Royals Review: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Backing the Pack for NC State Fans!


Game 97 Open Thread - Royals (43-53) at White Sox (54-40)

Kansas City Royals @ Chicago White Sox


Tonight its Greinke (3.48 ERA) versus Buehrle (3.68 ERA) in a rematch of the subtly difficult to spell matchup we witnessed right before the Break.

6525_medium6525_medium

Bullet-headed, dim-eyed, unshaven, and more than a little menacing. I've definitely tried to avoid making eye-contact with guys like Buehrle before at a QT or a Casey's.

0 recs | Comment 420 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

First!

ive been waiting for this thread for so long!

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am so freaking pumped for this game

I want to demolish the White Sox!

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:01 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm predicting two Aviles HR's off of Buehrle

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:03 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NYRoyal

I feel like you’ve been gone for awhile, did you go to your summer home for the All-Star Break?

by I need more Esteban on Jul 18, 2008 7:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wedding and honeymoon in Jamaica

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:12 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha that just reminds me of the office episode

back from vacation.

” Michael: The Jamaicans don’t have a word for “impossible.”
“Jim: Yep, it’s English. It’s “impossible.”

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Congrats!

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks :)

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll add my congrats

to the congrats parade. That’s really cool. :)

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

U.S. Cellular Field is a buzzsaw

It’s so intimidating with its short dimensions. Sometimes I think I could hit a 5-run home run in that absolute stinker of a bandbox.

By the way, Kenny Williams has now solidified himself well into the top half of G.M.’s in baseball, in my humble opinion.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kenny Williams sucks as a GM

He’s riding flukey pitching this year, just as he did in 2005. Guys like Floyd, Contreras and Danks aren’t going to be able to keep this up. And his offensive core is aging rapidly.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it pisses me off to no end

that his win now strategy to get Swisher has paid off so far. Even if Swisher has been awful.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At what point does it become *not* a fluke?

Come on! Other than 2007, the White Sox have been perennial contenders atop the AL Central! And I think their burgeoning payroll can more than overcome a slightly greater prospect giveaway. Quentin, Swisher, and Ramirez were each outstanding additions this offseason.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I loathe the White Sox, too

Their fanbase is largely classless and their announcers are rude. Plus, Ozzie Guillen is a racist. And I loathe the fact that Joe Morgan, a man whom I disagree with often, deems Williams the best G.M. in baseball.

However, they are just another well-run contending team in a buzzsaw of a division….the American League Central.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ramirez? Swisher?

are not that good. I’d take Swisher but not a chance in hell on Ramirez. Quentin has been the offense to this point.

And their pitching is going to totally collapse soon. Too many guys pitching over their heads.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rotation

Buehrle – legitimate #2, probable ace on a few good seasons.
Contreras – horrendous 2007, but decent peripherals. Definite #4.
Vazquez – Great peripherals – K:BB and K:9 – having a lackluster year. Definite #3, possible #2.
Danks – Look out! I didn’t know where this came from, but he’s at a 2.67 ERA through 19 starts this season.
Floyd – Great prospect whom Philly had given up on.

Their bullpen additions have been fantastic.

Dotel: 2.98
Masset: 3.32
Thornton: 2.33
Logan: 3.00
Jenks: 1.95
Linebrink: 2.37
!!!! What is the beef, here? Linebrink has four years, sure, but it is a very deep bullpen to go with an above average rotation and a killer offense in a hitters’ park.

Definitely a top 10 most talented team in baseball. Possible top 7.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Someone is drinking the Chisox kool-aid

I’m not. Two words: fluke…unsustainable

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buehrle

not an ace, more of a #3. Gives up way too many hits. I don’ think he’s any better than Joe Blanton.
Contreras is a good #5.
Vazquez would be the ace of this staff but luck has been hurting him.
Danks- I dont know anything about him honestly but he isnt this good.
and Floyd just isn’t that good. a 1.60 K/BB rate and a .226 BABIP don’t exactly portend succuess.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:36 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Buehrle

2000: 4.21
2001: 3.29
2002: 3.58
2003: 4.14
2004: 3.89
2005: 3.12
2006: 4.99
2007: 3.63
2008: 3.68

Career MLB ERA 3.79. 2006 is the obvious outlier.
2.08 BB9, 5.22 K9, 1.26 WHIP, about a 5:2 K:BB, which is very good.
In the prime of his career (29 years old), locked up for the next 4 years.
Meche’s 2007 ERA was 3.67, and I think the RR consensus was that he was a #2, borderline ace that year. Buehrle is a legitimate #2.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:41 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It isn't all just a fluke this season

Maybe some of their success is, but I have a difficult time believing they are just one swirling cesspool of overachieve. Which players on that team have underachieved? In 2005, it was a fluke. In 2006, it was a fluke. In 2008, it’s still a fluke. I don’t think so. There is a definite pattern.

Contreras is aging, true, but their pitching coach is apparently helping him get things figured out this season….not tipping his pitches, etc.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FIP

Buehrle has had only 3 seasons at or below 4.00 FIP.

He was a pretty good pitcher for awhile but nothing amazing. It is my belief that the Sox have really burned his arm out.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, the ERA-only analysis is pretty thin

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How is it thin?

It’s over a 9 year time period? I understand the need for stats like FIP, K:BB, WHIP, K:9, etc. in pitcher analysis. But ERA is a quick and easy way to evaluate a pitcher’s success as long as it is over a significant time period? And I’m subconsciously taking things like defense and park factor into effect? How has Chicago’s defense been over the years? And I’m sure that ERA is waaaaaay down just because of the enormous pitchers’ park that is U.S. Cellular Field/Comiskey Park. Oh, wait a minute….

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:10 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oops

Omit the question marks and replace them with periods. I wasn’t helping my argument, here.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:11 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ERA is never sufficient on its own

And, particularly when his FIP has more often than not been over 4, it shows that ERA-only can be very misleading. And the ERA-only analysis of the rest of the Chisox pitching staff is even more thin.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

However, Buehrle's ERA has been consistent

over this time period. (Sans 2006…that being the obvious outlier).

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And, yet again, you have to look beyond merely ERA

sigh

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ERA is the direct result

In a way, he’s what we hope Banny will be. A pitcher that defies peripherals to post great results.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm talking about specific players being flukes

I think you are just looking at their record and the stats of a handful of players. That’s not quite enough. Look deeper. This team is a fluke and they have sold out their future for one flukey season. Congrats, KW. I’m going to enjoy the next 3-5 years of White Sox suckitude.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:54 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Their team won't regress dramatically next season

With their payroll, they can afford the Free Agents we can’t. And they can now begin replenshing their farm system. By the time the draft class of 2008 is ready for MLB, they will be at or near the level they are at now. They can fill holes with Free Agents until then, or continue their amazingly shrewd acquisitions like Quentin, Ramirez, Jenks, etc.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:13 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They won't regress next season?

You base that on what? With a payroll already over $100M, how can you say that they can afford big free agents? Because you know Reinsdorf is willing to spend even more? And you know this how? Their farm system stinks. They have needed to replenish it for a long time and they haven’t. They only way they can replenish it is slowly through the draft or by trading established major leaguers. They won’t be doing the latter, as KW has sold out to “win now.” They are in big trouble in the near future. Big trouble, because KW has had more bad deals than “shrewed acquisitions.”

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The White Sox' situation right now

is an awful lot similar to the Tigers’ situation. Think about that. Many of the players on this current 25-man (White Sox) roster have been shrewd and excellent acquisitions by the G.M.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A $100M payroll can keep just about any team in contention

The pitching carried them in 2005 and proved itself to be flukey in the following years. Now flukey pitching from bad pitchers like Contreras and Floyd is carrying them. It won’t last. Maybe it will last this season, but not beyond. They simply aren’t good. Thome and Konerko are on the downhill side of their career with recurring injury problems. Crede will be gone to free agency. Their success this year is mostly a fluke and they’ll prove that next year. The Quentin trade was a good one. It really remains to be seen how good Ramirez is (and he’s likely 30+ years old).

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The American League Central - a buzzsaw division.

As Royals fans, we keep telling ourselves the White Sox are this lackluster, overachieving, house-of-cards ballclub with an idiotic G.M. and manager. However, they are much, much, much more than that. Why do we tell ourselves these things? To make us feel more comfortable about the insanely competitive division in which we play. In fact, it’s the best division in baseball, all things considered (eptitude of ballclubs, payrolls, etc.) 4 legitimately well-run teams and 1 team on its way up (us).

Swisher provides an awesome OBP and 30 HR power. Trust me…he is way more than a .236/.352/.403 hitter. Plenty of teams have old hitters like Thome. The Red Sox? Yankees? Cubs? (Well…they did in 2003). Each of those are dynamic teams with fantastic offenses.

Alex Ramirez is over 30? Is that based on fact? They fired their ex-scouting director (I believe) last year, and that alone is a step up, as they produced almost nothing from 1998-2004.

I have a difficult time believing Dye, Thome, Quentin, Ramirez, Cabrera, Contreras, et all will all nosedive next season.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:38 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they all did last season

cabrera excluded

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Per Ken Tremendous of Fire Joe Morgan...

A sabermetrician and frequent and outspoken critic of Williams and the White Sox’ way of handling their ballclub:

“Kenny Williams has certainly done his homework this season.”

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:45 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My analysis about the White Sox is about how good they really are and have been

It’s about more than looking at their W-L record.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They are a first-place club

They won the World Series in 2005, and almost won the division in 2006 and 2003. They were slightly above average in 2004 and below average in 2007.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, KW has gotten a team with a payroll in the top third (even better than that now)

...into contention on a fairly regular basis. Am I supposed to be impressed by that? I think the analysis should go more than a little deeper than that.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're contenders

What more do you want? .700+ baseball? I’m not arguing that Kenny Williams is in fact the best G.M. in baseball. But he definitely deserves applause for assembling this year’s squad, as well as the squads of 2005 and 2006.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's a poor GM, and I think that's pretty obvious if you closely analyze the organization and his moves over the years

It’s pretty easy to be in contention with a $100M+ payroll. He deserves credit for the good moves and blame for the bad moves. And we need to recognize flukes for what they are, no?

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, as long as their payroll is $100+M

And it will be, given their committed owner, then can we expect them to remain in contention? And I don’t think they are just going to keel over and die in the FYP drafts of 08, 09, 10, etc.

Dye, Thome, and Quentin would have to have pretty steep drops next season to be below average. Pretty. Steep.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, they'll stay in the 75 to 90 win range

And some people will give KW a lot of credit for keeping them in contention with a $100M+ payroll, which is extremely easy.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Think Thome and Dye aren't declining?

Are you kidding? I mean really, is this a joke? Are you familiar with their ages and the decline curve?

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes

I know their stories, their ages, etc. I don’t follow the MLB as closely as a BP expert would, but I’m aware that they are declining. But plenty of players today – Thomas, Griffey, Jeter – can maintain production of years’ past well into their 30’s. Past 35, even. Proper conditioning, IMO, has led players to more prolonged careers than years’ past, especially pitchers.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Griffey

I meant to emphasize that he can still be an above-league average player. Thomas hasn’t been the player he used to be, of course. But these are both still useful, toward-the-middle-of-the-order/above average players.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But really

neither is at their peak anymore.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And no one should expect any player to beat the decline curve

It happens, but they are exceptional occurrences. Players their age decline, and the decline gets greater every year after 33.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just don't expect

Dye and Thome to be .230/.300/.380 next season.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Neither do I

but they’re still hardly to be counted on to match this year’s production.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: the decline phase

Several thoughts:

1. As I mentioned previously, I firmly believe we are going to see players maintain health well into their 30’s, with the advancements in training that have occurred in baseball since the 1980s, and given how physically strong players are in the 2000’s compared to even the late 1980s.

2. Pitchers’ IP and workloads are now specialized, and limited strongly. No coincidence that Clemens, Maddux, Glavine, Moyer, Rogers, Wells, etc. lasted well into their 40’s.

3. I think players’ contracts are weighed heavily when judging a player. A .260/.320/.400 shortstop making $400K-$2MM is heralded, while a .260/.320/.400 shortstop at age 30 making $9-12MM just….sucks.

This ‘decline phase’ is drastically overrated, in my opinion. Dye and Thome have continued production well into their 30’s.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No

Of course not.

Griffey and Thomas aren’t 180 OPS+ players, anymore.

See my post, below. The decline phase is overrated, IMO. Sheffield and Thomas are two players that have maintained strong production well into their 30’s, although they are both now a bit injury prone.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What

you mean the HoF clearly past his prime and the guy who hasn’t played in a month due to a nagging injury?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah

Two still awesomely productive hitters.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:41 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

By the way,

this has been a spirited argument. I’m not trying to be a jackass, be rude, or belittle NYRoyal….I’m just saying how I truly feel.

I just sense a little bias because they are, in fact, the White Sox.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guillen out with back spasms

Apparently the days off weren’t quite enough.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AvACHXhKpAulZzpxvm.2_x0RvLYF?slug=ap-royals-guillen&prov=ap&type=lgns

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:24 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's crazy how

“The Mexecutioner” has really caught on. It started as a blog thing and now it’s everywhere, T-shirts and the like. Joel Goldberg just called him that in the pregame show.

by I need more Esteban on Jul 18, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm still going to call him Ezekial

but I’m a contrarian

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:31 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Looks like he's also

put his money to good use so far. He’s interviewing right now and it’s the first time I’ve noticed braces on him.

by I need more Esteban on Jul 18, 2008 7:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lineups!

ROYALS
dejesus
aviles
teahen
butler
grud
gordon
gload
buck
german

PALE HOSE
cabrera
pierzynski
quentin
dye
thome
konerko
swisher
crede
ramirez

by Fernando Vina School of Linguistics on Jul 18, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We can't take the White Sox lightly in this series.

Or in any series, for that matter, this season.

Cabrera: .270/.329/.364
Pierzynski: .287/.326/.429
Quentin: .276/.375/.525
Dye: .306/.361/.563
Thome: .253/.375/.512
Konerko: .217/.320/.368
Swisher: .236/.352/.403
Crede: .253/.325/.466
Ramirez: .312/.332/.459

Just a fantastic well-rounded offense that is completely healthy, right now.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 7:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I smell

a second half collapse starting tonight

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Please

Fantastic? That’s a joke.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 7:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Statistics

Team OBP: 5 / 14 (.337)
Team SLG: 3 / 14 (.443)
Team AVG: 6 / 14 (.265)

54-40, pyth. 55-39
Scored 465 runs, allowed 382

Park factors included, you’re right in that it’s not fantastic. How about ‘very, very good?’

Certainly a hell of a lot better than ours….big club and farm system included.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, 5th out of 14....that's "fantastic"?

Yes, their offense has been good. And many of those key players are in serious decline and/or won’t be around in the near future. And much of the pitching has definitely, clearly been flukey. And no, the Chisox farm system is not better than the Royals. Definitely not (at least according to BP-KG).

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they have aaron poreda

and thats about it. and he’s 50/50 on being a starter or reliever.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Our offense

is so ridiculously barren, it isn’t even funny. We do have many capable pitchers. I can point to about 5 or 7 surefire starting pitchers right now…..Rosa, Cortes, Wood, Duffy, and Sample to name 5.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We are very light in hitting in the minors

And very heavy in hitting. The Chisox are light in both.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

everyone here is lucky

The giants were giving out Crazy Crab bobbleheads tonight in a Sabathia vs Cain matchup and the only thing that prevented me from going was 28 dollars being the cheapest ticket and 22 for standing room ticket.

So my presence will instead grace the game thread. Lucky you guys and girls.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if there is rain

someone is getting slaughtered

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

god kill me

i cant listen to these announcers.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:13 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i just don't know why mlbtv

doesn’t have options for both teams.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

technology sucks

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah unfortunately i do not have directv...

where i could also watch this game in hd

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Aviles Walks Now!

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Aviles walks, a shocker

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who knew

Teahen, of all people, fairly owns Buehrle?

by powderbluepower on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hillman.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We need Teahen

to step up the getting on base, that will make everything else in his profile look a lot better.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Back from lifeguarding,

no one died. I got to sit with the pretty female lifeguard for a couple hours. Good day.

Let’s win, hey?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hey

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hey hey

it’s the dude in wildthang’s clothing.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i am anti-alias

bad computer joke ba dum cha!

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm waiting with breathless anticipation

for “Back from lifeguarding, two people died while I was macking on the pretty female lifeguard.”

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Heresy!

I am a professional rescuer!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm also waiting with breathless anticipation

for them to draw my numbers in MegaMillions.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dude

Take a breath already. Don’t make me give you CPR.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am

slightly less hairy.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Eh

I didn’t study that chapter. Is that on the test?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

embrace the machismo

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep

I intend to.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good for you...

and get the pretty female’s phone number. you could go out and talk sabermetrics.

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

works everytime

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One step ahead, actually

though I think she’s more into football.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Woooo

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well

i think its after the dot racing but before the ridiculous ball in the caps game so id say sometime around the 5th inning.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Sox actually do a pizza race at their games.....cheese/pepperoni/sausage

but for some reason the fans don’t get as into it as much as the KC fans with the hot dog race

by Fernando Vina School of Linguistics on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

races should never change from dots

its the worse. San Diego did some sail boat race. Its a sacrosanct tradition.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where is Guillen, by the way?

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the mike sweeney special

“back spasms”

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:16 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh joy

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does he really have back spasms?

Or does he have lingering effects from the “Tim Lincecum Flu”?

Blown Save

by BlownSave on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Clutch

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HE GONE!!! with a 1-0 lead...

I F*CKING HATE YOU WHITE SOX ANNOUNCERS!!! DIE!!!!

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hawk sounds more

like an announcer for the little pig races at the county fair than MLB

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Billy Butler is just looking like a disaster.

Really though.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really though

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF

are you doing in a game thread during the game? :p

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A brief cameo

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was going to ask too

it’d be swell if you’d stick around.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not exactly the first baserunning mistake he's made this year

This guy has run into a bunch of outs, and continue to hit the ball on the ground

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

22-year-olds are going to make mistakes

More than a few. Remember how polished Brett was at 22? He wasn’t.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Jul 18, 2008 8:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why are you stretching it Billy.

oh well.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cheating on the fast ball

fucking white sox

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:24 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

4 pitches

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

jesus christ

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

someone shoot german in the leg

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

COSTA NOW!!!!

Except he’s hurts… so…. Lubanski now?

Blown Save

by BlownSave on Jul 18, 2008 8:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this is unbelievable

a bunch of dinky basehits. I hate it more than anything.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you constipated?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If we don't get an OUT soon

I’m going to FEEL like I am.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

somebody put up the tent...

we’ve got a circus on our hands

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Um...

this is not only bad, but bizarre bad.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What the hell is going on?

Is he giving away the signs somehow?

by powderbluepower on Jul 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

7 pitches, 5 hits, 1 HBP, 4 ER

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this is just totally random

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully he doesn't let it get to him

But seriously, the pitch sequences… they just kept pouring in first pitch fastballs, obviously they were sitting on them. Don’t understand that at all.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am offended

by the crawl informing me that I’m paying $200 for a free preview of MLBEI.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It just won't stop

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fething hell!

You’ve to be fudging joking me, right?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe they will hit a rally killing grand slam

and greinke can get back on track

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fuck

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very Eloquent

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 8:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

uckfay

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thank you

it perfectly captured what I was going for. It always does.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's what I call

an aneurysm.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I Have A

Few other choice words for this.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes

does anyone have Zack’s BABIP handy?

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Get him outta there

Who cares about RBI's, how many HDB's you got?

by kcscoliny on Jul 18, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this is total bullcrap

maybe one or two were hit hard…everything else has been just finding spots.

MEATBALLS???? They’re hitting dinky grounders not massive doubles!

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am

very confused. Also, stage three.

First Stage of Royals fandom: “Wow, they’re just teeing off on him.”
Second stage: “This can’t be happening.”
Third stage: “Why is this happening?”
Fourth Stage: “Did I do something wrong?”
Fifth Stage: “Well, Monk is on in a half hour….”

by powderbluepower on Jul 18, 2008 8:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good god

I fucking hate the white sox

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They've Stolen Our

Playbook.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 8:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That Is Our

Playbook, they’re just executing it well.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Zack,

take a deep breath, focus on the target, and walk off the mound. This is just not your night, kid.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

An out! AN OUT!

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AN OUT!!!

VICTORY IS OURS!!!!!!!!

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:35 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

teams don't win a lot of games

when you average one out per nine batters

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

is this like the spring training game where greinke got tattooed . . .

and afterward he admitted he was only throwing fastballs and wasn’t trying . . .

followed by a trip to the same mental hospital that brad pitt and bruce willis were in, in 12 monkeys????

by royalstern05 on Jul 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They've hit 7 singles

This isn’t exactly getting tattooed, it’s getting incredibly unlucky all at one time

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:38 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fuck the Chicago White Sox

their fat shitty city, their stupid rivalry with the cubs, their stupid accents, their obnoxious announcers and everything else.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Complete game shutout

starting now!!!!

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

good check...

SUCK IT!

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why the hell is German

even on this team?

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Orlando Cabrera

I hate you irrationally. Go retire.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i have muted the game and turned on music...

by far the best decision i will make all night.

where tpj happens.

by blue bandwagon on Jul 18, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

brilliant idea

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ahem,

may I recommend Weezer’s Blue Album…which is all I’ve listened to for the past week…

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would recommend Coldplay's Viva La Vida

finally got around to it. Good stuff.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:41 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In my CD player:

The Raconteurs’ “Broken Boy Soldiers”.

by powderbluepower on Jul 18, 2008 8:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not big on

coldplay, but to each his own.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

question . . . . .

is this like the spring training game where greinke got tattooed . . . and afterward he admitted he was only throwing fastballs and wasn’t trying . . . followed by a trip to the same mental hospital that brad pitt and bruce willis were in, in 12 monkeys????

by royalstern05 on Jul 18, 2008 8:39 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not funny.

especially not twice.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:39 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you know what's not funny . . .

when our “new” ”#1” looks like complete shit right out of the ASB gate.

by royalstern05 on Jul 18, 2008 8:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was a fluke.

Incredibly flukey.

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how come flukes never work in our favor for 6 runs?????

meanwhile, i blinked and we have 2 outs.

i predict we finish the season on a 67 game losing streak.

by royalstern05 on Jul 18, 2008 8:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

heinekin commercials

in general make me feel that way

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:43 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the thing about hawk

that is so annoying, is that he uses the same three or four really really shitty phrases. It doesn’t seem like he is able to actually think or say anything that isn’t blatant homerism. Just repetitive and obnoxious…he gone! he gone! he gone! ok shut the fuck up hawk and actually do your job. And for some reason the chicago fans love it.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:43 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Suddenly I'm not sure

which is worse: Watching Greinke have a bad day or dealing with a medical situation that has kept me from sitting for half the week (please, please don’t guess).

Umm… check that… I think the sitting thing is still worse… Must remember: this game shall pass.

by powderbluepower on Jul 18, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

get off my team German

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mostly because

he is a part time player

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah

German still has definite value to the ballclub. I would still bring him back next year for the right price, despite his horrific defense.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And that's how he bounces back

JESUS CHRIST

winning records follow good bullpens

by slayor on Jul 18, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fire greinke

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

get him outta here

he’s dunzos

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

note

when grooving it down the middle doesn’t work, keep grooving it down the middle.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Jul 18, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It worked in

“Benchwarmers”

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Actual, real-life headline

on mlb.com.

“Yankees add Sexson’s big bat to line-up.”

In other just-as-crazily-exaggerated news, I got the best laces in the world for my shoes.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You murderer

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

G5?

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Jul 18, 2008 9:12 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Trey

I know how to play the outfield, seriously. Let me play the outfield.

Sincerely,
Billy Butler

by BHWick on Jul 18, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If he starts hitting like Greg Luzinski

he can play LF.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Butler hits way better while at 1st than at DH

but that can’t stop Gload, or putting German in left field.

Desi freaking Relaford had more business in the outfield than Esteban.

by BHWick on Jul 18, 2008 8:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Billy,

You don’t.

Signed,

Pete Incaviglia.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 8:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope this start

And possible starts like this in the near future deflate Zack’s value to the point where his contract will not be extended. I’m pretty sure Dayton Moore doesn’t really value BABIP, and Zack’s BABIP has been ridiculously high this season. Flaws in the market we need to take advantage of! I hope we do it.

by Royals Nation on Jul 18, 2008 8:57 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

-

Yep.

Look at the out of zone plays.

A mind without purpose will walk in dark places.

by NHZ on Jul 18, 2008 9:01 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Interesting:

You see Aviles compared to TPJ?

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 9:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In fact

screw compared to TPJ. Aviles has the best SS RZR in the AL among guys with more than 100 innings at SS.

Sarcasm™. It's the new gravy.

by jonfmorse on Jul 18, 2008 9:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What does this mean

winning records follow good bullpens