With Two More Homers, John Buck Lets Everyone Know He Would Like His Job Back
by Freneau on Apr 14, 2009 11:12 PM EDT
in Kansas City Royals News
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PrintThanks to two home runs by John Buck, the second an game-clinching grand slam in the bottom of the eighth, the Royals moved into first place in the AL Central with a record of 5-3. For Cleveland, the misery continues, as they fall to 1-7.
For the second straight night a Royals starter held down the Tribe in a fashion that was somewhere between a slog and a breeze. Scratch that, Davies was nowhere near what Greinke was doing last night, but it was a similar night on a different scale. Its also another indication of the importance of innings and their value: back to back short starts left the Royals vulernable tonight, in spite of the fact that they've held leads virtually the entire series. With both teams somewhat shorthanded in the bullpen, the Indians blinked/broke down horribly first, as Raffy Perez -- yet another Indian who was once something more than he is now -- couldn't get out of his own way in the eighth. A clutch Jacobs single made it 5-3, and Buck erased all doubt a few moments later.
For no real reason this off-season the Royals named Miguel Olivo the starter. Olivo has a number of playing time escalators in his contract, and beginning last season he began to voice his displeasure regarding playing time. The Buck-Olivo tandem has always been somewhat mystifying because, basically, they're the same guy. As such, the heated Buck-Olivo (and throw in Brayan Pena now as well) debates that often break out without warning online have always had laced with a touch of the absurd. We're arguing about two limited guys who are almost identical.
As "AxDxMx" pointed out yesterday, on the whole, the small differences they do have more or less cancel one another out:
So roughly, Olivo slugs a little better, Buck gets on base better, Olivo steals a few bases. It pretty much cancels out. Baseball Reference has their 162 game averages as producing an 81 OPS+ season for Buck and 78 for Olivo.
From where I sit, Olivo is a wildly more talented player, yet is no more effective. Olivo's cartoonish approach at the plate, which is legitimately one of the worst in the sport, tells us two things: 1) he isn't thinking up there and 2) he's like 15% Vlad Guerrero or he wouldn't be at this level at all. Buck is just a guy who swings and misses a lot, but who can hit the ball far when he connects with it.
The standard sports cliche, and maybe one we'll hear or read tomorrow, is that Buck needed someone to push him. Maybe. No one really knows how these things truly work, including the people themselves, who just like us are human, and end up searching for explanations after the fact. Sometimes, so the argument goes, having a guy lose his job is a good thing for him, yet other times, we hear the exact opposite, i.e., that someone has responded well to knowing their role was secure. Think about all the complete garbage we hear about relievers: they can only perform if they a) know exactly when they will pitch and b) are only used in that situation. We're talking about guys that have been the coolest guy in the room their entire life, yet somehow if they're short-men on a Major League roster they're suddenly timid flowers who must be told exactly what to do.
Actually, that isn't even accurate, the job is always the same: get people out.
But returning to Buck. He's at an interesting point in his career in a variety of ways. He's been a Royal long enough to have his defenders and his detractors. He did essentially get handed the catching job from his first day with the Royals, but he is also not necessarily (as evidenced by the Olivo signing) a Dayton guy. There's a perception that he's streaky, and his splits page on Baseball -Reference certainly reveals a guy who can post a .300 OPS month as easily as he can a .800. He's also at something of a hinge moment, he's getting closer to full fledged free agency and it isn't clear if he's best thought of as a starter or as someone who needs to be a backup. (Of course, with catchers, these definitions get fuzzy.)
Whatever may happen down the road, and whatever Buck may have actually felt or not felt watching Olivo start the season as the putative starter, he had to have enjoyed tonight.
The Royals go for the sweep tomorrow.
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Do you believe?
Creo.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:13 PM EDT reply actions
i think i do
but i always did. and i’m bad at math and overly emotional. so lets go buck-ake!
"red bull is amaZing" -Coco Crisp
I'd like us to keep putting dirt on that Indians corpse tomorrow, if we could
They seem to have some crazy hot streak in them at some point when the pitching gets together and the more we can beat the Central early, the less we have to do it later.
Lee, Carmona, Reyes could all get hot. Pavano- ok, yeah, you got me there.
And who even is their #5?
by sterlingice on Apr 14, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Laffey/Sowers/etc.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
reyes is AWFUL
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
he's got their only win!
by Fernando Vina School of Linguistics on Apr 14, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't know...
hafner looks terrible and if their pitching doesn’t come around they are going to be really bad…
I hereby resign from this post.
by Home Run Tony Cogan on Apr 14, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Those were two beautiful swings by Buck
I know numbers don’t lie but the only swings Olivio have had don’t look half that sweet, plus Olivio’s tend to miss the ball by a number of feet.
Let Buck DH
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
we gotta save that
for the first baseman who aren’t solid defensively.
"red bull is amaZing" -Coco Crisp
Against a LHP, while he's hot, sure
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, and give his knees a rest
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
did that sound right
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
so that means its miguels turn to get on his knees?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions
the folks at LGT
seem to have more ladies. not a slam, just an obvservation.
"red bull is amaZing" -Coco Crisp
They are just effeminate men
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
And loyal2theroyals
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
agreed!
Not forgetting loyal2. Just have to give Minda some special ’preciation for her pictures tonight – treated us boys right!
The General Theory of Royaltivity
damn being in the library
i saw it and quickly went to the overflow. I need to go home and see what all this fuss is about.
She did choose a hell of a good pic
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
omg, you're picky
but that’s ok, to each his own shiver, I always say – and one less of you for me to compete with! You know, for her attention.
The General Theory of Royaltivity
Great Game ! Buck is kickin
some major ass. Nice to see the bats strokin some extra base hits
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
I can't decide
will he hit 30-40 homers, or more like 50-60?
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely 50-60
Barfield was safe on the steal tonight but hey when things are goin good you get all the calls
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
Great win
Buck does it again.
IN the meantime, I’d love to see how people think a manager should determine when a “hot streak” has begun, and when it has ended.
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That's a toughy
Although with very few players hitting at even a decent level, going with the guy you think might be hot probably isn’t a worse choice than the guy who looks like he isn’t hot.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions
i don't think
it’s too hard to see between Buck and Olivo who’s swinging with confidence and smartly and thereby getting results.
The General Theory of Royaltivity
Well, that's easy
Hindsight is usually the most infallible tool. And then lots of namecalling of the manager and aforementioned player
by sterlingice on Apr 14, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
it's been real
but early am comes quick. see ya tomorrow when i try to teach band and watch gameday!
"red bull is amaZing" -Coco Crisp
I had to watch most of this game via Gametracker on my cell phone
I had to go to my film class and watch Interview With the Vampire. Good flick, but it dragged on a little bit… I guess that is to be expected when you’re telling a story that spans 200 years
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:25 PM EDT reply actions
Everyone except Teahen with an offensive contribution
Even Alex, with 3 Ks, had a walk right before Bucks slam
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I didn't get to see any of his ABs
Is he swinging at balls and taking strikes like he did at the beginning of the last couple of seasons?
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I was hoping someone else would say, I don't get to see the games, generally
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Pavano made him look like
a AA player in the first 2 ABs and I missed the 3rd one, some friends told me it wasn’t too great either (K’s rarely are).
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Keeping Cruz
for the 8th was a smart move
Tejada looks good
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Except for one obvious instance
I have been very impressed by our bullpen so far. It looks to be solid from top to bottom, no Joel Peraltas or Jimmy Gobbles here
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Ryan Killed My Buzz (cont.)
When he reminded everyone that the Royals started 5-3 last year.
It does seem like this team is different (it is the Year of Hope after all) but its still way early to get too excited (even though I wet myself when Buck hit that grand slam).
by Raisethefencesbackto12feet on Apr 14, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions
Um...
the Royals started 6-2 last season.
Even worse
Now I cant be excited if they win tomorrow.
I swear Ryan said at the end of the game that it was the second year in a row that Trey started 5-3.
by Raisethefencesbackto12feet on Apr 14, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
He did say it
But he could be wrong.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions
thanks killjoy
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Nominate Mindy official "Hot-Girl-Finder"
to let all of us know an overthrow thread is up.
Reason 1: It led to a win.
Feel free to review the two overtime threads for Reasons 2 and 3.
Do I hear a second?
by RoyalsFanInBillings on Apr 14, 2009 11:27 PM EDT reply actions
I have very specific criterea for being the
Overflow Thread Chick.
But I don’t think I’m comfortable keeping that duty full-time.
WTF, self?
What is your specific criteria?
Tell, tell!
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
If the breasts look like
watermelons, she’s a NO.
If she clearly has spent the last year in the tanning booth, she’s a NO.
If she is in dire need of a sandwich, she’s a NO.
And I give preference to brunettes.
WTF, self?
that's fine
but we all know that college chicks likes their experiments
The General Theory of Royaltivity
You're curved just a little
And that’s a good thing.
j/k
And I agree with almost all of your criteria.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
last year sometime....
i think we found someone who you might question that for….
emanuelle chiquri maybe?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Every time sometime something seems amiss...
I look at Emmanuelle Chriqui and remember that there is something right with the world after all.
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue."
by Joseph Landis on Apr 15, 2009 4:03 AM EDT up reply actions
nice check list
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
she was very healthy looking
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
You just impressed me a lot
High five for women who have good taste in women
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
you cant be classy AND like tan blondes with watermelon boobs?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I've never seen her
But something tells me you just described Mike Jacobs’ wife
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
i just laughed out loud
and pooped a little
Mike Jacobs.... I hope your bat has as much lift as your hair does.....
by iNaLeXwEtRuSt on Apr 14, 2009 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yes very funny....
and likely very t rue
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
This has to be
one of the best conversations I have read in a terribly long time.
by FretFriendly on Apr 15, 2009 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Jacobs had a nice hit to make it 5-3
he has had some decent AB’s the last two nights which is nice. He’s gonna K ALOT but if he can look like he has the night couple nights it will be rewarding to watch
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
Also there exist many hilarious pictures of him to post when he does something good
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, I agree
a bit of early season success against LHP… regression to the mean, baby — in this case, kind of a good thing
I don’t care about the Ks so much. If he was a really young, developing guy, yeah, but they’re just other outs. He just needs to keep hitting for some power to be, well, Mike Jacobs. Adding some walks would be nice. Not holding my breath on that last one, but he’ll come around.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
He's kind of like Adam Dunn except we don't have to put up with his glove all the time and he doesn't walk nearly as much
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
and he's worse at everythign than Adam Dunn
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen from him, actually.
He’s working counts a lot more than I thought. He’s not swinging for the fences with 2 strikes, which has led to some extra pitches being fouled off, or even getting some hits like tonight.
He’s actually better than I expected him to be. I’d prefer him not to see everyday AB’s, but if he can keep this production up, and add in some homers, he isn’t too bad.
he's really terrible on defense though....
and billys ‘breakthrough’ seemed to go away tonite
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
So, everybody that was asking is Davies for real
What do you think after tonight?
realistically speaking
Still looks good
Still too soon to tell though.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Even after his September?
How many starts does a guy have to put together before it’s “real”? I’m not arguing, just curious what you think.
realistically speaking
The sample size threshold is a difficult question
He’s had a lot of failure in his MLB career. But of course he was very young and he’s at a potential blossoming age. And the tools (both stuff and control) look good. I’m very optimistic. But I don’t think I’m going to be a confident believer in him until at least after the ASB.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
And if he pitches well all season
Time to start thinking extension in the off season?
by sterlingice on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
To buy out a year of FA or two. The Royals only have two more years of team control after this year.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
i know you didn't ask me
I think Davies could be really good, but one month +2 starts (and even here, we’re assuming that seasonal splits have significance — and they really don’t), doesn’t outweigh his past performance.
For me, I’d say no earlier than June. And that’s pretty early, still.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that's probably fair
what’s really selling me is his new found control and ability to miss bats
realistically speaking
And he's replaced his so-so slider (which he had poor control of) with a good cutter
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I was also impressed that he was able to prevent the big inning
It got hairy for a little bit but he didn’t buckle
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I still think that's early, though
I’m actually reading up on this stuff at the moment, coincidentally… working on aging curves for my own (extremely simple) projection system that I can run a few weeks after the WD when databank puts out their updated database so I don’t have to wait on the others.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
don't know about anyone else
but that flew miles over my head
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
half of his comments fly over my head....
and half are pretty funny….
sometimes he comes up with some pretty cool shit that anyone can understand.
I particularly liked his FA value chart based on the projections…i didnt necessarily agree with alot of the numbers but it was fun to look at when someone signed or when i thought the royals should give X player Y million for Z years
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions
he was great
got beaten by a couple shoddy hits. He was getting hit hard but for outs in the beginning but settled down and started really putting guys down.
Ran into trouble in the 6th but it was still a great outing from Davies.
no homers, and only 1 walk, I think
that’s good
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus 5 k's I think
which is good for 5.2 ip
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
And I think peripherals and batted ball data are more telling than runs allowed
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions
i just can't go super positive for a 98 pitch 5.2 IP
never said dude sucked, but it was something of a slog/battle/gritty performance
it wasnt a great start but it was one that kept us in the game....
and thats been our problem in the past….too many banny (and others) games where its over in the 3rd inning
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, it wasn't a great start
It was a good start though.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Pissed
Went to the game tonight, 11,000 people. Me and my girl were asked to move from empty sections 3 Fuckin times. They were completely empty. I understand that i bought tickets up high, but c’mon I got big timed, at the K…I can understand maybe Yankee stadium or some shit but the K? what a joke.
That's funny, did they actually walk up and ask to see your tickets?
I usually just keep moving from section to section.
realistically speaking
I hate when they do that
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
its completely understandable....
they dont want to have to clean up sections when its unnecessary
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
nah, dude
they pay people to clean the seats…they should be glad people are paying to go to the games, let sit wherever(reasonable) especially in April on a cold night, with 11.000
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I usually just pick a group of people to sit by
Walk up, “Anybody sitting in these seats?” “No”, sit down next to them, never get bothered
realistically speaking
they pay people to clean 11k worth of seats....
not go through every aisle to find where stragglers left their nachos….like everyone else has said, go to empty parts of occupied sections and you’ll be fine
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
no, its empty
I had nothing to eat or drink, just me and my wife…fuck them
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
Do I come to where you work and make your job tougher/longer? Didn’t think so. Why be a d-bag about it? just be smart and sit near other people.
I'm not
Just sayin, I’m just a dude in a seat, then i leave…I dont drop shit all over. ur the d-bag
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
so, how much longer
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
how are they supposed to know that you arent gonna leave a mess?
either buy seats where you actually want to sit….or be smart about where you upgrade to. its not that difficult
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions
it actually easier to get caught when the place is empty
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
thats why you just go to a section where people are actually sitting....
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
then tell me not to leave a mess
I have no problem with that, but they shouldnt care if i am not causing a problem or making a mess, they havent for years
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
ive NEVER seen them allow anyone to go sit in a completely empty section....EVER
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
how bout making their own mess
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
why?
what if that’s where my freaking tickets actually are? that ain’t my problem.
The General Theory of Royaltivity
thats the thing...they dont do that (sell tickets in those sections)
if its not necessar
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions
those ushers know FOR A FACT....
if someone is supposed to be sitting in those sections
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep
I was usher down in those empty sections a couple years ago. The supervisors told us when they sold no tickets for those sections. Said the season ticket holders complained whenever people got to upgrade their seats without having to pay for them.
they couldve been real dicks and told you to go back upstairs where you belong
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah
thats what u would do i bet, then you’d high five yourself and go back to gocking at chicks as they walk by
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions
they're doing their job....
you’re the one who is basically stealing…and then bitching when you get called out for it
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
oh my god
I’m stealing? I paid to get in there…9 bucks to park also, I can’t afford those good seats and most people can’t, so I go to a damn near empty ballpark, why can’t i sit somewhere closer if its empty? Nah, thats people on a little ticket checking power trip.
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions
You should be in jail for a long, long time
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just kidding
It was sarcasm.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
YOU WILL LOSE THAT ARGUMENT
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
thats why you just dont be so goddamned stubborn....
and angry at the world….let those people do their jobs, go sit in a half full section and watch the game in peace.
and yes, when you pay for a $9 seat and sit in a $20 seat, it is stealing
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm not angry at the world
I didnt get angry, I didnt understand why and they sort of big timed me like i’m a problem. I always watch in peace and actually follow the game. If they told me why I’d be cool with it…plus the girl let some people come in and sit in the exact same seat after we got up
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
so you're admitting you're stubborn then?
theres the problem….there were probably 20 sections down low where you couldve sat with no problem + the outfield seats…and YOU have an issue with the ushers? It just blows my mind
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Many of us around here are stubborn
You and me included.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
i understand that...
but would you get all pissy when ushers wont let you sit in an empty section in a seat that you didnt pay for b/c they dont want to clean it up?…when there are 20 other sections with just as good of seats where they wouldnt say a word?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I wouldn't like it
I don’t know if I’d get pissy.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
this just hits a nerve b/c ive been to alot of stadiums....
where they check your ticket getting into every section….you will sit in your purchased seat or not at all…and its cool that the royals allow you to wander and upgrade within their reasonable limits and STILL thats not good enough
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
dude
holy shit, thats what im saying, THEY DIDNT, it was something ive done before….and plus they didn’t enforce it an inning later when some other people went and sat right by the foul pole. If they told me why thats fine…you just feel like talkin shit behind a computer, then backing it up the face that you have bartending experience.
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
i also had two other people
I also saw two other people, including a family, get booted.
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions
they werent doing it right either....
they deserved it as well
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually
It seems like there were more people in “those seats most people can’t afford” than in the upper deck.
by Royal from Queens on Apr 14, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
they're very cool about it....
as long as youre not fucking up their empty sections…its zack and people like him that are the problem…not our ushers
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow, you're a homo
You have no idea what you are talking about. I’m no problem at all.
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Ok, we don't need to throw around stuff like that
Let’s all just take a break. Deep breaths, people.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
im saying exactly what you told me
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I bet
most of the people sitting around the field are in the wrong seats.
Just saying, if the royals have someone come out to the K, they should be a little more relaxed on the seating. If if were somewhere else bigger I’d agree, but its not. It’s an empty stadium in April
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions
most of the people are smart enough to say....
‘hey, maybe i shouldnt draw a shit ton of attention to myself by wandering down into a section where there were obviously no tickets sold’
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
my point is
who gives a fuck…its the k, not yankee stadium or arrowhead…………………..11,000 people, a really shitty team for about 15 years, they should thank people for coming out
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
and they do....they thank you by allowing you to wander...
to any of the 30 or so occupied sections without fucking with you
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Lemme try and explain this rationally.
Before the game, the ushers are apprised as to which sections should be empty. (And in those situations where a couple of people have bought tickets online and selected that empty section, they’re invited to move, legitimately, to better seats in order to keep the section empty.)
When you then go sit in those sections which are known to be empty, you’re wearing a giant flashing neon sign which says, “I DO NOT BELONG HERE, PLEASE MAKE ME MOVE.”
And since, as you note, you were not escorted back up to nosebleed… what in bloody hell are you really complaining about anyway? Some parks, they’ll actually escort you OUT for that.
This space for rent.
no...but i bartend and people like you really piss me off...
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
“Hey, stop drinking that martini, that’s not yours.”
“Don’t be so pissy, dude, I bought this Pabst Blue Ribbon from you.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Oh
You bartend and how does this compare to seating at the k?
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
dealing with people who feel entitled....
to things that they clearly arent…people who act like jackasses and then wonder WHY they get treated like jackasses, etc
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
'hey...i tipped you alot 4 months ago, can i get a free jagerbomb?'
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
is bartending as fun as it sometimes seems?
Or does your back end up hurting from running around on a hard floor, and are the alcoholics depressing?
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
its generally alot of fun and very good money....
i work 25ish hours a week and live a decent lifestyle….
the nights where you end up in an immense amount of pain…(st pattys day) you make a shit ton of money…so it all evens out….
not depressing at all most of the times….there are a couple regulars who just talk and talk and talk about nonsense until they find something youre interested in…thats annoying
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
wow
You are not only missing the point, you are making assumptions about character. I conduct myself pretty respectful of other people…so you and all your years of bartending experience clearly outweighs anything i say. You are right, fuck the customer…lets treat these paying fans like numbers then charge 6 bucks for beer.
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Dealing with a lot of drunks can make you jaded about customers
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
so royals fans are drunk customers?
good point
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
thats the thing..its not even drunk people...
its people who are never satisfied…
this is like me buying zach a drink and then him bitching b/c i used the wrong kind of vodka rather than just thanking me for the drink
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
see
you’re wrong, thats not me at all…I’m the guy who remembers that shit. then pays it back some other time.
So fuck you
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 15, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Calm down, man. Really.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Look, we get your point
But they own the place, they make the rules. We’re just saying be smarter about where you sit and you can’t complain when they ask you to move when you don’t have a ticket for that seat.
can't believe I went through and read that
kind of entertaining, though
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I, on the other hand,
Want those 3 minutes of my life back.
And minutes of my life are boring and not very valuable. I should know! I live them :)
ur a dude breaking their rules in a seat that you didnt pay for....
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions
but the park is sweet
i like the led lights alot, it will be rowdy if we play any big games theer esoon
by ZachMartin2 on Apr 14, 2009 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that's been going on for a while
Especially in the lower deck front sections in the outfield where there are a lot of games with no players. Just move to the back sections of the lower deck and no one really cares
by sterlingice on Apr 14, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
really?
I feel like if you are near other people they don’t care much, maybe it depends on if the hardass ushers are working that night
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
no...it just depends on if you're going to try to be 'that guy' who wants an entire section to yourself
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions
billy
arent you a little old to be called billy?
Enough with the personal attacks.
Seriously, no matter how many times you claim you’re not an ass, making personal attacks on this board is never something that’s been tolerated. Argue with the points that are being made, because that is civil and leads to learning. What you’ve been doing all evening, is not civil.
And, his name is in reference to Billy Butler, as far as I know.
WTF, self?
by minda33 on Apr 15, 2009 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
im 23 years old....
and my name is referencing a seemingly terrible comparison i made b/w mannys minor league numbers and billy butlers minor league numbers…and i figured, billy’s a little bit goofy as well…so i played off of mannys nickname….
and you called me a homo earlier…so tell me again that im childish
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 1:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, thanks for bringing that up.
I meant to touch on that as well. Calling someone a ‘homo’ as a means for trying to prove that they’re inferior to you? NOT cool.
WTF, self?
you started questioning my character and claiin me a d-bag
U just want to argue about stuff, I do have a point. BTW do you pop your collar?
you're confusing me with someone else....
i dont believe i ever used dbag…although, if i did it was certainly warranted. i said you were stubborn and pissed off at the world, which both seem to be very true. Oh, and I said you were basically stealing, which you are.
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually I've moved
in Yankees stadium quite a bit. You just wait until the 6th or 7th when all the wine and cheesers have left.
I’m not exactly inconspicuous either….how many Yankees fans do you know would walk around the stadium in a powder blue Buddy Biancalana jersey?
I've got crazy flipper fingers!
so the "Favored" Indians are like 4 out
5 by tomorrow Go Ponson!
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
The more I see of us and the other teams in the Central
The more I think we might actually have a shot this year!
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
who wishes Hoch was pitching for the sweep tomorrow
cleveland is a patient lineup… I see them pounding ponson
I don't know what's going to happen with ponson
but I’m sure almost everyone wishes Hochevar was pitching tomorrow
either him or Banny
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I definitely wish he was
But I understand the reluctance to start up his arbitration clock… I guess
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 14, 2009 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I'm in the minority here
but I don’t mind Hochevar getting a month or so to work on stuff he might need to….he showed flashes last year but was by no means amazing
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions
I wish Hoch was pitching tomorrow
regardless of who the Royals are facing. I am ready for that call-up
by FretFriendly on Apr 15, 2009 2:53 AM EDT up reply actions
i said that back in the fall
I was laughed at
its a weak div
GO ROYALS
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
Does anyone have a digital recording of the game? Maybe on their DVR,etc…that they could share? We were on TV several times and it would be nice =)
I actually do.
I have a 20GB hi-def version, and a 7.6GB low-def version.
So… I’m not sure how distribution would work.
Y’know, after we get express written consent.
it seems like you only need expressed written consent if you're doing it for public use....
or to make a profit.
Similar to how burning cds is legal, if you’ve purchased the music and you’re not going to profit from it
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Any rebroadcast, reproduction or other use of this game without the express written consent of Major League Baseball is prohibited.
This says that any reproduction is prohibited without consent. It doesn’t say anything about it only counting if you make money off of it.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Buck just said...
On MLB Roundtripper that he will start at DH tomorrow.
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
who is pitching?
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
for Cleveland?
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 14, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
someone awesome surely
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
you cant follow up carl pavano with just any bum
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Ponson...
is going to pitch for both teams…
Kinda like the full time QB’s in back yard football
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 15, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Laffey
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
That's a good matchup for both Buck and Olivo
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 14, 2009 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions
too bad its not for davey, jacobs, gordon, etc
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Better put all of them in a row in the lineup
For moral support
by Soria's Unibrow on Apr 15, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
charlie? Charlie Manuel? Is that you?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Olivo has always hit LHP well
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I heard someone was going to come out with an article soon estimating some players "true" platoon split
and that Olivo was one of them
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm looking forward to reading what "true" means
Should be interesting.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
best estimate based on past performance regressed league average separately for LH and RH hitters
it’s a deliberately crude. I just wanted to see how it would turn out by the end of the season for the 10 players under observation.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Sounds cool
A reasonable and smart way to look at platoon spits.
And I agree that platoon splits over a large sample of data usually trend to league average, but what about when a player maintains a big platoon split over several seasons? Should one then expect his future platoon splits to regress to league average?
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Just following the methodology of The Book
I didn’t even bother to weight the player averages, since I asked Tango (although Andy Dolphin actually wrote that section), and the weighting is so slightl it wasn’t worth the work (I discovered after I worked on the spreadsheet for Gordon for… a while).
Actually, I won’t “give it all away” now, the artciel comes out in the morning… I picked Olivo becauise like most, I “feel” that he will continue with his current split, but the “formula” (I hate that word in a baseball discussion, but I’m too sleepy to think of a better one) says he’s unlikely to keep up his 30% wOBA split.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with the methodology in general
I’ve just been finding that some guys are exceptions to the general rules, which of course is to be expected. Some pitchers routinely over many years have low HR/FB rates. They are the exception to the rule, but it happens. And I wouldn’t expect such a pitcher to suddenly regress to 11% in his 10th season or something like that. Not that this is the kind of thing which should lead one to necessarily tweak one’s methodology.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I've actually been meaning to ask The Book Boys about that
but they just answered three of my questions, so I need to wait. I’m wondering (leaving the huge questions of parks aside) that there’s a certian number of Batters Faced of league average per season or whatever to which a pitcher’s season//career HR/FB rate should/can be regressed.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
look at how respectful you are....
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
or do they have a limit?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
no, I just know that I tend to wear out my welcome
(as RR readers probably all know first-hand), and I really don’t want to irritate these guys, since they know (or know how to find out) a lot of stuff I want to know.
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Except against LHP's
Of course the sample size for his stats against LHP and RHP are both quite small.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, but i've watched every game this year
He hacks at pitches outside the zone, and then let’s a fastball down the middle get him for strike 2 usually.
He always is a hacker
But against LHP’s, many of those hats turn into hits and especially extra base hits.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Butler looked lost at the plate, too
and he had two hits tonight
I understand the sentiment, but “it’s early”
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
although....i dont think there is a good matchup for gordon right now....
pavano seemed like his type of guy and it was awful
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
HE SHOULD
rest his knees & let him swing his hot stick
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy."
- Dodgers, Astros, Brewers, A's & Angels pitcher Don Sutton
moustakas DNP today and hosmer went 0-3 with a walk if anyone cares
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:56 PM EDT reply actions
hope so....
hadnt read anything about an injury
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 14, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
so the first place teams..
Baltimore, Kansas City, Seattle, Florida, St. Louis, San Diego.
wierd huh?
Go Royals!
Prediction:
those will be the first place teams at the end of the season
Bank on it
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by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
+100
I’m flying to Vegas in an hour to place my bets.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions
who are the wild cards?
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 15, 2009 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Toronto and Braves and Cubs are tied
Go Royals!
Braves it is...
screw the cubs
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 15, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Really weird.
None were projected to be there.
Like, at all.
Maybe St. Louis a tad bit.
But that’s all.
and none will be 154 games down the road
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
It is a sixth year, I'm sensing a Marlins playoff appearance
Followed by a ridiculous World Series Championship and fire-sale of everyone on the team.
"Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue."
by Joseph Landis on Apr 15, 2009 4:01 AM EDT up reply actions
of course...i figured that was assumed
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Fox is already getting out the knives
A Seattle-Florida World Series?!? It’s the end of baseball as we know it! The ratings will be awful and no one will watch and it will be the worst World Series ever!!!!!
Never mind that baseball is in this predicament because they don’t like to promote anything except big markets. The NBA is making a nice comeback with 2 of their three best stars in… Cleveland and Miami and no good team within 100 miles of New York. No one has ever heard of Peyton Manning because he plays in relative obscurity in Indianapolis. And who is this Bret Farver bum everyone keeps talking about. I’ve never heard of him because I don’t even know what state Green Bay is in!
It’s like basketball post-Jordan when the NBA tried to push only a couple of stars and a few markets and they wondered why they went through a giant ratings suck-fest in the early 2000s. Baseball’s doing the same thing to themselves right now and is headed for trouble either way because if the New Yorks, Bostons, Chicagos, and LAs of the world are not good, then short term ratings suffer. Or, more likely, those large markets get the systematic advantage as we see in the system now and interest is killed off in the rest of the country and becomes a more regional sport, cutting off fan bases in huge swaths of the country.
by sterlingice on Apr 15, 2009 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I didn't even see
There’s a fanpost about this very thing from earlier this morning.
by sterlingice on Apr 15, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Short term ratings are all that count
Because short term ratings deliver short term revenue, which is all that counts.
You see, that is why our banking and insurance industries are so robust and profitable, because they focus on what’s important: the quick buck.
This space for rent.
Cortes and Kila
struggling mightly already. Anybody else worried? Kila batting .045 and Dan is 0-2 with an ERA around 9.
Not worried until they've played for at least two months
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions
even if they are both repeating levels?
by gordonrules on Apr 15, 2009 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Small samples of data are small samples of data
Even someone who has a good season can have a bad month or two. And this applies even for guys repeating levels.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
im very worried that cortes isnt going to turn into much...
but not really b/c of these two starts
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
It's because you've always assumed it
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions
ive looked at his stats and never been impressed....
i always saw 3-4 starter at best
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
You sure you were looking at Cortes's stats?
And did you look beyond 2008? And did you notice that he’s been young for his level at every stop?
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions
he has been young for every level...
but i see 2007 as an aberration. much in the same way i saw teahens 2006 and bannys 2007 to be aberrations….i like to see more than 1 year ouf of 5 before i start to believe in something….that is unless that someone has off the charts tools or stuff and they just ‘figured it out’ as often happens with toolsy guys
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Career minor league numbers
8.5 K/9, 0.7 HR/9, 3.6 BB/9
Compare that to his “aberrational” 2007 season numbers:
8.8 K/9, 0.5 K/9, 3.3 BB/9
Don’t those two groups of numbers (the most important numbers in evaluating any pitcher) look a lot alike? So how is 2007 an aberration statistically? And those are damned good pitching stats (high K/s, low HR’s and merely below average walks).
But hey, not every prospect can have the great minor league stats of Rick Porcello. Whoops, Cortes’s stats have been better.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Either way...
He is inferior to Chris ‘Disco’ Hayes, in nearly every non statistical category
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 15, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions
i like pitchers that get ground balls....
porcello not only gets alot of ground balls…he rarely gives up line drives…thats why im such a fan of his and conversely part of the reason im not a cortes believer
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
So you don't like Cortes's GB rates or LD%?
Where did you find that data?
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
And while GB% and LD% are important
So are K’s, BB’s and HR’s. Very, very important.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
58% LD and FB vs. 25....very very significant difference....
and porcello reportedly has not been allowed to use his best breaking ball….while cortes struggles to find a 3rd pitch….
How much control does a pitcher actually have on what percentage of flyballs go over the fence?
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions
YOu can't lump LD and FB together as a meaningful number
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
true...
it was just less typing
but porcello was significantly better in both categories and handcuffed by the front office with regards to which pitches he was throwing which is significant to me….b/c he apparently wasnt throwing his out pitch which explains the low K/9
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
and if you wanna use their MLEs for last year....
porcellos season projected to beat cortes’ in FIP 5.28 to 5.89…so saying cortes’ numbers in the minors are better isnt really true
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
minorleaguesplits.com
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions
His career LD% is quite low
And while GB’s are nice, they aren’t necessary for success. They can really help a player succeed who doesn’t get many K’s, but when you get the K’s you don’t need GB’s.
So, I don’t get your statistical qualms with Cortes. I don’t think there’s any “there” there.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
im gonna go out on a limb and say...
that most ace type pitchers in the majors either had much higher gb rates or pretty significantly better K rates and most had lower walk rates
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm not saying he's necessarily going to be an ace
But there are many successful flyball pitchers. Groundballs can go a long well to help a pitcher succeed, but it certainly isn’t necessary. Not at all.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions
There are many good MLB starting pitchers with pretty low groundball rates
Some of them are:
Z. Greinke 38.1% (career GB%)
D. Matsuzaka 38.3%
J. Santana 38.0%
C. Lee 36.7%
C. Hamels 40.1%
J. Moyer 39.0%
G. Meche 40.8%
E. Santana 37.5%
Cortes’s career GB% is 38.7%. And he has a good LD% of 16%. Another good measure of a pitcher inducing weak contact is IF flyball rate. 10% is good. Cortes’s career number is 15%.
Also, in his supposedly bad Tuesday start, he gave up 1 er in 3.2 ip with 5 k’s, 1 bb and 1 hr. That’s not bad. Of course I’d have to see the game to see how much his defense let him down (4 r, 1 er), and I don’t have the batted ball data except for the fact that he had 6 groundouts and 1 flyout.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 3:37 AM EDT up reply actions
and lots of 3/4 type starters had cortes type stats
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
and a 3 or 4 is nothing to sneeze at....
but my issue is that the royals have nobody who really projects to be much more than that
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Thankfully most prospect analysts disagree with you there.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 2:15 AM EDT up reply actions
like ive said before
not many guys really project as aces in the low minors. Thats where most of our pitchers currently are.
Certainly you might have guys whose talent predisposes them toward acedom, but a lot of guys break out later in their minor league careers. Two examples are Derek Holland and Tommy Hanson.
They get ace projection after performing well in the low minors and performing well in High A ball and AA.
For young pitchers, its basically a gauntlet, and the one’s whose stuff improves and whose physical projections max out, and who really learn the craft of pitching, and who avoid major injury, and dominate are the one’s who becomes aces.
hansen and holland both picked up 4-5 MPH...
most pitchers lose velocity with the grind of the pro baseball schedule…
We’ll see, maybe one or two of our guys will do that
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
he is racking up K's
at a good rate this year. Then sounds like someone gets on base and the shit starts hitting the fan. Rosa also took the loss for Omaha tonight. Banny went 7 innings 0 runs and 4 Ks.
by gordonrules on Apr 15, 2009 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions
nice to see Banny have a good start
Go Royals!
Im more worried about..
Butler
Are you telling me Jesus Christ cant hit a curve ball?
by averagegatsby on Apr 15, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
not to put any blemish on today's game
but does it worry anyone that Pavano actually did pretty good against our lineup when he’s supposed to be pure suck? I guess it goes to small sample. But, I didn’t like to see him outlasting Davies.
The General Theory of Royaltivity
well
Pavano isn’t very good, but his main problem is health. The sample is small, and he’s not average, but he’s better than HoRam or Ponson.
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary to Driveline Mechanics and elsewhere since sometime in 2008.
by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Who said Pavano is supposed to pure suck?
Certainly not the projections. He wasn’t projected to be good, but he wasn’t projected to be bad either. As d_f said, his main problem is that he can’t stay healthy.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 12:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Rather random comment
But I called into the 610 Sports postgame show this evening and suggested the possibility of moving Soria to the rotation. I asked Robert and Greg their opinions on the matter, because I felt it was a relevant topic again, considering the recent JoPo article and Mellinger blog post.
I was shot down in classic fashion.
shaum seems like a nice enough guy...and he's a big royals fan which is cool....
but i really disagree with his opinions alot
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
No, I'm not trying to discredit him
I work for him and he’s extremely knowledgeable. I happen to disagree with him here, but he knows a lot more about the game than I do.
by Royals Nation on Apr 15, 2009 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions
he is very knowledgeable...
and i really enjoy listening to someone who actually knows names of some minor leaguers on the radio
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
And his knowledge is just incredibly extensive, from history to Minor Leagues to Major Leagues. I’d recommend some of the RR posters calling into the 610 postgame. Shameless plug, but I write the game previews for the website, as well.
by Royals Nation on Apr 15, 2009 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah just heard him
I was impressed with his knowledge of minor league guys in the short segment I heard, sounded like one of us on there
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 1:11 AM EDT up reply actions
and he's not afraid to say that guys suck...
like gload and pena…and he realizes that guillen is NOT a good player even with 20/97 last year
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Alright, that took forever to get through
Quick question, is it my computer or are these threads able to hold less comments this year?
Great win, our bullpen is looking like it is sick so far. Why no Robinson Tejeda in the 7th? I mean it worked out fine but I would’ve liked to see him go out there again after only facing one batter.
Buck, can’t believe it…I’m totally buying the whole lost his job theory on why he looks good…or maybe it’s just the streakiness.
One last thing, loving the post-game writeups Will. I’m sure they are much easier to do at this point in the season when there is still hope, but when you have the time, keep them up.
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 1:16 AM EDT reply actions
*less comments before they get slow
is what I meant. Closed GameChannel and it got a lot better, all is well with the world
by I need more Esteban on Apr 15, 2009 1:17 AM EDT up reply actions
mmmm
the game was great :) Went with a guy friend and shivered the entire time from lack of a good coat, but it was totally worth that.
John Buck was boss.
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too. ~Greg, age 8
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 15, 2009 1:18 AM EDT reply actions
theres your solution to games not being on TV in warrensburg....
just go to them all
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 1:24 AM EDT up reply actions
hey now
I’m a half season ticket holder. I only go to half of the games!
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too. ~Greg, age 8
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 15, 2009 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions
ahhh...ive always wanted to do that....
but stuff always comes up when i have tickets in advance
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions
story of my life
but they’re really good about letting you trade in tickets if needed :)
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too. ~Greg, age 8
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 15, 2009 1:41 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah...and that requires going out to the stadium in advance of the game you're missing doesnt it?
moral of the story….im kinda lazy and could care less about the extra $2 or whatever i’ll save per ticket b/c i’d end up wasting at least 10 of them. i do hope to make it out to 25-30 this year
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions
actually
you can mail them in or do it via phone/email.
You should do it before the game you’re missing yes, but it’s not like it has to be that exact day :)
Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good too. ~Greg, age 8
by loyal2theroyals on Apr 15, 2009 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Believe me
I’m trying. I’ve been to 3 of the 5 games so far. If only I could get that graduation money in advance, I could continue the streak a little longer
Marriage is a great institution, for those that like being in institutions.
just sneak into the games and then complain about where you're allowed to sit
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Due to work constraints, I haven't been able to be on here the past two games
Here’s what I have learned from these threads:
1)More random brunettes on Royals Review threads makes me extremely happy
2)Not quite like seeing John Buck crush the ball, but close
3)Apparently, reservation is an offensive word. Now, if I would have said:
“We want to give you your land back.”
The Native Americans look over the contract and spot something decidedly unfavorable against them.
“No deal. Some of us have reservations.”
I would be deemed offensive.
4)I can sense a long season of mixed feelings towards Jacobs and Butler, combined with mixed play on the field. If only…
5)So I can buy tickets for the upper deck, and just go sit in the lower deck? Perhaps next time I go to a game with my brother and sit in the lower deck I should chain his wheelchair up so it doesn’t get stolen. Essentially, everyone moving to better seats is a thief, no matter the fill of a stadium.
6)$11 at Taco Bell? Done it, but don’t remember why I hated myself so much at the time.
Maybe that’s why.
7)We are 5-1 marching out our top 3, and we’ll have to continue at such a pace to fight the 0-2 Sidracio Ramson for the next couple of weeks.
You say something like, "Is that it?" I know what you`re trying to say. You`re trying to say, "Aww yeah, that`s it." Then you tell me you want some more. Well...I`m not surprised. But I`m quite sleepy.
Is it just me or
could some of the Royals hitting woes last week be chalked up to the new hitting background in center? (the green boards instead of a grass hill)
Could be, but I think it has more to do with the quality of the pitching they faced, and the cold weather, which always makes hitting more difficult
And then of course, there’s the fact that the offense isn’t very good. Although it will prove to be better than the numbers have been so far.
The immoderate moderator
by Scott McKinney on Apr 15, 2009 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions
we sucked in chicago too....
i dont think they’ve changed their hitting background
TPJ...you're dead to me
by billybeingbilly on Apr 15, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
As to the Buck/Olivo question
A simple observation.
You have two players who are essentially similar.
One is a team player, and has expressed almost no complaints about his status with the team, nor has he demanded more playing time or anything like that.
The other… well, demanded more playing time and complained about it.
I think even NYRoyal, who places about zero value on player psychology and makeup and clubhouse stuff, would agree that with the two players being essentially the same player, you go with the one who’s not a pain in the ass.
Just sayin’.
This space for rent.
this team is all about character and good locker room guys, though
Hence Bloomquist,
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary to Driveline Mechanics and elsewhere since sometime in 2008.
by Matt Klaassen on Apr 15, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
not that Olivo needs defending,
but all accounts I’ve seen are that he’s a good team guy. He probably only complained to TH, DM, or his agent. But I don’t know that.
Don't Stop Believing!
and to the press
Bringing you more-or-less replacement level analysis and commentary to Driveline Mechanics and elsewhere since sometime in 2008.
by Matt Klaassen on Apr 18, 2009 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
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