Smoltz. Someone mentioned to us how the bullpen reminds them of the 1996 Yankees of Wetteland-Rivera, and it seems about accurate. Old man Wickman is the present; Rafael Soriano the future.
Projection: 2nd in NL East
From ESPN.com...
The cadre of 10 ESPN baseball junkies has the Braves winning (an average of) 87 games this season and (averaging again) finishing 3rd. 1 1st, 2 2nd's, and 7 3rd's. Eeesh....
Atlanta Braves - He’s probably not ‘The Natural’ good, but damn if we don’t love us some Jeff Francouer. We probably reached in our Fantasy draft and grabbed him early, but we’re anticipating .300-30-110. And those numbers will still only make him second banana to contract-year Andruw Jones. Sure, there’s a Paris Hilton-sized hole at first base, but that’s about the lone weakness on the roster. Tim Hudson may finally yank his head from his ass and if Chuck James can even come close to last year’s 11-4 showing, this could be a Top 5 NL staff, led by the ageless John Smoltz. Someone mentioned to us how the bullpen reminds them of the 1996 Yankees of Wetteland-Rivera, and it seems about accurate. Old man Wickman is the present; Rafael Soriano the future.
Projection: 2nd in NL East
From ESPN.com...
The cadre of 10 ESPN baseball junkies has the Braves winning (an average of) 87 games this season and (averaging again) finishing 3rd. 1 1st, 2 2nd's, and 7 3rd's. Eeesh....
Here's an interesting quote....
Found this on ESPN.com under the Braves preview regarding Scott Thorman....
"He swings it hard," says Chipper Jones. "He's the closest we've had to Ryan Klesko."
If this guy's another Klesko, please kick him off the team now and save me the trouble of wanting to go through the TV screen and strangle him at the plate. There is no Brave I have hated more in the last 15 years (John Rocker notwithstanding) than Klesko.
"He swings it hard," says Chipper Jones. "He's the closest we've had to Ryan Klesko."
If this guy's another Klesko, please kick him off the team now and save me the trouble of wanting to go through the TV screen and strangle him at the plate. There is no Brave I have hated more in the last 15 years (John Rocker notwithstanding) than Klesko.
Sorry that I live in a world of idiots....
Not three minutes after my preview is posted, here's Deadspin's NL East Preview...
http://deadspin.com/sports/baseball/your-nl-east-preview-248275.php
1. Philadelphia Phillies. That lineup is monstrous, and that rotation has some gumption to it. We think if they put Moyer in the bullpen, he'd pitch until he's 80.
2. New York Mets. You have to root for Pedro to come back, someday. Not that we don't get ecstatic about watching John Maine pitch.
3. Florida Marlins. We're not so sure Joe Girardi is the only reason these guys came on; remember how fun they were to watch at the end of last year.
4. Atlanta Braves. The dam has been opened; it might be a while until we see them in the playofs again.
5. Washington Nationals. The most fun thing to do is to watch the Presidents race anyway.
Are. You. Fucking. Kidding? I'm boycotting Deadspin for the day. DON'T THINK I WON'T FORGET THIS WHEN MY PREDICTIONS ARE RIGHT!
http://deadspin.com/sports/baseball/your-nl-east-preview-248275.php
1. Philadelphia Phillies. That lineup is monstrous, and that rotation has some gumption to it. We think if they put Moyer in the bullpen, he'd pitch until he's 80.
2. New York Mets. You have to root for Pedro to come back, someday. Not that we don't get ecstatic about watching John Maine pitch.
3. Florida Marlins. We're not so sure Joe Girardi is the only reason these guys came on; remember how fun they were to watch at the end of last year.
4. Atlanta Braves. The dam has been opened; it might be a while until we see them in the playofs again.
5. Washington Nationals. The most fun thing to do is to watch the Presidents race anyway.
Are. You. Fucking. Kidding? I'm boycotting Deadspin for the day. DON'T THINK I WON'T FORGET THIS WHEN MY PREDICTIONS ARE RIGHT!
Official Talking Chop NL East/MLB Preview
Since I've already done just the Braves, let's roll out the rest of the NL East in my predicted order of finish....and I've even provided an extra projection or two just for shits and giggles.
Projected lineups/rotations provided by Fox Sports.com
1) NY Mets
Clearly the class of the NL East, the Mets wouldn't surprise anyone by scoring 1000 runs and winning 100 games this season with that lineup. Obviously, the big question here is how the starting pitching will hold up. That alone will determine the Mets' fate. Primadonna Pedro's not due back until August (at least), and El Duque's already hurting. Plus Tom Glavine (that rat bastard) is about 531 years old and is bound to break down soon. If it wasn't for Pujols, I'd vote for David Wright as my MVP this season.
Jose Reyes loves men. But he's an awesome player and a fantasy player's dream.
Projected record: 93-69.
Jose Reyes stolen bases: 63
Total games started by Pedro and El Duque combined: 10
LINEUP:
1. SS Jose Reyes
2. C Paul Lo Duca
3. CF Carlos Beltran
4. 1B Carlos Delgado
5. 3B David Wright
6. LF Moises Alou
7. RF Shawn Green
8. 2B Jose Valentin
ROTATION:
1. LHP Tom Glavine
2. RHP Orlando Hernandez
3. RHP John Maine
4. LHP Oliver Perez
5. RHP Mike Pelfrey
BULLPEN:
LHP Billy Wagner (closer)
RHP Aaron Heilman
LHP Scott Schoeneweis
LHP Pedro Feliciano
RHP Aaron Sele
RHP Joe Smith
RHP Chan Ho Park or RHP Jon Adkins or RHP Ambiorix Burgos
2) Atlanta Braves
Obviously, already discussed in detail.
Projected Record: 85-77.
Bobby Cox ejections: 5, breaking the all time record held by Earl Weaver.
Games played by Chipper: 98
Homers hit by Andruw: 57
3) Philadelphia Phillies
Why is everyone so high on the Phils this year? Jimmy Rollins came out and said that THEY were the class of the NL East this year, and I beg to differ. A lot of pundits are picking the Phils to possibly win the division, but because they're the Phillies and their coach and GM are retarded, they'll find a way to not win. You heard it here first. In the lineup, they have 2 amazing players (Utley and Howard), 1 very very good player (Rollins), 1 potentially very very good player (Burrell), and a bunch of scrubs. I don't see that getting too far.
Not to mention the pitching staff's full of wifebeaters and softtossers. Moyer's going to get lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas tree in that park, and Garcia's not much better. So basically, it comes down to how well Hamels pitches. I'm going out on a limb and say "not well".
Projected Record: 81-81.
Howard homers: 44
Women beaten by Myers: 2
LINEUP:
1. SS Jimmy Rollins
2. RF Shane Victorino
3. 2B Chase Utley
4. 1B Ryan Howard
5. LF Pat Burrell
6. 3B Wes Helms
7. CF Aaron Rowand
8. C Rod Barajas
ROTATION:
1. RHP Brett Myers
2. LHP Cole Hamels
3. RHP Freddy Garcia
4. LHP Jamie Moyer
5. RHP Adam Eaton
BULLPEN:
RHP Tom Gordon (closer)
RHP Antonio Alfonseca
RHP Ryan Madson
RHP Geoff Geary
RHP Jon Lieber
LHP Matt Smith
RHP Clay Condrey
4) Florida Marlins
Everyone's favorite small payroll team is back for another season of 5,000 fans and rain delays. Young talent by the boatload, but still no veteran leadership. I pine for the days of Wayne Huizenga, just saying "fuck it" and spending money like he's Jim Hendry. Hanley Ramirez is Jose Reyes Lite, and another fantasy dream. Miggy Cabrera's about 2 years from a 7 year/$130 million contract with the Yankees, and Dontrelle's only 1 year away from that. You know, if he ever stops drinking, driving, and pissing on the street.
And you think Boston wants to reverse that Josh Beckett trade?
Projected Record: 74-88.
Hanley Ramirez SB's: 67
Which will be higher: Dontrelle's batting average or his BAC next time he's pulled over? I'm taking the BAC.
LINEUP:
1. SS Hanley Ramirez
2. 2B Dan Uggla
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. LF Josh Willingham
5. 1B Mike Jacobs
6. RF Joe Borchard
7. C Miguel Olivo
8. CF Alejandro De Aza
ROTATION:
1. LHP Dontrelle Willis
2. LHP Scott Olsen
3. RHP Anibal Sanchez
4. RHP Ricky Nolasco
5. RHP Sergio Mitre
BULLPEN:
RHP Jorge Julio (closer)
RHP Matt Lindstrom
RHP Randy Messenger
RHP Henry Owens
LHP Renyel Pinto
RHP Kevin Gregg
RHP Lee Gardner
5) Washington Nationals
They're shitty. Although I'm hoping for a good fantasy season from Ryan Zimmerman. Him and Felipe Lopez are the only two players on that team that you can call "good" after a few drinks.
Projected Record: 62-100.
Over/Under - How many times Frank Robinson falls asleep this year: 2. I'm taking the over.
Games pitched by a pitcher who I've heard of before today: 4, when Patterson gets hurt.
LINEUP:
1. 2B Felipe Lopez
2. SS Cristian Guzman
3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman
4. RF Austin Kearns
5. 1B Dmitri Young
6. LF Ryan Church
7. C Brian Schneider
8. CF Nook Logan
ROTATION:
1. RHP John Patterson
2. RHP Shawn Hill
3. LHP Matt Chico
4. RHP Jerome Williams
5. RHP Jason Simontacchi or RHP Jason Bergmann
BULLPEN:
RHP Chad Cordero (closer)
RHP Jon Rauch
RHP Ryan Wagner
LHP Ray King
LHP Micah Bowie
RHP Levale Speigner
RHP Jesus Colome
The rest of the NL (standings only):
NL Central
1. Cardinals
2. Brewers
3. Astros (Caveat: 1st place if Clemens is there by June 1)
4. Reds
5. Cubs
6. Pirates
NL West
1. D-Backs
2. Padres
3. Dodgers
4. Giants
5. Rockies
WC Winner: Padres (based on standings listed). If Clemens comes back and the Astros win the division, then it's the Cards for the WC.
Playoffs: Mets over Padres, D-Backs over Cardinals. Mets over D-Backs for the NL championship.
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
Darkhorse: David Wright
NL Cy Young: I'll take Brandon Webb to repeat. There's no clear favorite here.
Darkhorse: Jason Schmidt
American League Projections
AL East
1. Boston
2. NY Yankees
3. Toronto
4. Tampa
5. Baltimore
AL Central
1. White Sox
2. Tigers
3. Indians
4. Twins
5. Royals
(Reasoning for the Twins being 4th even though I'd love to see them in first: Johan Santana can only pitch 35 games for the Twins, the other 127, they're fucked.)
AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Disney, and the entire West Coast
2. A's
3. Mariners
4. Rangers
WC Winner: Tigers (or whoever the 2nd place team in the Central is)
Playoffs: White Sox over Tigers, Red Sox over Angels. Red Sox over White Sox for the AL Championship.
AL MVP: David Ortiz
Darkhorse: Gary Sheffield
AL Cy Young: Johan Santana. Any pick against that would be uncivilized.
Darkhorse: Dice-K Matsuzaka
World Series: Red Sox over Mets. Vengance for '86. Billy Buckner will be in attendance and be brought onto the field to hoist the title over the Mets that he famously blew.
Projected lineups/rotations provided by Fox Sports.com
1) NY Mets
Clearly the class of the NL East, the Mets wouldn't surprise anyone by scoring 1000 runs and winning 100 games this season with that lineup. Obviously, the big question here is how the starting pitching will hold up. That alone will determine the Mets' fate. Primadonna Pedro's not due back until August (at least), and El Duque's already hurting. Plus Tom Glavine (that rat bastard) is about 531 years old and is bound to break down soon. If it wasn't for Pujols, I'd vote for David Wright as my MVP this season.
Jose Reyes loves men. But he's an awesome player and a fantasy player's dream.
Projected record: 93-69.
Jose Reyes stolen bases: 63
Total games started by Pedro and El Duque combined: 10
LINEUP:
1. SS Jose Reyes
2. C Paul Lo Duca
3. CF Carlos Beltran
4. 1B Carlos Delgado
5. 3B David Wright
6. LF Moises Alou
7. RF Shawn Green
8. 2B Jose Valentin
ROTATION:
1. LHP Tom Glavine
2. RHP Orlando Hernandez
3. RHP John Maine
4. LHP Oliver Perez
5. RHP Mike Pelfrey
BULLPEN:
LHP Billy Wagner (closer)
RHP Aaron Heilman
LHP Scott Schoeneweis
LHP Pedro Feliciano
RHP Aaron Sele
RHP Joe Smith
RHP Chan Ho Park or RHP Jon Adkins or RHP Ambiorix Burgos
2) Atlanta Braves
Obviously, already discussed in detail.
Projected Record: 85-77.
Bobby Cox ejections: 5, breaking the all time record held by Earl Weaver.
Games played by Chipper: 98
Homers hit by Andruw: 57
3) Philadelphia Phillies
Why is everyone so high on the Phils this year? Jimmy Rollins came out and said that THEY were the class of the NL East this year, and I beg to differ. A lot of pundits are picking the Phils to possibly win the division, but because they're the Phillies and their coach and GM are retarded, they'll find a way to not win. You heard it here first. In the lineup, they have 2 amazing players (Utley and Howard), 1 very very good player (Rollins), 1 potentially very very good player (Burrell), and a bunch of scrubs. I don't see that getting too far.
Not to mention the pitching staff's full of wifebeaters and softtossers. Moyer's going to get lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas tree in that park, and Garcia's not much better. So basically, it comes down to how well Hamels pitches. I'm going out on a limb and say "not well".
Projected Record: 81-81.
Howard homers: 44
Women beaten by Myers: 2
LINEUP:
1. SS Jimmy Rollins
2. RF Shane Victorino
3. 2B Chase Utley
4. 1B Ryan Howard
5. LF Pat Burrell
6. 3B Wes Helms
7. CF Aaron Rowand
8. C Rod Barajas
ROTATION:
1. RHP Brett Myers
2. LHP Cole Hamels
3. RHP Freddy Garcia
4. LHP Jamie Moyer
5. RHP Adam Eaton
BULLPEN:
RHP Tom Gordon (closer)
RHP Antonio Alfonseca
RHP Ryan Madson
RHP Geoff Geary
RHP Jon Lieber
LHP Matt Smith
RHP Clay Condrey
4) Florida Marlins
Everyone's favorite small payroll team is back for another season of 5,000 fans and rain delays. Young talent by the boatload, but still no veteran leadership. I pine for the days of Wayne Huizenga, just saying "fuck it" and spending money like he's Jim Hendry. Hanley Ramirez is Jose Reyes Lite, and another fantasy dream. Miggy Cabrera's about 2 years from a 7 year/$130 million contract with the Yankees, and Dontrelle's only 1 year away from that. You know, if he ever stops drinking, driving, and pissing on the street.
And you think Boston wants to reverse that Josh Beckett trade?
Projected Record: 74-88.
Hanley Ramirez SB's: 67
Which will be higher: Dontrelle's batting average or his BAC next time he's pulled over? I'm taking the BAC.
LINEUP:
1. SS Hanley Ramirez
2. 2B Dan Uggla
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. LF Josh Willingham
5. 1B Mike Jacobs
6. RF Joe Borchard
7. C Miguel Olivo
8. CF Alejandro De Aza
ROTATION:
1. LHP Dontrelle Willis
2. LHP Scott Olsen
3. RHP Anibal Sanchez
4. RHP Ricky Nolasco
5. RHP Sergio Mitre
BULLPEN:
RHP Jorge Julio (closer)
RHP Matt Lindstrom
RHP Randy Messenger
RHP Henry Owens
LHP Renyel Pinto
RHP Kevin Gregg
RHP Lee Gardner
5) Washington Nationals
They're shitty. Although I'm hoping for a good fantasy season from Ryan Zimmerman. Him and Felipe Lopez are the only two players on that team that you can call "good" after a few drinks.
Projected Record: 62-100.
Over/Under - How many times Frank Robinson falls asleep this year: 2. I'm taking the over.
Games pitched by a pitcher who I've heard of before today: 4, when Patterson gets hurt.
LINEUP:
1. 2B Felipe Lopez
2. SS Cristian Guzman
3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman
4. RF Austin Kearns
5. 1B Dmitri Young
6. LF Ryan Church
7. C Brian Schneider
8. CF Nook Logan
ROTATION:
1. RHP John Patterson
2. RHP Shawn Hill
3. LHP Matt Chico
4. RHP Jerome Williams
5. RHP Jason Simontacchi or RHP Jason Bergmann
BULLPEN:
RHP Chad Cordero (closer)
RHP Jon Rauch
RHP Ryan Wagner
LHP Ray King
LHP Micah Bowie
RHP Levale Speigner
RHP Jesus Colome
The rest of the NL (standings only):
NL Central
1. Cardinals
2. Brewers
3. Astros (Caveat: 1st place if Clemens is there by June 1)
4. Reds
5. Cubs
6. Pirates
NL West
1. D-Backs
2. Padres
3. Dodgers
4. Giants
5. Rockies
WC Winner: Padres (based on standings listed). If Clemens comes back and the Astros win the division, then it's the Cards for the WC.
Playoffs: Mets over Padres, D-Backs over Cardinals. Mets over D-Backs for the NL championship.
NL MVP: Albert Pujols
Darkhorse: David Wright
NL Cy Young: I'll take Brandon Webb to repeat. There's no clear favorite here.
Darkhorse: Jason Schmidt
American League Projections
AL East
1. Boston
2. NY Yankees
3. Toronto
4. Tampa
5. Baltimore
AL Central
1. White Sox
2. Tigers
3. Indians
4. Twins
5. Royals
(Reasoning for the Twins being 4th even though I'd love to see them in first: Johan Santana can only pitch 35 games for the Twins, the other 127, they're fucked.)
AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Disney, and the entire West Coast
2. A's
3. Mariners
4. Rangers
WC Winner: Tigers (or whoever the 2nd place team in the Central is)
Playoffs: White Sox over Tigers, Red Sox over Angels. Red Sox over White Sox for the AL Championship.
AL MVP: David Ortiz
Darkhorse: Gary Sheffield
AL Cy Young: Johan Santana. Any pick against that would be uncivilized.
Darkhorse: Dice-K Matsuzaka
World Series: Red Sox over Mets. Vengance for '86. Billy Buckner will be in attendance and be brought onto the field to hoist the title over the Mets that he famously blew.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Urbina to the Hoosegow
Former Philly and Marlin (see, I told you I'd post some relevant NL East info) Ugueth Urbina's headed to the land of buttsex.
Urbina was sentenced for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch. Urbina, a former pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies, was also found guilty of illegal deprivation of liberty and violating a prohibition against taking justice into his own hands during a dispute over a gun on Oct. 16, 2005, El Universal reported. The 31-year-old free agent was accused of joining a group of men in attacking and injuring workers with machetes and pouring gasoline on them at his family's ranch, located about 25 miles south of Caracas.
Illegal deprivation of liberty?? I'm surprised the Patriot Act hasn't made that law up yet here in the States for terrorists.
And you know what, I'm going to go ahead and postpone that Venezuela trip that I was planning on taking. As a matter of fact, I'm going to avoid South America all together. That sounds better than running away from a machete-wielding MLB pitcher or spending the next 14 years behind bars.
One question must be asked though.....will Urbina still be the pitcher, or the catcher?
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Atlanta Braves Season Preview
Ahhh, spring.
Hockey's still my sport this time of year (especially with my Sabres in first place), but it takes a temporary backseat for the beginning of baseball season.
Without further ado, here's a position by position breakdown of my beloved Braves.
C - Brian McCann
Brotha just got PAID. He's our catcher for the next 6 years, and I'm very happy. Hit .333-24-93 with 34 doubles. I don't expect anything more or less.
1B - Scott Thorman
Only hit .234 in 124 AB last year, and the Braves are counting on him to pick up the slack for the (happily in my eyes) departed Adam LaRoche. He's only hitting .264 this spring, which is a little worrysome. He needs to hit at least 20 HR's and drive in 70, otherwise the Braves may be looking for other options. Largely unproven.
2B - Kelly Johnson
Another happy departure for me, Marcus Giles, opened up the second base slot. In steps Kelly Johnson, fresh off Tommy John surgery, which took him out of the outfield. I still don't understand how that happens, but hey, whatever. Glenn Hubbard, the Braves' first-base coach who, during his playing days, was known as a strong defensive second baseman, has spent the past five months helping Johnson learn the position that he'll handle on an everyday basis for the Braves. No I didn't write that last sentence. He didn't play last year, and all I remember him for is starting his career 1 for 30 in 2005.
3B - Chipper Jones
What, you expected someone else? Please stay healthy this season, Chip.
SS - Edgar Renteria
After happily bailing out of the AL and the pressure in Boston, Edgar hit .293, scored 100 runs, and stole 17 bases. Ideally, he's the #2 hitter in the lineup, with Kelly Johnson as leadoff. Edgar's not a natural leadoff hitter, and he struggles when he's put there. Regardless of the situation, Bobby Cox needs to pencil him in at short and batting 2nd every day and not worry about it.
LF - Ryan Langerhans
Ryan's sewed up any doubt that Matt Diaz was going to take at-bats from him this season with a scorching spring (.378/.451/.578) He struggled with injuries and platoon situations last year, only hitting .41 in 315 AB. He's still an above-average defender, which is a common outfield theme in Atlanta.
CF - Andruw Jones
Sad that it's going to be the last time I type in this name there. Andruw, we know you're leaving. All us Braves fans ask is that you don't just mope all year and hope that the team is still in contention at the trade deadline so you don't leave us early. I can deal with your .250 average, and making the absolute LEAST out of your RBI chances (that you get more of than any other hitter). Make up for it by hitting 50 HR's (preferably not in 8-1 games like A-Rod) and one diving catch a game. Just give us something to remember.
RF - Jeff Francoeur
Hey Frenchy, there's this thing called a "strike zone". You only swing at pitches that end up in or in the immediate vicinity around it. Kapiesh? But you know what? He's the best player in the league with a .306 career OBP!! I really mean that too.
Bench
Matt Diaz - OF
Brayan Pena - C
Willy Aybar - IF
Chris Woodward - IF
Pete Orr - IF
Martin Prado - IF
Craig Wilson - OF/1B
Talk about a bunch of fucking scrubs. Aybar's hurt with a sore hand and probably will open the season on the DL, which opens a spot for Pete Orr #4. Prado, while having a solid spring, is probably the odd man out here because of Orr's versatility. Woodward's safe as the other backup infielder. Personally, I think they all suck. Except for Pete Orr, he's the man.
Story time! When he was first called up, I sent in a question (which was answered in a mailbag) to the MLB.com Braves site about whether Pete Orr wears #4 because of Bobby Orr (Pete IS Canadian, after all). And yes, he does.
Starting Lineup
1. 2B Johnson
SP - John Smoltz (R)
Nothing to see here, move along. You know what you're getting from Smoltzie, but more than anyone else, if the Braves lose him to injury, they are D-U-N done.
SP - Tim Hudson (R)
Tim, I've always had a man crush on you. I even contemplated buying your jersey when you signed here. Well, I'm glad you didn't. Now get your head out of your ass and pitch. To his credit, he has a 1.71 ERA in 21 spring IP. But Tim, we don't want any part of that 4.86 ERA or the 1.44 WHIP last season. This team REALLY needs you to do better than that this year. Time to justify your salary.
SP - I'm Chuck James, Bitch! (L)
Coolest name in baseball. AND he's mowing down mofo's like grass this spring. He just 2-hit the Nationals (okay, still) over 6 innings the other night and has a 1.80 ERA over 20 spring IP. Solid at the #3 spot.
SP - Kyle Davies (R)
SP - Mark Redman (L)
SP - Mike Hampton (currently injured) (L)
Davies and Redman are the current #4/#5 starters while Hampton recovers from a sore vagina for the 3rd season in a row. Oh and Mike, the Braves are on the hook for your entire $14 million salary this year. You're the reason why we can't keep Andruw. Thanks a lot, asshole.
But hey, Kyle Davies has had a strong spring! And Mark Redman was so bad, he was cut from Kansas City. Yep, really.
RP - Bob "Buffet Line" Wickman (closer) (R)
RP - Mike Gonzalez (L)
RP - Rafael Soriano (R)
RP - Tanyon "Canyon" Sturtze (R)
RP - Macay McBride (L)
RP - Oscar Villareal (R)
RP - Tyler Yates (R)
Minor leaguers:
Blaine Boyer (injured) (R)
Chad Paronto (R)
Lance Cormier (R)
Pete Moylan (R)
Sturtze still plays? Eeesh. Him and Villareal are the most likely candidates for long relief out of this group. Villareal has struggled this spring with mechanics. But roles are pretty well defined here, and for once, the 'pen isn't a liability. Soriano takes the 7th, Gonzo the 8th, Wickman the 9th. Best part is, any one of the three CAN close. Cormier is also a candidate for the 5th rotation spot.
GM - John Schuerholz
Manager - Bobby Cox
Yawn. Only drama this spring has been rumblings that Cox is thinking about hanging them up in the next couple of years. I figured when Pope John Paul II died, he'd die too, you know, considering they were cloned at birth.
Outlook
The Braves had their first losing season in 16 years last year. This team is talented enough not to repeat that, and with a few breaks, could contend for the Wild Card spot. They don't have enough on offense to beat the Mets, who could win 100 games if their pitching holds up.
Projection: 85-77, 2nd in NL East, miss WC by 2 games. That's how I roll.
Hockey's still my sport this time of year (especially with my Sabres in first place), but it takes a temporary backseat for the beginning of baseball season.
Without further ado, here's a position by position breakdown of my beloved Braves.
C - Brian McCann
Brotha just got PAID. He's our catcher for the next 6 years, and I'm very happy. Hit .333-24-93 with 34 doubles. I don't expect anything more or less.
1B - Scott Thorman
Only hit .234 in 124 AB last year, and the Braves are counting on him to pick up the slack for the (happily in my eyes) departed Adam LaRoche. He's only hitting .264 this spring, which is a little worrysome. He needs to hit at least 20 HR's and drive in 70, otherwise the Braves may be looking for other options. Largely unproven.
2B - Kelly Johnson
Another happy departure for me, Marcus Giles, opened up the second base slot. In steps Kelly Johnson, fresh off Tommy John surgery, which took him out of the outfield. I still don't understand how that happens, but hey, whatever. Glenn Hubbard, the Braves' first-base coach who, during his playing days, was known as a strong defensive second baseman, has spent the past five months helping Johnson learn the position that he'll handle on an everyday basis for the Braves. No I didn't write that last sentence. He didn't play last year, and all I remember him for is starting his career 1 for 30 in 2005.
3B - Chipper Jones
What, you expected someone else? Please stay healthy this season, Chip.
SS - Edgar Renteria
After happily bailing out of the AL and the pressure in Boston, Edgar hit .293, scored 100 runs, and stole 17 bases. Ideally, he's the #2 hitter in the lineup, with Kelly Johnson as leadoff. Edgar's not a natural leadoff hitter, and he struggles when he's put there. Regardless of the situation, Bobby Cox needs to pencil him in at short and batting 2nd every day and not worry about it.
LF - Ryan Langerhans
Ryan's sewed up any doubt that Matt Diaz was going to take at-bats from him this season with a scorching spring (.378/.451/.578) He struggled with injuries and platoon situations last year, only hitting .41 in 315 AB. He's still an above-average defender, which is a common outfield theme in Atlanta.
CF - Andruw Jones
Sad that it's going to be the last time I type in this name there. Andruw, we know you're leaving. All us Braves fans ask is that you don't just mope all year and hope that the team is still in contention at the trade deadline so you don't leave us early. I can deal with your .250 average, and making the absolute LEAST out of your RBI chances (that you get more of than any other hitter). Make up for it by hitting 50 HR's (preferably not in 8-1 games like A-Rod) and one diving catch a game. Just give us something to remember.
RF - Jeff Francoeur
Hey Frenchy, there's this thing called a "strike zone". You only swing at pitches that end up in or in the immediate vicinity around it. Kapiesh? But you know what? He's the best player in the league with a .306 career OBP!! I really mean that too.
Bench
Matt Diaz - OF
Brayan Pena - C
Willy Aybar - IF
Chris Woodward - IF
Pete Orr - IF
Martin Prado - IF
Craig Wilson - OF/1B
Talk about a bunch of fucking scrubs. Aybar's hurt with a sore hand and probably will open the season on the DL, which opens a spot for Pete Orr #4. Prado, while having a solid spring, is probably the odd man out here because of Orr's versatility. Woodward's safe as the other backup infielder. Personally, I think they all suck. Except for Pete Orr, he's the man.
Story time! When he was first called up, I sent in a question (which was answered in a mailbag) to the MLB.com Braves site about whether Pete Orr wears #4 because of Bobby Orr (Pete IS Canadian, after all). And yes, he does.
Starting Lineup
1. 2B Johnson
2. SS Renteria
3. 3B Chipper Jones
4. CF Andruw Jones
5. C McCann
6. RF Francoeur
7. LF Langerhans
8. 1B Thorman
SP - John Smoltz (R)
Nothing to see here, move along. You know what you're getting from Smoltzie, but more than anyone else, if the Braves lose him to injury, they are D-U-N done.
SP - Tim Hudson (R)
Tim, I've always had a man crush on you. I even contemplated buying your jersey when you signed here. Well, I'm glad you didn't. Now get your head out of your ass and pitch. To his credit, he has a 1.71 ERA in 21 spring IP. But Tim, we don't want any part of that 4.86 ERA or the 1.44 WHIP last season. This team REALLY needs you to do better than that this year. Time to justify your salary.
SP - I'm Chuck James, Bitch! (L)
Coolest name in baseball. AND he's mowing down mofo's like grass this spring. He just 2-hit the Nationals (okay, still) over 6 innings the other night and has a 1.80 ERA over 20 spring IP. Solid at the #3 spot.
SP - Kyle Davies (R)
SP - Mark Redman (L)
SP - Mike Hampton (currently injured) (L)
Davies and Redman are the current #4/#5 starters while Hampton recovers from a sore vagina for the 3rd season in a row. Oh and Mike, the Braves are on the hook for your entire $14 million salary this year. You're the reason why we can't keep Andruw. Thanks a lot, asshole.
But hey, Kyle Davies has had a strong spring! And Mark Redman was so bad, he was cut from Kansas City. Yep, really.
RP - Bob "Buffet Line" Wickman (closer) (R)
RP - Mike Gonzalez (L)
RP - Rafael Soriano (R)
RP - Tanyon "Canyon" Sturtze (R)
RP - Macay McBride (L)
RP - Oscar Villareal (R)
RP - Tyler Yates (R)
Minor leaguers:
Blaine Boyer (injured) (R)
Chad Paronto (R)
Lance Cormier (R)
Pete Moylan (R)
Sturtze still plays? Eeesh. Him and Villareal are the most likely candidates for long relief out of this group. Villareal has struggled this spring with mechanics. But roles are pretty well defined here, and for once, the 'pen isn't a liability. Soriano takes the 7th, Gonzo the 8th, Wickman the 9th. Best part is, any one of the three CAN close. Cormier is also a candidate for the 5th rotation spot.
GM - John Schuerholz
Manager - Bobby Cox
Yawn. Only drama this spring has been rumblings that Cox is thinking about hanging them up in the next couple of years. I figured when Pope John Paul II died, he'd die too, you know, considering they were cloned at birth.
Outlook
The Braves had their first losing season in 16 years last year. This team is talented enough not to repeat that, and with a few breaks, could contend for the Wild Card spot. They don't have enough on offense to beat the Mets, who could win 100 games if their pitching holds up.
Projection: 85-77, 2nd in NL East, miss WC by 2 games. That's how I roll.
Welcome!
First off, I'd like to welcome you to this blog. I don't know how you found yourself here, but hopefully you'll stick around.
Secondly, this site is still under construction. Any comments/flames are welcome (that are layout related, of course)
What is this about?? The Atlanta Motherfucking Braves, that's what. It's time for a new season and because TBS has decided to be retarded and not carry games anymore, I have to keep an interest in my team somehow. How long have I been a fan? Life. Why? Because of TBS, I was able to watch 150 games a year, so I adopted them as my team. And you wonder why I'm upset that games won't be shown anymore.
And no, I don't plan on giving MLB.tv my money either. Go to hell, Bud Selig.
So ideally, I'll have a daily post on last night's game and anything else that's relevant. I'll also throw in some general MLB talk as well. Good times.
I'll write up a season preview (that will try and not be like anyone else's) soon.
Oh, and fuck the Mets.
Secondly, this site is still under construction. Any comments/flames are welcome (that are layout related, of course)
What is this about?? The Atlanta Motherfucking Braves, that's what. It's time for a new season and because TBS has decided to be retarded and not carry games anymore, I have to keep an interest in my team somehow. How long have I been a fan? Life. Why? Because of TBS, I was able to watch 150 games a year, so I adopted them as my team. And you wonder why I'm upset that games won't be shown anymore.
And no, I don't plan on giving MLB.tv my money either. Go to hell, Bud Selig.
So ideally, I'll have a daily post on last night's game and anything else that's relevant. I'll also throw in some general MLB talk as well. Good times.
I'll write up a season preview (that will try and not be like anyone else's) soon.
Oh, and fuck the Mets.
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