Sport Chit Chat

Disclaimer: I suck at MLB playoff predictions. I just don’t have a good handle for whatever reason. So you may do better betting against my picks.

Milwaukee Brewers (+155) vs Philadelphia Phillies (-175)
Pick: Milwaukee Brewers in 5
Why: Pitching counts. Let’s compare rotations. Milwaukee has Gollardo, Sabathia, Suppan, Bush and Sheets who can pitch if the latter two suck. I don’t see a major upgrade between the Phillies, sure they have Utley, Rollins and Howard but the Brew crew have their fair share of talent on the field in Fielder, Braun, Hardy etc. Their role players are just better imo. I say the Phillies are the slightly better team but they don’t impress me and I’ll take the odds at +155.

Los Angeles Dodgers (+170) vs Chicago Cubs (-200)
Pick: Chicago Cubs in 4
I think the stuff about LA’s pitching staff being better is a pile of crap. Zambrano, Lilly, Harden and Dempster is pretty formidable. The Dodger’s staff is backed by the pitcher park friendly so stats wise they benefit. I just think it’s the Cubs year and people just will root as hard as they can for the Cubs. 100 years…
The Dodgers do have momentum on their side but they played in a mediocre division.

Boston Red Sox (+125) vs LAAoA (-145)
Pick: Toss up. Angels in 5?
This one is too close to call, the Sox have more post season experience having just won but they are a lot of injury question marks. I personally don’t like the Angels all that much but I think they could get it done. The Sox have good value here as a slight underdog.

Tampa Bay Rays (-170) vs Chicago White Sox (+150)
Pick: Rays in 3 or 4.
The White Sox tired out their pitchers trying to win the central division and offensively they can’t bring it to the Rays solid corps. I’m not too high on the Sox pitching either. Shields, Kazmir, Garza are as good as a top 3 as you are going to get.

As another seriously disappointing Blue Jays season comes to a pitiful end, the Jays participated in some house cleaning and contender building. The Jays traded the bat of Matt Stairs to the Phillies for a lefty reliever Fabio Castro. This is a sad move for Stairs who always said he enjoyed playing in Toronto, and thusly in this native country of Canada. However, as The Toronto Star reports, Stairs is excited for his move to a contender and attests that he has always hit well in the Phillies home park. Consider picking him up if your in a deep league and Stairs manages to get a solid spot in the lineup and gets a hot bat going. As a Jays fan this move is bittersweet. On the one hand, it’s sad to see a fan favourite and good hitter leave the club, but it’s also a smart move for a club looking to shed some pay roll. Sure Stairs wasn’t hitting great, but he can be streaky and could be a great left handed bat for the Phillies to have going into the post season. The post season, something the Jays have not even had the taste of in quite some time.
Going into this season with over $100 Million in payroll the Jays were hoping for a playoff run and important games in September. neither of these came through and now the Jays are in shambles, dealing with potential managerial firings and a team that looks like it doesn’t have what it takes, nor will it ever. Sure there have been some bright spots such as the great pitching the Jays have received, as well as the rise of youngster Adam Lind. But it has been overall a sad season for the boys in blue. They have a bunch of over paid, under performing players who are not enough to compete with. Let’s just hope they can turn it around for next season before their great pitching staff dissipates.

-Maxmillien

P.S. Sucks if you have Josh Beckett going into your fantasy stretch run. Maybe consider waiting to see who take a spot start, maybe Masterson or Bucholz.

The Chicago Cubs are currently the league’s best team based on team records. It’s also been 100 years since they last won a world series (yes 1908) and could they be poised for another one? My prediction is yes, not only it’s the story most baseball would want to see (after their own respective teams falter) but the team is more then capable. Let’s take a look at their team to dissect what makes it’s good.

Pitching: Acquiring Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin in what is referred to as robbery regardless of Harden’s health puts the rotation as Zambrano, Lilly, Harden, Dempster and (shudder) Marquis. The top 3 is as good as you’ll probably get with two guys who are aces and Lilly is a respectable #3. Dempster has been pitching out of his skin, I can see him struggling down the road but you never know. Thankfully Marquis won’t need to pitch during the playoffs. The pen is held by Kerry Wood, Marmol, Gaudin (who can start), Howry, Cotts and Marshall as well as Samardzija. The bullpen is a wildcard but he’s been good so far.

Hitting: Lee, Ramirez, Soto and Soriano have been the star performances. They’ve gotten great work out of their role players like Sparky (Reed Johnson), DeRosa and Theriot. One downside would probably be Fukudome but he takes a walk so is useful in that regard.

The Cubs aren’t a very sexy pick to be honest. They’ve just been an all-around good time with come back victories and winning important series in one of the tougher divisions in baseball. They’ve played great when they needed and aren’t a shabby team themselves.

Here are their opponents:
Chicago White Sox and/or Minnesota Twins: I see either or both hard press to make it out of the AL against the likes of Tampa Bay, Boston and LAA.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels are good but not as good as you think. They are in the worst division in baseball with their next competition coming in the way of the Texas Rangers who they are 16 games up on and will be the first team to clinch a playoff spot. They almost got swept by Tampa Bay but they did own the Red Sox and Yankees when they came into town. I think both Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders are more likely then good and the only pitcher that can probably hold their own during the playoffs is Lackey. Their pitching has been lucky for the most part, their Pythagorean record is 72-61 9 games worse then their record, suggesting that they are winning close games (as evidenced by KRods save count). I think their regression will either occur during the end of the season in which they are due for a slump or in the playoffs. It’s nice having an awesome closer but not good enough.

Tampa Bay Rays - great team. Inexperienced. Would be cool if they made it to the playoffs and while I think they are capable, generally veteran experience is sometimes needed.

Boston Red Sox - everyone says that Boston will likely face the Cubs in the WS, I tend to agree. Unless their injuries creates further problems (which they may even miss the playoffs with the Twins very close). I think I would’ve said the Red Sox would be still winning it BEFORE the Manny deal. I’m not sure now and when the Red Sox go to the NL, the Ortiz problem creates an issue.

Milwaukee Brewers - Cubs owned them.

Phillies/Mets - whomever wins, I doubt they would stand a chance against the Brew Crew’s pitching.

Arizona Diamonbacks - this first round match will be a tough one. They have a great rotation and may be hard press to win the first two games (Haren + Webb)…but Arizona’s defense with Dunn in right and a lot of their offense out, Chicago may squeak out against them. I think Arizona gives the Cubs a big enough push that they don’t look back and win it.

We’ll see come October. I’m rooting for the Cubs nontheless even though I’m not a fan. It’s just a feel good story with the most popular team in baseball worldwide (suck it Yanks/Bosox) looks to win one after a century of futility.

After some initial hesitation, MLB Umpires have agreed to use instant replay to help them make home run calls. As Tim Kurkjian of ESPN writes, “The era of instant replay will represent a fundamental shift in the way the game is called.” Baseball, through the use of the strike zone is grounded in the idea that the umpires make the calls, even if they are subjective. Now this has changed slightly. With the addition of computers to make the calls on home runs the subjectivity of umpiring has decreased. This is similar to the use of computers in tennis that track the landing of a ball to decide if it is out or not. The difference here is that it is not challenge based, the upms can just use the computers.

I see this as a good step for the MLB, the only league without instant replay. What would hockey be if refs had to make the call for pucks crossing the goal line, or if basketball refs had to just guess if the last second shot went in. I know that instant replays can be anti-climactic as decisions are made well after celebrations, but is it not better to have the true and right decision made as opposed to the one that suites the moment. It’s good to know that when I watch a ball game, I’ll know that the right call is made.

My one reservation to the whole idea is that I hope this does not spread to the rest of baseball. Home runs are a hard-fast type of thing. Either it went over or it didn’t. Things like the strike zone are more subjective as each player has a different strike zone dependent on height and stance. I hope the day never comes when the strike zone is automated or replays are used on base stealing. Those things need to be the umps call not only to preserve the purity of the game, but to keep the game moving. Baseball is a game that takes time and surly does not need even more long pauses for replay checks. I’m excited to see how this pans out and I hope Derek Jeter can have some solace in his called back dinger.

-Maxmillien

It’s not a news story with me if a draft pick signs as they are expected to. Coverage is more geared toward prospects not signed as all is generally forgotten when they do in fact sign the dotted line even if it happens at the last minute.

Aaron Crow the 9th overall pick didn’t sign. The kicker? Only 700k. This is bad move by the Nationals. You just can’t lose out on prospects especially one like Aaron Crow. They do get back the 10th overall pick (9a) and Crow was looking for a deal better then the #4 overall pick in Brian Matusz. Still though, the Nationals would have to move their budget over to next year. They can still get the same quality of picks at #10 and they’ll have another pick around the same area. It’s never good business not signing a 1st rounder though. What do some Nats fan think? Check out the comments at Federal Baseball. Either way we may have to see how this plays out for all parties as Crow heads back into the 09 draft. Bowden should be fired though.

Gerritt Cole didn’t sign with the Yankees. He opted for living the high life with the hot girls at UCLA. Not as much reaction or not many people believing it until the deadline passes. Apparently Cole refused to listen to any offers period. It may or may not work out for him. Yanks receive the 28A pick in the draft. Which will be 30th. At least prospects dropping to the Yankees finally doesn’t pay off and for that I can smile as a Jays fan.

Another season ending surgery, another opportunity arises. Texas Rangers RP C.J. Wilson has decided to undergo season ending arthroscopic elbow surgery. Wilson’s season was up and down as he struggled at times and was rumored to be on the edge of losing the closers role, Wilson managed to put up some decent numbers. Although handicapped by the Rangers’ potential to blow out teams, Wilson posted 24 saves with a 1.64 WHIP, his ERA however, was an awful 6.02. With Wilson out of the picture now, enter Eddie Guardado. Guardado has offically been given the closers role says Yahoo! Rotoworld also reports the closer role to Guardado but to suggest to keep an eye on Frank Franscisco as he may work his way there as he is potentially the closer of the future for Texas. Hope I got to you soon enough and were able to grab Guardado and as always, good luck in the August stretch run.

-Maxmillien

First off, sorry that the Corpas pick up didn’t pan out. Fuentes stayed put, oops!

This week I’m suggesting new full time starter in Detroit Brandon Inge. He doens’t have a terrific average at only .221 but he has some decent power if you’re in need to some RBI’s. His average could increase as he get comfortable with the starting job and his biggest benefit is his eligibility. In FOXSports he is eligible at Catcher, Center Field & 3B (which in turn makes him also eligible at Utility, Infield Utility and Out Field Utility). If you need a flexible player that can fill rosters spots on off days, go with Inge.

I’m also going to suggest a look at Andy LaRoche. Another player who, through trade has gained a starting job. He will start at third for the Pirates and may be decent down the stretch.

-Maxmillien

Everyone now knows the news but do they really know? Yeah I got nothing left to introduce this trade. Manny Ramirez was traded away to the LA Dodgers Heyman first reported. I actually called Heyman a dick to “The Shark” for not providing us any details but that’s besides the point.

Here’s the trade:

LA Dodgers get Manny Ramirez for the rest of 2008, his team options were declined and he has agreed to decline arbitration when he is offered it. Talk about being nice.

Boston Red Sox get: My Canadian hero Jason Bay.

Pittsburgh gets Andy LaRoche (LA), Bobby Morris (LA), Brandon Moss (BOS) and Craig Hansen (BOS)

With LA, Manny Ramirez joins an underachieving Dodger team. He’s a great hitter and considered a poor defender. Not much else to say. I’m going to say he’s an underrated left fielder. People seem to think he’s the absolute worst defender out there. He’s just slow and makes some questionable plays every now and then. The monster makes everyone look bad. True Blue LA thinks they now have one of the worst defenses in the league. Blue Heaven hates it. I have to agree with them though, I don’t hate acquiring Manny as he’s a great player. The rest of the roster kind of sucks. Who’s the odd man out? They have an unhealthy glut of outfielders right now. Andy LaRoche will probably bite them in the bum.

The Red Sox get the best Canadian player in the league (arguable with Morneau but Bay has done his job for a floundering Pirates team). What doesn’t he have? No real upgrade, no experience on a winning team and therefore no playoff experience. The Red Sox gave up 7 million and two prospects for him. Still he’s a great player and I wish him the best. It’s still early but 35% of Sox fans hate the trade. I can see why they hate it, giving up money and two prospects for at best an equal player who is worth more due to his contract but notsomuch for the Sox.

The big winners of this deal, the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here’s a breakdown of the ’spects if you need more information.
Andy LaRoche: joins his brother Adam as the LaRoche Bros. are not servicing the corner infields. He was the Dodgers 2nd best prospect heading into the season and is still highly ranked. The problem? Dodgers management. He never got an opportunity to stick at 3rd where he’s expected to be a great player. He was the top 5th hitting prospect heading into this season. He has a near elite batting eye with a 1:1 walk to K ratio. He hits for some decent power, around 25 he projects but could hit 30 occasionally. Can be an all-star. Great great prospect despite his struggle in the majors. Scott Rolen type hitter?

Bryan Morris would be a great prospect but with pitchers and that dumb saying TINSTAPP, a pitcher is like risky stock, valuable one second, and worthless when he injured his arm. Morris had TJ surgery after his 2006 season missing all of 2007 and basically forgotten until this year. He would’ve been a top 5 prospect had the injury not taken place. He’s still 21 and is pitching well in A-ball. He needs to stay healthy (obviously). Control is an issue but he’s basically un-hittable in A-ball. I’d expect him to move up and he can be an excellent pitcher.

Craig Hansen may be their future closer. Out of all the players, I think he’s the best acquisition. People are low on him due to just not recovering from a failed major league opportunity. The Pirates bullpen are in need of a guy like Hansen who has unbelievable stuff and just needs a chance to put it together. No pressure and he should THRIVE. He’s still just 24 and expect him to see him in a closers role very soon. Expect Hansen to be a hot commodity in the next few years at the trade deadline. He was sold low and has struggled but if he puts it back together…

Brandon Moss: Was a hot commodity and was waiting for Coco Crisp to be traded. He can play CF/LF and will likely suit up in left. He has 20+ home run power and can take a walk and hits for average. Strikes out too much to my liking. Major league ready and he’ll easily replace Bay (well not easily…). Bucs Dugout likes it, calls it quantity and quality.

Overall analysis: Great, great trade for the Bucs. 3 major leaguers for Bay who are no slouches and will start or have vital roles. Morris won’t need to pan out but he’s a good looking prospect with good stuff and just needs to move up. The Red Sox are the losers, they don’t realistically gain any ground but gave up two prospects that might’ve been useful (Moss more so) and 7 million bucks. The Dodgers slightly get better but at the cost of a great prospect and for just a few months.

As first reported by si.com’s Jon Heyman, a very late 3-team trade has been completed, involving Jason Bay and Manny Ramirez. Ramirez will go to the LA Dodgers, with Jason Bay headed to Boston from Pittsburgh to replace him, while the Pirates will receive four prospects. Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com has the four prospects going to Pittsburgh as follows: third baseman Andy Laroche and right-handed pitcher Bryan Morris from the Dodgers, and outfielder Brandon Moss and reliever Craig Hansen from the Red Sox. Both sources also report that Ramirez has consented to the trade and will also waive his two $20 million club options for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, meaning Manny will hit the free agent market this winter. The Red Sox will also pay the final $7 million of Ramirez’s contract. Stay tuned for more information shortly, as a news conference appears to be scheduled within the hour.

The Marlins are a team that is incredibly managed and who knows what the team would be able to be if they spent a little more money. Well they acquired an important veteran in Arthur Rhodes for Gaby Hernandez.

Rhodes missed all of last season due to TJ surgery and for a 38-year old reliever thats a little bit concerning however he never missed a beat upon returning this season. Veterans seem to thrive with the Marlins organization and he’ll prove a great service to the young Marlin team.

Gaby Hernandez isn’t a top prospect by any means, he could put it together to become a back-end of rotation pitcher or end in the ‘pen. He may not strike out a whole lot of batters and may end up a for contact pitcher. The problem is that he’s a fly ball pitcher who doesn’t strike out a lot. He may have some serious problems when hitting the majors. GA/AO = 1 over his minor league career.

An unimportant trade for the most part…but we’d be talking about it on the other 364 days of the year.