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Open WBC Korea vs. Japan Finals Thread

Exxod_-_master_of_the_guard_tiny by ThundaPC on Comment 1418 comments


========================= Schedule ===========================

Monday 3/23
06:00pm PDT --- The Finals                                   [ESPN]

============================================================

Korea's Starter: Jung Keun Bong

Simply put, Korea left-hander Jung Keun Bong has been dominant against Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Bong has already twice defeated Japan, while posting a 0.84 ERA in 10 2/3 innings along with three strikeouts and just six hits allowed.

"Korean players and Japanese players are excellent," said Shin-Soo Choo, who also plays for the Indians. "There is little difference between the two."


Japan's Starter: Hisashi Iwakuma

Japan will send right-handed pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma to the mound. Iwakuma is 1-1 with a 0.73 ERA in 12 1/3 innings in three Classic games this year. Korea will counter with Jung Keun Bong, a one-time Major League pitcher and winner of 11 games last season in Korea. Bong is 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA in 13 2/3 innings in three Classic appearances this year, with both wins coming against Japan.

"It's the game of the century," Japan manager Tatsunori Hara said. "Japan would like, as any team, to do the best we can. In terms of strategy in the game, that's something you can observe [Monday] when we play."

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This would be so much more interesting if it was held in Asia.

I was at Shea for the Felix-Slam!
Personal M's record: 5-4.

by EnglishMariner on Mar 23, 2009 3:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I agree, but

as far as US locations go, you can’t get much better wrt the local Asian population than Los Angeles. To me, the Korean and Japanese fans are the one redeeming quality from this whole tourney. Well, them and the Dutch team.

by sammy on Mar 23, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who was that lefty that tossed for Japan yesterday?

wearing #47. He threw EXACTLY like Tom Glavine

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 3:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yes, that was him

anyone else know anything about him besides the fact that he throws just like Tom Glavine?

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Softbank Ace

Was on the roster last time too.

2008 Strikeout king for the Pacific League.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't wait to see

The rebel South Koreans overthrow those imperial scumbags. Anyone else have a rooting interest?

by sammy on Mar 23, 2009 3:52 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I have an LG phone so I'll root for Korea

but in all honesty I have no real rooting interest – I just love watching games where I don’t care who wins, because I can focus more on the overall goodness of the game rather than bemoaning what the opponent is doing and stressing about what my team is not doing.

Nice Guys Finish Third - Hopelessly lost, but makin' good time.

by pdb on Mar 23, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My wife was born in Seoul,

so “Dae han min kuk!”

by Sec 108 on Mar 23, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Shin-Soo Choo agrees with you.

“Korean players and Japanese players are excellent,” said Shin-Soo Choo, who also plays for the Indians. “There is little difference between the two.”

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Mar 23, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

I am sure you could at least use hair color to tell us apart.

by Fin on Mar 23, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dave Chappelle's routine on this is classic.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's the one.

Quite enjoyable.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I live about 10min from dodger stadium.

And the weather’s cleared up, the sun’s out… I think I’ll go to the game

by sammy on Mar 23, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wait until the 5th inning.

If the game is interesting, go watch for free.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I kind of like that this turns out to be the fifth game of a bizarre best-of-5 series...

…which is tied 2-2 so far in the WBC. A little more variety in the WBC matchups might be nice, but rivalries are fun, too.

by ubelmann on Mar 23, 2009 4:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Question:

[and sorry if this has been brought up before]

Which, if any, of the players from these two teams can we expect to see make the jump to the majors. It seems that with a lot of FOs rediscovering the value of defense it’d only be natural for some teams to be pretty interested in the position players. I certainly wouldn’t be averse to signing that slap-hitting Japanese SS/3B with the supposedly amazing glove.

by sammy on Mar 23, 2009 5:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

A lot of players are already in different farm systems.

And the ones who are not, need to be posted. Front offices across the league are doing all they can to get the good players over here. As for which ones who are in the minors already, I am not sure who could be expected to make the big leagues.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fat chance signing Japanese players...

They’re indentured for 6~8 years. Koreans, less so, but their weakness is poor advanced hitting skills.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's this dude Japan has in the outfield.

His name’s Ichiro or something like that. I hear he’s got mad skillz.

Throw the snacks in the bag and I'm ghost like Swayze!
Preserved In All His Greatness - R.I.P. The Reignman 1989 to 1997

by JLProck on Mar 23, 2009 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here we go!

Battlestations!

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 6:34 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

yikes

more or less defensible than starting The Buffet over the King?

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Definitely more

batting orders don’t matter nearly as much as having an elite starting pitcher going versus a poor one

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed. Don't know what I was thinking.

I think the pure shock of seeing Joh as cleanup sent me into my baseball mindset of 2 years ago.

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ICHIRO

Starts it off with a hit.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 6:40 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Is Nakajima a potential posting guy?

he’s 28, supposedly a great shortstop and a ~.400 OBP guy

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 6:44 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He's 26.

Profiles pretty much like Kazuo Matsui. Plays same position and team and stadium too.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, more like.

I wouldn’t want him on my team after Matsui bombing it.

Seibu Dome is a bandbox and the precedent is awful. He’s also a meh!~average defender.

Kawasaki and Nishioka are both better shortstops with better games that would work well in America.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It better be a fucking big space rock or robots or something.

Godzilla? Naw, keep on baseballin’

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha way late.

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Mar 23, 2009 6:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Totally a strike...?

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 6:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Iwakuma

Off to a good start.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 6:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

How about Alex Cora?

I hear he is extremely knowledgable about baseball.

by msb on Mar 23, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kurihara?!

That’s like playing Longoria, but after a 15 hour flight instead of a cross country trip.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 7:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Playing Iwamura against Bong is beyond retarded...

When you have like 3 right-handed hitters on the bench, of which like 2 have better gloves.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 7:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Uh, Joe?

Nolan Ryan didn’t throw strikes

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 7:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Noooooooo.

Not the news.

I hate Japan.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 7:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice grab Ichiro!

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Mar 23, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

My stars.

This is like the World’s Biggest Suckfest Commercials Classic.

by royalcurve on Mar 23, 2009 7:21 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I that Hate Pedroia dude

Passionately. I never had anything much against him until I saw that commercial every half inning last game.

by Decatur on Mar 23, 2009 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I read it, then I re-read it.

Then I read my post to see if he was making fun of mine. Then I read his again, then mine again. Then I read his once more, and finally, chuckled mildly.

Paranoia ruins lots of good humor opportunities.

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The first time I saw that commerical I enjoyed.

I havent enjoyed it the last few thousand times.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This comment made me realize he's still talking.

Seligs like a crochidy Grandpa you can put in a chair in the corner and he’ll entertain himself.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

One trick is to tell em stories that don’t go anywhere -

like the time I caught the ferry over to Shelbyville. I needed a new heel for my shoe, so, I decided to go to Morganville, which is what they called Shelbyville in those days. So I tied an onion to my belt, which was the style at the time. Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on ’em. Give me five bees for a quarter, you’d say. Now where were we? Oh yeah — the important thing was that I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didn’t have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones…

angels fan in seattle

by Eyebrows on Mar 23, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Come on Joh!

AHHH he’s bunting

by Decatur on Mar 23, 2009 7:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Joe Morgan hates Evan Longoria.

This only confirms Evan is awesome.

by R.J. Anderson on Mar 23, 2009 7:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuck that!

What hell is Michael Jackson doing at this game?!

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just switched to a korean online feed

the ads are awesome. No rum, no insurance, no hair dye. Actually, they might be selling all of those things. Who knows. Also, the announcers are making more sense than Morgan was.

by Bearskin Rugburn on Mar 23, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hard to say

it’s very abstract. They’ve got some crazy tv shows they’re advertising though. Seems like a cross between CSI and lord of the Rings

by Bearskin Rugburn on Mar 23, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

8 baserunners and only one run...

Ichiro must be confused that he’s not wearing his M’s uniform

by StuHamm on Mar 23, 2009 7:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

According to the guy in the ExtenZe commercial

They’ve sold billions of pills to millions of guys all over the world. That means that each guy had to buy about 1,000 pills.

I think I may have to call bullshit on this one.

by JLC on Mar 23, 2009 7:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah it was through his blog.

Heres the link I failed to provide earlier:

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah.

Im hanging my head in shame. I click link and click new window then its blank. Last try: Please work even thought it wont be funny anymore.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've seen Iwakuma before...

Mostly before he got injured, but he’s better now than before.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 7:54 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow... 5 grounders, 2 flies so far...

And hits the glove every time. Amazing.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 7:55 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You know,

now that you say it what this game, and the WBC in general, badly needs is a nice benches clearing brawl.

by Bearskin Rugburn on Mar 23, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why is ESPN HD showing me commercials that I've seen in HD on other channels

Double Letterboxed? That Quantum of Solace commercial was bracketed by the ESPN HD graphic on the 2 vertical sides, and then the HD commercial was letterboxed in between them. Jerks

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

But this is a special Oriental wind.

It’s cute watching those little guys run around out there in that Oriental breeze.

by abender20 on Mar 23, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm still waiting for Joe Morgan to say "Oriental" or something.

I kind of expect the Gran Torino treatment from guys like him.

by abender20 on Mar 23, 2009 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No one has ever seemed able to explain why "Oriental" is offensive.

I have no doubt that it is, but why? Lumps tons of unique nationalities together?

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Describes objects not people

rugs are oriental, people are asian. It’s an antiquated term that carries negative connotaitons beyond its immediate meaning, like ‘colored’ or ‘yid’.

by Bearskin Rugburn on Mar 23, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They have no problem being called asian

It’s oriental that’s the problem. Ornamental doesn’t go over well either.

by Bearskin Rugburn on Mar 23, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

That's how I always figured it, given the long, rocky histories between the three.

But as Bearskin says they don’t mind being lumped together by “Asian” so I doubt that has much to do with it.

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, the continent is called Asia.

And it’s like calling someone from Europe a European.

But I digress. I just know you never call anyone Oriental.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's more Asian-Americans who get pissy...

Asians, as a whole, really don’t give a shit, IMO.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No we don't really care

just don’t misidentify someone

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because it's not offensive in Asia.

From what I understand, Oriental means “Eastern” or “East” and is commonly used by people who live in Asian countries. But it was long used in the West to describe “exotic” or “odd” customs in Asian countries, usually in a negative light. So it has a certain connotation over here of being a dated word that harks back to a time when Asians weren’t thought of highly in the West.

At least that’s my understanding.

by Teej on Mar 23, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sweet bullpen.

Are they always decorated like that, or is the grounds crew mildly racist?

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 8:05 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It's funny because journalists are always taught that controversey (as long as it's real, and not made up) is what sells news.

ESPN never seems to rock the boat.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure they do

Remember Ed Werder and the OMG T.O. IS CAUSING TROUBLE IN THE LOCKER ROOM, DALLAS CAN’T WIN WITHOUT CHEMISTRY debacle earlier this year? (or at the end of last)

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meh, it's T.O....that shit writes itself.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But they beat it into the ground

And then you had poor Pedro Gomez and the endless Barry Bonds death watch. They’re willing to latch onto controversy, and create if need be.

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meh, they don't look for hard to find controversy.

Once everyone knows a story, it’s hardly controversial anymore. Until something new happens.

There are other places to look in sports for controversy than in the really, really easy to find places. Finding the hidden gems is what separates the good journalists from the bad ones. The good news? Well…uh…ESPN has Mike Sando….

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's a good point

Sometimes Bob Ley does well on OTL, but the rest of the network largely ignores him

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Truth.

OTL is kind of a forgotten show.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

For some reason though, Jim Rome, Around the Horn and PTI still get plenty of viewers.

Honestly, I don’t think PTI is terrible, but it’s definitely not something to go out of your way to watch.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But those are on just a smidge later

3 PM on a weekday is just dead. I mean, you’ve lost the key Oprah or Days of Our Lives demographic

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jim Rome and Tony Reali anger me.

And then Reali has Jackie MacMullan on all the time, who is really a man and tries too hard to belong on the show.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I actually kind of think Reali is amusing

But I know I am in a giant minority there

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with you. I like him.

I like the PTI guys, too.

by Teej on Mar 23, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is true.

Also, they usually have informative/insightful/funny guests.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Woody Paige isn't on PTI...

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I processed as Around the Horn.

Ooops. I stand my by comment, however.

by abender20 on Mar 23, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah. Woody is funny because he's a moron and has the redeeming quality of being ok with blogs.

Unfortunately, moron, along with his other bad qualities, outweigh the funny/ok with blogs thing.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's definitely true

It helps that they’re longtime WaPo collegaues

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Covering WSU football in college, I met a reporter from the Washington Post.

She came to Pullman to do a story because the Cougs had an outside shot at the national championship game. Anyway, a co-worker and I were chatting with her in the press box after the game, and she said that Wilbon and Kornheiser really are like that — just riffing all day long in the newsroom, talking shit.

I think you see it in their interactions anyway, but it was interesting to hear from someone from the Post.

by Teej on Mar 23, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's really cool.

Hopefully I’ll have a chance to talk to some real reporters at WSU next spring…if all goes well.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks! I've heard nothing but good things about WSU

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They at least seem like they do SOME research about the topics they cover.

PTI is at least watchable.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Michael Wilbon is an amazing person.

Kornheiser is meh, but contrasts with Wilbon nicely.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mind Kornheiser, but I know I'm in the minority there.

It could be because he has said on many occasions that he enjoys the city of Seattle. I don’t know, I think he’s likable because he doesn’t bullshit, and isn’t completely opposed to changing his mind.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think MNF has hurt him.

I’m a big Korneiser fan, but he’s done himself no favors on Monday nights. He’s just not a good fit. It seems forced — nowhere near as comfortable as he appears to be on PTI.

by Teej on Mar 23, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think they should put Wilbon and TK in the MNF booth

And take out everyone else. We can see what’s happening, just have two really smart guys riff on what’s happening for the whole game

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Meh

I think he’s a better deskside analyst

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do like the halftime PTI bits they occasionally do, however.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I just don't like his shouting.

Can be a bit overwhelming. But I guess that’s part of the entertainment. He does make solid comments like Wilbon, though.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't mind LeBatard too much.

He’s genuinely passionate about his job, and doesn’t make shit up like most people on ESPN.

Bob Ryan SUCKS

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, LeBatard is pretty good

Smart guy… I think TK gives him too much shit though

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TK gives him shit cause they play him as the hated character.

And its not that I dont like him I’m just super dissapointed when the cut away from Tony and its not Wilbon at the desk.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jackie MacMullan is awful.

Honestly, I hate Woody Paige’s writing, but at least he’s somewhat entertaining on TV and one of the only ones willing to defend blogs on that show.

Reali is just inconsequential to me—he means nothing, really.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate how assesses the points.

It’s obviously scripted to get certain people to certain rounds.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like how ESPN E:60 failed miserably.

They tried too hard to make stories interesting.

And Bob Ley is a stud.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking about this today.

All the baseball shows will do their round-table discussions about how good certain players are. I’ve noticed that the guys on MLB Network are far, far more willing to mention a player’s flaws than the ESPN guys, which is hilarious considering their job is to pimp the sport.

I have to say that, all things considered, MLB Network has been a pretty big success so far.

by Teej on Mar 23, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Joe

“I’ve been watching the games that I watched and they’ve been unaggressive on the basepaths”

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 8:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Holy shit!

Terrible slide into second

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That was like a Ty Cobb slide.

Those spikes were high.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 8:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Things like that are why I have always hated the hit an run.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fuck the hit and run.

Like our hitters need an excuse to swing at bad pitches.

by BrianL on Mar 23, 2009 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TIE GAME TIE GAME

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

FUCK.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 8:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

LET'S GO KOREA!

(Sorry Ichiro, sorry Kenji…I’m pulling for the Koreans this time. I don’t want Japan to win twice in a row.)

Patriotism, Pepper, Professionalism

by esoteric on Mar 23, 2009 8:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ichiro needs something to keep him happy every 3 or 4 years.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice dig by Uchikawa

And a hell of a throw. Wow

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Even better on the replay

Incredible, and the slide was done even though he knew it was going to hit ground first

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

OH MY GOD

That was one of the greatest plays I’ve ever seen – not because it looked pretty but because he did absolutely everything perfectly

by Decatur on Mar 23, 2009 8:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'll always remember the laser to 3B

In Ichiro’s first season… still one of my all-time favorite plays

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Been trying to find that video, too.

But that one is a bit more difficult to find.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What's your email?

I’ve got that and I can send it… I dunno how to make a .gif

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

baberuth83@gmail.com

(Yeah, yeah, send me all the porn you want. I use it as a junk email address. One of many.)

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've been trying to get the Catholic church to agree for years

Minus the whole “death” thing, sainthood would kick ass. And I’m not even religious

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, it's a horrible video

But I agree… it’s awesome because of it

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Any chance you can GIF it for all to enjoy?

Obviously the music doesn’t translate, but whatevs

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't have the tools to gif, either.

We need to get someone on this, though, so we can have it sidebarred.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

AND ICHIRO THREW SOMETHING OUT OF STAR WARS!

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes!

Amazing call

by rlintott on Mar 23, 2009 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Every time someone thinks Ichiro isn't awesome, they need to watch this.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good battle...

But I think the figure skaters trash talk more than the ballplayers.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 8:30 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

How many pitches is Darvish available for tonight?

I want to see him get into the game at some point.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Makeup call?

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, the look on his face when he made contact there

I wonder how the shortstop’s leg is feeling after that though. He took a shot

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My favorite basestealing miscue

Kenji Johjima v. Felix Pie. I cannot even fathom how much that must have hurt

by CKel on Mar 23, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Throw beat him, but I think he was safe...

Hope he’s ok.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ya know, I'd almost bunt Ichiro here

you really need one run, and your bullpen is fantastic – you have Darvish available and Sugiuchi

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 8:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Plus, Ichiro may be safe on a bunt anyway.

Like that.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ICHIRO!

Wow! Everybody gave up on that one. They just walked to the ball

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

God!

Ichiro’s just such a selfish player. I’m disgusted.

by ningwers on Mar 23, 2009 8:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

JAPAN!

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:49 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Was Hideki Matsui hurt, or did he just choose not to play in this?

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Hurt.

He’s also a turd. The team’s better without him.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He has Yankee bitch-assitis.

Hes also rehabing the wrist.

He didn't go.

by BUCKETSinSB on Mar 23, 2009 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice snag by Choo

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

NICE DP!

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 23, 2009 8:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Safe as hell at first

I want to poop at your house - Thingray

by tootthekazoo on Mar 23, 2009 8:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Uh.

Kenji was safe.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Quite obviously, even.

The umpires in this game are questionable at best.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This

is why they need instant replay.

by Fin on Mar 23, 2009 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If they did it like the NFL--two coaches challeneges, and all 9th inning close plays are reviewed, it would be fine.

Also, who cares if the game takes longer, you should get the call right regardless. College football does it right, having a replay official in the booth reviewing all plays.

I personally am ready for Pitch F/X to call balls and strikes. Its margin of error is 2.2"…much smaller than any real umpire’s margin of error.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No, but they should be told scabs will be hired if they don't like it.

Accuracy is more important—especially in the strike zone, which is really the key to the game in my opinion—than satisfying the egos of middle-aged men who didn’t have the talent to play the sport they officiate.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't get why human error has to be a part of the game...

Not trying to be a dick, but what’s your reasoning?

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Allow me to stress the word mindlessly

I’m not sure I have any sort of deep reasoning behind it. I guess I’ve always been of the belief that things even out over the course of the season

by CKel on Mar 23, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, we can learn that luck for specific players doesn't always even out by using BABIP and LD%...

I don’t see why it would be any different for umpires.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would say for reasons like the play earlier.

The throw beat the runner, he was called out, and was actually safe. Umpires make decisions on purpose sometimes even though they know it is not the correct call. It preserves integrity, kind of like superstars in basketball getting every call (unless they crab-dribble, of course).

I like the homerun replay stuff, but other replay may harm that integrity most people deep down know is the correct call, even though it’s not. It’s definitely a fine line, but that umpire was awarding the left fielder for his great play.

by Wilder. on Mar 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think they need to go one way or the other

either get everything right or get rid of the stupid instant replay on border calls thing

by seattlebruin on Mar 23, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

I’ve seen the Mariners boned too many times by bad calls.

by Fin on Mar 23, 2009 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can the runner do that?

Not even pretend to go for the bag, slide at the fielder and grab his leg to break up the double play? Looked shady to me.

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 8:57 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

BEN!

NEEDS MORE FREEDOM!

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 23, 2009 8:59 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm glad my name is not

Bum Ho Lee.

[or has this been analyzed above?]

by Paytheline on Mar 23, 2009 9:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fukudome.

Also, Gregor Fucka.

by abender20 on Mar 23, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pronounced "fooch- ka"?

European basketball player? I remember seeing the name on his jersey on tv one day and laughing a good laugh

by CKel on Mar 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Almost as interesting as...

What Americans do with Takeshita.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I got an actual Fuku-do-me chant started at Wrigley.

That’s almost as good of a story.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Or named after a board game company

Why would I watch Transformers when I can play with them at my house?

by Taylor H on Mar 24, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's rally time

Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org

by I'm NOT Corco on Mar 23, 2009 9:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

next inning

Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org

by I'm NOT Corco on Mar 23, 2009 9:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

At the time no one expected Choo to do anything, to be fair.

I remember a lot of people talking about how that trade being ok made up for losing Cabrera for Perez.

Based on the reasons why the trade was made, I think AsCab was worse, but Choo definitely panned out.

I wouldn’t have made the deal either, but it didn’t seem terrible at the time.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I loved Choo at the time of his first MLB call-up

Granted it was irrational and before I knew anything of sabermetrics, but I was against the trade at the time.

by Terminator_X on Mar 23, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I remember the write-ups being along the lines that Choo wasn't anything special.

I bought into it at the time.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was a pretty big fan of Choo too.

4~5 reasonable tools with Korean work ethic was my reason, though the numbers weren’t too bad either.

Favor the Bold

by IcebreakerX on Mar 23, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Right, but I still remember most analysts thinking he had a AAAA ceiling.

I liked Choo all right, but wasn’t too upset with losing him…I was wrong.

Yesterday's Pants
A blog-thingy about the Mariners and stuff.

by BrettJMiller on Mar 23, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh cool.

Marlins get a new stadium.

by ThundaPC on Mar 23, 2009 9:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT

Determined, Jonesing Commentor | Proud proprietor of Wyomingroutes.org & Washingtonhighways.org

by I'm NOT Corco on Mar 23, 2009 9:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs