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6/15: Open Game Thread

Wbc_029_tiny by Jeff Sullivan on in Regular News Comment 720 comments

First Pitch: 5:05pm PDT

                   

Ichiro CF Biggio 2B Lopez 2B Pence CF Guillen RF Berkman 1B Ibanez LF Lee LF Sexson 1B Loretta SS Johjima C Scott RF Betancourt SS Lamb 3B Ballgame 3B Ausmus C Hernandez P Rodriguez P ---------- ----------

Hernandez (3-3, 4.41)       Rodriguez (3-6, 4.52)

From an article on Mariners.com:

Bill Bloomquist: consummate failure.

With Adam Everett's injury ruining their team defense, the Astros officially don't have any strengths, but I have a sneaking suspicion that that retarded porch in left field is going to give Felix all kinds of trouble tonight. Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence are physically incapable of hitting on the road, but fortunately for them they don't have to worry about that today, now do they?

LET'S GO MARINERS!!

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Dear Minute Maid Park
Please don't go all Brad Lidge on Felix. Thank you.

Best Regards, Robert

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 1:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Mediocre Felix Day!
I reject your reality and substitute my own!

by Phildopip on Jun 15, 2007 1:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

With that porch, we might even see a true Willie
Funk Blast today.

And no, I'm not kidding. I could hit a homerun out of the crawford boxes.

Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 1:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

this in one stadium
I am really upset beltre isn't playing in.

Richie should hit a few out this series
Ibanez will if he keeps up that oppo swing
Betancourt and Lopez will too
Ichiro seems to have deep fly ball power to LF these days, so maybe he'll get his first opposite field HR here.

Felix might hit one out if he makes contact.

seriously, its ridiculous that they get to play in this place, while the mariners have to play in a park where you need to hit a bomb to get HR, haha.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget Johjima
With the way he's been swinging the bat and his ridiculous pull tendencies he should put a few up in the seats in left.

by ningwers on Jun 15, 2007 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Truth.
forgot.

Don't know about J-Burke, though.

Seems to just dump line drives down the lines, which I'll take any day.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He'll rock a few out
no question.

I think he'll be the best player in the series.

I just forgot about him, haha.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fun fact (that I've mentioned before):
That MASSIVE Pujols blast off Lidge in the NLCS?

415 feet, i.e. far up in the first section of Safeco's LF box seats.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does anybody have a video of that
I searched youtube with nothing to show for it.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know whats better
The way that every fan shuts up at the exact same moment or the fact that Pujols justs stares at the ball like a bad ass.

Also:

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The best thing about that video
Is the reaction of the fans right behind home plate on the replay where Pujols just stares at it and walks down the line.  Absolute heartbreak.  

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure it would of went alot farther if
it hadn't bounced off that wall.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always figured
the distance count took into account the placement of that wall.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yup.
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where are the stories
about players whose dads drank all the time and didn't do shit for them?

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Awesome
I'm sure my coworkers are all wondering WTF is so funny.

by batura on Jun 15, 2007 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really, Weaver's?
Man, I was thinkin' Dukes.  But, yeah, Weaver works...
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't say
stories about dads who threaten to kill mommy before going out to get 14 year olds pregnant.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wandy Rodriguez
running a ~4.60 ERA despite being a lefthander who has to play his home games in this joint.  Imagine having that porch AND an inherent platoon disadvantage against righthanded hitters.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ease off on the insults
Every day I check in on Lookout Landing as part of my Mariners watch, and I hope to keep it as part of my routine. But, the insults towards the players are getting old and starting to wear on me. Willie Bloomquist might not be the best player in the big leagues, but I tip my hat to him for giving such an effort. Why do you insult him and his dad? Things are getting pretty mean spirited at LL.....can't we just talk about baseball? I know being a Mariners fan can be stressful at times, but can't we find better ways to relieve the stress than insulting someone we don't know? Otherwise, keep up the good work, and Go Mariners!

by Darwin on Jun 15, 2007 1:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh jeez, here we go.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why didn't that work? Take 2:
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Willie hit on my GF
I can say whatever the hell I want to.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Relax.
The story's good, but it's got a funny headline.

Nobody here actually hates any of our players. The fact is, Willie does get too much attention. Vidro is fat. Vidro is slow. Vidro is a bad DH. Vidro is miscast as a contributing everyday player. Vidro is a problem in the lineup. There's nothing wrong with pointing this kind of stuff out, considering we're all still rooting for the guys to succeed.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tell us how you really feel about Vidro!
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I enjoyed this line
"But players that were drafted higher, or had signed lucrative contracts, kept him in the Minors."

Yup, that's definitely what did it.

by patsfan on Jun 15, 2007 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ease off on the
"Willie's the greatest" articles,and everyone would quit making fun of them. I think we all pretty much agree that Willie is just fine as a utility guy, we just don't want to have him play full time.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just check Coach Owen's latest diary post
And you'll see all kinds of love for WFB. As soon as someone suggests trading him for Desi Relaford, we all rally around the Late Bloomer.

by johnbai on Jun 15, 2007 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The players have a few million reasons not to care
And you have one: we're just messing around.

It's not like Willie and the others don't get a spa's worth of ballwashing from the mainstream press anyway.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What happened to Willie's Dad?
They mention an "accident" in the article, but nothing more.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 1:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nothing good.
If I had to guess without digging, I'd say the car accident left him badly handicapped.

Obviously I mean no offense to Mr. Bloomquist. But the story's headline is hilarious.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Obviously.
That was just the first I ever read about his Dad having health issues. Obviously nobody would wish that upon someones Dad.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

actually, it's pretty sad when you think about it.
I mean, not as sad as if his dad died and didn't get to see him play at all, but, given that I see the Safeco crew helping wheelchaired fans get onto the field to watch batting practice, he must be in a pretty bad shape to not even be able to do that.  Either that, or there's some deeper family issue going on with it.  I dunno.

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly. They must be pretty serious
health issues if he can't even go in a wheelchair to see a couple games a year.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree, stop the anger against this team!
You're all just jealous!!

Jealous and ugly!

Jealous and ugly and STUPID!!

Jealous, ugly, stupid, and Fren.....

!!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 1:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

A sad side note
I got this Winnipeg Goldeyes press release info from here:

May 12, 2007

Madritsch Facing Surgery

Results from an MRI indicate Goldeyes starter Bobby Madritsch will need surgery.

Madritsch dislocated his left shoulder last Sunday while pitching in St. Paul. He was examined and released that day from Regions Hospital in St. Paul and further examined this week in Winnipeg. He underwent an MRI that revealed he had torn his labrum....

Damn, man.  Damn.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 1:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Makes me so sad.
definitely one of my favorite guys when he was on the team.

I really rooted for him to succeed.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmmm.
Have they invented a quick, painless way to erase tattoos yet???
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmmm
makes you wonder if maybe they went a little too deep with some of his tatoos. He sure has alot of problems with his arm.

Too bad, I really liked him for a couple of weeks.

"You guys should be in every major city. This is some heavy shit. This is, like, Lone Ranger heavy, man."

by AZSEAfan on Jun 15, 2007 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that really sucks
I had my labrum fixed in feb. and I still can even do push ups. I would hate to think what would happen if I were a pitcher.

by InSpokane on Jun 15, 2007 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My friend had that surgery 2 years ago.
He had it done in October, and was back playing softball in March, but he wasn't full strength for about a year.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now this is a great story
Burke carded: Backup catcher Jamie Burke is a journeyman with much more service time in the Minor Leagues than the Majors and never has had his own Major League collector's card.

Well, that's going to change next month.

The 35-year-old Burke, who is batting .421 (16-for-38) as Kenji Johjima's backup, spent part of his Wednesday with representatives from Upper Deck, the company that's producing the card, which will become available to the public in July.

"I'm excited about it, just because I grew up collecting baseball cards," Burke said. "I have a lot of 'em, including Mark McGwire's rookie card. Having my own is going to be pretty neat."

by Edgar for Pres on Jun 15, 2007 2:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ha
I read the headline and thought he got carded when he walked into a bar.

Good for him.  A lot of guys play forever and never get that far.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My first reaction
was that he was playing soccer for some reason.

by Matthew on Jun 15, 2007 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My first reaction
was that it was strange that a 35 year old would have to show ID at a bar.

by patsfan on Jun 15, 2007 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My first reaction
was that someone who plays professional sports really ought to have a better card in his collection than the freakin' 1985 Mark McGwire Olympic Rookie Card. Shouldn't he be able to afford Mickey Mantle's rookie card?

by johnbai on Jun 15, 2007 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Remember, he spent most of his
time in the minors, so he wasn't exacctly raking in the dough.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heheh
I remember Chris Coste had a pretty similar story last year.  He was like "Look at me, a 33-year-old rookie, finally getting my own card!  Wheeeeee!"

I wonder how hard it'll be to actually get one of the Burke cards though.  Pat Neshek can't even seem to get all of his own cards...

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Has it been mentioned...
that Sean Burroughs was released?

How about that the players had a team meeting to vote on whether they would accept Julio Mateo back? Isn't that vote supposed to be by his wife, and it has to be unanimous? I can just see Bavasi now "Hey guys, I have a chance to sign Barry Bonds and it won't cost us a cent more than we're paying now. I know he could really help the team win some games and all, but what do you guys think? 'Cause I won't do it unless you say it's ok."

Sorry if I didn't see these topics elsewhere. Call me lazy!

by kva15 on Jun 15, 2007 2:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You and I both know
Mike Hargrove's the only guy in that room who raised his hand.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But
We're not sure if Hargrove raised his hand to scratch his nose or if he wanted to go to Mateo to get the groundball out.

by kva15 on Jun 15, 2007 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, it was mentioned
along with him reporting like 40 pounds overweight, Jacobsen-style, to the Rainiers.

I was thinking, of course, "gosh, if only the Mariners hadn't driven Hunter Brown away..."

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You have to wonder
is that 40lbs overweight, or 40lbs overweight for Burroughs? Because those are two very different concepts.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

As in, he's normally 40 lbs over weight,
so now he was actually 80?
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh crap!
He may have actually reported in shape... for him.  "Guys, it's okay!  I'm in prime Burroughs shape!"

"Your dad sucked.  Clean out your locker."

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was mentioned in the minor wrap-up
He was 40 pounds overweight when he reported.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm laughing at the USSM discussion about Biggio
Who would've thought Craig Biggio pissed in so many people's cornflakes?

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 2:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Just another example of how nowadays, the
majority of the commenters over there are idiots.

Seriously, the Astros aren't doing shit this year, let Biggio have his 3000 hits for gods sakes.

Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

USSM is absolutely ridiculous now.
Last season I was there almost every game, until about August I came here.

USSM wasn't terrible then, but its so hilariously fun here that I needed to stay, haha.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Same here.
That used to be my first stop for M's news and for game threads, but it really lost it's luster by about mid-summer of last year.

People there seem cranky.

"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They need to take down comments
And just take questions via email for the time being. Unfortunately that would mean the hordes of trolls would come our way.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd hate to see the USSM comments go...
Dave and DMZ write a ton of great comments that don't merit their own posts. Especially in Dave's draft posts, the Q&As in the comment threads can be really fantastic.

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It comes with the territory...
People flock to cool sites that get all the attention, because they (consciously or subconsciously) want to be seen as cool, even if they act un-cool in the process.  USSM is a cool place that's pretty cutting-edge, and it attracts a lot of attention.  That can be a good thing, and it can be a bad thing.

Imagine if Dave and DMZ weren't so quick with the comments sledgehammer.  They get a lot of flack for being so 'rude' and 'elitist' for doing just that, and for calling people out who are saying stupid stuff.  But it's their blog, and they're doing their darndest to keep as big a lid on the crap as they can.  We should all be thankful that they're as patient as they are, and don't go back to the old days of no-comments.  There's still a fair bit of value in the comments, so I'd hate to see them gone all together.  It's a tough balance to maintain, though...

"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That, and....
While this place does need its admin-level moderation on occasion, it's pretty unique in that we're generally pretty good to self-moderate.  USSM and LookoutLanding, though, really are different places, and have different audiences, even if they share a lot of the same readers.  
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It happens with any site that gets big.
I was actually talking to Dave about this a few days ago during the winning streak, after a handful of crazies showed up here and started posting their heads off. Trolls and problem users inevitably begin to show up in droves on any site that gets popular enough. It's happened at USSM, and it's going to happen here. We'll try to keep this place as clean as we can, but if we succeed, we'll be an exception to the rule. Believe me, Dave and DMZ are trying as hard as they can to keep that place pristine, and that they're still being overrun drives them insane.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was a kind of weird situation, though.
I think those guys actually showed up and started trolling because they saw your post about not having power for the day.  They probably figured it was a good opportunity to wreak havoc while the site admin was gone, not being familiar enough with the site to know there were a few others out there able to clobber them.

The other interesting part is that it seemed to be a bunch of sleeper accounts that were kept dormant for a while specifically in order to do something like that (since I believe SBNation won't let you post for 24 hours after creating an account, right?)

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually, no
A few sites are like that (BCB for one), but at LL you can post as soon as you sign up.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember
one comm where the mods all had their power spontaneously stripped by some dormant senior mod, and then he went offline and there was not a single active mod online, so trolls came out and immediately spammed the community with goatse and tubgirl posts, 50-Hitler style.  It was hours before anyone showed up and did anything about it.

The senior mod eventually caved and restored mod status, but still... this sort of 'troll-bombing the house while the owner's away' thing happens.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's so fucking weird...
That means we have a bunch of lurkers that secretly hate everyone here and wait for the day when the mods are offline? Do they check the site every day to see if Jeff is still here? Every hour?

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think that's what happened.
I'm pretty sure it was just coincidental timing.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it was one lurker
With multiple personalities. Or so it seemed.

by Ben in Va on Jun 15, 2007 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well
I came to that conclusion because of this comment.

Also, huh, you unbanned them?  Interesting.  You're a much nicer person than I am.

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought I ran across a comment from them,
but I figured it was old, and didn't think anything more about it.
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

shush.
Let me keep the mental picture of a bunch of sociopaths with crazy eyes hitting reload every 15 seconds, waiting for your house to go out of power.

"HE'S GONE! THEY WILL BE MINE! ALL MIIIIINE!!!!"

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That probably didn't happen here
but I'm certain there are people like that on the internet.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a problem
Half the discussion in non-game-threads are the acolytes repeating the talking points, and the other half is the troll-like stupidity and attacks from people who disagree with what was written.  I think the short fuse of the writers comes in part from all the people who insist on being completely meat-headed and retarded when they disagree.  I don't think there are any trolls on that blog, so much as really, really stupid readers who ruin the discussions, and future discussions, for everyone else.

It's getting difficult to have any reasoned discourse on their threads.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just don't read or write comments anymore.
I read USSM every day, but yeah, I generally just don't have time to read all of the comments as well.  It takes plenty of effort just trying to keep up with everyone here :)

Which I guess is sort of a shame, since I used to feel semi-useful over there, but I dunno, I read a new post, then I see "140 comments" and I think "Hmm... I'm probably not going to add anything to the firmament of discussion anyway..." and don't bother clicking.

(prospect/Future40 posts aside, of course)

It makes me a little sad though.  On the other hand, these days if I really wanted to talk to Derek or Dave or Jeff I'd probably want to ask about bikes or cameras or Japan or something anyway, not baseball, so it's just as well.

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ha
I'm gonna have to write Dave and offer an olive branch before the next future forty, because honestly, I don't have the animosity towards him that it seems I do.  I know he and Derek have to deal with a lot of crap, not just with the site but in their personal lives, and it can get real stressful.

And yes, I'm not gonna jump headfirst into the next Future Forty thread.  I don't want Dave to worry every time that he make a FF post that I'm gonna jump in and raise some sort of hell.  I don't participate on Mariners blogs to raise hell (in fact, I read them to get away from that sort of stuff) and I'm trying to take it easier and be more diplomatic at this point.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I don't read all the posts at USSM either.
Most of the time when Dave or Derek is doing Q&A I just ctrl+f their names to read their posts. I'm sure others make worthwhile posts as well but I don't have the time to go through all of them.

LL is just so much more user friendly with threads easily being able to go off topic without ruining the rest of the conversation on the thread that I find myself reading way more posts than I originally intend to.

Felix, you magnificent bastard.

by Double06 on Jun 15, 2007 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is odd
that Jim Thomsen is leading the charge on the Biggio thing. He's usually one of the more level-headed commenters there.

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's peculiar
Usually, when someone gets particularly upset or contentious about a subject, it's because there's some degree of personal attachment to the issue.  I'lve seen this correlation almost without fail in just about every walk of life.

I'm not saying Biggio killed Jim Thomsen's dad, but Biggio or somebody similar must have done something to him, or that affected him, to have built this level of animosity.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm.
I wish I could remember whether Jim's older or younger than Biggio.  Maybe he's just feeling vicariously old.

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Since i'm still new to this blog software..
Which code do you guys use to post images?
This is me not lurking.

by PhilKenSebben on Jun 15, 2007 3:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

here
<img src="ImageURL">

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wait a sec...
So your telling me that Willie has post season intangibles too? The legend of Big Willie grows!

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So, I see
Don't believe in Felix anymore, eh Jeff?
Top 5 Greatest Players ever: 1. Josh Gibson 2. Cool Papa Bell 3. Babe Ruth 4. Matty 5. Ty Cobb

by Coach Owens on Jun 15, 2007 3:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

From Burroughs Wiki
Sean Burroughs also starred in the Little League World Series as a pitcher when he was growing up in Long Beach, California, winning the championship in 1992 and 1993, on a team his father coached.

Sean made waves in the media for his precociousness following the titles, telling David Letterman on his show that he wanted to be a gynecologist when he grew up.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 3:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That is HI-LARIOUS!
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The USSM authors are a bit too stuck up for me.
I do lurk though, heh.
This is me not lurking.

by PhilKenSebben on Jun 15, 2007 3:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think its just that they have become jaded
because of their huge site and all the comments they get that annoy them.

by Edgar for Pres on Jun 15, 2007 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely
They're much cooler people in person.

You'd be upset too if you had to deal with dozens of idiots on your blog who tried to hijack every thread about the minor leagues or Batista into "Should we trade Ichiro?"

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed.
I just read their posts and scroll through the comments to see what else they have to say.  They are way more patient than I could ever be.

by Jed MC on Jun 15, 2007 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Same here
I'll scroll through the posts and read the comments by names I recognize, but that's it. Like hell I'm reading what Ichiro187Z has to say.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm similar
I never post since I don't feel like I have anything to contribute and they have enough crap to wade through. At the same time though, I find a lot of the stuff there phenomenal and try to attend any feeds possible. They just need to find a way to separate themselves from the garbage before it makes the whole site look bad.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They're trying.
But they don't know how to do it.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm not sure how possible it is
But have a pre approved posting list and everybody else that isn't on it gets put into a comment "wait list" that must be moderated before posting.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah
That's actually something they're thinking about, I believe.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, a mod queue?
I thought they had something like that already for 'problem commenters'.

If they weren't already so busy, I'd recommend moderating all comments.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yea a Mod Queue
I just had no freaking idea on how to spell Queue, so I had to come up with some other term.

    I would give a few commenters moderating positions w/o the ability to post actual stories.  Make everybody "junior members" and have them prove themselves before they are allowed to move out of the Queue.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They'd probably have to charge
to let people in if they spent even more time on the site.  

It's got to be extremely frustrating that people always are ripping on them and saying they aren't M's fans.  Why else would they go through so much effort if they didn't love the team as much - if not more - than people who read it?

by Jed MC on Jun 15, 2007 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Those accusations are ludicrous
and insulting, like if you're a fan you're not allowed to say anything critical.

C'mon, they read, write about and watch the Mariners everyday.  How they can not be huge diehard fans?

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The cult of positive people
Now, I'm not saying there are never times when being overly positive is warranted, but some people take positivity to a whole other level.

They act like if you aren't a Positive Polly just like they are, you aren't a good fan or an idiot. They want you to join their Positive Cult, or be damned to the hell of negativity.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Heh.
You think I'd have something to say about that.  

But, yeah, "Positive" can mean so many different things...

"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eh.
We already moderate all posts/comments on japanesebaseball.com.  It makes it difficult to have some discussions (as in most cases, you write a comment, it doesn't get approved for several hours, then the person you were responding to sees it, writes one, it doesn't get approved for several hours, by the time you're 2-3 exchanges into your conversation a week has passed and the pitcher you were discussing in the first place already had another start), though in some cases the moderation actually works well so that posts are mostly relevant, edited for spelling/grammar, and not ballooning out of control with quick one-line chats.

I sort of thought that maybe having some people there who would be pre-approved to comment would work too, except we have these two rabid Hanshin Tigers fans who are both knowledgeable and great guys, EXCEPT when talking to each other, then it becomes all bickering and yelling and ballooning out of control :)

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mod points and post scores.
ala slashdot.org.  The cream rises to the top; the rest you don't even see.

Of course, feasibility is certainly a question.

by oneiric232 on Jun 15, 2007 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's even getting to the point
where corcomments are fewer and farer between. I'll hijack the occasional game thread, but there's just no fun to be had anymore over there.

The comments just need to go away on that site, to be honest.

The authors are awesome though, I wish they didn't take down the beer button.

by I'm NOT Corco on Jun 15, 2007 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha
I remember when you used to absolutely comment rape game threads.

ridiculous.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Corco was crazy epic
Corco-spam was strangely hilarious.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

heheh, totally
I think the first time I met Corco in person I was like "Wait, so your middle name isn't really 'off-topic, deleted'?"

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it'd be funny
if DMZ and Corco were talking in person and in the middle of Corco making a point, DMZ would cut him off, "Uh, deleted, off-topic."

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is pretty much how I feel about USSM
"I think its just that they have become jaded"

I still really enjoy reading their posts, and I check out the comments (mostly looking for Dave's responses), but it does seem to have become a bit jaded over there.

But as someone said earlier, USSM and LL are really to dramatically different sites, even if they share some of the same members.

"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which is weird
because Dave and I have agreed that we share a brain.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I share a brain with a friend of mine.
But it's impossible to tell. I think it's less about the actual shared brain, and more about how it's plugged in!
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I share my brain with my best friend
but we couldn't be more opposite.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Totally.
And I can definitely verify this. You guys so share a brain on so many different ways, yet you two are so incredibly different at the same time.  

Huh.  

"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That Bloomquist article is pretty sad
And not just because of his dad.

It's that hard-headedness that still doesn't allow Willie to accept his role as a utility player.

"It eats me alive," Willie said.

Does it really bother him that much? I've always thought of Willie's desire to play full time as being being pretty normal. We all like promotions and we'd all like more recognition for the work we do. But if really eats him alive, and causes him that much grief, that's worrisome.

You ain't ever going to be a regular, Champ.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 3:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

70's night
In Houston does that me we'll get a lot of funk?

by InSpokane on Jun 15, 2007 4:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Uh ohs
Are we gonna see some rainbow orange Astros unis?

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That would rule.
But somehow I doubt it.

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm
home early from work and I saw their FSN people in affros and dumb glasses

by InSpokane on Jun 15, 2007 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nuisance? He's a savior!
A savior to those of who were stupid enough not to trade Ian Kinsler before he faded into oblivion.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

so is
willie playing 3rd base

by InSpokane on Jun 15, 2007 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doubleplay twins
My favorite commercial

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 4:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

necessary
your_words_beltre_you: my commercial is about me looking at jose lopez and yuniesky betancourt like they are a couple of god damned retards

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another impossible to predict Ichiro question
Looking at the current all-time active hit leaders, does Ichiro make 3,000 before he hangs it up?

I'd say if he plays until he's 40 years old he will make it. I'd say if he reaches 3,000 he's a lock for the HoF. Probably even if he just gets 2,500.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 4:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ichiro is a hall of famer right now
If he gets 3,000, then you start mentioning in the same breath as Rose and Cobb.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Think they'd put him in right now?
I'm not sure if he's logged enough major league time yet. Should that be a criteria? It depends. In Ichiro's case I would certainly elect him if he decided to retire today. He's the most amazing lead off hitter I've ever seen.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, he's already there.
He's a pioneer. The first Japanese position player to come over from Japan. He's the single season hit king, he's one of the best defensive outfielders of all time. And I haven't even mentioned his lifetime batting average.

He's a hall of famer.

He's got 1445 hits. So he's about halfway there. But he does have 2723 hits if you include his Japan numbers.

Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well
Are you counting Japan numbers?  He's already up to something like 2600-2700 combined...

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That could end up being a huge debate
when he retires and becomes elligible for the HOF. Do they take the Japan numbers into account? Or only his MLB numbers?
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ten years ago, the answer would've been hell no
as the idea was that Japan was a glorified AAA level league.  But lately, as we've seen more players come over and compete well, and after Japan's win in the 2006 WBC, the mainstream now has to wonder about the quality of the Japanese leagues.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Would I? Yes
Would MLB? I'm not so sure they would honor his hits in Japan. I would like to think they would at least take it into consideration.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They already have.
He was inducted into the Meikyukai (the "golden players club", which isn't the HOF because people get in it just by reaching milestones rather than being voted in) a while ago when he reached 2000 combined NPB/MLB hits.  Hideki Matsui just reached that milestone this year a few weeks ago, and Masaichi Kaneda came to NYC to induct him.  It was before a Mariners game, even, I believe.

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh, thanks grammar
You mean, would MLB honor Japanese hits, not would the people in Japan honor his hits.  (reread the sentence differently -- "In Japan, would they honor his hits?", not "would MLB honor the hits he acquired in Japan?"

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's OK
You're right it wasn't what I meant, but I wasn't aware of the award Ichiro received. So no worries!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They wouldn't honor them
But they would recognize them, sorta like the Negro leagues.

by Robert on Jun 15, 2007 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who is Wandy Rodriguez
And does he throw strikes?

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 4:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Last season
He K's 16.0% of opposing batters, walking 10.3%, and hitting 1.0%.

He also kept the ball on the ground pretty well.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Almost a K per inning this year
Few walks too.  He's normally bad but he's taken a step forward this season... either that or doing his Meche impression.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey
It's Ron Fairly.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh shit it's Red!
The other red!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yikes!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why arent our announcers dressed up
Dave, Dave, and Blowers all in disco gear.  Picture that

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

WE WANT THE FUNK
THIS IS NOT WHAT WE MEANT

by Deanna on Jun 15, 2007 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh god, the old MLB.tv commercial is back
with the Yankee cup and White sox glass.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

good point
im just worried Dick's sporting goods is going to be back soon.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I get to watch the Astros feed
on MLB: EI

They are funkalicious.

Apparently, the word of the night is "Funk"

so we are shoo-ins to win.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 5:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Funk you guys, I'm goin' home....
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get the funk... outta my face
GET
THE
FUNK
OUTTA MY FACE

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Weird music.
Should I be watching baseball or having sex?

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Tough call!
Could you get away with doing both?
"I tried Skittlebrau once. Don't repeat my mistake."

by Thingray on Jun 15, 2007 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Ron Fairly drinking game resurrected
Take a drink everytime Red says anything extremely obvious.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

First time I've heard of that
Unless I was too drunk to remember when I was playing.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yay Red the Elder!
As much as I love to hate him, I also hate to love him, too.  So, well, there.

And, no, King Obvious, the Red, Felix does NOT need to be more aggressive against this 'weak' offense.  As has been shown time and time again, even weak, borderline MLBers can hit Felix's fastball...

And, no, Mr. Brillkreme Kreuger, Felix shouldn't necessarily cut down his repertoire to three pitches.  He needs to change it, however, to focus on three pitches: curveball, 2-seamer, change.  The 4-seamer is the last pitch he should throw...

"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 5:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Lopez
Good hitter.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

WTF?
"When men were men and mosquitoes bit those men."
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow
I didn't realize Guillen's OPS against lefties was so great.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Craig Biggio
I throw harder than that with my right arm.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was about to say the same
that was a terrible throw.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

BB rates for this series.
2.35 for Wandy Rodriguez, 2.88 for Woody Williams, 3.06 for Oswalt.  Bodes well, but that doesn't always mean anything.

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 5:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Playing the Cubs
is supposed to bode well for a team, too.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I miss Beltre.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ejected.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Willie
Not Adrian Beltre.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I dont hate the fastballs
but I hate when he is 0-2 and throws one...

CURVE ASSHOLE.

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

or change or slider
or in the dirt

Just something different

Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Beltre makes that play
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Cool
Thanks, Hunter Pence.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No sir, I don't like it
Felix starts just don't feel special anymore.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I still mark them down on my calendars
Gotta have something to look forward to as Mariner fans I suppose.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Threat negated.
Houston Astros coming up to bat.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

1st pitch DP
Good Felix day?

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ron Fairly
Preaching patience.

(GASP) Ichiro missed!?

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I forgive you Ichiro!
I'd rather not have you crashing into walls anyway.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ichiro
not used to this field
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That ball was smoked
I can't believe Ichiro got a glove to that

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

dammit
right in the glove... not easy, but still

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 5:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Damnit.
Play defense 4 Felix.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 5:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

NAILED!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

holy fastballs, batman
how does nobody in the org. notice how retarded this is?

ICHIIIROOOOOOOO

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow
Berkman is slower than Vidro
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow.
IchiROOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOO!
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank God.
More Bad Felix! Yay!

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ichiro makes up for not catching that.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ICHIRO!!!!!
Haha, you motherfuckers should know better than that.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ok, that was cool
I didn't see it, but im sure it was another fastball.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Actually I think it wasn't. The double was though.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Berkman
What a stupid, stupid man.

A smoking single into center field on a fast turf, and you try to score from 2nd?

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Felix out of the first without a run.
Good.  It's usually the first that's all fastballs, so maybe we've escaped?

By the way.  ICHIRO!!!!

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 5:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Did anybody see Dave's notes
over on USSM about Felix?

"I mentioned that Dan Fox was doing some really cool work with the advanced gameday data from MLB.com, and that he was going to have some great stuff about Felix shortly. The article I was referring to was published at BP yesterday. If you're a subscriber, it's required reading. If you're not, here's the basic summary - everything we've said in the Charting Felix series is demonstrably true, and Felix's velocity and movement is significantly down from his opening day start against the A's. The pitches just aren't breaking like they did in his first start, and he's not throwing as hard. It's something to be concerned about, honestly."

by Happybelly on Jun 15, 2007 5:18 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

he is throwing around 97
how is he not throwing as hard
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK so now you've established your fastball Felix
Move onto other pitches with less suck, please.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Uh Ron
that ball didn't bounce
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fastballs--
We all know his is Felix's problem.  Saying this doesn't help anymore (though I'll still do it anyway), so why do you think the organization doesn't know?  Or do you think they just know, and are too stubborn to admit it's the wrong idea, so they continually tell him to pipe fastballs?

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 5:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think they
leave it to Chavez to manage pitchers. And Chavez is an idiot.

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm convinced that we'll see fastballs
for the rest of the year, and that they won't change Felix's approach until the start of next season.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Minus Felix
Chavez has done a pretty good job with everybody else
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I could've sworn
they moved that fucking flagpole out of play.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

oh boo hoo
All these players at some point have played on some ghetto ass field. The flag pole is fine besides its not often your going to catch a ball thats hit 430 ft
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It would be fine if it was a softball field
But its a major league field. Why have that crap on it? Move it another two feet to the other side of the wall.

by Ben in Va on Jun 15, 2007 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Its MLB its entertainment
the flag pole and hill is entertaining. Its a salute to retro fields
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

According to Dave:
"If you're wondering, that was 7 straight fastballs to start the game, and a slider on the eighth pitch. That's the exact same way he started last game."
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow
If we see the same pattern next start, somebody needs to be fired. Establishing a pattern like that is inexcusable.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

70's day in Houston
And Richie does well? Shocker.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 5:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ok, seriously
How about not-fastballs?

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

FINALLY!!..a non-fastball!
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Breaking ball=K?
The hell you say!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

nasty, throw that more
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Guess what pitch that was?
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Well
That sucked.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

God I hate you Ibanez (in the field)
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You know who would have caught that?
Adam Jones.
"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by ConorGlassey on Jun 15, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ugh
mediocre Felix again.

by bluemax on Jun 15, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

fuck...
this team sucks, how do they score???

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 5:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That's it. Until you quit doing this stupid shit
your not the King anymore.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fastball?
Up yours, Hernandez.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

WHY THE FUCK
ARE YOU STARTING AUSMUS OFF WITH A SLIDER AND THEN THROWING FASTBALLS TO PEOPLE WHO CAN HIT THEM JESUS CHRIST.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

stop throwing your fastball
I'm getting tired of you Felix.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Curveball=K
HOW DO YOU NOT SEE THIS!!!???
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh look
A curveball K.

Can you keep doing that for 6 more innings?

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ok.
you throw your breaking stuff to Ausmus???
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey, Felix!
I'm gonna drop your sorry ass from my fantasy team if you don't start using your breaking stuff like that on 0-2 pitches.  See, it can work.  
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 5:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That was
A big hanging curve though, but hey better than a centred fastball that theyre sitting on.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hmm
Well it did drop a lot, but it kinda started above the guys head, just very unusual.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Was just high
As far as I'm aware, hanging breaking balls don't really break but spin around in the air, presenting a nice fat target.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

makes sense
hanger was definitely the wrong word.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You can throw fastballs to this guy
if you want, but no one else!

by Zack on Jun 15, 2007 5:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It's the pitcher Felix. Don't take that as a sign
that your fastball needs to be thrown more.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Willie up, 1 down
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:34 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Felix will coast until the 6th now
Then he'll probably start throwing his fastball 90% of the time again. It's just how he works. What a weirdo.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 5:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

New shirt design
Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What is that font called?
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dirty Ego
you can get it here for free plus some other really cool fonts

http://www.misprintedtype.com/v3/fonts.php

Shop smart......Shop s-mart...... YOU GOT THAT!!!!

by Scruffy Lefty on Jun 15, 2007 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Aim for the porch Willie.
It's the only chance you'll have at a homer this year.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I wandered away from my television
and returned to see that Houston scored a run. I have a strange feeling that I know what pitch led to the hit that led to the run.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:37 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Carlos Delgado
.224/.293/.404    

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:37 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

2007-The Year Veterans fell of a cliff.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Richie Sexson
.196  .289  .393

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

interesting tidbit
Richie Sexson's baseball ref page can be sponsered for $60. Whereas Carlos Delgados page is sponsered by the one and only(!!!!)...... Posse N Effect: NYC's Beastie Boys Tribute Band. So random.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pop Quiz, Felix
What pitch did Wandy strike you out on?

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Am I wrong in my assessment?
9 hitters.  3 have been thrown breaking balls, 3 have struck out.  5 have been thrown only fastballs, 5 have gotten hits.  1 was thrown only fastballs and grounded into a double play.

by Fuckmikereilly on Jun 15, 2007 5:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

3 sliders, 3 curves, 1 change
The rest have been fastballs.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

On the bright side
Felix's pitch count is looking pretty good.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fairly calling for a breaking ball.
Good man.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I wish I had the M's broadcast
I <3 Ron Fairly, because otherwise I'll forget that a pitcher needs to keep the ball down.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Offspeed = swinging strike
Can we just stop talking about this and start seeing it more?

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Betancourt!
Most inconsistent infielder ever!

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 5:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

New conspiracy theory:
The M's are just trying to save money in arbitration by making Felix look suckier.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

0-2 Fastball
unless he throws something else 96.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Did Garner
just make a not-so-subtle reference to a personal history of drugs and sex?

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What did he say?
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They were talking to him about
what he remembers from the 70's. He said (paraphrased) "I remember the hair, the bellbottom pants, the...well, we'll leave it at that."

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he was
asked what he remembers when he thinks about the seventies:

"uh... bellbottom pants and... uh... big hair... and.... we'll leave it at that"

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fairly talking about Felix using the fastball alot
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

We miss you Ron Fairly
Even he is pointing out that Felix is relying on the fastball.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

THROW ANOTHER ONE LIKE THAT!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Curveball, swinging strike
I'm going to keep pointing this out until you get it, kid.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If you needed proof that everybody is sitting
fastball, just look at that swing Lee had on that curve.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I dont mind him
Throwing the fastball just off the outside corner at the knees like that. :O

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Two-strike fastball.
Felix Day is the worst day.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He gets him 0-2
and throws three straight fastballs.  Good location, though, I guess

by Zack on Jun 15, 2007 5:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

New T-Shirt design...

Maybe Old Red does have a point -- he doesn't have command of his off-speed stuff, so he's reverting to the fastball.

"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 5:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Historically
He's had much better command of his changeup and curve than the fastball.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always think
He has MORE control of his offspeed stuff, particularly the slider.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Felix needs to follow Baek around
LEARN FROM CHA FELIX
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

re: Felix's command
Is he just as inconsistent with the breaking stuff, it's just he doesn't need pin point accuracy because it moves so damn much?

by sammy on Jun 15, 2007 5:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This game is not making me happy
Maybe I'll go record shopping tonight.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

about 15 feet to the left Jose.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

dammit Jose!
just 10 ft. to the left!
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fairly
"You can always tell when you don't have a good at bat.  When you hit it, three guys call for it."

Please come back, Fairly.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He sucked as an everyday guy.
As soon as he announced his impending departure, though, he started letting loose.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Craig Biggio is very weird to watch.
He plays defense like a Little Leaguer who's just learning the fundamentals.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You know who would have gotten a hit there?
Adam Jones.
"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by ConorGlassey on Jun 15, 2007 5:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Detroit up 7-3 in the 6th.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

good swing Raul
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

They're tired.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is pathetic.
Stop swinging like mad and draw some fucking walks.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 5:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Funny thing is that they tend to alternate
Some games they draw 6 walks, and then they go two games without drawing any. I'm not sure what to make of that.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Even when they draw a ton of walks
a more disciplined lineup usually would've drawn more. This just is not a patient batting order, and it never will be.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh and the answer is Jose Cruz jr
for the Astros announcers.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh Ron Fairly
How Ive missed you

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 5:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Well
Dave @ USSM did say don't be surprised if this Wandy guy shuts us down.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 5:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hm
This game is reminding me a lot of Jason Jenning's game against us around this time last year.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sorry, Fogg
Jennings was just making a lot more sense in my mind. I was having trouble accepting that Josh Fogg of all people could do that to us.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

lol
spike owen

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 5:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Where was that?
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No he hasn't.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Gritty putout
He made sure yuni wouldnt botch that throw

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 5:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Willie=ball Hog
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Heh.
Even Willie knows not to let YuBet try throwing.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

First pitch changeup. There yeah go.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ok Felix take note...
THEY CANT HIT THE CURVE

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

As a slight aside
Anybody know why mlb.com Gameday isn't displaying pitch info like usual (Speed, break, etc.)? All I'm seeing is location.

by tootthekazoo on Jun 15, 2007 6:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Its
not in all ballparks

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh dear god
70s night, what the hell

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

"Hargrove has a pretty good rotation..."
Another clueless announcer tandem, I see.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What?
On his tire? rimshot

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's a fine rotation
Putz - Sherrill - Morrow - Reitsma - O'Flaherty

That can't be beat.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ugh
watching Felix is so frustrating.

by anky on Jun 15, 2007 6:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Holy crap
Did anyone else see Felix's snot rocket? Impressive...
"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by ConorGlassey on Jun 15, 2007 6:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ughhh
this is stupid

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

that was an annoying AB
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:03 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ok, go back to the 70's stuff
im sick of Felix
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Thank you Ron
finally someone who gets it

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fairly preaching what we're preaching.
Good man.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Lopez to Felix
"Throw that bendy thing"

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ok Felix it's Brad Ausmus
just underhand it
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fairly
"Right now, looks like all the Astros hitters are sitting on the fastball"

(Submitted without comment)

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fairly with good observations
I like this Fairly!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Felix day doesn't do it for me anymore
Patron reposado on the other hand...........

by Susheel Ramasahayam on Jun 15, 2007 6:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ron Fairly gets it
EVEN RON FUCKING FAIRLY GETS IT FELIX! WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM!!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ron Fairly is the master of the obvious.
Ron Fairly is pointing out the fastball issue.

Somebody please make sense of this for me.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think I'm gonna skip the next Felix day.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey Felix
You deserve to lose this game.

by Katal LM on Jun 15, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

and...
fuck.
"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by ConorGlassey on Jun 15, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I fucking hate this sport
Why am I so goddamn addicted to something which causes me so much pain?

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe...
you should be a Yankee fan!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe
You should shut the fuck up and die a painful death.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

3 feet to the right, and thats a DP
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It's an abusive relationship. But we keep coming
back.

I...uh...bumped into a door....and uh...fell down the stairs.

Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Combine Cha's pitch selection with Felix's talent
and you have the ultimate pitcher.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It always amazes me to see
Major League hitters who don't know how to bunt.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

thanks Wandy
now go get a new name.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Big-gi-o!
sounds like Ich-i-ro!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:10 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

what are those girls gonna do
when they again have to change the # of hits...

5 to 6 is easy, but 6 to 7 is tricky

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

30 Pitches?!?!?
Kiss the bullpen goodbye again

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nah. Fierabend can pitch 6-7 innings today if he
has to.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

2 runs in 4 innings against this lineup
is like seven in two against anyone else.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hey
We have 5 hits since yesterday.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

woooo!!11!1!1
and we've only given up 20

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

These announcers are just throwing out cliches
the book on Sexson has never been to pound him inside. He has a very quick, compact swing.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Well...
At least Wandy is consistent, 12 or 13 pitches per innings.  How bout we make him work

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

YES A CRAZY MARINER FAN!
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I hate regression.
Regression never works in our favor. All it does is make our hitters suck and Weaver look decent.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Dave on USSM:
"Okay, so, without freaking anyone out, because I'm just speculating here, I'm worried about Felix's arm.

The four seam fastball is 94-96. He's topped out at 97 once, but the velocity is clearly down. The two-seamer is 91-94. The slider is 88-90 and has no bite to it. He can't get the change-up down in the zone, and he's thrown that mysterious meatball pitch that Sledge hammered last game a couple of times.

The stuff is still way better than an average pitcher, but it's not as good as we're used to seeing Felix's stuff be. And he's not getting anything extra on his stuff when he needs to, so I'm not buying the coasting argument tonight. He got Luke Scott 0-2 and couldn't put him away.

If he's pitching through pain and hurts his arm, we're screwed. And this version of Felix isn't that great anyways."

by Happybelly on Jun 15, 2007 6:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Time to go back to the sinking ship!
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking about it too.
When Felix had bad pitch selection all year in 2006, he still looked awesome for most of the innings and awful in select at bats. Right now he just looks consistently mediocre, with the occasional good at bat mixed in for variety.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Night dudes
Felix Hernandez is no longer an excuse for me to stay up past 2AM. This depresses me.

by Graham on Jun 15, 2007 6:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Barry Zito
that deal is really working out well.

I feel bad for the next Giants GM, there are a lot of fat(bad) contracts on that team.

RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Back to back changeups=hitter has no chance
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Why does Felix look so, so good one AB
then like shit the next at bat

by anky on Jun 15, 2007 6:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fairly for Pitching Coach
Or 3rd String Felix Catcher...
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 6:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

NO FASTBALL
NO HIT FOR YOUUUU

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 6:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

curveball=K
fairly simple equation

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He threw like 3 fastballs that inning.
silly looking K, easy groundout, silly looking K.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Well Felix owned ass there
Freakin Felix!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

And I have to go.
Please have more innings like that Felix.
Protect the enviroment, or I'll FUCKING KILL YOU! CAPTAAAAAIIIINNNN PLANNNNET! ~Ted Turner

by Goose on Jun 15, 2007 6:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

K on the fastball
key point: the fastball was out of the zone and it had some nice movement.

Best inning so far, easily.

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 6:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

you see that inning Felix??
do that again...and again...and again.
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Stupid California...
and their not having M's games on FSN.  Stupid angels.

by SethGrandpa on Jun 15, 2007 6:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

HOLY SHIT
BLOOMQUIST????????????????????????????????????????? OH MY FUCKING GOD!@!!!!!

by anky on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Holy crap.
INSIDE THE PARK INTANGIBLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What the fuck?
OH MY GOD AN INSIDE THE PARK HOMERUN

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

MY COMPUTER EXPLODES
WHEN WILLIE DOES THAT

by PShwa on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

12 more outs to go
sigh! I guess 2 straight days of edge-of-the-seat excitement was way too much for these guys.
Go Willie!!!!

by Susheel Ramasahayam on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

HOLY SHIT!!
HOLY SHIT!!

MOST EXCITING PLAY IN BASEBALL!!

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

INSIDE THE PARK!
WFB gets his annual dinger!
Felix, you magnificent bastard.

by Double06 on Jun 15, 2007 6:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

How the hell did the ball get that far?
That looked like a goddamn pop-up.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Willie!!!!!!!!!!!!
that was awesome.  and hilarious

by Zack on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRIT!!!!!!!!!!!!
IN THE PARK HR WILLIE BOOM BOOM

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

WILLLIIIEEEE!!!!
WTF!
This is me not lurking.

by PhilKenSebben on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow
That was the most extremely boring to exciting out of nowhere event of the year.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That's about the only way
Willie can get a homer, nice to be on the board though!

by bluemax on Jun 15, 2007 6:26 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

MVP
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

NUMBER 5 BABY!!!!
one HR for every year you have been in the majors

by mark s on Jun 15, 2007 6:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

BABIP for Felix
8 hits in 17 balls in play = .470

So as bad as felix has kinda been, hes been so friggin unlucky.

PS WILLIE BOOM BOOM!!!

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 6:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That ball was hit pretty well, too
Does that go out in a non-fucked up ballpark?

by Zack on Jun 15, 2007 6:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Disco Willie! It's his night.
Funk inside the park homerun.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 6:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

11-game hitting streak now.
Can anyone say 3rd batting title?
Felix, you magnificent bastard.

by Double06 on Jun 15, 2007 6:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I think the most famous inside the park
HR in Mariner history was Luis Sojo's in the 1995 1 game playoff...

by anky on Jun 15, 2007 6:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Highlight of the game
It doesnt matter if we win now.  Willie hit his annual HR

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Actually, for as much shit as we've given him.
The Texas Leaguer is not Willie's Funk Blast.  That is.

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 6:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Now I'm even more pissed...
Willie B better be on Sportcenter cause I want to see this.  All I see is it typed up.  I REFUSE to believe it until I see it.  Can you blame me?

by SethGrandpa on Jun 15, 2007 6:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hahaha
Jeter is not a top defensive SS.

by bluemax on Jun 15, 2007 6:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Actually he's the worst...
Statistics bare it out.  He's the worst of his era.  But he makes a couple crazy good plays that are shown a billion times (EAST COAST BIAS).  Actually he's the proof the Gold Gloves are meaningless, they're given almost entirely on rep.

by SethGrandpa on Jun 15, 2007 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ugh... fucking idiot announcers
DEREK JETER IS NOT A TOP DEFENSIVE SHORTSTOP

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

God the Astros play by play guy is stupid
Jeter and Young are what comes to mind when talking about good defensive shortstops, yeah

by Zack on Jun 15, 2007 6:31 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Guillen pisses me off.
He just can't get around on those inside fastballs quick enough.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

going into today Willie Boom-Boom line was
.239 .292 .269
I bet that HR just got his Slugging over his OBP.

by mark s on Jun 15, 2007 6:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Uhhh Fairly
We're still down 1 buddy

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Okay, I just figured it out.
You diss'd his dad, Jeff.  You flat out diss'd 'im.  

WFB says "F-you, Jeff!" in his own way...

"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 6:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

So what you're saying is
I should insult his pappy more often.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If it gets the job done
Do it again before his next AB and we'll see what happens

by cougfan on Jun 15, 2007 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good thinking Willie
Let YuBet take 'em.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Mike Fucking Lamb?
Felix, you are horrendous sometimes.

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

well, it wasn't a fastball
it was a hanging something
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

On a curveball, too.
That just came out of nowhere.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Didnt
Look like a bad pitch :(

by Dan on Jun 15, 2007 6:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

How about Felix pulls a Brandon Webb
And ditches the four seamer completely, working only with a two seamer and secondary stuff?

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 6:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

As much as I'd hate for him to do that
It would be a better approach than what he's doing right now. I'm afraid the madness will only end when Felix actually learns to locate the four-seamer down in the zone, which is infuriating because we all know he can flat out dominate by just throwing less of the four-seamer.
Felix, you magnificent bastard.

by Double06 on Jun 15, 2007 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

God dammit, Felix
You're making me start drinking earlier than I had intended to tonight.

by The Beer Baron on Jun 15, 2007 6:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Jason Davis
I don't think this is going to get any better.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 6:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

So, lose this game and we got
L1 = Betancourt
L2 = Morrow
L3 = Felix

Wonderful.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Gunned him down!
Kenji does that better than I've ever seen. They won't make that mistake twice.
Felix, you magnificent bastard.

by Double06 on Jun 15, 2007 6:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No fastballs, you fucking moron.
It's so fucking simple, why don't the Mariners see it as a problem?

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 6:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

dammit Felix, you gave up 12 hits
1/3 of them to Biggio and freakin Ausmus!!

Retire...and them come back pitching like you did in April.

RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Red with another observation relevant to LL
Hmm, is Red an LL regular?

by TheMarinator on Jun 15, 2007 6:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm glad I saw Felix in Boston.
It might end up being the highlight of his career.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:45 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That's a bit irrational.
Yeah, he's throwing like an idiot right now, but he's only 21.  He's not Gil Meche yet.  He's got four years before he's in Gil Meche territory.

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm never rational on Felix Day.
Although in all fairness, it was a freaking incredible start.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I have to agree with that.
Though I wouldn't be surprised if there were some better outings in Felix's arm.

That being said, untill a few of those good outings occur, I'm not going to be wearing my Felix jersey to Safeco, or in public for that matter.

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Raul
...the hell are you swinging at?

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i wish this dude
would get Raul's last name right for once... its annoying

by thenatural on Jun 15, 2007 6:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yea, Sexson
Let's end this game quickly.

by ThundaPC on Jun 15, 2007 6:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This is sad.
Here comes the part where Oakland passes us.

by JLC on Jun 15, 2007 6:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Our cleanup hitter can't hit lefties.
It's funny how a few bad games reminds me how many holes this team has.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Houston
Ranks 14/16 in the NL for runs scored, and 11th for team OPS.

by The Beer Baron on Jun 15, 2007 6:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Richie throws in the towel
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Guys, I hate to say this, but the P-Word . . .
Guys the P-Word is going to come back with regards to Felix - Potential.

For whatever reason, he's not right.  Maybe he's afraid of hurting himself again, I don't know, but there should have been a lot more progress made over this time.

Go Fo Broke!

by eknpdx on Jun 15, 2007 6:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This is thoroughly embarrassing.
I never thought I'd be so disappointed by Felix, so angry, and so mad that I wasted time watching an abortion of a game like this.

by BrettJMiller on Jun 15, 2007 6:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wandy'd
RAUUUUL, one U for every homer!

by MFAN on Jun 15, 2007 6:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't think I'd find anything.
If anything's different, it's almost certainly something subtle with his arm that I wouldn't be able to see on screenshots.

Oh, and, y'know, all the bad pitch selection. Don't need video to see that.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe, but,
Instead of the mechanics and form, how's about a comparison on the break, bite, and movement on his pitches?  I'm just not seeing it.
Go Fo Broke!

by eknpdx on Jun 15, 2007 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that's better suited for Enhanced Gameday
that'd be really really tough to cull together with screenshots, given how quickly pitches get to the plate and how difficult it is to freeze the video exactly when you want.

Felix's stuff tonight was as bad as it's been all year, though. That much is certain.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmmmmm
I see the difficulty of the task that you are talking about.

I was just thinking if we could look at the Boston tape, and then see how his breaking balls and FB compare now.

I'm just not seeing the movement.

I'm starting to wonder if there might be a nerve problem in his hand.

Go Fo Broke!

by eknpdx on Jun 15, 2007 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

One angle I've seen that seems believable
is that Felix is afraid to go 100% in fear of re-injuring himself.

Another is that he's still in pain, but I don't want to think about that one.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm.
Are those mutually exclusive?  They sound more recursive to me...
"But when you throw the other ones a foot and a half out of the strike zone, they don't give you those." --Brandon Morrow

by PositivePaul on Jun 15, 2007 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well
either he's not in pain but afraid to re-injure himself, or he is in pain and afraid to make it worse. Because right now his stuff just isn't as good as we've seen.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looks like his pitches are breaking fine
He's just not locating them as well.  And then, yeah, the fastballs.

by Gomez on Jun 15, 2007 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, about that...
Was that an 0-2 fastball he threw Lamb? I didn't give that pitch my full attention.

by JamelahK on Jun 15, 2007 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wasn't a fastball
I'm not really sure what it was, really. Could've been a flat changeup.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jun 15, 2007 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hahaha
I always expect to see Johjima change gears when he's running the bases, I don't know why, because I'm always left thinking "Is that it?!"

by JamelahK on Jun 15, 2007 6:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs