text:
Cup Check
Let's take a quick glance at how the battles for the few roster spots and jobs has been going down in Mesa.
5th Starter
Barring a meltdown the last three weeks (dear lord, three weeks of spring training left?), it looks like Sean Marshall has won the job over Aaron Heilman, Jeff Samardzija and Chad Gaudin.
Heilman looks headed to the set-up role, Samardzija probably to the minors and Gaudin to the waiver wire.
A lot can change in three weeks, but at the moment, the Cubs have four of the seven spots locked down in Carlos Marmol, Kevin Gregg, Aaron Heilman and Neal Cotts. That leaves three spots left for this motley group (ordered in who are the favorites at the moment) .
Luis Vizcaino, David Patton, Chad Gaudin, Angel Guzman, Jeff Samardzija, Jason Waddell, Randy Wells, Mike Stanton, Jose Ascanio, Kevin Hart, Ken Kadokura
I find it hard to believe that the Cubs will just eat Vizcaino's contract and teams will wait for guys to get cut from camp before wasting money and prospects on acquiring Vizcaino in a trade. Patton is Rule 5 draftee and has so far given the Cubs good reason to keep him on the roster. That leaves a battle between Gaudin and Guzman (neither have options left) for the final spot and they have three weeks to justify their roster spots. I don't really think the Cubs will carry Samardzija in the pen, preferring to keep him in Iowa stretched out in case a starter is needed. I think Jason Waddell is the dark horse here, because at some point Lou and Larry are going to realize they want two lefties in the pen.
As for the closer battle, it doesn't matter much to me, but probably does for your fantasy teams. I would guess at the moment that it's going to be Kevin Gregg with Carlos Marmol back in the set-up role. Marmol's strikeout ability is better suited for the role of coming in with runners on base and Gregg has been sharp so far in spring training.
Second Base
Mike Fontenot has won the job over Aaron Miles and will bat sixth in the lineup. Cubs fans exhale collectively.
Backup Catcher
Lou said he already has a good idea who the backup catcher will be but isn't telling. A quick look at the tale of the tape tells us it should be Koyie Hill.
Never under estimate the power of being a veteran, but Hill is getting the at-bats and clearly leading the race.
Lou says Micah Hoffpauir is a cinch to make the roster and will get some time in the corner outfield spots as well as first base. That makes the bench: Backup catcher, Miles, Hoffpauir, Reed Johnson and one spot open. I'm not sure that one spot is really open with Joey Gathright hitting respectably in spring training and stealing five of six bases. But, they really seem to want someone to back-up third base so Esteban German, Luis Rivas, Bobby Scales and Corey Koskie can still make a case for themselves. Also, with the Cubs skipping a starter at least once, possibly twice, they could carry an extra bench player and go one less reliever for a few weeks. A lot can happen in two weeks and someone might get injured or a reliever may implode right out of the gate (I recall Hart and Pignatiello doing that in recent years) and the Cubs can adjust when a fifth starter is needed around mid-April.
25-Man Opening Day Roster
Here's my guess on the Opening Day Roster
C - Soto
1B - Lee
2B - Fontenot
SS - Theriot
3B - Ramirez
LF - Soriano
CF - Fukudome
RF - Bradley
K. Hill, M. Hoffpauir, A. Miles, R. Johnson, J. Gathright
Starting Pitching
Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Harden, Marshall
Marmol, Gregg, Heilman, Cotts, Vizcaino, Patton, Gaudin
While I kidded about Gaudin headed to the waiver wire, he seemed to be the victim of a tight strike zone in his last start and being out of the running of the 5th starter spot, he should still get some chances to concentrate on being a reliever and working out of the bullpen.
vs righties: Soriano, Fukudome, Lee, Bradley, Ramirez, Fontenot, Soto, Theriot, Pitcher
vs lefties: Soriano, Theriot, Lee, Bradley, Ramirez, Johnson, Soto, Miles, Pitcher
Against lefties, I think Lou will prefer to keep Soto in the 7th spot and he did bat Johnson in the 5th spot a lot last year, so 6th isn't much of a stretch. I could see Johnson batting second as well, with Soto moving up to sixth, Miles 7th and Theriot 8th.
Re: Cup Check
Unless Gaudin's hurt, he shouldn't be just cut. He's a decent/good pitcher that's had a rough spring. That doesn't mean I know what to do with him. He's got three weeks, I suppose.
Also, you mean "respectably" rather than "respectively." Not that the former really applies to Gathright, but whatever.
Still really hate Soto batting 7th.
Re: Cup Check
Have you looked at how Geo did batting 7th last year Andrew?? His PA's were pretty evenly split between the 5-7 spots but he did a disproportionate amount of damage batting 7th (12 doubles, 9 home runs) and put up his best numbers there (.302 .360 .560 .920 ).
Re: Cup Check
but it follows no logic. it's just numbers he earned.
who's going to give soto better stuff to look at when the 8/9 hitters are next?
sure, it helps having a lineup like this where everyone can hit, but what would you do with soto 7th, theriot 8th, pitcher 9th...esp. with no one on base and soto up regardless of outs?
any advantage soto might have taken in the 7 slot doesn't exist on the end where the pitcher would give in to create a situation better for soto. he might see more walks, but other than that i don't see how soto hitting 7th opens up advantages for him that the pitcher could give him.
Re: Cup Check
i dont see a big deal either, but i dont see any advantage inherent to him hitting 7th because he hit well there in the past.
situations don't dictate friendly situations for power hitters in the 7 slot when you got a singles hitter and a pitcher following. it helps the singles hitter can actually hit, though.
Re: Cup Check
Agreed. It's not a huge thing, I just don't think the L/R split is worth making Soto have to be protected by Theriot. Soto's one of the better hitters on this team and, in my mind, shouldn't be below 6th.
Re: Cup Check
I'll be sad to see the Shark not make the opening day team...
Re: Cup Check
i just hope he's being stretched out to start in AAA...which he should be
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Cup Check?
Mitch Cup Check?
Great college player, adequate pro. Mixed bag as GM.
Re: Cup Check
Just my 2¢
Samardzija banished to Iowa, like Hoffpauir was last year after posting up a AAA .319 .365 .552 in 2007, just seems like a waste. He's healthy, he's paid like a big leaguer and he was a valuable member of the Cubs bullpen last year. It make no sense to have him under a $16.5 million contract and not get some value for the big club if he can contribute effectively. And he showed he can. No doubt about it.
Forget about stretching him out now --- plenty of time for that if someone goes down, we've already got six SP's.
Re: Cup Check
samninja the starter seems more important to me. pen is pretty steady, imo.
Re: Cup Check
The Shark would be more valuable as a starter if he weren't currently 7th on the starter depth chart.
He's more useful to this club in the pen as of right now. If need be he can be stretched out while Ryan O'Malley, Leslie Walrond, other random dude gets a spot start if Harden, Marshall, AND Heilman go down with injuries.
If that happens, we have other things to worry about than The Shark being stretched out.
Re: Cup Check
Don't you think it would make sense at this point to have Someninja start at Iowa through at least the All-Star break and be available as either a starter or reliever in case of injury or ineffectiveness on the part of one or more major league pitchers?
That way he can:
1. Continue to work on consistent command of his breaking pitches.
2. Continue to work on command of his fastball.
3. Get in innings so that when they rely on him as a starter in 2010 he has 130-150ish innings under his belt instead of 80-ish innings.
4. Have his arm strength up and all his pitches working down the stretch and hopefully into October and supplement the pen then.
[Edit: I didn't mean to direct this comment at you, Rob.]
Re: Cup Check
I just had the same thought as Charlie...maybe Samardzija goes down to Iowa knowing he's the first callup in either a starting or relief role. I get that going from the pen to starting won't work, maybe Wes will chip in on how long it would take Samardzija to re-acclimate to the 'pen in Chicago if he's been starting at Iowa.
Re: Cup Check
Samardzija wasn't exactly lights out in the bullpen last year. He had his good moments and bad moments, and he also has not been very good this spring.
The Cubs have the the depth to be patient with him.
Re: Cup Check
agreed...the guy developing a steady 3rd pitch would help his game a lot.
throwing 2 fastballs 3-4 times a week for an inning and resting his arm between it all is a luxury given the pen as it stands. it's not some OMFG pen, but it's pretty capable and filled.
Re: Cup Check
Every pitcher has his good moments and bad moments. The Shark had a good ERA, .226 batting average against, scoreless August. Had a tough patch late in the year, sure. I guess I don't know how more "lights out" you could expect someone to be (unless he's Marmol).
Re: Harden pic
Loosen the grip a bit there, buddy.
Re: Harden pic
Let's have some fun out here! This game's fun, OK? Fun goddamnit. And don't hold the ball so hard, OK? It's an egg. Hold it like an egg.
Re: Cole Hamels Hurting
Ugh... my fantasy team doesn't like that.
Re: Cole Hamels Hurting
I fantasy feel bad for you.
I keed, I keed.
I-Rod to the Astros
for 1.5 million, could double with incentives.
Re: I-Rod to the Astros
not bad.
be interesting to see how he handles backe and wandy...the rest shouldn't be an issue (hopefully).
Re: I-Rod to the Astros
50 year old Ivan Rodriguez > current day Bako
Re: I-Rod to the Astros
I should source it: from ESPN Sportscenter, top of this hour.
Ok, back to grading.
Re: I-Rod to the Astros
You don't need sources Trans, that's the beauty of the internet!
Re: I-Rod to the Astros
J.R. Towles is crying somewhere....
Re: Cup Check
With Lou already announcing the skipping the #5 starter the first few weeks. I would think that Marshall could start the year in Iowa to stay on schedule in April. Then we would be looking at.
Re: Cup Check
Also, hopefully Esteban German gets a fair shot to beat out Aaron Miles. Dude is twice the player at 1/4 the cost.
Re: Cup Check
miles got a 2 year deal and "twice the player" is more than a bit of an overstatement.
e.german is a sure-handed middle IF with a low-powered contact hitting bat.
i'd give them similar at best, imo. miles is more of a sure-thing, but german (even in his older age) has a touch more power upside.
Re: Cup Check
Thats all well and good except German is 2 year younger than Miles. Also the career lines
277/358/383 741ops MLB
296/397/397 794ops MiLB for German
As opposed to
289/329/364 693ops MLB
289/338/401 739ops MiLB for Miles
Would indicate that German is superior in every way to Miles. Add in that he can steal a base and it should be a no brainer.
Re: Cup Check
German is just 1 year younger. Neither can steal - German is 28/42 on his career, and Miles is 23/37. And why do their career averages really matter? German has 1,000 fewer at bats than Miles. You are basically taking German's stats as a pinch-hitter and back-up and comparing them to Miles' as a starter. Here are their last three year trends:
German: 326/422/459 - 264/351/376 - 245/303/338
Miles: 263/324/347 - 290/328/348 - 317/355/398
Also, Miles is a far better defender at 2B, and can play SS which German hasn't really shown he can do. Miles is not a stud by any means, and I don't really like him myself, but German is no better and, I would argue, he's actually worse.
Re: Cup Check
I know I'll be kicking a dead horse here, but if German weren't already a Cub and if he weren't being compared to Aaron Miles, I say none of us would want anything to do with him. We're talking spare parts. I was really hoping the team would pick up legit starters in place of the cajuns. Not because I dislike Fonte & Theriot, but I really believe they would be so valuable off the bench in the late innings.
Re: Cup Check
FANIQ.com has the cubs season preview.
95 Ws and best record in the NL. They also say Joey Gathright was their best off season move...so grain of salt alert.
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Right, because Soriano might have a leg injury Joey Gathright is more valuable because he's fast.
*slaps self in forehead*
Well you know what they say, speed never slumps.
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By the way, those lineups suck.
Hello Des Moines
Shark getting hammered...can't throw his slider for a strike and they are sitting on his fastball.
5-0 Brewers; Including two walks, 3 run HR by Hall, double by Hardy and triple by Fielder (ball lost in high sky by Hoffpauir)
...and all runs with 2 outs.
Re: Cup Check
5-1. Reed Johnson double then rbi single by Gabor
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Samaramadingdong had a quiet 2nd inning, but Stevens gives up a dinger to Hart, then a dooble to Cameron...time to make some roster cuts.
on the positive side, Soriano has two hits including a dooble
Re: Cubs Xmen
A's dropped JEROME WILLIAMS and ERIC PATTERSON from the big league camp.
Re: Cup Check
8-1, Duffy and Weeks rbis after a walk to the pitcher. Jeff Stevens, can you pick up the phone. It's a conference call from Sec Taylor Stadium. You won't need to buy any corn before you leave Arizona.
Re: Cup Check
That's "Sec Taylor Field at Principal Park." Get your naming rights straight!
Re: Ken Macha Speaks
every manager does that. well, the bench coach (usually) does then tells the manager. lou's been known to do his own work in-game. seen a binder in front of him more than once. they're usually in the back left of the dugout during the games.
"The entire team hits way above average on the first pitch. Not only that, but the percentage of walks is very high."
lulz. okay.
Re: Ken Macha Speaks
"This car can go from 0-60 in 4.82 seconds. Not only that, but it has a cup holder."
Re: Ken Macha Speaks
Can we ban all internet memes (e.g. "lulz" and "First!") from TCR?
Unless you're using it in some sort of ironic way to make fun of the typical message board poster, let's keep that shit to BCB, mmm-kay?
Re: Ken Macha Speaks
Re: Can we ban all internet memes
no way
Re: Ken Macha Speaks
yeah, but does every manager chew toothpicks?
Re: Cup Check
If you weren't listening to the game. Ron Santo just belched over the air and is busy explaining what happened.
Re: Cup Check
was that before or after he said ryan braun had a tough december last season? and yes, he did say december.
Re: Cup Check
Davey Johnson talking about problems for the American team with the WBC tournament and possibly forfeiting games in certain circumstances.
Re: Cup Check
Macha: Not only that, but it has a cup holder."
Is he talking about the Orioles shortstop?
Re: Cup Check
Today (Monday) is the first day Rule 5 players (like David Patton) can be sent to the minors and the first day Draft-Excluded Players (Koyie Hill, Randy Wells, Mitch Atkins, Justin Berg, Marcos Mateo, and Jeff Stevens) can be sent outright to the minors (should the Cubs wish to do that).
If a club decides it cannot keep a Rule 5 player on its 25-man roster for the entire regular season (or at least 90 days on the active list and the balance on the DL), the player must be placed on Outright Waivers, and any other MLB club can claim the Rule 5 player for the special Rule 5 waiver price ($25,000,) and assume the Rule 5 roster obligations.
If the Rule 5 player is not claimed off waivers, the player must be offered back to the player's original club (the Colorado Rockies in David Patton's case) for $25,000 (half the Rule 5 Draft price). If the Rockies were to decline to take Patton back, the Cubs get to keep him and could then send him to the minors. But in fact if the Cubs were to decide they can't keep Patton and even if they can get him through waivers, the Rockies would almost certainly take him back if they are given that chance. So the Cubs must think long and hard before deciding to cut Patton. However, making the jump to the pressurized bullpen of a contending big league team is a lot to expect of a young pitcher who has never pitched above "A"-ball.
And next Friday is the last day to option or outright certain players to the minors to avoid having to put the player on the MLB 15-day or 60-day DL (where the player would accrue MLB service time and be paid at least $400k) if the player gets hurt during Spring Training. This applies to any player on the 40-man roster who was not selected in the previous Rule 5 Draft (so it doesn't apply to David Patton) and who did not accrue any MLB Service Time the previous season.
So to avoid taking the chance that they might get hurt and would have to be placed on the MLB DL, the Cubs really HAVE to option Mitch Atkins, Justin Berg, Marcos Mateo, Jeff Stevens, Jake Fox, and Sam Fuld to the minors no later than this Friday, no matter how well they are playing. (Any player optioned to the minors can be recalled at anytime if the player is replacing an injured player who is placed on the DL, so it's possible to option a player to the minors during Spring Training and then recall that player prior to Opening Day, and in fact this happened with Joe Borowski a few years ago).
Koyie Hill has certainly out-hit Paul Bako this Spring, has more power, is more-versatile (Hill played 3B in college at Wichita State, 2B for Team USA, and some 1B in the minors), and has a marginallly stronger throwing arm, but K. Hill has also made at least two really stupid brain fart mental errors in Spring Training games so far, and while that isn't that much of a concern to me, the one thing that really seems to drive Lou Piniela crazy is mental errors (see Barrett, Pie, Cedeno, Murton, et al). So Bako might beat out K. Hill for the back-up catcher gig just for that reason alone. Piniella HATES mental mistakes.
On the other hand, if the Cubs don't release him by (probably) next Friday, Bako's $725K salary (plus $400K in incentives) becomes guaranteed, but if the Cubs do release Bako before his contract becomes guaranteed, they only have to pay him $145K as severance.
What the Cubs might end up doing do is keep Bako as their back-up catcher and then try and get K. Hill through Outright Waivers and send him to Iowa (he has been previously outrighted in his career, so he has the right to refuse an outright assignment and become a free-agent immediately, but he would probably accept the assignment to Iowa and defer his right to be a FA until the end of the MLB regular season, because he has done that before). That way the Cubs can keep both catchers in the organization (Bako the back-up catcher with the Cubs and K. Hill the #1 catcher at Iowa), in case a third experienced catcher is needed during the season due to an injury to Soto or Bako. (Welington Castillo isn't ready yet and Mark Johnson doesn't have much to offer).
Presuming he was signed to a non-guaranteed contract last December (and having no leverage, it's VERY likely he did sign a non-guaranteed contract), the Cubs would only have to pay Chad Gaudin $333K (1/6 of his 2009 salary - 30 days severance) if he is released by this coming Friday, or $500K (1/4 of his salary - 45 days severance) if he is released within 15 days of Opening Day.
So I wouldn't be surprised if the Cubs are right now attempting to trade Gaudin, and if they can't work out a deal, they might just release him and pocket the salary (as the Toronto Blue Jays did last year with Reed Johnson) and use the $1.5M saved toward acquiring a player via trade in July. (You can get a player making $4.5M for $1.5M in salary if you wait to acquire him until the end of July, when only 1/3 of the season remains to be played).
What will indicate the Cubs intentions is whether the Cubs pitch Gaudin tomorrow (Tuesday) or Wednesday. That's because if the Cubs want to get one more look at Gaudin before releasing him on Friday, they will need to do it tomorrow (Tuesday), because in order to release him on Friday, the Cubs would have to put Gaudin on Release Waivers by 2 PM EDT Wedneday (11 AM Arizona time), which is two hours prior to Wednesday's game time.
If the Cubs don't release Gaudin by this Friday, they still could do it sometime during the last 15 days of Spring Taining and get substantial payroll back ($1.5M), but releasing him by this Friday maximizes the savings. That said, I suspect Gaudin is a release candidate (if he doesn't get traded), but probably more likely so toward the end of Spring Training rather than this Friday. There isn't that much of a difference between paying Gaudin $333K or $500K in severance.
I think Angel Guzman (who is out of minor league options) will get traded before Opening Day. He still has sky-high potential and he's finally healthy, but I don't think Uncle Lou can stomach Gooz's inconsistency, and so he's gone. But unlike Gaudin, I don't think Guzman will get released. Rather, Guzman will probably get traded someplace for one or two "mid-level" minor league prospects (as has happened in the past with pitchers like Michael Wuertz and Todd Wellemeyer).
LHRP Jason Waddell (ex-SF Rule 55 Six-Year Minor League FA) has pitched very well so far this Spring (he works VERY fast and he generally throws strikes, two things Piniella LOVES in a pitcher), but he is no more effective against LH hitters than he is against RH hitters, and so while I agree that Piniella will eventually decide he wants two lefties in the pen, Waddell will start the season as the #1 lefty reliever at Iowa, and (barring an injury to Neal Cotts) will probably stay there for most of the season, with a possible September 1st call-up if he pitches well in AAA. Waddell's performance this Spring reminds me a lot of Carmen Pignatiello last Spring. Nice, but not eye-popping.
Rule 5 RHP David Patton has a real good chance to make the Opening Day 25-man roster, but mostly by default. Patton's situation is a lot like another Rule 5 guy (Tim Lahey) last year, except Patton has a definite strikeout pitch (nasty slider) which Lahey did not have. Patton reminds me of Michael Wuertz that way. The problem with Patton (and the problem with Wuertz) is that if he can't throw his slider for strikes (or if the hitters aren't biting), hitters can sit on his fastball, and (like Michael Wuertz) that's not a good thing. The one positive spin is that Patton throws slightly harder than Wuertz, so his fastball isn't total trash.
I think the Cubs would like to trade Luis Vizcaino if they can find a taker, but they don't want to just release him and eat his contract ($3.5M guaranteed 2009 salary plus $500K 2010 buy-out), and they don't want to have to eat too much of his salary if they do find a taker. So I expect Vizcaino will (like Scott Eyre last year) spend at least the first half of the season buried deep in the Cub bullpen, used (whenever possible) in non-critical situations and to eat innings in blow-outs. If Vizcaino were to pitch well in that role, he could get more-significant opportunites, but right now I don't think he figures much in the 7-8-9 matrix (that should be Heilman/Cotts-Marmol-Gregg).
Jose Ascanio, Kevin Hart, and Randy Wells have options available, so it isn't a big deal if they get sent to Iowa. But all three have actually thrown the ball pretty well so far (Ascanio threw four consecutive perfect innings in his first for Cactus League games - 12 up, 12 down, Hart has struck out seven of the last eight hitters he has faced in Cactus League action, and Wells is a strike-throwing groundball machine). Esmailin Caridad (who is not on the 40-man roster) is another guy who has pitched well enough this Spring to receive some consideration for a bullpen job, although I suspect the Cubs would like Caridad to get some AAA time under his belt first.
Veterans Mike Stanton, Chad Fox, and Ken Kadokura will probably get released before the end of Spring Training, although there is an outside chance that there might be a spot for one of them in the Cubs bullpen, but probably only if Gaudin and Guzman both get moved prior to Opening Day, and/or Patton gets cut. However, Stanton hasn't fooled anybody so far (even LH hitters), C. Fox is always one pitch away from the end of his career, and Kadokura nibbles too much.
The Cubs have a problem with their bench as it is presently constituted, because on days where a lefty starts against them and Reed Johnson (CF) and Aaron Miles (2B) are in the starting lineup, the bench wouold consist of five LH hitters (Bako, Fontenot, Fukudome, Gathright, and Hoffpauir) and no RH hitters (unless you count Carlos Zambrano batting RH). There also would be only one legitimate multi-positional back-up infielder (Miles) on the roster, unless Soriano takes grounders at 2B and SS.
So from a tactical POV, it would be better if the Cubs could exchange the lefty hitting LF-CF-PR Gathright for a speedy RH hitting IF-OF utility guy who can also be used as a late-inning PR, but I doubt that will happen. Gathright has played very well so far, and the two main potential RH hitting back-up IF (Luis Rivas and Esteban German) in camp just don't run well enough to be used as a late-inning PR (Rivas was never fast, while German has gotten kind of bottom heavy and appears to have lost a step).
One other thing the Cubs might do is add Corey Koskie to the 40-man roster, pay him around $600K (plus incentives), put him on the 15-day DL (could be transferred to the 60-day DL if necessary) with Post-Concussion Syndrome, and then have him spend April-May-June at Fitch Park playing in Extended Spring Training games. Then if anything bad happens to Armais Ramirez during the season, Koskie would be just a phone call & a plane ride away, and if nothing else, he could just remain on the DL all year, and then his slot could be used as a post-season roster exemption (as was the case with Chad Fox last year). In fact the Cubs could add Chad Fox to the 40-man roster again, too, just for that purpose [eventual post-season roster exemption), like they did last year.
And I still believe Rich Harden will start the season on the 15-day DL, will spend the first week of the MLB regular season throwing on the side at Fitch Park (EXST), will get one minor league rehab start for the Iowa Cubs at Albuquerque (80 pitches) on April 13th or 14th, and then will be reactivated when the Cubs need a 5th starter for the first time on April 19th.
Re: Cup Check
Deserves it's own post...
Re: Cup Check
book and cliff notes
Re: Cup Check
Deserves it's own post...
This is why I never understood the Rule 5 pick of Patton. No matter how well he does (and he's done well), it's going to be a jump for anyone from A-ball to the bigs. The likelihood of him doing well enough to stick with the club just isn't a likely scenario, not because he's bad but because he's just too green. At this point, though, he's given the Cubs no real reason to give him up, and assuming they'd considered all this beforehand, one has to think he's going to make the pen.
Re: Cup Check
Looking at how we acquired Patton:
It was actually Cincinnati that selected Patton as a Rule 5-er, who then traded him to us (for "cash considerations").
Do the same rules apply?
Re: Cup Check
Yes, see Phil's discussion at the time of the draft.
Re: Cup Check
Thanks, WISC.
Later in that thread, Phil speculates that even if Patton is returned to the Rockies, the Cubs might offer them a trade to get Patton back (and then assign Patton to AA).
Re: Cup Check
Damn, AZ Phil, this is why I rarely read the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, or Daily Herald for Cubs news. You can't get this analysis and insight in the regular press. Question - wouldn't the Cubs be more inclined to just make a trade for Patton? Perhaps Guzman and some other roster fodder for him?
Re: Cup Check
Shame that German has gotten fat. The guy was a perennial 40 SB guy as recently as 2006.
Re: Cup Check
In 2006 he was 7/10. He had over 40 in the minor leagues in 2005, but his best year in the majors he was 11/18.
Re: Cup Check
05 I meant. Point being the same. The guy had tremendous speed, not all that long ago. Purely looking at it from a stats perspective. However you don't steal between 83 and 24 bases in every full season unless you have some talent in that regard.
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I agree, but then I wonder what happened. In the big leagues he is 28/42 in nearly 1,000 ABs.
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my god...
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Best thing I've read all month! lmao!
Re: Cup Check
What does the Ted Lilly Super Computer say about Lillyhammer's upcoming start?
Re: Cup Check
I am puzzled by the talk of releasing Gaudin. He is only 26 and has shown himself to be an average at worst ML pitcher. He did fairly well for us last year and bad after he got hurt. No doubt he has had a horrible spring. However, I think his track record at least gives him some time to show what he can do. If he craps out after the first few months, then maybe you dump him. To dump him at this point I feel would be premature. Some team would surely take him and would probably regret it. If he was over 30 and bounced around for awhile then I could see the release.
Re: Cup Check
I left out the word "we". Next to last sentence should say "we would probably regret it". Omission changed the meaning entirely.
Re: Cup Check
AZ Phil.......I know the main emphasis is on the big-league camp but will you be checking out what's going on with the minor leaguers soon? They have intra-squads ( AAA vs AA, Low A vs High A ) today & tomorrow and start their spring games on Thursday.I also heard that the EXT players are scrimmaging the Canadian Junior College team that is in town.Is there a schedule posted yet or rosters? Thanks ( I know you're extremely busy trying to figure out who will make the 25 man roster)
Re: Cup Check
Just noticed:
Houston's 2B Kaz Matsui is mired in one of his patented funks at the plate this spring. 2/34 .059 BA
Xman Matt Murton (.370 .433 .519) is said to have the inside shot at a spot on Colorado's bench. They're looking for a RH pinch hitter who can play the corners. Supposedly he's playing the corners well.
Dittos for the Mariners' Ronny Cedeno (.316 .333 .395). According to the Seattle Post, "Ronny Cedeno, who came from the Chicago Cubs in the Aaron Heilman trade, is likely to back up at second, third and short."
Re: Cup Check
Murton is in the perfect spot in Colorado and I think he can do pretty well there. As for Cedeno, we all know how he rolls... he won't hit .316 over the course of an entire season...
Re: Cup Check
Submitted by George Altman on Tue, 03/17/2009 - 10:40am.
Damn, AZ Phil, this is why I rarely read the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, or Daily Herald for Cubs news. You can't get this analysis and insight in the regular press. Question - wouldn't the Cubs be more inclined to just make a trade for Patton? Perhaps Guzman and some other roster fodder for him?
GEORGE A: Yes.
This happened a few years ago, when the Cubs claimed RHP Scott Chiasson from Oakland in the Rule 5 Draft, and then after Chiasson cleared waivers toward the end of Spring Training, the Cubs traded 3B Eric Hinske (future A. L. Rookie of the Year) to the A's for INF Miguel Cairo and the rights to Chiasson (where the A's agreed to decline the right of return). Then the Cubs outrighted Chiasson to the minors, although they added him back to the 40-man roster prior to the next Rule 5 Draft (Chiasson was projected at the time as a future MLB closer or set-up guy, but his career got short-circuited by Tommy John Surgery, although he was still pitching in AAA as recently as last season).
If David Patton can get through waivers without being claimed by another MLB club (and any claiming club would assume the Rule 5 roster obligations, as happened last year when Tim Lahey was claimed off waivers by the Phillies), the Cubs and Rockies could agree to a trade where the Rockies would decline the right of return, with the Cubs sending the Rockies a different player (could be Angel Guzman) and/or cash. And then the Cubs would outright Patton to the minors, but would have to add him back to the 40-man roster after the season or else he would be (once again) eligible for selection in the Rule 5 Draft.
The reason the Cubs would outright Patton to the minors rather than option him to the minors (assuming Patton clears waivers and the Rockies decline the right of return) is because he would have to clear outright waivers before any trade with the Rockies could be made, and since outright waivers would have already been secured, and since he hasn't been outrighted previously in his career and thus cannot refuse an outright assignment, it would be better to outright him right away instead of waiting until later in the season to try and get him through outright waivers again in case Patton's slot on the 40-man roster might be needed at that time
However, if the player's original club re-claims a Rule 5 player (like if the Rockies were to re-claim Patton after he clears waivers), the player is automatically outrighted to the AAA club from which he was drafted (Colorado Springs). And if the Rule 5 player has three years of MLB service time or has been previously outrighted in his career, the player has the right to be a free-agent immediately, or can defer the right to the be a FA until after the conclusion of the MLB regular season.
Re: Cup Check
Thanks, Phil! The outright assignment information makes this even clearer for me. I look forward to your continued reports from ST.
Recent comments
Attaboy, Eloy! Jimenez named Midwest League MVP and Best Prospect.
FYI, formatting of the web page is weird.
Now who can argue with that? I think we're all indebted to Gabby Johnson for clearly stating what needed to be said. I'm particularly glad that these lovely children were here today to hear that speech. Not only was it authentic frontier gibberish, it expressed a courage little seen in this day and age.
White Sox new stadium name w apropos logo
it was between that and "more like the CRUNCH REALLY EARLY AM REPORTER because i'm gonna c.r.e.am all over this place."
i chose the classy route.
This picture is everything.
that was the 2nd greatest piece of performance art since Donald Trump's campaign
👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀 good shit go౦ԁ sHit👌 thats ✔ some good👌👌shit right👌👌there👌👌👌 right✔there ✔✔if i do ƽaү so my self 💯 i say so 💯 thats what im talking about right there right there (chorus: ʳᶦᵍʰᵗ ᵗʰᵉʳᵉ) mMMMMᎷМ💯 👌👌 👌НO0ОଠOOOOOОଠଠOoooᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒ👌 👌👌 👌 💯 👌👌🎩👓🎩👍🎩👓🎩👍🎩 euphoric logic !euphoric loGic👌 thats ✔ some euphoric👌💻 logic right👌💻there👌👍👌 Carl 🔭 Sagan🌌💫if i do ƽaү so gentlemen 💯 i say so 💯 thats euPhoric logic right there Richard 📒 Dawkins🎩 (chorus: socrates died for this shit) mMMMMᎷМ💯 👌👓👌НO0ОଠOOOOOОଠଠOoooᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒᵒ👌 👌🎩 👌 💯 👌 👓🎩🎩🎩 👍👌euphoric logic slam me the FUCK uP 👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀👌👀 john cena JOhN cEna
You can start the CRUNCH EARLY AM REPORTER. Then you can blog to yourself, and argue with yourself about Jon Lester.
my current job has me coming in at 7am (eastern)...i miss staying up til 2am to watch west coast games.
Remember when west coast road trips were a good time to catch up on some reading?
Taboola field is more appropriate.
we can only hope...
The things you have to do to pay for James Shields contract.
I wonder if they'll have to make use of the Guaranteed Rate logo, which is a giant red arrow pointing downward.
unsurprisingly, the White Sox continue a tradition of stupid stuff....
@DannyEcker BREAKING: Guaranteed Rate has purchased naming rights to U.S. Cellular Field. Will be known as Guaranteed Rate Field thru 2030.


text:
You are a fan of cortinaburnaby vancouver ? Come to discover the best forums cortinaburnaby vancouver on the internet and share your experience with a community fan of cortinaburnaby vancouver . You can also build a forum cortinaburnaby vancouver and create your online discussion.
The Dirty Girlz Bike Club provides a fun, social and supportive environment for women mountain bikers of all ages, abilities and riding styles within the Greater Victoria and southern Vancouver Island area.
british, columbia, dirty, girlz, women, mountain, biking, victoria
Urban Survival Systems. Urban Survival Systems. vancouver

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- Report: #85829
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: FCNB Newport News Card Processing Center
FCNB Newport News Card Processing CenterPO BOX 9204 Old Bethpage, New York U.S.A.
FCNB Card Processing Center - FCNB Newport News Card Processing Center Ripoff Does not help customer does not follow credit card rules for disputing bill Old Bethpage New York
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They call me about a past due amount even though I am disputing the amount so they can not request payment for the amount in dispute. I am at my wits end about how to get them to follow through and fix my problem. I know that even though they are not suppose to report me as deliquent because I am fighting the matter they still will, which will ruin my credit.
Geneva, Ohio
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 03/29/2004 03:41 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/FCNB-Newport-News-Card-Processing-Center/Old-Bethpage-New-York-11804/FCNB-Card-Processing-Center-FCNB-Newport-News-Card-Processing-Center-Ripoff-Does-not-hel-85829. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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on December 22, 2013 - 12:01 AM
A few political stocking stuffers on this Sunday before Christmas:
• Until a few weeks ago, "I'm Getting Nuttin' for Christmas" loomed as the official Republican carol following little success in recruiting a challenger for Gov. Andrew Cuomo next year. But the GOP is a little merrier after Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino all but declared his candidacy last week during a visit to Buffalo. Astorino attended Chairman Nick Langworthy's annual holiday party and impressed about 250 GOP types, including other county chairmen, town chairmen, elected officials and potential donors.
"I came away from the day feeling positive about the direction of this and its potential for success," Langworthy said of Astorino as he continues a-not-so-subtle boost of his candidacy. "I maintain that we can certainly unite this party around him."
Buffalo's Carl Paladino, the 2010 GOP candidate, also met with Astorino at Republican Headquarters on Wednesday – a key development in the campaign.
But Paladino may be more committed than ever to running again in 2014 – this time on the Conservative line. He said Thursday he will run unless Astorino promises to replace Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb. While Astorino could serve as statewide poster boy for everything on the Conservative agenda, Paladino's focus on Skelos and Kolb now poses problems.
"Absolutely," Paladino replied when asked if a commitment from Astorino to dump Skelos and Kolb remains a condition of his support. "It was and still is."
But removing the Legislature's top Republicans may prove too heavy a lift even for his most ardent supporters.
"He might be painting himself into a corner," said one Paladino guy. "Nobody is going to do that."
• If Congressman Brian Higgins' belief in Santa Claus has lapsed in recent years, he ought to reconsider. He may even leave milk and cookies for former Ambassador Tony Gioia, who emerged this week as a right jolly old elf in the eyes of the South Buffalo Democrat.
That's because Gioia and fellow Republican Patrick Lee broke away from their usual GOP mold to throw a big-time fundraiser for Higgins last week. How big? Sources close to the situation say the haul from the Buffalo History Museum event approaches $250,000 – a staggering amount for a congressional candidate around these parts.
It wasn't without controversy. Paladino and a few supporters showed up to protest against RINOs (Republicans In Name Only), even if he has also sprinkled his own dollars on Democrats over the years. And a fair share of "harrumphs," "ahems" and "grumbles" have drifted through GOP lairs in recent days over the Gioia/Lee affair. But the sun still rose in the east on the Tuesday morning after the event.
Now Republicans must deal with Higgins as an especially empowered incumbent, who will run for a fifth term despite rumors he would like to be president of SUNY Buffalo State. Those around him say he would not have allowed Gioia and Lee to absorb the barbs thrown their way if Buff State were in the plan.
Now the GOP must find someone willing to challenge an incumbent with high poll ratings, a huge enrollment advantage and even more money. That will require a joint effort involving not only Santa Claus but the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy, too.
In the meantime, about the best Republicans can muster will be monitoring the Higgins coffers for cash flowing toward the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee charged with electing more Democrats to the House. That would provide Republican grumblers with official "I told you so" ammo.
The Higgins folks say that won't happen. Any Higgins money for the DCCC, they say, will stem from the congressman's leadership PAC.
• The Politics Column will take a few days off to lick wounds from a long campaign season and gird for the gubernatorial election ahead. So we will decree a moratorium on political news for a while, and instead pass on wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all those nice enough to drop by this space every Sunday morning.
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Year: 2005
White on whites with a gum outsole is a perfect shoe, but this was a curious flip on a tried and tested formula. A gum midsole and white outsole was just strange in the best possible way, and you can thank a mix-up during production for that shift from the norm. That mistake created a shoe that was still simple enough for mass consumption via JD Sports (before Nike stopped any SMUs on "Icon" product at the end of the year) but generated a low-key favorite too. The heel stitch colors were a nice touch too.
The 50 Best Euro Exclusive Nikes of All Time
50. Nike Air Force 1 Low "White/Gum"
Year: 2005
Watch Now


text:
These products are held centrally in Australia and are not available for next day delivery.
These products are Australian Made.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have developed the EarthSaver classification to assist our customers in identifying products that meet environmentally preferable product criteria. More>>
This item is no longer in our range and is only available while stocks last and is not returnable, as specified in our Returns Policy.
These items are not returnable, as specified in our Returns Policy.


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Hey Guys.
I'm having some niggling aesthetic issues with my blog site that have been driving me up the wall for months. I hope somebody here is able to identify what I need to change. I know it's going to be one tiny line of code somewhere but I'm not too hot at coding myself. I'm more of a mix, match and edit what's available kind of guy. :)
Please see my Gallery2 implemented into WordPress with WPG2: http://www.udonut.com/gallery . At the bottom of this page, and only at the bottom of this page you will see a white bar. I cannot for the life of me find where it is coming from and how to make that part of the screen orange like the rest of the footer and all my other pages? Does anybody have any ideas?


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- Report: #598120
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: safe soft solutions
safe soft solutions20950 Warner Center Lane Building A Woodland Hills, California United States of America
safe soft solutions Phone systems Woodland Hills, California
*Consumer Comment: Don't use safesoft solutions
*UPDATE Employee: Services rendered.
*Consumer Comment: TOTAL RIPOFF I AGREE!!!!
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This company is very slick with how they charge people. I strongly would avoid doing any business with this company
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 04/29/2010 08:52 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/safe-soft-solutions/Woodland-Hills-California-91367/safe-soft-solutions-Phone-systems-Woodland-Hills-California-598120. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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#1 Consumer Comment
Don't use safesoft solutions
AUTHOR: Adialer - ()
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 30, 2014POSTED: Tuesday, December 30, 2014
I had many problems with safesoft solutions. Ive tried many different auto dialers and the best one seems to be (((competitor's name redacted))), there costumer service is the best, they gave me a free week trial so I got to try out the system before I paid, the money was way worth it. They have a very easy to use autodialer. They gave me a contact list of 30,000 contacts worth 1200 for free. They set everything up very quickly. If you want the best bang for your buck try (((redacted))) it's free you can't loose, and I've never had a problem with them charging my card without permission.
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#2 UPDATE Employee
Services rendered.
AUTHOR: SafeSoft Solutions, Inc. - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, January 04, 2013POSTED: Friday, January 04, 2013
As confirmed by this consumers statement, despite the fact we had no obligation to offer compensation in any form, the company agreed to offer a full amount as credit in the account that may be used toward future services. As such, we considered this matter resolved.
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#3 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: upset - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, November 01, 2011POSTED: Tuesday, November 01, 2011
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text:
Trampled by Turtles have built a reputation and a fan base playing punk-tempo bluegrass, but on their latest album, Stars and Satellites, they ease back on the throttle and take a more contemplative approach to making music.
The move is welcome: It puts a finer point on Dave Simonett's vivid songwriting and greatly expands the band's emotional range. The keening fiddles, burbling banjo and mandolin, and lonesome harmonies ought to play well on the open roads of summer.
Want to gain a fresh perspective? Read stories that matter? Feel optimistic about the future? It's all here! Utne Reader offers provocative writing from diverse perspectives, insightful analysis of art and media, down-to-earth news and in-depth coverage of eye-opening issues that affect your life.
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Different Versions of AP Exams
Each year, the AP Program develops and administers multiple versions of the AP Exam for each AP subject. Each version of the exam is developed to the same specifications, with the same format, number, and type of questions.
Having multiple versions of the exam provides several key benefits for the AP community:
- The risk of students sharing exam questions across time zones is significantly reduced
- Schools have the option to offer late-testing to students impacted by exceptional circumstances
- A complete AP Exam in 16 large-volume AP subjects can be released to teachers of authorized courses each year, for use as an in-class practice exam
To achieve these benefits, we must implement a more complex pattern of reusing particular questions in subsequent years and across exam versions, as well as administer the various exam versions to statistically representative groups. These processes allow the College Board to ensure that the different versions of each AP Exam generate comparable scores that are valid and reliable indicators of a student's performance, regardless of the version of the exam taken.
This means that on regularly-scheduled testing dates, some schools in the United States will receive a version of the exam in selected subjects that is different from the most commonly administered version. In these cases, half of a given school's students in the selected subject will take the most commonly administered version of the exam, and the other half will take the different version of the exam. Overall, only a small subset of students will take a different version of the exam on the regularly scheduled testing date — typically, these exams represent approximately 3 percent of the total number of exams administered in the U.S. on the regularly scheduled testing dates.
The most commonly-administered set of free-response questions is posted on the College Board website two days after the exam. However, questions from the other exam versions are not released publicly and are considered secure. Students and teachers shouldn't assume that the free-response questions on any given version of the exam will be released online, and must check the questions posted on the College Board website before discussing any free-response questions.
In addition, because a subset of students takes exams whose free-response questions are not released publicly after the exam:
- All exam materials containing exam content (e.g., exam booklets, exams on CD, and master CDs) must be returned to the AP Program, including the separate orange booklets included with some exams.
- Free-response booklets are not available for exams whose free-response questions are not released on the College Board website two days after the exam administration.
- Schools may not borrow or lend exams among one another. In the event that AP Services cannot fulfill a time-sensitive order, the school may offer a late-testing administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which subjects will have additional exam versions in 2016?
There are two scenarios in which students in one class will take two different versions of an exam:
- New or redesigned exams: In order for multiple versions of a new or redesigned exam to be available for late testing and for international administrations, valid scores from statistically equivalent groups of examinees must first be obtained. This affects only European History for 2016.
- High volume subjects: There are 16 high volume subjects for which the College Board administers a different version of the AP Exam in different time zones internationally. These are Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, Physics C: Mechanics, Psychology, Statistics, U.S. History, and World History.
In each of these scenarios, multiple versions of the exam will be administered nationwide, but no classroom will ever receive more than two versions. The reason for administering exams in this way is to ensure that the scores that result from all versions are comparable. That is, no matter which version of an exam a student sees, the resulting score will be the same.
How does the College Board decide which version of the AP Exam my students will receive?
Different versions of an AP Exam are distributed to a randomly selected sample of schools of varying sizes across all major U.S. geographic regions. Selected schools are representative of the total population in terms of school characteristics and test performance. When a school receives two versions of an exam for a subject, approximately half of the students will take the version given to most U.S. students, and approximately half will take the additional version. For most subjects, a school will not receive an additional version of the exam in consecutive years.
Are there any special administration requirements for the additional versions of AP Exams given in some U.S. schools?
No. While the exam booklets will have different codes on their covers that distinguish the versions from each other, the school does not need to (and should not) take any action to determine whether it has received two versions of an AP Exam — instead, the AP Coordinator should simply distribute the exams as usual to students on exam day.
If my AP class is one of the classes for which two versions of the exam are administered this year, how can the College Board guarantee that one version will not be easier or more difficult than the other version?
Whether across years or across versions of an exam within the same year, the AP Program ensures the comparability of AP Exam scores. That is, a 3 in a given AP subject always has the same meaning, as does a 2, 1, 4, or 5. Another related assurance we make is that regardless of which version of an exam a student takes, his or her score would be the same. Both of these exam characteristics are supported by the process of equating.
Because no two versions of a test can be developed to statistically equivalent levels of difficulty, equating is an essential process in scoring of standardized tests for which score comparability is an important concern. Through similar procedures as are employed to ensure that an AP score of 3 in one year is comparable to a 3 in both the previous and following years, the AP Program ensures the comparability of scores that result from different versions of an exam administered in the same year, despite what may legitimately be seen as perceivable differences in exam difficulty.
For exams in which two or more versions are administered, an equivalent groups equating design is applied through random assignment of the various forms to statistically equivalent groups of examinees. With successful equating, the statistical procedure adjusts for differences in difficulty among forms that are built to be similar in difficulty and content, so that the scores on the forms can be used interchangeably. The AP Program ensures that students' scores are unaffected by which version of an exam the students took.
What will happen to my AP Instructional Planning Report if my students receive an additional version of an AP Exam?
Your Instructional Planning Reports for the selected subject(s) will be divided into two separate segments: one for the students who received the most commonly administered version of the exam, and one for the students who took the additional version of the exam.


text:
Taipei Taxi Drivers Smash 'Uber Car'
In early July, Taxi drivers in Taipei smashed an "Uber Car" as part of a protest against the competing mobile app. At first glance, it appears they are violently smashing an actual Uber v
By: Gulamu | Comments: 25 | Views: 1706 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Jul-21-2016 in Other News, WTF
Fireworks Explosion in New Taipei City - April 22, 2011
Four people were killed and 21 others injured in an explosion Friday at a "ghost money" factory in New Taipei City in northern Taiwan, the police said. Initial investigation showed the explosion mi
By: sakb | Comments: 31 | Views: 31387 | Votes: 2 | Shared: 19
Location: Taipei City, Taiwan | Leaked: Apr-24-2011 in World News, Regional News
Verbal insults turned out to be a fierce fight in Taipei
Location: Chung Shan N.Rd., Taipei City, Taiwan. A middle-aged man dressed in aqua was yelling at a young man at the intersection. There was no knowing why the middle-aged guy wa
By: myavalon | Comments: 3 | Views: 1656 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Taiwan | Leaked: Aug-10-2015 in Other
Feb 4, 2015 Plane crash in Taipei
Taipei, Feb. 4 (CNA) An ATR-72 airplane belonging to TransAsia Airways crashed into the Keelung River in Taipei after hitting an elevated bridge, Taipei City government spokesman Sidney Lin confirmed
By: wfung99 | Comments: 1 | Views: 2349 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 0
Location: Taiwan | Leaked: Feb-3-2015 in Other News
4 dead, 21 injured in stabbing on Taipei metro
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- A bloody knife attack on a Taipei metro train Wednesday afternoon left at least four people dead and 21 injured, with victims sent to area hospitals. A single suspect, reveale
By: login32 | Comments: 6 | Views: 5568 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 22
Location: Taipei City, Taiwan | Leaked: May-21-2014 in Other
Motorcycle Cop Rear-Ended by Drunken Driver
New Taipei City, Taiwan, November 24, 2011 - Drunk driver of the SUV rear-ends the motorcycle cop (reportedly deliberately) and flees the scene, but is chased and stopped by other drivers.
By: Private-Parts | Comments: 141 | Views: 38332 | Votes: 8 | Shared: 18
Location: New Taipei City, Taiwan | Leaked: Nov-26-2011 in Other
Keelung city Fireworks 2011
fireworks from Keelung city 2011
By: agh420 | Comments: 0 | Views: 1903 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Jan-26-2012 in Creative
Chinese Army Prepares to Invade Taiwan | China Uncensored
Chinese troops are training for an invasion of Taiwan! Footage from CCTV shows PLA soldiers, tanks, and jets in training drills at a base that mimics Taipei, down to the Taiwanese presidential palace,
By: Uncensored China | Comments: 15 | Views: 1693 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Sep-9-2015 in Regional News, WTF, Weapons, Propaganda
Taiwan: Holy pig! One-tonne pigs rolled through Taipei
Giant pigs weighing up to 1,000 kilogrammes (2,204 pounds; one metric tonne) were rolled through New Taipei City on Wednesday for Taiwan's annual 'Pigs of God' festival. Pigs are weighed before a c
By: Ruptly | Comments: 30 | Views: 2921 | Votes: 2 | Shared: 0
Location: Taiwan | Leaked: Feb-5-2014 in WTF
Christian Fundamentalist Attacks Naked Prostitute With Knife
A fundamentalist Christian man lured a female escort into a hotel room, made her take off all her clothes, robbed her, then attempted to attack her with a fruit knife, saying he was going to "clea
By: Blackfyre | Comments: 38 | Views: 18387 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: New Taipei City, Taiwan | Leaked: Aug-29-2015 in WTF
Crashed TransAsia ATR-72 rescue operations
ATR-72 from Taipei to Kinmen Island crashed during takeoff into Keelung River in Taipei. New Taipei City Fire Department are on scene to rescue survivors.
By: wfung99 | Comments: 3 | Views: 1285 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: Taiwan | Leaked: Feb-3-2015 in Other News
Panda Hugs Cub After Taiwan Zoo Reunion
13 August 2013 Taipei City Zoo has released a video showing the tender moment a female giant panda was reunited with her cub after a month apart. The clip shows the mother Yuan Yuan using her
By: bawbawwtf | Comments: 332 | Views: 61738 | Votes: 71 | Shared: 927
Location: Taipei City, Taiwan | Leaked: Aug-13-2013 in Nature
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text:
- Report: #508889
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: u-haul
u-haul2727 north central ave phoenix, Arizona United States of America
u-haul installation of hitch,to trailer-installed wrong phoenix, Arizona
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I want my money back (318.00):I am not taking NO for an answer
to others BEWARE UHAUL RIPPED ME OFF
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 10/13/2009 10:57 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/u-haul/phoenix-Arizona-85004/u-haul-installation-of-hitchto-trailer-installed-wrong-phoenix-Arizona-508889. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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a1 Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
Objectives: To determine the characteristics of causative factors of taste disorders amongst the elderly, and to examine the therapeutic effect of a zinc agent, taking into account age-related factors.
Subjects: A total of 408 patients with taste disorders were divided into three groups by age: 49 years or younger, 50 to 64 years old, and 65 years or older.
Results: The incidence of taste disorders caused by drug administration and systemic disease were significantly higher in the elderly group. A serum zinc concentration of 69 µg/dl or lower was found in 33 per cent of the elderly group, significantly more (p < 0.001) than the 19 per cent of the 49 years or younger group with such a concentration. Zinc administration was therapeutically effective in 70 per cent of the whole population studied, and in 74 per cent of the elderly population.
Conclusions: In the elderly, the incidence of taste disorders caused by drug administration or systemic disease was significantly greater compared with other age groups. The curative effects of zinc administration were not observed to be influenced by age.
(Accepted March 19 2007)
(Online publication June 25 2007)
c1 Address for correspondence: Dr Minoru Ikeda, Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamimachi, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan. Fax: +81 3 3972 1321 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Dr M Ikeda takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper.
Competing interests: None declared


text:
Get an overview of this hotel3-star hotel with free breakfast and free area shuttle
Situated in Gainesville, this hotel is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Fred Bear Museum and within 3 mi (5 km) of Florida Museum of Natural History and Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art and Curtis M. Phillips Center are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Hotel Features
An outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a snack bar/deli are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free continental breakfast is provided, as well as free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and a free area shuttle. Additionally, coffee/tea in a common area, a business center, and a meeting room are onsite.
Room Amenities
All 126 rooms provide free WiFi and free wired Internet, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and conveniences like sofa beds and sitting areas. Other amenities available to guests include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.Would you like to give us feedback? Share it! Opens in a new window
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gainesville4155 Sw 40th Blvd Gainesville FL 32608
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gainesville features an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel offers a snack bar/deli. A complimentary breakfast is offered. Public areas are equipped with complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet access.
Business-related amenities at this 3-star property consist of a business center and a meeting room. Event facilities measure 1090 square feet (101 square meters). This Gainesville hotel also offers a terrace, coffee/tea in a common area, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Gainesville is a smoke-free property.
- 24-hour fitness facilities
- 24-hour front desk
- Airport transportation
- Free area shuttle
- Business center
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Conference space size (feet) - 1090
- Conference space size (meters) - 101
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Express check-in
- Fireplace in lobby
- Free breakfast
- Free self parking
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Laundry facilities
- Luggage storage
- Number of floors - 4
- One meeting room
- Outdoor pool
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Smoke-free property
- Snack bar/deli
- Television in common areas
- Terrace
- Total number of rooms - 126
Family Friendly Amenities
- Area shuttle (complimentary)
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Microwave
- Outdoor pool
- Refrigerator
- Snack bar/deli
- Sofa bed
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Cable TV service
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free toiletries
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Flat-panel TV
- Free local calls
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Microwave
- Partially open bathroom
- Pay movies
- Phone
- Premium TV channels
- Refrigerator
- Separate sitting area
- Shower/tub combination
- Sofa bed
Where to Eat
Guests are offered a complimentary continental breakfast.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Snorkeling nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Ecotours nearby
- Golf lessons available nearby
To make requests for specific accessibility needs, complete the "Special or Accessibility Requests" section of "Trip Preferences" when you book your hotel.
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at midnight
Minimum check-in age is 21
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
- Pets not allowed (service dogs only)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
Only service animals are allowed
No rollaway/extra beds available
Noise-free rooms not guaranteed
Hotel Name
- SpringHill Suites Gainesville
- SpringHill Suites Marriott Gainesville
- SpringHill Suites Marriott Hotel Gainesville
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


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Red Carpet Recap: Tommy Hilfiger Store Opening Party
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- Report: #414878
Report - Rebuttal - Arbitrate
Complaint Review: Kombi
Kombi.kombisports.com Internet U.S.A.
Kombi Gloves And Sportswear Kombi does not stand behind warranty. USA Internet
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Kombi does not stand behind their warranty! Buy another brand that does like Saranac, North Face, Patagonia, or REI!
Walla Walla, Washington
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 01/22/2009 12:24 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Kombi/internet/Kombi-Gloves-And-Sportswear-Kombi-does-not-stand-behind-warranty-USA-Internet-414878. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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text: Sleep better with better sheets. A great set of sheets make any mattress instantly more comfortable. We offer sheets made from two materials; cotton or polyester microfiber. Both materials feel soft and smooth and all our sheets have been tested to fit perfectly on all our mattresses. Depending on the sheet set you are interested in, we have a variety of colors to match perfectly in any bedroom.


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Global agricultural model in bitter balance
"It may cost Governments slightly more to source from a range of smaller-scale, sustainable operators than from major suppliers, but the investment is worth it."
Germany to ban fracking, or so it says
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Birds feeling the sting of bee-killing pesticides
There's a lot of buzz around a recent study showing the toxic chemicals we use have a ripple effect farther up the food chain, causing birds to rapidly decline in number.
Ohio town grapples with fracking: housing troubles, rent gouging
Besides housing issues, fracking has brought increased drug usage along with meth labs, prostitution, and human trafficking.
North Dakota pipeline spews saltwater into Native American reservation
Lake Sakakawea, a reservoir of the Missouri River, provides drinking water to several communities on the Fort Berthold reservation including the Manda, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes.
Environmental news roundup: Massive Peoples Climate March at UN Sept. 21
On the environmental front, there is a confusing and contradictory mix of bad news along with progress to celebrate.
Louisianans march for clean water, demand oil companies own up
Oil and gas canals and pipelines have destroyed much of the Louisiana coastal lands.


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