text:
Can I Get You a Cup of Coffee?
This is the time of the year when MLB clubs begin to rearrange the deck-chairs, as contenders look to solidify their post-season rosters with a last minute waiver deal or two prior to the August 31st post-season roster eligibility deadline, and clubs that are out of contention bring up players from the minors to get a look at guys who might (or might not) have a future with the club.
Cubs possible September call-ups and roster additions:
Luis Valbuena (oblique) will likely be reinstated from the 15-day DL on or about 9/1, but if it turns out Valbuena is unable to return this season, he could be transferred from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL if a 40-man roster slot is needed for Ryan Sweeney and Scott Baker. Both Sweeney (if he isn't traded by 8/31) and Baker (if he completes his minor league rehab assignment without another setback) could be reinstated from the 60-day DL on or about September 1st (although reinstating Sweeney and Baker would require one player presently on the 40-man roster to be dropped, either by trade, release, or outright assignment to the minors, or by a 60-day DL assignment),
J. C. Boscan (presently on an Optional Assignment at AAA Iowa) is probably a lock to be recalled on September 1st or at the close of the PCL season (clubs almost always add a third catcher in September), as are Justin Grimm, Eduardo Sanchez, Brooks Raley, Mike Olt, and Alberto Cabrera (who will be out of minor league options in 2013 and thus needs to be closely evaluated at the big league level ASAP). Josh Vitters probably would have been another recall (and he still might be), but he's back on the DL at Iowa with hamstring issues.
It's also possible that if an additional 40-man roster slot is at least temporarily available next month due to trades or injuries, that the Cubs could give someone like Iowa closer Brian Schlitter a look. Schlitter has previous big league experience with the Cubs, and he has battled back from TJS and other physical issues. However, if the Cubs were to call-up Schlitter (which would require him to be added to the MLB 40-man roster), he would have to be really impressive to survive.
There are presently 39 players on the Cubs MLB Reserve List, and another eight on the 60-day DL. (Players on the 60-day DL must be reinstated by 5 PM on the 5th day following the conclusion of the World Series).
Of the 47 (39 on the 40 and eight on ther 60), there are five players who will be Ariticle XX-B MLB free-agents after the conclusion of the 2013 World Series:
Scott Baker, RHP
Kevin Gregg, RHP
Matt Guerrier, RHP
Dioner Navarro, C
Ryan Sweeney, OF
Of the five, Kevin Gregg is probably the most-likely to be traded this month. Most clubs in contention want to cement their bullpen with veteran relievers with closer experience, and Gregg certainly fits that description. The Cubs will likely be building their future bullpen around Pedro Strop and a collection of young arms, so Gregg really has no future with the Cubs (and he just barely has a present). So if the Cubs can pick-up a young arm with potential--even if it's a "lottery" type prospect from the DSL--they probably will move Gregg by the August 31 deadline.
Dioner Navarro would have value to any contending club looking to simultaneously upgrade their catching depth and their bench. He also actually would have some value to the Cubs over the next two or three years, too, since there isn't much in the way of MLB catching prospects in the Cubs system at this time. As I have mentioned before, I believe Rafael Lopez is probably the one minor league guy who might realistically project as an MLB catcher, but even he would probably be nothing more than a LH-hitting back-up catcher at the big league level. Lopez is already 25 years old (he turns 26 in October) and has yet to play above AA (although he was an all-star at that level this season), and it's not like he'll be big league ready in 2014. (Lopez was a third-baseman at Boston College and at Indian River JC, and then was converted to catcher after he transferred to Florida State... the Cubs drafted him as a 23-year old 5th year senior in 2011, so he won't be Rule 5 eligible until post-2014).
Ryan Seweney was placed on the 60-Day DL with a rib injury on June 30th, so he is eligible to be reinstated from the 60-day DL on August 29th, just in time to get traded to a contender. Now he will have to prove he is is healthy before the Cubs can place him on Trade Waivers, probably by going on a minor league rehab assignment next week. Then once he proves that he's healthy enough to play, the Cubs could put him on Trade Waivers on August 29th, and he would clear waivers at 1 PM (Eastern) on August 31st. Whether is is claimed or not claimed, the Cubs could trade Sweeney by the midnight deadline on August 31st, but if he is claimed the Cubs would be restricted to trading him to just one club (the club that claims him).
Scott Baker (April 2012 TJS rehab) just began a second minor league rehab assignment at Daytona this week, and maybe this time he'll get through it without being shut-down. Baker signed a one-year $5.5M deal with the Cubs last off-season, but he has yet to throw an inning at the big league level this year. There has been talk that Baker would like to come back to the Cubs in 2014, but hopefully this time the Cubs will be smart enough not to give him so much guaranteed money. Maybe it would be better to sign him to a minor league contract with an NRI to Spring Training instead of giving him a major league contract and a spot on the 40-man roster, too.
Matt Guerrier underwent season-ending elbow surgery last week, and will likely miss the next nine months. Guerrier has said that he would like to return to the Cubs in 2014, and that is probably a distinct possibility, since he could sign a 2014 minor league contract and spend the first-half of next season rehabbing at the Cubs new Spring Training & minor league facility at Riverview Park in Mesa. The Cubs have done this in the past with their own minor league free-agents who were rehabbing from surgeries, re-signing guys like Justin Berg and Marcos Mateo to minor league contracts for their rehab season.
So five slots on the 40-man roster should become available post-2013, once Baker, Gregg, Guerrier, Navarro, and Sweeney are declared free-agents on the day after the conclusion of the World Series (if they haven't already been traded).
In addition to the five post-2013 Article XX-B MLB free-agents, there are also ten Cubs players eligible for salary arbitration post-2013:
CUBS ELIGIBLE FOR SALARY-ARBITRATION POSt-2013:
Darwin Barney, INF - $2.5M?
Darnell McDonald, OF - $1M?
Donnie Murphy, INF - $1M?
Cody Ransom, INF - $1M?
James Russell, LHP - $2M?
Jeff Samardzija, RHP - $7M?
Nate Schierholtz, OF- $4M?
Pedro Strop, RHP ("Super Two") - $1.5M?
Luis Valbuena, INF - $1.5M?
Travis Wood, LHP - $3.5M?
Arbitration-eligibles are usually the guys who get non-tendered in December, either because the club wants the player back in the mix for the next season but ONLY if the player agrees to sign a minor league contract (usually with an NRI to Spring Training), or because the club does not want to risk losing in an arbitration hearing.
Of the ten post-2013 arbitration-eligibles, Samardzija, Schierholtz, Wood, Barney, Russell, Strop, and Valbuena are likely to be tendered contracts, while McDonald, Murphy, and Ransom are not, although any or all of the latter three could be non-tendered on 12/2 and then offered 2014 minor league contracts (with an NRI to Spring Training)
Among the remaining 32 players players presently on the Cubs 40-man roster or 60-day DL, six are already signed for 2014:
Edwin Jackson, RHP - $11M
Starlin Castro, SS - $5M
Carlos Villanueva, RHP - $5M
Kyuji Fujikawa, RHP - $4M (plus $2M in potential performance bonuses related to GF)
Jorge Soler, OF - $2M
Anthony Rizzo, 1B - $1.75M (plus $1.25M deferred signing bonus)
Unless Fujikawa (who underwent TJS in May) is outrighted to the minors post-2013 (as an NPB veteran he probably has a "no minor league assignment" clause in his contract) or somebody gets traded, all six of the signed players should remain on the Cubs 40-man roster into the 2014 season.
That leaves 26 players presently on the Cubs 40-man roster or 60-day DL who are not signed for 2014, not eligible to be an Article XX-B MLB free-agent, and not eligible for salary arbitration. These players are the guys who are under club control, where the club essentially can dictate the player's salary (albeit restricted by minimum salary limits):
CUBS PLAYERS PRE-ARBITRATION/AUTO-RENEWAL POSt-2013:
Jake Arrieta, RHP
Brian Bogusevic, OF
J. C. Boscan, C
Michael Bowden, RHP
Alberto Cabrera, RHP
Welington Castillo, C
Rafael Dolis, RHP
Cole Gillespie, OF
Justin Grimm, RHP
Brett Jackson, OF
Junior Lake, OF
Trey McNutt, RHP
Thomas Neal, OF
Mike Olt, 3B
Blake Parkjer, RHP
Zach Putnam, RHP
Brooks Raley, LHP
Hector Rondon, RHP
Chris Rusin, LHP
Eduardo Sanchez, RHP
Dave Sappelt, OF
Matt Szczur, OF
Christian Villanueva, 3B
Josh Vitters, IF-OF
Arodys Vizcaino, RHP
Logan Watkins, INF
These are also the players who have a minor league "split salary" in their contract, where the player is paid one salary if he is on the 25-man roster or on an MLB Disabled List (minimum goes up to $500K per year beginning in 2014, pro-rated to the number of days the player spends on an MLB 25-man roster or MLB 15-day, 60-day, or 7-day Disabled List), and a significantly lesser salary if he is on Optional Assignment to the minors (about $40,000 per year pro-rated for players on the 40-man roster for the first time, and about $80,000 per year pro-rated for the others).
Of the 26 listed here, I would say six (Bogusevic, Boscan, Gillespie, Neal, Putnam, and Sappelt) are virtual locks to get outrighted to the minors after the season. (Sappelt cannot be a minor league FA post-2013 if he is outrighted, but the others can be either per MLB Rule 55 or Article XX-D of the CBA). Combined with the five MLB Article XX-B free-agents (Baker, Gregg, Guerrier, Navarro, and Sweeney) and the three arbitration-eligibles likely to be non-tendered (McDonald, Murphy, and Ransom), the Cubs should have 33 slots on their 40-man roster commited post-2013.
That leaves seven slots available for any post-2013 minor league free-agent the Cubs might not want to lose, as well for minor league players eligible for selection in the December 2013 Rule 5 Draft who the Cubs might want to protect:
Henry Rodriguez, RHP
NOTE: An Article XX-D player can elect free-agency beginning on the day after the conclusion of the MLB regular season up through October 15th, unless the player is added to an MLB 40-man roster prior to electing free-agency
NOTE: MLB Rule 55 minor league players are automatically declared free-agents at 5 PM (Eastern) on the 5th day following the conclusion of the World Series, unless the player is added to an MLB 40-man roster prior to that time.
Jeffry Antigua, LHP
Kyler Burke, LHP
Alex Burnett, RHP
Yeiper Castillo, RHP
Jaye Chapman, RHP
Johermyn Chavez, RHP (ex-OF)
Dayan Diaz, RHP
Eduardo Figueroa, RHP
Edgar Gonzalez, INF
Marcus Hatley, RHP
Marcos Mateo, RHP
Edwin Maysonet, INF
Jonathon Mota, INF
Brad Nelson, 1B
Nate Samson, IF-OF
Tim Torres, IF-OF
Casey Weathers, RHP
Ty Wright, OF
Michael de la Cruz, RHP (was previously released by TEX)
Carlos Figueroa, INF (player-coach - was previously released by CHC)
Humberto Garcia, INF (was previously released by CHW)
Nate Maldonado, C (player-coach - was previously released by CHC)
Yomar Pacheco, RHP (was previously released by PIT)
Brohiglyn Rivero, RHP (was previously released by TB)
Orbandy Rodriguez, RHP (AKA "Manuel Gil" - was previously released by AZ)
Roberto Vahlis, C (was previously released by TOR)
Of these 27 players (one Article XX-D, 18 6YFA, and eight second-contracts), LHP Kyler Burke is the one most-likely to get added to the Cubs MLB 40-man roster post-2013. Burke might get assigned to the AFL (Mesa Solar Sox) as an audition for inclusion, but I doubt very much that any of the others listed above will be added to the 40. That doesn't mean that some of them won't return to the Cubs organization in 2014 (usually about half of a club's minor league free-agents sign minor league successor contracts), but it becomes a "mutual option" if the player is not added to the club's MLB 40-man roster by the deadline. Also, any minor league free-agent who signs a minor league successor contract prior to the Rule 5 Draft is eligible for selection. BTW, that's how the Cubs ended up with Hector Rondon... he was a 6YFA post-2012, the Indians re-signed him to a successor contract for 2013, and then the Cubs selected him in the Rule 5 Draft. So that's the chance a club takes when it signs (or re-signs) a minor league FA prior to the Rule 5 Draft.
So if Burke is added to the 40 post-2013, that would leave six slots open.
Next we look at Cubs minor leaguers who are eligible for selection in the December 2013 Rule 5 Draft.
Arismendy Alcantara, INF
Gioskar Amaya, INF
Frank Batista, RHP
Dallas Beeler, RHP
Julio Borbon, OF
Justin Bour, 1B
Marcelo Carreno, RHP
Lendy Castillo, RHP
Javier Castro, RHP
Zach Cates, RHP
Hunter Cervenka, LHP
Pin-Chieh Chen, OF
Casey Coleman, RHP
Gerardo Concepcion, LHP
Willson Contreras, C
Wes Darvill, INF
Antonio Encarnacion, RHP
Luis Flores, C
Anthony Giansanti, OF
Enyel Gonzalez, RHP
Carlos Gutierrez, RHP
Jae-Hoon Ha, OF
Marco Hernandez, INF
Eric Jokisch, LHP
Austin Kirk, LHP
Matt Loosen, RHP
Jeff Lorick, LHP
Eric Martinez, RHP
A. J. Morris, RHP
Chad Noble, C
Loiger Padron, RHP
Juan Carlos Paniagua, RHP (see NOTE)
Amaury Paulino, RHP
Felix Pena, RHP
Starling Peralta, RHP
Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP
Greg Rohan, INF
Jose Rosario, RHP
Zac Rosscup, LHP
Victor Salazar, RHP
Brian Schlitter, RHP
Ryan Searle, RHP
Elliot Soto, INF,
Nick Struck, RHP
Luis Villalba, LHP
Yao-Lin Wang, RHP
Oliver Zapata, OF
NOTE: Juan Carlos Paniagua signed his first contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks as "Juan Callado" on 5-8-2009 and pitched for the DSL Diamondbacks in the Dominican Summer League in 2009-10, but the contract was "pending" for almost two years and was never officially approved by MLB. The contract was eventually rejected by MLB due to "fraudulent paperwork" and Paniagua (Callado) was suspended for one year and then was declared a free-agent. He signed with the New York Yankees in March 2011 but then was suspended again and that contract was rejected, too, because his birth certificate could not be verified. Paniagua was cleared by MLB in 2012 and he signed with the Cubs on 7-9-2012. Therefore, Paniagua could be eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft for the first time in December 2013, since 2009 was his "first season" on the field, and he was 18 on the June 5th immediately preceding the signing of his first contract, or he might not be eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft for the first time until December 2015 if 2012 is considered Paniagua's "first season" for Rule 5 eligibility purposes.
So at present there are 47 players eligible for selection (48 if MLB declares Paniagua eligible), and of that group, three or four will likely be added to the Cubs 40-man roster by the November 20th deadline:
Arismendy Alcantara (virtual lock)
Jae-Hoon Ha (likely)
Zac Rosscup, (likely)
Juan Carlos Paniagua (but only if he is declared eligible for selection by MLB - TBD)
It's possible that the Cubs could decide to add another starting pitcher to the 40 (like maybe Loosen, Jokisch, or Beeler), but that would probably happen only if the pitcher throws "lights out" in the AFL, or in Winter Ball prior to the 11/20 deadline.
So if the Cubs add three or four post-2013 Rule 5 eligibles to their 40-man roster, that would leave two or three slots open for a Rule 5 draft pick and/or an MLB free-agent or two.
Keep in mind that Rule 5 eligible players (which technically also includes minor league free-agents like Burke) who are added to an MLB 40-man roster after August 15th have "Draft-Excluded Status" and cannot be outrighted back to the minors during most of the off-season, so if additional roster slots are needed for a Rule 5 pick or free-agents signing major league contracts December-January-February, the Cubs would have to either release a Draft-Excluded Player or release or outright a pre-arbitration/auto-renewal guy (like Rafael Dolis, Eduardo Sanchez, Michael Bowden, and/ or Hector Rondon).
Phil's knowledge is amazing!
Phil's knowledge is amazing!
PHIL: I like all of the ???
PHIL: I like all of the ???
Personally, I really do not expect the Cubs to keep around all of the the Arb-Eligibles.
Cody Ransom is just terrible.
Darwin Barney is a black hole on offense now. He will get traded to a team that is solid offensively, and just want a solid up-the-middle infield.
Darnell McDonald, OF - $1M? - You gotta be kidding?
Donnie Murphy, INF - $1M? More plausible for the bench. But he is playing "out of his skull" right now.
James Russell, LHP - $2M? - I think they will go to $1.75MM, and also will be looking to trade him.
Jeff Samardzija, RHP - $7M? He is no "ACE". I surely hope they do not pay him like one. The EJax contract already blows. One of those is enough!
Nate Schierholtz, OF- $4M? I am a "Nate" fan and hope they can work out a reasonable deal.
Pedro Strop, RHP ("Super Two") - $1.5M? The "sleeper" of the Feldman trade.
Luis Valbuena, INF - $1.5M? Let him take over for all-glove/no-hit Barney, until Alcantara makes it up to the big club.
Travis Wood, LHP - $3.5M? - The star of the rotation - I hope they sign him to a 3/4-yr deal.
- Edit - I think it woud be great if they could keep Navarro for another year. Sorta like Hank White II with more pop.
270 miles from DC...
270 miles from DC...
amount of WAS games on cable/DTV/Dish all season even with full sports packages: 0
thanks MLB blackout rules.
How about on iPad?
How about on iPad?
i have the cable MLB EI
i have the cable MLB EI package, not the internet one.
...though unfortunately i do have an iPad...which, even as a present, i consider a monumental waste of money with a user/data interface created by satan (not being able to directly manage + drag/drop files without going through a piece of software (ITunes, etc) is just sad).
I love being able to watch
I love being able to watch games on my ipad. The quality of the video is excellent. I haven't found much of a need for drag and drop - I use my laptop for that kind of stuff anyway. i use my ipad more as a reader/video thing.
Oh yeah, it's great so long
Oh yeah, it's great so long as you don't live too close to Chicago... apparently 3 1/2 hours is close enough for me to be blacked out. I steal Cubs baseball game video feeds online. *middle finger* MLB. Don't blame me, blame your antiquated blackout insanity.
New cleanup hitter gets a 3
New cleanup hitter gets a 3 run bomb. Lake infield deflected double, Barney bunt/advances Lake, Navarro walk...the n Schierholtz.
new #2 hitter is old/failed
new #2 hitter is old/failed #2 hitter...
...which is probably why he was bunting with 0 outs in the 1st inning.
Phil - we traded DeJesus for
Phil - we traded DeJesus for a PTBNL. Can you tell us the rules for a PTBNL? Do they have to be on the 40 man roster?
6. If a "Player to Be Named Later" (PTBNL) is part of a trade, the PTBNL cannot be on an MLB 25-man roster (MLB Active List) at any time starting when the trade is executed up until the PTBNL is announced. Clubs have six months to agree on a PTBNL. A cash payment (typically $50,000 for trades involving players on the 40-man roster) can be substituted for a PTBNL if no agreement can be reached within six months.
up in the navigation bar under AZ Phil's Corner->MLB Roster Rules: you can find most of that sort of stuff...it's quite thorough.
j.lake...quit bunting. k,
j.lake...quit bunting. k, thnx.
sureholds 2HR night...18 on
sureholds 2HR night...18 on the year...along with 25 doubles...in 346 ab.
wonder how much he's gonna cost next year...
murph with 2HR, too...cuz why
murph with 2HR, too...cuz why not.
6hr in 44ab.
Four batters in your lineup
Four batters in your lineup go 0-4, still score 11 runs...
Castro, McDonald, Ransom, Samardzija were:
The rest of the lineup:
olt 1-3 (single), 1bb 1k
olt 1-3 (single), 1bb 1k
rosscup 0.1ip 1h 2bb 0k, 1r/0er
Pretty sure TheJedi have a
Pretty sure TheJedi have a policy of no deals over 4/5 years and I'm sure Boras will be looking for much more.
Also, 2011 Ellsbury isn't walking through that door, 30-year old Ellsbury isn't going to be anywhere near worth a 6/100 deal or whatever he foolishly ends up getting from the Arte Moreno :)
Actually not sure who the big spenders are going to be for an outfielder, Red Sox want him back I'm sure but at a far more reasonable number. Be surprised if Dodgers, Angels or Tigers would have much interest. Maybe Giants...maybe Yanks if they part ways with Granderson.
My feeling is the Cubs aren't interested in blocking any youngsters at this point with vets on long contracts, but you never know.
Here's a list of potential FA's btw
this is shaping up to be one
this is shaping up to be one of the weakest FA classes in years...which has me concerned about where theocorp will actually spend their free'd up money.
this horrible pen needs help...it's a 2-man pen right now (russell/strop) and strop hasn't shown signs of being worth a damn aside from raw stuff until he was traded to the NL. ...well, fuji was promising, but last i heard he probably won't be ready until mid-2014.
ninja/t.wood/ejax/arrieta/???-rusin-coleman-grimm-???...i imagine they'll try to fill the 5 slot in the offseason (hopefully with more than #5 slot talent) unless rusin keeps doing whatever the hell he's doing that keeps being somehow effective.
the bats market is weak as hell aside from cano (which i doubt will happen) and choo + ellsbury (which has a better chance of happening). i'd actually be surprised to see cano make it to the FA market...and given how much CIN has invested in their team along with where they're at with their pitching, i'd be surprised to see choo make it to the FA market, too.
ultimately, i doubt they'll pick up choo or ellsbury...or cano...even if they make the FA market.
i'm looking forward a lot more to what theo/jed may do in the trade market this offseason over the FA market when it comes to possible impact bats (if they even get involved in looking for one). i await g.stanton's arrival in 2014... =p
It's also *possible* Scott
It's also *possible* Scott Baker is in the mix next year. Not probable by any means AND if he is successful in coming all the way back from TJS, he might just be another trade deadline minnow.
I like Choo a lot, especially
I like Choo a lot, especially as a RF, but if I was the Cubs, I wouldn't go more than 4 years, while I think some other win-now teams (like the Reds) probably will. A couple months ago I would have thought that the better plan is a 1-year deal for Beltran. Unfortunately, his BB% is down big-time, his OBP is only being sustained right now by an elevated BABIP, and UZR absolutely hates his defense this year, so the cliff might have finally arrived.
Whatever they do, I hope they take some money to spread around 4-6 relievers and hopefully get useful performance out of 2 of the 3. Al/BCB did an interesting article a month or two ago about the 16 or 17 in-system guys who the Cubs will look at for the pen next year, and if you let your imagination run wild, it's conceivable the team could build a successful in-house bullpen.
you learned nothing from
you learned nothing from Howry, Eyre, Hawkins? It so rarely works to spend money on set-up men...
You're talking about buying
You're talking about buying stocks. I'm talking about buying lottery tickets.
"this is shaping up to be one
"this is shaping up to be one of the weakest FA classes in years...which has me concerned about where theocorp will actually spend their free'd up money."
Rennovations? Lawyers? :)
How much does a hitman cost
How much does a hitman cost these days? I'm kind of out of the loop.......Beth Murphy.
A hit person (let's be
A hit person (let's be politically correct about this, women are certainly capable partners in this endeavor) will cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $2 million, depending on the target and the reputation of the hit person. You see? There is no information that is not available on TCR.
Shit. I'm in the wrong line
Shit. I'm in the wrong line of work.
P.S. Dear NSA "meta-information" web crawling algorithms: The above comment is sarcasm. Further investigation/wiretapping not necessary.
What's sad is that I actually
What's sad is that I actually considered the NSA thing before writing that, and realized all they'll find is Weiner-type selfies, so I'm good!!
"Javier Baez, Jorge Soler,
"Javier Baez, Jorge Soler, Mike Olt, Arismemdy Alcantara, Christian Villanueva, and possibly Kris Bryant will likely be arriving in Chicago sometime next season."
I highly doubt this. Really, what are the chances that SIX prospects are going to advance that much to make their way to the majors? Especially since Olt is struggling terrible, Soler has played only 50 games this year due to an injury, Bryant will have just a half season this year of professional experience, and Alcantara and Villanueva are hitting in the .260s at AA.
This is the regime that made Rizzo play a full half-season at AAA before calling him up and he was hitting .342 / .405 / .696 at the time!
Those guys are all going to get consistent minor league reps next year and there is no point in losing years of club control in a lost season like next year.
If Olt rebounds in spring training, he will certainly be given a shot, because he has already played in the majors and others at his position are pushing him. And if Baez has a half season at AAA next year like he has had a AA this year he will be called up. We might see another get a late season call-up depending on who gets traded or injured, etc. But that would be about all that I would guess.
Another season of Darwin
Another season of Darwin Barney at @bb Vs Alcantara...discuss...
I'm a big Alcantara fan, and
I'm a big Alcantara fan, and not big on Barney. But Alcantara is hitting .268 at AA has a decent but not outstanding OBP, has surprising pop for a little guy but is not a real power hitter, and has decent speed but is not an elite base stealer. And while most like his defense, he's not likely to out defend Barney right now. I agree with Phil and the rest that he should start at AAA next season.
I'd love to see him make a bit more contact while maintaining the BB% and SLG. Won't turn 22 until Oct. 29.
How much will Barney make
How much will Barney make next season? $2.5 million+?
d.barney is barely worth $1
d.barney is barely worth $1.5m...but given that he's been an everyday player with great D he probably will see $2.5m...which should be avoided at all cost (no pun).
I would agree. I'm sure there
I would agree. I'm sure there are better and/or cheaper options for 2B next season.
the fact he Ks 1/4 his ABs in
the fact he Ks 1/4 his ABs in AA isn't promising...but he's only 21 so it's hard to handicap that vs where he projects, especially with the power he's flashing.
i see him as more of a 2015+ option, myself.
i'd like to see a bit of d.murphy at 2nd here on out...even with the need at 3rd pressing his use there.
I dunno... Murphy K's in 1/4
I dunno... Murphy K's in 1/4 of his atbats... Lol. I kid...
yeah, but he's on pace for 85
yeah, but he's on pace for 85+ HRs!
screw you bonds.
I think AZ Phil is mostly
I think AZ Phil is mostly right here--though with Villanueva at Iowa next spring, Olt will probably drop to Tennessee and have to climb back up. It's unpredictable how fast the Cubs will promote Bryant and Almora, both of whom may be the rare ones (like Castro) who just find the minor leagues too remedial. Soler we know almost nothing about. He has played fewer than 100 games even if you include Arizona.
But Baez, Alcantara and Villanueva will see Wrigley next season, barring the unforeseen. Look at Junior Lake this year: out injured half the season, 40 games total at Iowa, promoted with an .803 OPS. Alcantara is .787 this year, Villanueva .791. Villanueva has more upward mobility than most people realize. The Cubs love the glove (plus the not-infrequent pop) at third.
I do think we'll see a lot of Vitters in left field next year, possibly out of spring training. And Szczur and Andreoli will also start the year at Iowa and could get promoted, especially to a team that needs a leadoff hitter, as AZ Phil has pointed out.
unless olt has a crap spring
unless olt has a crap spring i'd be very surprised to not find him up with the big club. his 3rd D is solid, his arm is good, and he's got power when he can actually make contact.
valbuena/d.murphy should be around providing backup/support...val (3rd/2nd) murph (3rd/SS/2nd) being the "insurance" + regular bench dudes anyway so it's not like they'll be uselessly eating roster spots.
hell, if murphy keeps hitting and olt does well in spring it may be d.barney providing the backup/support off the bench.
"d.barney providing the
"d.barney providing the backup/support off the bench." sounds like a misnomer.
Olt will be with the big league club to start the year. His eyes are still messed up, that's pretty clear (no pun intended). They'll either get fixed, or not. But other than that, most reports I've read say he's major league ready.
It would be interesting if
It would be interesting if Olt makes the majors without having to hit .200, or even .150, in the minors. Brett Jackson would take an interest in that precedent. Barring a big winter-league turnaround, I really don't see Olt in Chicago at the start of next season. Epstein-Hoyer are on record as not wanting players to earn promotions in ST.
Maybe it's his eyes. Olt was called up to Texas in August 2012, prior to his beaning, and he was no Junior Lake.
Yeah, you and I normally
Yeah, you and I normally disagree on these issues. I think you have great insights and knowledge, and I respect your opinion, but I feel as though you are generally too optimistic about prospects. I've seen too many similar posts about the Felix Pie's and Ronny Cedeno's of the world--even Brett Jackson for that matter. I think it is easy to project and see steady development, breakout seasons, injury avoidance, and major league success, but I think we are more likely to see set-backs, time needed for adjustments, injuries, and as a result only true major league success in a few of these cases. And if that happens, the Cubs will be doing better than most teams. For example, we can surely find lots of posts from Rangers' fans about Mike Olt that would not match up with what has actually happened with him.
what olt is doing right now
what olt is doing right now will mean very little compared to what olt will show next spring.
if he blows it...he may very well end up back in AAA with murphy/valbuena filling the void.
if he's average or excels...he'll probably break with the club.
his D is there, his arm is there...even an average showing in spring will probably win him the job.
what's going on in AAA is concerning, but it ultimately doesn't matter unless it continues into next spring.
I am guilty of over valuing
I am guilty of over valuing our prospects during the Hendry era for sure. It has crossed my mind once or twice if Castro is Ronny Cedeno II. God I hope not.
I happen to feel that Brett Jackson is going to be a bust. The strike out pattern has been with him for a while at every level and just is not getting any better. If you cannot hit, or at least hit for power like a corner IF, you just are not gonna make it on a team where there are now others coming up fast behind him.
I hope I am wrong, but not a good trend...
"The strike out pattern has
"The strike out pattern has been with [Brett Jackson] for a while at every level and just is not getting any better."
I'm not going to defend Jackson, E-Man, but you are not giving an accurate picture of his career trajectory. He was basically fine, both in double- and triple-A, in 2011. Sure, he struck out a lot, but his srikeouts were always about two-to-one to his walks. It was a lot of strikeouts but also a lot of walks--and a lot of OBP (around .380) and a lot of OPS. Some good hitters are closer to three K's for every walk: see Matt Kemp and Adam Jones and, of course, Soriano.
The Cubs were all over Jackson in 2012, beginning in ST, I think trying to get him to swing earlier in the count. And now we have this wreck of a former #1 prospect. If Jackson could match his 2011 minor-league numbers today, the Cubs would be glad to have him in their outfield.
I'm not saying he would be great or even good enough, but he would be better than THIS, just like Castro and Barney used to be better hitters before they crossed paths with Sveum and Rowson. It may just be that you can't teach a guy to hit at the ML level. If you don't like his approach, trade him while you can and let someone else tinker with him.
He was basically fine, both
He was basically fine, both in double- and triple-A, in 2011. Sure, he struck out a lot...
You confirmed my point. He struck out a lot, it was never fixed, and other batting areas have gotten worse.
Jackson did not/does not have the power aplomb of the other hitters you mention, and not a corner OF as I state.
I don't think you or I know what the Cubs were trying to do, and to blame Sveum and Rowson is short-sided indeed. You forget that Sveum was a hitting instructor and from what I have read, well-respected in this area.
Sometimes we have to stop blaming the coaches and come to a realization that the player, for whatever reason, cannot recover from failure. They are not used to it on their ascent to the big leagues, have had incredible success all the way to this point. And, as others have pointed out (such as WISCGRAD in this thread) some just bust out.
I can think of a hundred examples with no problems. Some drafted already by Tim Wilken.
I hope the guy can get it together as I said, but his chances are diminishing.
It's a truism in golf that
It's a truism in golf that you have to break your swing before you can fix it. I agree that ball players have to recover from failure and/or well-intentioned advice. I hope that Jackson, Castro and Barney--all of whom have had their swings/approaches tampered with at the ML level--can get back to where they were before and maybe even beyond where they were (which was the point of the tampering).
I suppose the problem goes away when all Cub prospects/acquisitions come pre-approved by McLeod and there's not as much to fix. The question I'm asking, though, is this: how much value has Jackson lost the last two seasons? How much value have Barney and Castro lost this season? Will the Cubs ever recover the value that Castro has lost just this season while turning himself into a sub-.250 hitter?
Why didn't they just trade these guys if they didn't like them?
These are excellent questions
These are excellent questions, although my golf swing seems always broken.
I know that Theo stated he made a mistake trading Colvin (DJ is the more valuable now maybe), and it appears as if TheoJed are pretty calculated in their trading of players.
So maybe they feel the players are just still "young". However, as I said, others are going to be coming up quickly now behind them.
They are still young and we
They are still young and we can hope that they recover from this season. I'm less worried about Barney and Castro, since they have experienced success in the majors. Jackson, not so much. It doesn't help that unlike in the case of Junior Lake, who was swinging the bat well at Iowa, Jackson was brought up last year precisely BECAUSE he was struggling! Remember Sveum saying he needed to see Jackson up close so he could figure out what he was doing wrong?
I'm really disappointed about Jackson. Soriano is gone, DeJesus is gone, there's that whole wide, green outfield expanse that is more-or-less unspoken for--and our best OF prospect of the last several years is broken. It isn't anybody's fault but there are still some what-if's, for me at least.
I think the sad truth is that
I think the sad truth is that our best OF prospect of the last several years wasn't really much of a prospect. The good news is that the new shinny prospects are much better.
Or the shiny prospects too!
Or the shiny prospects too!
No one is very accurate in
No one is very accurate in their prospect rankings and prognostications. Because A) it is difficult to project, and B) those who work on prospect rankings and prognostications tend to overvalue prospects. They have to say that some of the prospects will develop into impact players or people will not be excited and stop reading what they write. In addition, because they generally focus only on studying prospects they tend to see them as more important than they probably are (which is normal when people specialize in all fields).
And yes, in this particular post you were just making predictions about call-ups, but don't pretend that you never make statements about the potential major league success of prospects. You do that all of the time. And your view is very respected on here, so when you say things like "I see player X as developing into a solid major league 4th outfielder that can play all 3 outfield spots and hit for power" people on here assume that is what you think WILL happen not you just giving us potential scenarios of what COULD happen. Heck, you give projected lineups for the Cubs in future years! How does this not indicate your view that someone will be successful? At least successful enough to become and remain a starting position player at the major league level. And I have been on here for 7+ years now and have seen many projected lineups and most all of them have not occurred. So I am naturally skeptical.
But, anyway, on this issue, I still disagree that 5-6 of those 6 players will see big league time in 2014. And of course I hope I am wrong and they all make it and all flourish. Fingers crossed. And with that, I'll let this go. Because again, to reiterate, I appreciate your knowledge and insight, even if I do not always agree with your views on the potential for Cubs prospects.
I don't read AZ Phil's
I don't read AZ Phil's accounts as being all that rose-tinted. I think he's usually pretty clear when he's describing the type or player or type of skill-set a player has that causes him to, for example, project someone as a 4th or 5th outfielder. And those of us who have been following baseball closely should all know that when someone projects a lineup with all homegrown talent what they are really demonstrating is the depth and breadth of the farm system and the potential ceilings of the prospects, not a likelihood. I think that because we have a relatively knowledgeable crowd here, AZ Phil probably knows he doesn't have to post a flashing disclaimer in front of those posts.
I am very stupid and cannot
Sorry for offending you. Let's move on.
My delicate fan psyche has
My delicate fan psyche has been fucked with. To be safe I think we should just not post about any minor league players. I will assume it is the truth every time without context. Also, my view is that this site is fortunate to have Phil posting so I tend to not crack wise about his comments, but rather absorb them as part of my baseball diet, which includes many other opinions as well.
AZ Phil, you've been playing
AZ Phil, you've been playing baseball for 50-plus years? Just how old are you?
Never ask an ex-cabbie his
Never ask an ex-cabbie his age!
"3. Unable to make necessary
"3. Unable to make necessary adjustments as the player moves to a higher level; "
Picking up the thread from yesterday, I would just point out that moving to a higher level was never really a problem for Brett Jackson. In 215 PAs at Iowa in 2011, he had the same OPS (.939) that he had at Daytona the year before (.937) and at Peoria the year before that (.927).
It would have been interesting if Jackson had started 2012 with the big team. Then we would have seen if he was in over his head. But the new Cub FO was being extra careful with him, perhaps because of 138 K's the year before (which doesn't seem like that many now, does it?). They sent him back to Iowa to work on something. It's not entirely clear what that was, but Jim Callis wrote in November '11 that "Chicago would like to see him get a little more aggressive and attack more often early in the count."
In other words, they wanted to change his approach--which, I would argue, in his case was already rather finely calibrated. Jackson has never recovered the ability to put the bat on the ball.
Is this an example of what happens when you try to fix something that isn't broken? He was always a high on-base guy. Isn't that what they said they wanted?
they asked him to revamp his
they asked him to revamp his whole swing btw, it had a Hee Seop Choi size hole in it
For now on can we just call
For now on can we just call it a Hee Seop Hole and you can trademark it? It explains many things perfectly!
The timeline is important
The timeline is important here. (At least it's what I'm trying to call attention to.)
When ST ended in 2012, Sveum called BJax the best prospect he had seen in nine years of ML coaching. He didn't say anything about a hole in his swing, because the hole (if it existed) had not manifested itself yet, or at least had not prevented him from performing creditably at Iowa (.297/.388/.551/.939) in 48 games.
Jackson was taught the new swing late in the 2012 season or just following it, after performing terribly throughout 2012 at Iowa and Chicago.
whatever he was doing in Aug
whatever he was doing in Aug/Sept 2012 in the bigs was just awful...almost literally (59/120) K'ing 1/2 his ABs.
the reason he got so many walks was because no one was throwing him anything close to the zone because most of the time he'd swing at it and the odds of it all gave him a decent amount of walks. he wasn't getting "caught looking" very much. at the rate he was going he would have walked 100+ times in a full season...mixed with 300 Ks. his decent walk rate was clouded by how he was consistently pitched, not because he had a good eye mixed with the Ks. adam dunn he is not.
Jackson has a strikeout rate
Jackson has a strikeout rate of 25% or higher in every minor league season, the hole(s) in his swing have always been there. Starting off well in a new league and then having the league adjust and start performing significantly worse is the opposite of what you want to happen (the opposite of Baez for example).
Dale Sveum thinks Junior Lake is the only major leaguer that has come up through the Cubs farm system over the last 2 years. So maybe ingest everything he says with a healthy dose of salt.
fwiw, the stupid Cubs coaches worked on A. Rizzo's swing as well...he's not supplanting Joey Votto just yet, it seems to have gotten him in the majors to stay.
Jackson started his new swing in the offseason in 2012 with his Dad btw...not sure if that's available in a media report or not, but I assure you that is the case. He still strikes out a ton and now isn't hitting. Might as well go back to the old swing at this point, but he'll still be a disaster in the majors with that K rate.
anway, here's Keith Law's take on his swing fix...in which he felt it wasn't going to help much.
yeah, must have been the Cubs
yeah, must have been the Cubs coaching that ruined Jackson and not Jackson's unacceptable and absurd minor league strikeout rate.
you can't be a a major leaguer if you strike out like Jackson unless you hit home runs like Adam Dunn.
Jackson was already
Jackson was already struggling in AAA in 2012 and somewhat in AA in 2011. Don't be so quick to blame the coaching and not the obvious deficiency in the players skills.
How is that good coaching?
because anyone paying attention knows that strikeout rates above 30% in the minors don't last long in the majors unless you have plus-plus power, which Jackson doesn't. If he didn't change he wasn't going to have much of a career. Plus Jackson has to be a wiling participant in said swing change. He's probably adjusting to his swing and that's affecting him mentally for sure. Problem is that is hasn't helped his strikeout rate at all.
There was a reason McLeod said they passed on Jackson in Boston (or maybe it was San Diego) in the draft because of the swing and miss in his game.
Also, Jackson wasn't really tearing up AAA in 2012 with the old swing, actually he hasn't torn up the minors all that much anway once he started reaching the higher levels, his career minor league OPS is .826...that's barely gonna be an .800 OPS in the majors if all things stay the same and with that strikeout rate, it wasn't going to stay the same. Major league pitchers aren't gonna miss on 3-2 counts nearly as much as minor leaguers. All the flaws were there, he masked them well by willingly taking a walk and putting a few over the fence, but that stuff gets exposed the higher you go. He's pretty much the Hee Seop Choi of this decade. Good numbers...obvious flaws.
"There was a reason McLeod
"There was a reason McLeod said they passed on Jackson in Boston (or maybe it was San Diego) in the draft because of the swing and miss in his game."
I'm glad you mention McLeod, because this is more about him than about Jackson, anyway. Why would McLeod, or anyone else in the Cub FO, be talking publicly about the swing-and-miss in Jackson's game? He was the Cubs' #1 prospect going into 2012. If they didn't like him, well, he had real value to someone else (especially compared to today). The Cards had their own Brett, Brett Wallace, who was their #1. Instead of going public with what they didn't like about him, why he didn't fit into their plans, they traded him for Matt Holliday!
I know what McLeod thought of Junior Lake, too, and he wasn't even in the draft. McLeod referred to both Jackson and Lake as "risky." And I know exactly what Sveum thinks of Castro. He used to call him a "hit-chaser"--which happens to be an apt description of Castro that captures perfectly why he may not reach his potential. The problem is, it would be somewhat convenient this winter if the Cubs could fetch a high price for Castro, but that won't be possible until Castro's head clears from all the public discussion about him and all the advice he's been receiving.
As I said earlier, I guess the problem goes away when every prospect has McLeod's imprimatur.
for all you know, somebody on
for all you know, somebody on the Cardinals said something about something Brett Wallace needed to improve, I'm guessing you don't follow them nearly as closely. Also, Wallace's K rates in the minors were nothing compared to Jackson's.
I'll never find the article now, but if I recall, someone asked McLeod about Jackson's strikeouts and he after saying the standard P.R. speak, there was some throwaway line about when he was coming out of the draft, they were concerned about that aspect of his game. Anyone can look at a stat sheet and see the same thing, so it's doubtful it did much in de-valuing Jackson.
He was the Cubs' #1 prospect going into 2012. If they didn't like him, well, he had real value to someone else (especially compared to today).
Why the leap from saying a player has to improve upon an aspect of his game to the Cubs didn't like him and wanted to trade him. Baez needs(needed) to work on his pitch recognition and working counts, does that mean they're ready to move him?
Nothing wrong with being candid about what a player needs to work on, I'm sure McLeod wants and hopes that Jackson figures it out. It only helps the club. Other organizations have plenty of scouts that can all see the same things we see and read about. You're not gonna fool to many with press quotes.
speaking of Jackson, recent
speaking of Jackson, recent interview with him
seems to be handling the struggles well...
Nice kid. Can't be stupid if
Nice kid. Can't be stupid if he went to Berkeley, either. But it hasn't changed my mind he is a bust-out candidate if he doesn't get his shit together soon. Too many other prospects coming up and the guy is 25 already. Good Luck BJax.
Is there really no room in
Is there really no room in this discussion to acknowledge the flaws in both player and staff? Jackson is a guy who has problems with striking out, and the Cubs' coaching staff has failed to do anything (so far) to improve him.
you new to this? don't be so
you new to this? don't be so reasonable :)
I would have to say that
I would have to say that this is the first year since I've been reading AZ - and that's been awhile - that I've been excited about Cubs prospects, and that has little to do with anything he's said. Theo has signed Bryant, which I liked the idea of, and Baez has gone a little crazy. If anything AZ seems to typically put a damper on my hopes, but I still want to usually want to see the Cubs bring them up anyway, because the major league roster is usually such a joke. I'll have to end that schtick soon tho, because the origination of it was that I figured anybody playing in the minors was better than watching a bunch of journeymen, a practice TheoCorp seems to be trying to end.
As I read it, Phil said that
As I read it, Phil said that they were likely to come up to the majors in 2014. He made no comments on how successful each one will be.
With the exception of Bryant, I think it is almost certain (barring injury)that all of the others will be playing in the majors before 2014 ends. It is equally certain that some, if not all, will do poorly. Most prospects do poorly in their first call up.
Olt will probably be playing
Olt will probably be playing 3B sooner rather than later. My interpretation of what's happening is this- He was brought in because Theo values defense and Olt is one of the better defensive 3B. I really don't have any problem with it- It's still true that pitching and defense win games. Still, before he is called up, I hope he learns how to work the count and take some walks.
Well, that is certainly valid
Well, that is certainly valid. But isn't 3B traditionally one that has some pop? Can the team, based on Sveum's RISP woes, afford another offensive black hole in 2014?
Olt will likely not hit for
Olt will likely not hit for high average, but should take some walks and hit for power. I wouldn't call him an offensive black hole. Of course, I expect him to bounce back from his performance this season at least partially.
Also, the other options are
Also, the other options are Valbuena, Ransom, Murphy, Vitters, and Villanueva.
Is "Scott Rolen Lite" fair
Is "Scott Rolen Lite" fair characterization or too kind to Olt?
If he doesn't get the eye
If he doesn't get the eye situation straightened out, he'll be Ian Stewart Lite
Depends on your definition of
Depends on your definition of what "lite" is.
If its defense, L. Valbuena has a FP of .973 this year. League average is .955
An .OPS of .702
Rolen in 17 seasons has a career FP of .968
And, and OPS of .855
It would be hopeful that he could be somewhere in-between.
personally...i'm looking at a
personally...i'm looking at a .250/.320 avg/ob% with 25 HR, a ton of Ks (150-area), and good D/arm.
basically, m.trumbo-ish with a touch less power that can actually play 3rd without a question of when he's going to be moved to the corner OF.
Before this year probably
Before this year probably very fair. His D will never be a concern, but his offense would be very lite if last year is not a pure aberration.
he might just be another
Hhaha! Yes . . . That looks
Hhaha! Yes . . . That looks about right. Well done sir.
AzPhil- Any opinion on John
AzPhil- Any opinion on John Andreoli? Could he become a kind of DeJesus-Lite player?
I see he's 23, but .307/.380/.407 with36/41 steals between Daytona and Tennessee is still pretty interesting isn't it?
Anyone else of course, feel free to chime in.
Well that sucks. LMAO....
Well that sucks. LMAO....
I was excited to see a player with some speed (that translated into steals), and OBP skills coming through the system
Almora is awfully young,
Almora is awfully young, though. His walk ratio may jump up significantly by the time he gets to the bigs.
Which one of these call ups
Which one of these call ups listed do you expect to take place before September 2014?
Castillo may end up being the
Castillo may end up being the veteran of the group in the not to distant future. If Castro ever hits .275 again, he will be on the first bus out of town. Rizzo is on a slightly longer leash, but the Cubs are going to dump these contracts for pitching the first chance that they get, and I do think they will sign David Price if they get a chance. Bryant will be in LF next year (~June 21st). Cubs will hold on to Barney as long he makes less then $4M.
Castillo, C
Vogel, 1B
Barney, 2B
Villenueva, 3B
Baez, SS
Bryant, LF
Amora, CF,
Soler, RF
and a whole bunch of pitching
as I somewhat guessed, seems
as I somewhat guessed, seems Nats got stuck with DeJesus, possibly putting in a claim to block Braves and Cubs decided they just wanted to be rid of the contract. Looks like he's back on waivers again...
Either way it seems like a
Either way it seems like a good move for the Cubs. They get to save some money now, and can sign him back in the off season for a reduced contract if he is willing.
Of course, Wrongway tweeted
Of course, Wrongway tweeted the Nats are likely to pick up his option.
Someone explain this to me
Someone explain this to me then: why the player to be named later? If this is the case that the Cubs put him on waivers and the Nationals just claimed him to block him, and they didn't want him, then wouldn't we just see this as the Nationals claiming him and waivers and the Cubs letting him go? Or maybe I don't understand something about these types of waiver deals.
Clubs put all of their players on waivers this time of year so perhaps the Nationals are just trying to put him through because then if they continue to slide the next week or two they could trade him to any team they want.
WAS claims...cubs don't
WAS claims...cubs don't revoke waiver claim by WAS and enter negociations...since WAS probably didn't want him they make a low-ball PTBN/cash offer (probably someone not worth a damn) and since the cubs decide they want to save money they take the deal anyway.
chances are quite high the PTBN is of little value.
WAS could actually come out of this with a better prospect if they trade him again to one of the teams they were trying to block and agree to cover a little bit of money...or they could be stuck with him.
I could be off, but usually
I could be off, but usually embarrassing when a GM makes a claim and just gets stuck with a player they didn't want...the PTBNL COULD have just been a bone thrown to make it seem like it was what the Nats wanted and maintain an image of value for DeJesus. TheJedi, much like Hendry, are certainly not opposed to keeping good will amongst their GM circles and they already made 2 previous deals with him. If the Nats can trade DeJesus again in the next 2 weeks and save the $50K they'll likely pay the Cubs and some of the $2.5M they'll being paying him, then the PTBNL will be a wash.
I agree that just putting him back on waivers isn't necessarily the smoking gun, but if you read the article, Davey Johnson pretty much had no idea what he was going to do with DeJesus. Also find it odd that they'd be willing to take on that much cash for a 4th/5th outfielder at this point of the season.
I freely admit that it could be all a conspiracy theory on my part as well.
Not as embarrassing as it is
Not as embarrassing as it is for the player everybody is saying the embarrassed GM is stuck with.
dumpster gets a 5 game
dumpster gets a 5 game suspension...lulz.
That's really going to hurt
That's really going to hurt the Red Sox unless reality happens.
Dempster suspended... A-Rod
Dempster suspended... A-Rod plays on.
Hooray for justice.
Look I might in the minority here, but I'm standing behind Demp 100% on this. The only way it could have ended better is if it were a fastball to the helmet.
a lot of people hate it
a lot of people hate it helped cost runs, and probably the game.
a lot of people love that it happened...even those that hate that it helped cost runs, and probably the game.
i'm surprised he only got 5 games. it was a pure message HBP...1st time up, situation didn't favor it happening.
a lot more people agree with this one than b.harper getting his "welcome to the bigs, kid" HBP from c.hamels...as far as stuff like this goes.
I'm the Dad of two college
I'm the Dad of two college pitchers so I'm probably a little biased. This Dempster foolishness aside, I feel hitters bring this on themselves by posturing when a guy has the audacity to throw on the inner half, spends ten seconds admiring his HR, and/or adjusting his batting gloves 8-9 times an AB. Plus we don't hear all the banter on the field or between dugouts.
I'm a big fan of using the inner six inches of the plate and the black and maybe another inch or so. It's hard to pull your hands in and hit a two-seamer without grounding out or popping up on those pitches. If some ass-hat batter wants play offended that he's being thrown at - Great! The pitcher just got in his head.
The best pitcher I ever saw was Bob Gibson who in many of these cases would throw behind a hitters head so when he backed up the ball would still hit him. Somewhere between Gibson and Dempster lies a happy medium.
Good stuff. I think pitchers
Good stuff. I think pitchers these days are just as ridiculous tho. I've seen more guys thrown at this year for supposedly flipping the bat and watching a homerun. And when I watch the replay I can barely tell if the guy was just finishing his follow thru. It's absurd to think that hitters have gotten cocky, but pitchers have maintained their honor (tell me you wouldn't be pissed if Rodney struck you out and shot a faux arrow into the sky? I'd wanna send a line drive at his skull next time I batted). I also watched Gibson as a kid, but we are i would hope a little less barbaric these days. The fact of the matter is these are different times, more money, players have cushier lives and more to protect, etc. pitching inside is essential, but at the head is dangerous. I certainly don't mind a little cat and mouse, but I personally would never advocate for a Gibson skull buzzer. Anyway it definitely goes both ways, the pitchers are no more mature than the hitters in many cases. All that said I AM tired of the home plate hands to the heavens after a home run, and all the choreographed celebrations from the plate thru to the back of the dugout. In retrospect you are right, hitters might be a little bigger ass hats than pitchers. But the pitchers have their issues too. And Dempster, who the hell knows what goes on in his head. But it ain't pure nobility, there was NO CLASS in what he did. Two people making a mockery of the sport is just twice as crappy. I think a classy dude just knows he's better than a-rod and exploits his atrophied pitiful muscles, retiring a-rod confidently. But hitting him, lighting a fire under your bitter rivals, then giving up a home run to a-rod en route to a solid loss? That's some bush league shit.
I have a LHP and a RHP and
I have a LHP and a RHP and love them both. I really enjoy watching the lefty work though. He's all business, rarely shows any emotion but you can see the fire in his belly in his face. He uses every inch of the plate especially the inner one third to saw off someone's hands with his cutter. He's not afraid to hit someone crowding the plate and doesn't apologize when he does. He doesn't show up hitters in any way but he'll let
them know there's a price for disrespect. If money is what changes pro ball then that's too bad.
dumpster put a rather "me/us
dumpster put a rather "me/us before the team" display on that HBP. i get the feeling he may have mentioned he was going to do it to the players and more than a few were "hell yeah" about it. lackey, in particular, was laying into arod rather well leading up to the game in the press. i highly doubt the manager/coaches were in on it...and it may have been dumpster on his own.
either way, it was obviously a "hitman" job...from the first pitch thrown behind arod, to the 4th pitch that actually hit him...the fact he got it in his very 1st ab, too. it screamed hitjob.
some say it's fine because he didn't throw at his head...some say a team trying to stay in contention shouldn't be putting guys on, period, especially that early in the game (even with a 2 run lead)...some say it's total bullshit because whatever dumpster/BOS may think of arod, the dude did not directly pull any crap with BOS that warranted a HBP. it didn't rally the team, the management, and the fans who were feeling the rush had "buyer's remorse" once arod crossed the plate later in the inning to score a run.
that said, if bud selig/MLB wants to send a message about this kind of thing...a 5 game suspension isn't going to do it...it's gotta be 10+ games and/or a hefty fine...not just an extra day of rest in his rotation slot without any $$ hit.
btw, the double-dick-suck about this whole thing is giradi actually got fined by MLB for talking crap about the situation and the umps not warning/tossing dumpster both when he threw behind arod, and especially when he ended up hitting him.
On the other hand, I think
On the other hand, I think the Stasburg stuff in protecting Bryce Harper was all good. Harper has turned out not to be as bad as some of the press he got coming in. That kid plays hard and I like his style of play, and the way teams throw at him just for being a bit brash is B.S. It would really suck if baseball lost this kid to an eye or head injury. They need to knock it off.
That is pretty cool - TWO? Do
That is pretty cool - TWO? Do they ever face each other? That could be like the Harbaugh's for you! haha
You and I (and others here) remember that in the 70's and before it was part of the game - rather an expected and accepted part of the game, to throw inside and "if hit, you shall be hit".
The Barry Bonds/Sosa/McGuire era put the showboat into the HR.
Something tells me that Ted Williams would have beat the shit out of some of these HR admirers. Maybe I am wrong - but humility was more part of the fabric of pro sports until sports became the 100 billion $$ industry it is.
E-MAN: Unfortunately not
E-MAN: Unfortunately not this coming season as they're both on the same team. They have thru the years of travel ball and the smack talk got intense!
more puig issues...showed up
more puig issues...showed up 35 minutes before pre-game stretching/workouts...hours after the rest of the team arrived.
...immediately called into mattingly's office for a "talk" as well as fined for being late
fwiw, he was given a night off from tonight's game before the whole "tardy" thing
he's starting to become a "too regular" fixture in the LA clubbing nightlife scene...amongst other things...such as his "fuck the media" outburst yesterday.
Good old fashioned prima
Good old fashioned prima donna. Guys like him are nothing new. You take the good with the bad with guys like that.
speaking of the fun in
speaking of the fun in guessing which prospects will be playing where...has anyone seen a 20-80 grade on arms for Bryant vs. Soler?
genuinely curious which one will actually has the leg up on right field vs. left field of the two.
Didn't someone say Soler
Didn't someone say Soler doesn't always get the best jumps or run the best routes on balls hit his way?
Rob, FWIW.....MLB.com in the
Rob, FWIW.....MLB.com in the Cubs Top 20 rates Soler and Bryant arms a 60. I saw Soler in a couple of ST games and he has a rifle.....good routes to the ball for the most part. If all these guys can prove they have what it takes to play in the show, why move 3-4 guys? I'd put Castro back to his natural position (2b), Baez (SS), Bryant (3b), and leave Soler in RF. Maybe Lake can hold a CF position and then move to LF when/if Almora comes up. Lots of assumptions here that these guys graduate from prospects but I'm not a fan of moving 2-3 guys to new positions when they've had some success, albeit in MiLB, at a position. If Alcantara proves to have what it takes, then he makes trading Castro an option or would make a good backup at 2B/SS.
Maybe this happened in the last 20 years but I don't remember the Cubs ever having 4 position prospects in multiple analysts' Top 50 prospects.
Casro moving to second base
Castro moving to second base isn't going to happen anytime soon unless Baez gives them a real good reason with his glove and despite some great range, he seems to have all the same issues with routine plays as Castro. The incumbent rarely moves unless the prospect is that much better (talking defense only here) and Baez's glovework doesn't appear all that much better at this point.
On the other hand his bat is proving tough to keep down in the minors...he won't start with the team in 2014, but wouldn't be suprised in the least if he ends up there in May (Cubs won't care much about Super Two, he'll get his extension before it comes to that).
Soler's a bit behind, although I'm sure he can catch up quickly, but i have doubts he'll be near the major league roster next year. Bryant and Baez could make a push though. If Olt can't get it together, then you obviously keep Bryant at third base and try Baez at 2b or the outfield, he's young enough, athletic enough that they should be able to move him.
If by magic, Olt, Baez, Castro, Bryant and Soler are all starters in 2015 or 2016 (2016 seems about the earliest we'd see Almora I'm guessing, more likely 2017), then Olt at 3b, Baez at 2b, Castro at SS, Bryant in LF and Soler in RF would be my guess.
As for moving guys around, if Olt doesn't pan out, the only one to really worry about is Baez or Castro or trade one of them.
"I think the biggest thing we
"I think the biggest thing we have to figure out is offensively," he said. "We do some things pretty well. Our slugging percentage has been pretty good this year. But we've got to get to the bottom of the runners-in-scoring-position issue.
"We haven't been the worst batting-average team in baseball in the National League for two years, but we've been the worst in scoring position. The fact that those two things don't line up is a frustration.
"We have to get on base more, period.
"There's a team offensive element that I don't think we're all that good at. I think we're last in the league in sacrifice bunts, last in sacrifice flies. We have to get better at all those elements.
"We're going to take a pretty hard look at our offense this off-season, for sure, and going forward. We have a lot of young offensive talent coming, but we can't just rely on the young guys. We have to figure out how we can be a more efficient offensive team."
nice ellsbury/choo pre
nice ellsbury/choo pre-warming there.
no comment on the "sac bunts/sac flies" thing...if hendry would have said it i would be post #20-30 on this comment rather than the first, though. =p
I'm kinda glad the Cubs didn
I'm kinda glad the Cubs didn't sign Pujols to a 10 year contract, or whatever it was. Just saying.
Damn. Rizzo just does not
Damn. Rizzo just does not have mch of a clue at the plate. Like I have been saying...that loopy swing with over analyzing every pitch.
I hope he can put together a nce streak to end the year at least.
His swing is fine. His
His swing is fine. His watching the pitch come into the strike zone is embarrassing. You can see his head move as he watches it come in, as if he is shocked, SHOCKED, that it was a strike.
daytona with a rare rain
daytona with a rare rain cancelled game.
^^Facetious font.
^^Facetious font.
d.murphy HR...7 HR in 48ab.
d.murphy HR...7 HR in 48ab.
pee into the cup
pee into the cup
If only the Cubs had given
If only the Cubs had given him 600 ABs this year, he would have hit 87.5 home runs!
the failure of taking
the failure of taking shortcuts....
The Angels...beyond some of those ridiculous contracts, they traded P. Corbin and T. Skaggs to D'Backs for Haren, traded J. Segura for Z. Greinke, traded Napoli away for V. Wells, traded T. Chatwood for C. Iannetta, traded E. Santana for B. Sisk, traded J. Walden for T. Hanson.
That's a lot of facepalms. There are a few trades that weren't terrible (Morales for Vargas, spare parts for S. Kazmir), but damn.
Sad ROB G wife.
Sad ROB G wife.
Indeed she is...Mike Trout in
Indeed she is...Mike Trout in the meantime.
You don't think the Angels
You don't think the Angels would trade Trout for Rizzo, do you?
Is Albert Pujols dead in this
Is Albert Pujols dead in this scenario?
How drunk is Jerry DiPoto?
How many limbs has Mike Trout lost at this point?
Trout/Angels situation is interesting though. They screwed him over this year on auto-renewal, well they didn't screw him over but they gave him the bare minimum which they certainly could do. They can do it again this offseason again if they want.
will Trout hold it against them, refuse to even discuss a long term deal and just take them to arbitration and cash in big time (albeit it with risk)? Can the Angels even afford a long term deal for Trout with all that other money on the books? I can't ever imagine them entertaining trading him, but imagine the windfall of prospects if they did.
ESPN Jon Greenberg/Hoyer on
ESPN Jon Greenberg/Hoyer on Rizzo - discussing his "mechanics" (read - loopy/slow swing underlining my point) and pitch recognition for O&B and others...
If by loopy/slow swing you
If by loopy/slow swing you mean he's trying to pull the ball too much and not going with the pitch like he did last season, I won't disagree. When I see somebody say "loopy swing" to me it means there is something mechanically wrong with the swing, and I don't think there is in Rizzo's case. He's just not taking a good approach to the plate. He's not taking what the pitchers give him, in most cases, and is trying to drive the ball too much. To me, that's why it looks like he has a "loopy" swing sometimes. So I guess, in that sense, he does have a loopy swing, but that's because he isn't reaching down and knocking a low outside slider into left field. Instead, he's watching it, and it barely hits the strike zone, or sometimes doesn't but the ump calls it anyway. Then, he gets an inside fastball and tries to drive it, and looks bad (loopy?) doing it.
I honestly think he'll be okay. This is a good season to struggle. The team sucks. I'd like to see him put together a nice final four weeks though.
This is a good season to
This is a good season to struggle. The team sucks. I'd like to see him put together a nice final four weeks though.
Amen, brother!
He's clearly been reading our
He's clearly been reading our posts.
Teams expect Japan's premier
Teams expect Japan's premier pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka, to jump to MLB.
In the video you can see he's
In the video you can see he's topping out at about 151...
Felix Pie called up Pirates,
Felix Pie called up Pirates, batting lead off tonite.
Good luck, Felix.
Watched Pie bat twice tonight
Watched Pie bat twice tonight. Watched him take strike three twice. Jesus dude, you get called up and do that? Cubbery momentum ...
(Apparently he had a hit in his first at bat, but was caught trying to steal 2nd. Then the two at bats I saw. So apparently he took the bat off his shoulder in the first inning. )
interesting lineup...
interesting lineup...
Castro ss, Riz 1b, Lake cf, Schierholtz rf, Murphy 3b, Bogusevic lf, Barney 2b, Castillo c, Arrieta p
Welcome to the
Welcome to the THUNDERDOOOOOOOOOME! Boom!
Errr. I mean could be fun to watch . . .
BP article, Minor League
BP article, Minor League update from 8/20...
Arismendy Alcantara, 2B, Cubs (Double-A Tennessee): 2-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 K. Alcantara has moved over to second base defensively, and most scouts believe that's where he will ultimately land. He offers major-league bat speed with the potential for solid-average power. Alcantara is a plus runner and should add value with his speed. The Cubs future infield situation is crowded, but I believe he finds an everyday spot in Wrigley at some point; .232/.313/.348 with 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR in last 112 at-bats.
bleachers packed to capacity
bleachers packed to capacity and the seats are barely (if at all) half full...jim anixter (or substitute pink hat seat filler) isn't even in his seats.
len/bob calling the game from the bleachers packs them in.
rizzo's 1st homer since Aug
rizzo's 1st homer since Aug 6th...solo shot
2nd homer of the night in the
2nd homer of the night in the 5th...huuuuuuuuge 2r moonshot...out of the park onto waveland.
6-3, bottom 5th.
Ill be the dick to point out
Ill be the dick to point out it went out on Sheffield.
I went to look on mlb.com for the big oppo homer and settled for the bomb to right. :-)
same thing.
same thing.
...it's not?
whatever, screw you guy.
*pops collar*
not arrieta's night...6-1,
not arrieta's night...6-1, top 3, 0 outs.
Good jake, good jake, BAD
Good jake, good jake, BAD JAKE.
There's that command struggle you've been talking about.
Oh, Jake...
2nd pitch in the 4th...just
2nd pitch in the 4th...just wow.
daytona postponed (rain) for
daytona postponed (rain) for back to back games.
maybe vogel/bryant should be sent back down in order to actually play in games.
Smokies on Radio
Smokies on [email protected]
Javier Baez clobbers a three-run home run over the fence in left field. His 32nd home run this season and 69th extra-base hit. 4-1 Smokies.
Smokies on [email protected]
Baez singles with one out in the top of the fifth inning. He is 3-for-3 now in the game as he average climbs over .300 to .303.
Smokies on Radio
Smokies on [email protected]
Javier Baez hammers his second home run of the night, another bomb out to left field! He is 4-for-4 tonight.
villa just threw some 57mph
villa just threw some 57mph "something" for a strike...looping curve/change/fosh thing.
it was awesome.
holy crap...is there anyone around who tries...and fails...to bunt for a base hit more than lake?
...at least this one went foul.
...and at least he recovers with a single to right.
is there anyone around who
is there anyone around who tries...and fails...to bunt for a base hit more than lake?
former Cub, Juan Pee-Air? (not a Moises Alou reference)
Soriano with a game winning
Soriano with a game winning HR for yanks tonight.
What are these flat low fast
What are these flat low fast hits called where the players all move one base? So weird ...
TIE GAME! woos.
TIE GAME! woos.
between JD's Cub Helmet
between JD's Cub Helmet filled with Chili Nachos and Len's malt cup...they won't fit back in the booth when they return from the Bleachers
Javier Baez solo HR in the
Javier Baez solo HR in the 7th (his 2nd HR of the game). 4-4 so far on the night.
Smokies on Radio
Smokies on [email protected]
Javier Baez drives in his fifth run of the game with a sacrifice fly to Walker in center field. Smokies back on top 7-6.
s.hariston 3r HR...top 7th..
s.hariston 3r HR...top 7th...thanks ex-cub.
why was russell pitching there...who knows...
J. Baez with a SF to left
J. Baez with a SF to left-center scoring Szczur who had doubled and went to third on a single by Alcantara. Gives the Smokies the lead again 7-6 in the 9th.
then baseball symmetry occurs (Nats 9-6 over the Cubs)...9-6 Smokies. Christian Villaneuva hits a 2 run double, his 39th of the year.
then it just becomes a random score, Smokies 10-6 after Mota singles in Villaneuva. On to the bottom of the 9th.
news flash: h.rondon still
news flash: h.rondon still sucks.
he hasn't gone back to back games without giving up a run since june 11/13...15 games since, 9 where he's given up runs, 13 runs total...sitting on a 5.86/1.58 era/whip on the season in 43 innings.
Baez: 33 HR, 100 RBI
Baez: 33 HR, 100 RBI
Recent comments
Meh, I messed that up. Mets are in.
Cards and Giants can still tie though.
Kershaw gets hurt by his defense and gave up 2 more runs. Blach has 8 shutout innings.
Mets already won as did Cards.
tomorrow is gonna be helluva fun if Giants hold on. We're all rooting for a 3-way tie I presume.
good news is now 5 K's for Lester through 4 (in a quest for 200 for season). Bad news is he's already at 86 pitches.
be curious how long Maddon sticks with Lester to try and let offense get back into it and get him the win (4-2 as I type, was 4-0)
Fwiw, he needed 2.1 IP to cross 200 for season so he got that at least. He also needs 9 K's for 200K's on season and he has 4 through 3.
cubs score 2 runs thanks to predictable reds pitching and horrible CIN defense...cubs only down by 1 now. heyward even got a gift 2rbi double out of an easy popout. neat.
something named Ty Blach has outpitched Clayton Kershaw through 6 innings (1-0 Giants).
not that finishing 2nd place will matter much nor did this game, but have to think if Hendricks pitches well tomorrow, he could leapfrog Lester in Cy Young voting. Don't see anyway Scherzer doesn't win it regardless and it doesnt' look like Lester has any incentive clauses that matter. Also might give Cueto some votes.
Rather remarkable how many teams have really good 1-2 options this year.
Nats: Scherzer and Roark (and Strasburg was great before injuries)
Cubs: Lester and Hendricks (and Arrietta is still damn good just not as consistently lately)
pretty much what I'm gathering from this thread is that it doesn't matter who you play in 5-game series, but no one wants to have to deal with Cardinal fans if we end up losing.
I can respect that.
first game for lester giving up more than 2 runs since july 24th. hell of a run.
doh, yes...dunno what happened there. jake arrieta is all "bro wut?"
lester going for #20...cubs haven't had a LH (thanks jpep for the correction) 20 game winner since d.ellsworth in 1963.
fwiw, all the games are free on mlb.tv
Short rest for MadBum would be 2 days. WC game is Wed., Games 1 & 2 are Friday/Saturday.
A left-handed one...
J-Hey not finishing with an offensive onslaught.
If Geoff Blum could be a Playoff hero, there is hope still...
Giants scare me. I think you're wrong about Bumgarner, he would pitch on short rest for Game 2 and then full rest for Game 5. Cueto would go Game 1, then short rest in game 4. Add in some really tough outs in that lineup and I want nothing to do with them. With that rotation they can easily steal a series.
Cards are a tough matchup. The rivalry evens out their comparable lack of talent. And like someone said, they love HRs, which is how to beat the Cubs. The upside is that I would feel really good about Lester twice against STL.


text:
The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Convention and Expo was held in Tampa this week. Products ranging from embalming kits to cardboard caskets to the latest in hearses were on display. Take a look at the interesting findings.
Photos: Strange things you'll find at a funeral convention
Cardboard caskets, pet urns on displayPublished 2:47 PM EDT Apr 11, 2013
Slideshow Central
CommentsThe views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus

subset: commoncrawl


text:
An old man in red and black clothes pulled his car into a West Ashley restaurant parking lot and opened the trunk. Vince Dooley, 80, grabbed one of several large cardboard boxes full of books and headed toward the door with a smile.
Georgia's all-time winningest football coach came to Charleston this weekend to promote his latest literary work — on gardening, of all subjects — and swap Bulldogs stories with fans.
"I'm an inspiration for anyone that wants to be a gardener, particularly later in life," Dooley said. "Because 20 years ago I could not have told you the difference between a grapefruit and a gladiolus."
The timing of visits to Home Team BBQ and Magnolia Plantation couldn't have been better.
No. 5 Georgia opens the 2013 season Saturday night at No. 8 Clemson. The Bulldogs start Southeastern Conference play a week later in Athens against No. 6 South Carolina.
"Playing Clemson in an opening ballgame really sets the tone for the season for both teams," Dooley said. "It's got everybody excited. The only problem for Georgia is that when they're done with Clemson, one way or the other, they have to play South Carolina. I am not responsible, as the former athletic director, for making that schedule. I just want Georgia people to know that."
Players come and go.
You can never get official comment out of Georgia's somewhat cute little Uga mascots.
Among all those lofty rankings, Dooley is the No. 1 source for perspective on Georgia's rivalries with the Palmetto State.
On Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney:
"Oh, I like him because of his fire and enthusiasm. Obviously, he's a good recruiter. You can see why players would want to play for him."
Herschel vs. Rogers
On Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier:
"I've known Steve since he was a player at Florida. The year that he won the Heisman Trophy (1966), the only SEC game Florida lost was to Georgia. I never coached against Steve when he was at Florida, but I got to coach him in the old Coaches All-American Game in Atlanta. He's a winner. Steve did a great job as a coach at Florida and he's done an even better job at South Carolina, where he doesn't have the material he had at Florida."
Georgia wasn't in the same conference as Clemson or South Carolina during Dooley's tenure as head coach from 1964-1988, but played the Tigers and Gamecocks 22 times apiece.
Dooley vs. Clemson: 15-6-1.
The Tigers finished stronger after a 1-7 start vs. Dooley.
Dooley vs. South Carolina: 17-4-1.
The Gamecocks went 0-10-1 in their first 11 games.
The 1980 game against No. 14 South Carolina in Athens still sticks out. It was No. 4 Georgia's national championship season, the year South Carolina running back George Rogers won the Heisman Trophy.
In only the third national telecast from Sanford Stadium, the Bulldogs won 13-10 on ABC as freshman Herschel Walker ran for 219 yards and Rogers ran for 168.
The Gamecocks were driving late before a rare Rogers fumble.
"It went down to the wire," Dooley said. "It looked like South Carolina was going down the field for the winning touchdown. We couldn't stop Rogers. He'd get seven yards, then eight. The great backs get stronger as the game goes on. Finally around the 20-yard-line, we hit him and he coughed it up."
Gamecocks fans got the last laugh in a lopsided series; No. 14 South Carolina under Sparky Woods beat No. 6 Georgia, 23-10, in Columbia in 1988.
Clemson's thorn
The 1982 season opener on Labor Day Night against No. 11 Clemson in Athens lived up to its epic battle billing. No. 7 Georgia won the national title in 1980, Clemson in 1981.
Perhaps you forget that Jim Nabors sang the National Anthem. Georgia won as Clemson quarterback Homer Jordan threw four interceptions in a 13-7 loss.
"Another one of those classics, just a tough defensive struggle," Dooley said. "Hershel had broken his thumb, so we had to sparingly use him at first.
"We just had some great games with Clemson in the '70s and '80s. Danny Ford and I had similar philosophies; we both believed in tough defense and the running game."
Before becoming a gardener, Dooley was a thorn. Three times and against three coaches — 1978 (Charley Pell), 1982 (Ford) and 1991 (Ken Hatfield) — his Bulldogs handed Clemson its only regular season loss.
Some of those tales are in Dooley's conventional football books. He also has written children's books, such as "How 'Bout Them Dawgs!"
The new "Vince Dooley's Garden — The Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach" is 160 pages of illustrated insight into Dooley's hobby.
"It's my golf," he said.
Of course, a book tour that includes thoughts on the Chinese privet hedges that surround the field at Sanford Stadium is popular because of what happened between the most famous plants in football. Dooley's dominance of Clemson and South Carolina was a big part of that.
Follow Gene Sapakoff on Twitter @sapakoff


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Angelina Jolie had a real leg up on the competition Sunday night at the 84th Annual Academy Awards.
Although stars like Meryl Streep and Jean Dujardin walked away with top honors, it was the leg-baring slit in Jolie's black Atelier Versace gown that kept people buzzing on Monday.
Before the end of the telecast, there was already a Twitter handle dedicated to that part of the actress, 36, called @AngiesRightLeg.
The feed has 14,101 followers and counting, and the anonymously penned posts include, "Look at meeee!!" and "You have to admit I'm one hell of a leg."
And aside from a number of blog headlines, on Monday's Today Show, even Kathie Lee Gifford, who called Jolie "drop dead gorgeous," poked fun at the actress.
"I don't understand it," she said. "If there's any person on the planet who does not need to pose, it's Angelina Jolie. We see her coming, she has our attention ... I understand it on the carpet because it's all about the pose, but when you go up there to present – 'Could you go a little lower, guys? 'Cause it's about the leg.' "
Calling Jolie's pose "kind of weird," Debi Mazar Tweeted during the show, "Why did Angelina do that 'leg thing?' [But] if I had legs like that, I might, I guess..:)."
Patricia Heaton even compared Jolie's stance to "Tebowing," Tweeting, "I was wondering why Angelina was standing like that – then the writers copied her."
Angelina Jolie's Leg: Breakout Star of the Oscars
Kevin Winter/Getty


text:
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do any of you think naruto is going to die
Christopher Garland(aka)garland5000In one of the shippuden episodes it does look like he died but he didn't i saw it last year on yahoo.com/video."I SHALL RETURN BY GEN MAC ARUTHER"
CN had to kill Toonami and also kill Naruto at the same time. I mean, you can watch them on the computer, but my internet can only watch like 1 anime a day or it will screw up. Downloads are slow, and Youtube even could screw up my computer so I rely on Anime on TV and DVD. Well, the only anime block I respect anymore is Ani Mondays. Adult Swim I can tell is trying to get rid of the anime... even though the anime seems to be the highest rated they have, anime has been dropping like flies... LOL! If I ever won the lottery I am going to make a TV network with exlusive anime all the time! I mean, some people might not want to watch anime all the time, but it presents it so that you can watch anime on TV at any time! LOL! Maybe even dub some! =3 But thats just a dream...
Christopher Garland(aka)garland5000Now cn is trying to get ready for the shippeden episodes and put 6teen on to replace naruto for a while and the goes to adult swim."I SHALL RETURN BY GEN MAC ARUTHER"
its awesome
maybemaybe not "blood isnt enough..."
In my country, Naruto Kill at least 2 kids. It's not real naruto that we talkin' about, but naruto show. these kids trying to act like naruto like jump from second floor of his house etc. until they die. But the show that take most victims is Smack Down!!! At least 12 killed and smack down!!! never aired again. But Fortunately Naruto is still on air until now
Christopher Garland(aka)garland5000They are cool and naruto is grown up and i wounder if they made a saske card."I SHALL RETURN BY GEN MAC ARUTHER"
The Official Ultimate Ninja 4: NARUTO Shippuden Site Is Launched! Take a peek at the launch of the official UN4 site and let us know what you think! Ultimate Ninja 4: NARUTO Shippuden hits the stores March 24th 2009, and the official site has just launched! NAMCO BANDAI Games wanted the special fans at Hokage's Room to be one of the firsts to know about the exciting launch! Members of Hokage's Room have already submitted some really great thoughts about what they're looking forward to in this upcoming title. Check out the "Fan Comments" under the "Fans"section to see if your submission made it in there! Earn mega ryo at Hokage's Room by letting us know that you've visited the official site and have taken a look around. Simply let us know ONE new fact that you've learned about Ultimate Ninja 4 from the official site on our latest Shippuden Mission! Visit the site by clicking the link below! "I SHALL RETURN BY GEN MAC ARUTHER"
No the main charater never dies and even he he dose he always comes back to life some how.
if he did the fox would bring him back
Seems likely...Kinda convenient, huh? Likes headphones... A lot.
Naruto ultimate ninja 4 comes out tomarrow huray!"I SHALL RETURN BY GEN MAC ARUTHER"
I don't think so. At the end, mabe the the fox spirit will get out of naruto. Billy-Bob
becouse he is mortal and he is not likeOrochimaro who uses technics forimortality
"some things are better left unknown"
I watch it all the time why do you tink thathe is gona be imortall
"some things are better left unknown"
becose he have the tree tailed fox chacra
The new tecnics are cool and the characters are littlediffirent
ohw naruto is perfect rasengan you will be destroyer naruto hahahahahahaha.........>>>>>


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True Story Party East End Book Exchange hosts its first True Story Party with ten true tales by some of the Burgh's best story tellers. With host John Dick Winters fresh off his "Race to the Coffin" Comedy Tour.06/20/2013
Thirty Minutes of Exceptional Organ Music Free organ recital, Thursdays at 5.Ā Today, Nicholas Capozzoli, of Oberlin Conservatory of Music.06/20/2013
Urban Garden Party - Soul Factory: Motown at the Museum MF's annual fundraiser features soul and funk jams by The Gaff + DJ Zimmie, over 40 of Pittsburgh's best restaurants and caterers, Motown performances by Kierra Darshell's Divas of Drag, a silent auction of one-of-a-kind artwork and dancing. A VIP pre-party features an exclusive performance by Title Town Soul & Funk Party and signature cocktails. Penn Brewery hosts the official after-party.06/21/2013
Fauré String Trio Anniversary Concert The Fauré String Trio celebrates its 10th anniversary with the world premiere of Playtime II composed and dedicated to the Trio by Aurelio Scotto, along with works by Beethoven and Reger.06/21/2013
Pixar in Concert From Toy Story to The Incredibles and UP, Pixar has given audiences of all ages some of the most beloved characters in cinematic history. Now, for the first time ever, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Pixar in Concert, with visually stunning clips and memorable scores, including their latest, Brave, performed live by the PSO. Pixar's 13 scores have been written by just four composers: Randy Newman, Michael Giacchino, Thomas Newman, and Patrick Doyle.06/21/2013
Kopit & Yeston's Phantom By Tony Award-winners Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, Phantom is based on Gaston Leroux's timeless love story of the disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom Erik, and his muse, Christine Daae, the exciting and beautiful ingenue of the Paris Opera. Their musical affair unfolds deep in the catacombs of the Opera house, where Erik finds salvation in Christine/s breathtaking voice. The score features "Home," "You Are My Own," and "My True Love."06/21/2013
Roads of Arabia This landmark exhibition presents more than 7,000 years of largely unknown cultural history of the Arabian Peninsula. Roads of Arabia examines the impact of ancient trade routes carrying precious frankincense and myrrh to the Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman world and allowing for a vibrant exchange of both objects and ideas. With the later rise of Islam, pilgrimage roads converged on Mecca and gradually replaced the well-traveled incense roads.06/22/2013
River City Brass Concert Bring your chair and tap your feet to the music of the River City Brass Band surrounded by the history and gardens of Old Economy Village. Food and beverages for sale on site.06/22/2013
yART Sale Local artists are cleaning out their studios to offer affordable art, equipment and art supplies. Items will include ceramics, photographs, jewelry, art books, fabric, unframed prints, glass pieces, and collectibles. There will be art activities for children. yART Sale prices range from 50 cents to 200 dollars, with mostly bargain-basement prices. Proceeds benefit Filmmakers and PCA.06/23/2013
River City Brass River City Brass conducted by James Gourlay.06/23/2013
"Intersection of Jazz and Classical Music" Festival & Competition Explore the many ways jazz and classical music influence each other. In addition to competitions for high school and college pianists, teachers and students can participate in workshops, master classes, and panel discussions given by WVU Faculty and professionals from across the US. Special guests include Classical artist Ann Schein and Jazz artist Dan Haerle.06/24/2013
Summer Instrumental Camp For students in grades 4 through 8. PYPO musicians will play the National Anthem for the July 2nd Pirates/Phillies game. 06/24/2013
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Located in Chicagoland, it is one of the most extensive suburban commuter rail systems in the country, providing service between hundreds of suburbs and downtown Chicago.
"I take the Metra to work and it only takes 30 minutes"
"I like Metra for going downtown on the weekends"
"I like Metra for going downtown on the weekends"
door acb 15 november 2005
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Can you define these popular missing words?
Metra, n. (aka Mitra) A goddess, usually referring to an extremely hot female or a woman exhibiting remarkably good looks.
Guy 1 "Damn man, did you see her? She is so unreasonably hot"
Guy 2 "Dude...you can't touch that shit. That's a Metra."
Guy 2 "Dude...you can't touch that shit. That's a Metra."
door Google 8 december 2004
piece of junk in disrepair that has not been renovated in decades. chicago does not plan to renovate this old train system even though they are bidding on the '16 olympics
Man, I hate taking the metra in the morning. The braking is so shaky that it makes me dizzy.
door pyds 28 augustus 2009


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on May 21, 2013 - 9:48 AM
, updated May 21, 2013 at 10:43 AM
A 19-year-old Warsaw motorcyclist remained in the Wyoming County Jail on Monday evening after a high-speed chase along State Route 19 through the Town of Middlebury. Police said his speed was clocked at up to 108 mph in a 35-mph zone.
Quinton M. Murphy, of West Buffalo Street, Warsaw, eventually stopped for Wyoming County sheriff's deputies, state troopers and Warsaw police at about 12:20 a.m. Monday.
After his motorcycle was towed, he was arraigned in Warsaw Town Court and held in lieu of $20,000 bail, charged with unlawful fleeing from a police officer, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, refusing prescreening, failure to comply with a lawful order and speeding.


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Your sunrise summary of everything you need to know about weather in H-town.
After several dry days rain chances return — and so do more humid days.
Moisture levels are on the rise this morning across the area, and that means so too are rain chances.
The influx of moist air will bring a daily 20 to 40 percent chance of showers over the region, with rain chances a bit higher closer to the coast, during the rest of the workweek. Rain chances will be highest during the afternoon, say forecasters with the National Weather Service.
Although the atmosphere isn't favorable for strong thunderstorms, like we saw at the end of last week, it could become increasingly conducive for thunderstorms later this week. Also, with the tropical air mass, isolated water spouts are possible.
Combined, the rain and cloud cover should keep highs and lows this week in the low- to mid- 90s and 70s.
All in all, not a bad way to spend the latter part of August.
The tropics are uncharacteristically quiet for late August. What's going on? I'll explore this question in a blog post a bit later this morning.
Dry air, oh, dry air
You gave us some great mornings
Sadly now you're gone
The normal high temperature for today is 95 degrees.


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An advanced oral maneuver: to squat over a chick's face, dipping your whole schlong in and out of her mouth with each squat. Full effect requires non-shaved ballsack.
man - I was hog jawing that chick last night...she nearly passed the fuck out!
додав Mike Honcho 4 Real 20 Січня 2011
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Can you define these popular missing words?


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LEWISTOWN - The pews at Evangel Baptist Church sat empty in its original sanctuary for many years.
Recently, they found a new home with a young church in Washington, D.C.
The old Lewistown sanctuary also is full again thanks to Youth Pastor Dave Purdy and a group of volunteers who transformed it into a youth room.
Complete with plush couches, pool and fooseball tables, air hockey, a bandstand and more, the space is becoming the popular hang-out zone for the church youth, Purdy said. Some of the youth also helped splatter-paint the walls, he said.
"The kids love it," Purdy said. "The excitement in here is unbelievable."
Though attendance usually hovers around 30 students every week, Purdy said he counted as many as 90 who have come to the Sunday night Escape Youth Group.
"Our church has the idea that we need to reach out to the community," Purdy said. "We are not just here for ourselves."
For about four years, the old sanctuary sat empty, because the church began to use its gym for services, Purdy said. This year, the congregation agreed to put the old sanctuary back into use, he said.
The congregation wants the new youth center to be a place where teens can come and feel comfortable hanging out and having a good time, Purdy said.
"- And quite frankly so they can let me beat them at ping-pong," he said with a laugh.
Through providing a safe and loving environment, they hope the youth will come to understand how Jesus can affect their lives, he said.
Eventually, they hope to open the center a couple days a week for after-school activities for seventh- to 12th-grade youth, Purdy said.
Some of the church's youth activities include an annual all-nighter, summer camp with missions project, Super Bowl bash, bowling, roller skating and a corn maze, Purdy said.