Sorry Phillies fans.
Your team made a good move... and it may even get them to the playoffs and another world series... but it has to be bitter-sweet
Gose > Gillies
JA Happ > JC Ramirez
Aumont probably better than Villar, but about even
Of course it wasn't as bad as rumored when they were giving up a guy like Worley or Singleton in the deal instead of Villar...
but Oswlt vs Lee?
Oswalt is a good pitcher to be sure. A good vet too.
But Lee actually wanted to play in Philly and Oswalt doesn't really want to.
Plus they could have had Lee the whole season. They'd be a lock for post-season now... They could haved used Happ to get a good reliever, which is what they really need...
How much money does it end up saving them? They still have to pay Oswalt 12 million.. couldnt they have paid Lee his 9 mil this season and got a cheap FA for 3 mil next year... not to mention they then would have got some draft pick compensation for Lee...
Of course they could have saved some money by not signing Polanco. He has been good, but is he worth 6 mil/year the next 3 years. Pedro Feliz likely would have signed a 2 yr 6 mil deal to stay in Philly... and they could have traded Blanton and his 7.5 mil contract to Sea for one of those prospects... they then could have had a bit of money to resign Chan Ho Park...
Even better would have been if they didn't give Raul Ibanez a 3 year 30 mil contract... or vastly overpaid Ryan Howard (whose contract made me say are you serious?)
i will give the Phils this: they're able to get other teams to pay for people to play for them. How they do that i don't know...
Let someone else develop prospects, that's ok, get players when they're good during free agency or trade works out pretty well...
As for other GM's?
i thought the Astros could have got more - but trading Gose for Wallace was a big win... i'm surprised they were willing to pay so much of Oswalt's contract though, it seems like if you're gonna pay a guy so much, let him make some money for you- he was still a popular player in Houston... trading Berkman makes more sense
i can't believe the twins gave up Ramos for Matt Capps. i like Capps, he's on my fantasy team and working wonders for me, but still... they should have gotten more for Ramos, even if they don't plan on using him as more than a back-up...
i think i would have made a move for Prince or Hart from Milwaukee... and if i was Milwaukee i would have tried to trade them as much as possible - i'm surprised they couldn't work out a deal with the braves - who have a ton of pitching and need some hitting...
one of these years i'd love to see a team in no contention make some of these trades. Haren & Oswalt were had cheap... Smoak & Ramos were traded for crap...
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Mook vs good & bad teams
There are good teams and there are bad teams.
Good teams generally stay good and bad teams generally stay bad.
There have been exceptions. There were a few years the Yankees couldn’t do anything, and a while that the Celtics sucked. The Cowboys were notoriously bad, then ridiculously good. The Dolphins have had their slumps… and it is hard to remember the Raiders ever being good.
But the tendency is good teams stay good, while bad teams stay bad.
We know the Clippers will be bad. We know the Lakers will be good.
People often criticize the Yankees. “They buy their championships.” It’s unfair.”
But the Twins are continually contenders. The A’s are usually decent. And neither spends any money. The Padres, Rockies, Giants aren’t known for spending. The Cardinals spend some, but they’re not known for their spending.
If you look at the Yankees though, when they were winning consistently, it wasn’t b/c of free agent signings.
A Rod didn’t help them win. Neither did Jason Giambi. In fact those guys ruined the team.
The core of their championships ran up the middle: Jeter, Rivera, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Andy Petitte – all homegrown. Heroes were guys like Paul O’Neil acquired in a minor trade or little know guys like Scott Brossius or Jim Leyritz.
The team that bought their world series were the Red Sox: getting guys like Manny Ramirez & David Ortiz and pumping them up with steroids. And Curt Shilling & Johnny Damon. None of these guys came from their system or in smart trades.
Meanwhile the Orioles tried going after free agent after free agent and never could get out of the cellar. The Mets are awful, no matter who they sign or who they trade for.
Money doesn’t make the difference between a good team and bad team.
It’s all about how you spend the money.
This summer we’ve seen NBA GM’s spend lavishly on bench players, underachieving players, and guys who just aren’t any good. The T-Wolves, the Bucks…. They aren’t getting any better.
The Twins haven’t made all the right moves (getting practically nothing for Johan was a waste, esp when they could have got a Jon Lester or Jacoby Ellsbury or a Phil Hughes), but they reload and get the players on their team that play their style, buy into their philosophy and play hard and play well.
Issiah Thomas was a horrible judge of talent, and never formed teams. They would be a good fantasy team, but not a championship team.
The Mets pay huge chunks of money who no one else is willing to pay – like Jason Bay. They could have saved $15million. Why did the Orioles spend so much money on a closer- who wasn’t even that good?
The Angels recent trades and free agent signings show this too.
Don’t blame the Yankees or the Heat or the Lakers because they make good trades, wise draft picks, and sign the right players.
It’s not about the money, it’s about how they spend it.
In life it is similar. We can't just throw money at something to fix a problem. It doesn't solve anything and sometimes makes things worse, especially in the long-run.
A lot also has to do with the atmosphere & attitude of the team. You can create a winning environment on a team.
And you don't just want a bunch of all-stars, you want a team. People filling different roles and working together.
If it is professional sports team or a ministry team or an office. We need people who can work together to be successful. We need to create an environment for success. And we need to be wise in spending and selection of personal.
Good teams generally stay good and bad teams generally stay bad.
There have been exceptions. There were a few years the Yankees couldn’t do anything, and a while that the Celtics sucked. The Cowboys were notoriously bad, then ridiculously good. The Dolphins have had their slumps… and it is hard to remember the Raiders ever being good.
But the tendency is good teams stay good, while bad teams stay bad.
We know the Clippers will be bad. We know the Lakers will be good.
People often criticize the Yankees. “They buy their championships.” It’s unfair.”
But the Twins are continually contenders. The A’s are usually decent. And neither spends any money. The Padres, Rockies, Giants aren’t known for spending. The Cardinals spend some, but they’re not known for their spending.
If you look at the Yankees though, when they were winning consistently, it wasn’t b/c of free agent signings.
A Rod didn’t help them win. Neither did Jason Giambi. In fact those guys ruined the team.
The core of their championships ran up the middle: Jeter, Rivera, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Andy Petitte – all homegrown. Heroes were guys like Paul O’Neil acquired in a minor trade or little know guys like Scott Brossius or Jim Leyritz.
The team that bought their world series were the Red Sox: getting guys like Manny Ramirez & David Ortiz and pumping them up with steroids. And Curt Shilling & Johnny Damon. None of these guys came from their system or in smart trades.
Meanwhile the Orioles tried going after free agent after free agent and never could get out of the cellar. The Mets are awful, no matter who they sign or who they trade for.
Money doesn’t make the difference between a good team and bad team.
It’s all about how you spend the money.
This summer we’ve seen NBA GM’s spend lavishly on bench players, underachieving players, and guys who just aren’t any good. The T-Wolves, the Bucks…. They aren’t getting any better.
The Twins haven’t made all the right moves (getting practically nothing for Johan was a waste, esp when they could have got a Jon Lester or Jacoby Ellsbury or a Phil Hughes), but they reload and get the players on their team that play their style, buy into their philosophy and play hard and play well.
Issiah Thomas was a horrible judge of talent, and never formed teams. They would be a good fantasy team, but not a championship team.
The Mets pay huge chunks of money who no one else is willing to pay – like Jason Bay. They could have saved $15million. Why did the Orioles spend so much money on a closer- who wasn’t even that good?
The Angels recent trades and free agent signings show this too.
Don’t blame the Yankees or the Heat or the Lakers because they make good trades, wise draft picks, and sign the right players.
It’s not about the money, it’s about how they spend it.
In life it is similar. We can't just throw money at something to fix a problem. It doesn't solve anything and sometimes makes things worse, especially in the long-run.
A lot also has to do with the atmosphere & attitude of the team. You can create a winning environment on a team.
And you don't just want a bunch of all-stars, you want a team. People filling different roles and working together.
If it is professional sports team or a ministry team or an office. We need people who can work together to be successful. We need to create an environment for success. And we need to be wise in spending and selection of personal.
Mook vs the California Angels
In the past i have criticized the Angels for their trades- or rather their lack of trades.
i thought they should have gone after Roy Halladay this off-season. Wood was the equivalent of Wallace, they have a couple good pitching prospects and could have given up Mathis or Napoli which would have been more than enough...
a few years ago i thought they should have got Miguel Cabrerra considering they could have offered a better package than detroit...
It seemed like they have these top prospects... who don't pan out...
but then Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar have excelled after years of mediocrity... as did Howie Kendrick - but he was still young and had some success, so his success wasn't as surprising...
The signing of Gary Matthews still goes down as the worst free agent signing ever (5 years 50 mil, when they didn't need an OF, for journeyman who had one barely-above-average season? Ridiculous)!
Still, they just got Danny Haren for practically nothing. And he will be around a couple more years for a reasonable price.
i know Haren's ers is up, but he is still striking out a ton...
A few years ago they were able to get Texeira for Casey Kotchman (while the Braves sent Neftali Feliz & Elvis Andrus for him)...
They signed Bobby Abreu for 6 mil, while the Phillies gave Raul Ibanez 30 mil...
i still think they should have resigned Vlad & Figgy last year, but Figgons hasn't been very good nor has John Lackey- but i think most people could have seen his downfall coming... the angels do a pretty good job when they let guys go...
Plus they have the best manager in baseball in Mike Sciossia.
This trade could put them over the top and keep their division title streak going.
If i'm a fan of any team in contention i am angry we didn't get Haren.
i could be wrong, we'll see how the prospects do...
Though if the trade helps you win (like when the Tigers traded John Smoltz for Doyle Alexander) is the trade worth it?
i thought they should have gone after Roy Halladay this off-season. Wood was the equivalent of Wallace, they have a couple good pitching prospects and could have given up Mathis or Napoli which would have been more than enough...
a few years ago i thought they should have got Miguel Cabrerra considering they could have offered a better package than detroit...
It seemed like they have these top prospects... who don't pan out...
but then Kendry Morales and Erick Aybar have excelled after years of mediocrity... as did Howie Kendrick - but he was still young and had some success, so his success wasn't as surprising...
The signing of Gary Matthews still goes down as the worst free agent signing ever (5 years 50 mil, when they didn't need an OF, for journeyman who had one barely-above-average season? Ridiculous)!
Still, they just got Danny Haren for practically nothing. And he will be around a couple more years for a reasonable price.
i know Haren's ers is up, but he is still striking out a ton...
A few years ago they were able to get Texeira for Casey Kotchman (while the Braves sent Neftali Feliz & Elvis Andrus for him)...
They signed Bobby Abreu for 6 mil, while the Phillies gave Raul Ibanez 30 mil...
i still think they should have resigned Vlad & Figgy last year, but Figgons hasn't been very good nor has John Lackey- but i think most people could have seen his downfall coming... the angels do a pretty good job when they let guys go...
Plus they have the best manager in baseball in Mike Sciossia.
This trade could put them over the top and keep their division title streak going.
If i'm a fan of any team in contention i am angry we didn't get Haren.
i could be wrong, we'll see how the prospects do...
Though if the trade helps you win (like when the Tigers traded John Smoltz for Doyle Alexander) is the trade worth it?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Mook vs the Miami Heat
The best FA NBA signings? Not LeBron or Bosh... not Boozer or Stoudamire either...
When the Heat signed Lebron and Bosh to go with Dwyane Wade- I honestly wasn’t that impressed. Big name players and big spending doesn’t guarantee championships.
But when they were able to get Mike Miller and Udolis Haslem? Now I think they are a championship team- and I’m not sure if anyone can beat them. Those were the best signings of the off-season.
Miller is perfect compliment for LeBron- or Wade. He will get a lot of open jumpers, 3pointers, and can play.
Haslem was desperately needed: a worker, a big guy, a goon.
Your really only need 7 or 8 players to win. They have 5… + 2 decent guys. Another Center- maybe Shaq (See previous post) and I don’t see anyone stopping them.
Wade or Bron can handle the point, that Chalmers won’t have to play that much (don’t go comparing him to Rondo- he’s not Rajon Rondo).
They could go ahead and get Penny… and while they’re at it bring back Barkley- we know he is one of Wade’s top five friends… I read somewhere else someone suggesting Reggie Miller- why not? He could hit an open 3…. They don’t need youth… Wade, Bosh & Bron are in this league for a long time!
Barkley & Miller are certainly jokes, and even Hardaway(though he might be in decent shape), but they don’t need much.
They have good offense, and Bron can play defense. Wade is the competitor and I think- like Paul Pierce did- will become a better defensive player now. And Haslem will be the low-post defense guy.
More defense will be better. But they have added some nice pieces to this team.
And that’s what you need: A TEAM!
The Lakers still have the best team – they have 5 guys who could be all-stars. The Celtics have a big 4 now, and a veteran team hungry to win. And the Bulls still have one of the most promising young teams in the league… and never count out Nash & the Suns or Duncan & the Spurs… plus I really like Portland… and Orlando has Dwight… Dallas, Houston, Utah, Denver, OKC and even ATL, will be tough… the NBA is still wide open… of course I hate the nba and I don’t know why I write about it so much…
I don’t think Chris Paul winds up going anywhere, no other team has what N.O. needs… and if the trade was going to happen it would happened before LeBron signed…
Just got off the phone with another Cleveland friend… my apologies go out to you all still…
When the Heat signed Lebron and Bosh to go with Dwyane Wade- I honestly wasn’t that impressed. Big name players and big spending doesn’t guarantee championships.
But when they were able to get Mike Miller and Udolis Haslem? Now I think they are a championship team- and I’m not sure if anyone can beat them. Those were the best signings of the off-season.
Miller is perfect compliment for LeBron- or Wade. He will get a lot of open jumpers, 3pointers, and can play.
Haslem was desperately needed: a worker, a big guy, a goon.
Your really only need 7 or 8 players to win. They have 5… + 2 decent guys. Another Center- maybe Shaq (See previous post) and I don’t see anyone stopping them.
Wade or Bron can handle the point, that Chalmers won’t have to play that much (don’t go comparing him to Rondo- he’s not Rajon Rondo).
They could go ahead and get Penny… and while they’re at it bring back Barkley- we know he is one of Wade’s top five friends… I read somewhere else someone suggesting Reggie Miller- why not? He could hit an open 3…. They don’t need youth… Wade, Bosh & Bron are in this league for a long time!
Barkley & Miller are certainly jokes, and even Hardaway(though he might be in decent shape), but they don’t need much.
They have good offense, and Bron can play defense. Wade is the competitor and I think- like Paul Pierce did- will become a better defensive player now. And Haslem will be the low-post defense guy.
More defense will be better. But they have added some nice pieces to this team.
And that’s what you need: A TEAM!
The Lakers still have the best team – they have 5 guys who could be all-stars. The Celtics have a big 4 now, and a veteran team hungry to win. And the Bulls still have one of the most promising young teams in the league… and never count out Nash & the Suns or Duncan & the Spurs… plus I really like Portland… and Orlando has Dwight… Dallas, Houston, Utah, Denver, OKC and even ATL, will be tough… the NBA is still wide open… of course I hate the nba and I don’t know why I write about it so much…
I don’t think Chris Paul winds up going anywhere, no other team has what N.O. needs… and if the trade was going to happen it would happened before LeBron signed…
Just got off the phone with another Cleveland friend… my apologies go out to you all still…
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Mook vs the Jordan/LeBron debate
Michael Jordan and now Magic have come out and said they would never do what LeBron and Wade have done... of course we didn't need them to say that, we know they never would have. They were fierce competitors.
They were also on good teams. More loyal to their teams. Playing in huge markets. And not very close friends.
This is not the first time a player went to a team to win. Remember Danny Manning?
He led Kansas to the National Championship, as a #6 seed, with no talent around him. He was the first guy who was supposed to be the savior of the Clippers (of course they had the #1 & #3 pick that year - imagine if that was 2003 a team could have had Bron & Bosh or Wade from the get-go!).
He was traded to the Hawks, but then as a free agent signed a one-year deal with the Suns, already a good team(BArkley, KJ, Majerle,Ainge),for just one million dollars. People mocked him then... and worse after he got hurt - but since forgot... especially since they never won...
This article on espn is worth a look. It is very good insight to Jordan... and why people dislike LeBron's choice.
For guys like Jordan & Magic & Bird... it wasn't just about winning, it was aboout being the best... and thus proving themselves... and being a man.
And men like that. We all want to be the best. There is even a book for boys called how to be the best at everything. There is something that resonates with us about "manning up." And winning despite the odds.
But can we blame these kids?
Don't we teach kids to have fun.
Don't tv shows & books - as well as life- tell us: "It doesn't matter what you do, all that matters is who you do it with"?
One of the most interesting comments i saw about LeBron was a reader comment from Bill simmons mailbag (and i'll post it even though it came from Bloomington, In.
City: Bloomington, Ind.
Name: Alan
My wife is a psychologist and after watching the documentary about James' high school years, she is convinced LeBron is trying to recapitulate his high school years with the "five friends" only this time it's with highly paid peers in Miami.
Another wrote
City: St. Cloud, Wis.
Name: Jake
Bill, in your LeBronocalypse column, you said the message LeBron was sending by signing with the Heat was "Help!" Is it possible that this was more about LeBron deciding that what he wanted most was to have fun? Think about it, he never went to college and has been looked upon as a franchise savior since before he was drafted, now he can live in one of most fun cities in America and play ball with two of his best buddies in the league, and he doesn't have to carry the franchise every night...
And this one:
City: Chicago
Name: Ron
I think we're realizing that LeBron was never made up of the same stuff as Kobe or MJ. And the things that we saw him doing in the future were things that we wanted for him, because of his transcendent skills. But in the end, he just didn't want those things. He was abandoned as a kid, if you see his high school documentary, you see all he wants to do is be a part of something, not be something. He just wants to be a part of a group and be wanted. We've just all along wished he was wired for greatness. He's not. And it's a shame.
LeBron (And the other boys) just want to have fun.
They want to win, of course- that's the best way to have fun. But more than just winning, they want to win together and they want to have fun doing it.
In my original LeBron post, i questioned how good of friends they are. It seems like they really are good friends. Then why should we be so bitter about them?
Maybe we should be praising them for valuing fun over winning; praising them for valuing friendships over competition, fame & pride; praising them for putting their values above what everyone else thinks they should do
LeBron wanted to have fun. He wanted to be with his friends. Those are good things.
They just aren't Jordanesque.
Sportsfan have neen looking for the next Jordan for years: Vince Carter, Jerry Stackhouse, Kobe, LeBron...
But if you're LeBron why would you want to be the next Jordan? Wouldn't you want to be the first LeBron?
Many are saying he is now the next Pippen instead of the next Jordan.
i don't think there will be any comparison when his career is done.
What if he can go on to average 20-10-10 and be the defensive player of the year, and win a championship? and what if he does that 3 times?
And LeBron is not afraid of taking the big shot. He has done it, and he has made them. As an 18 year old kid he was leading teams.
Sure this will be Wade's team, but that doesn't mean Wade will always take the last shot. Sometimes it will be Wade, sometimes it will be LeBron. It will never be Chris Bosh.
LeBron doesn't need to be the next Jordan. He can be his own person, and that is why he's doing this.
So, why do we hate him so much? Why do we get so angry?
1st we want that next Jordan. We like cycle. And like i wrote about we want the man's man.
i read another person who compared the Heat signings to kids coming the playground and stacking their team. You know, they miss their free-throw on purpose... or like some of my friends in college, would show up 20 minutes late and even if we hadn't started yet, would just say "Oh we just got here, we got next."
i remember being furious at those guys. They weren't that great- one guy was a Tight End for the Purdue football team, and the other guys good- but you better believe we played our hearts out to beat them.
No one likes it when people stack teams.
And of course, it was all about "The Decision"
If they came out on day 1 of free agency and said we're 90% going to lay with each other in Miami, we just want to consider our options, it would have been better. But they played with people's hearts.
And then LeBron went on air for one hour to announce his decision.
He should have gone to Cleveland management, let them know is intentions. He should have made a small announcement in Akron about his intentions to play with the Heat. He should have been honest. He shouldn't have made such a big deal out of himself.
The Fans were going to be somewhat bitter anyway, but they would have gotten over it more quickly and not have felt so betrayed.
Meanwhile Jordan & Magic should stay out of this.
Jordan and Bird did commercials together and made video games. Bird & Magic had a lot of history together - but are any of these guys friends?
Bird & Magic played on the tow most storied franchises. Michael played in Chicago.
And Jordan doesn't have any friends at all.
Though we all want another Jordan on the court, do we want another Jordan in life? His life is marked by bitterness, greed, pride and foolishness.
Maybe LeBron winds up a better person for this decision.
His legacy was ruined because of the decision, but it can be reconciled, and i think it will.
They were also on good teams. More loyal to their teams. Playing in huge markets. And not very close friends.
This is not the first time a player went to a team to win. Remember Danny Manning?
He led Kansas to the National Championship, as a #6 seed, with no talent around him. He was the first guy who was supposed to be the savior of the Clippers (of course they had the #1 & #3 pick that year - imagine if that was 2003 a team could have had Bron & Bosh or Wade from the get-go!).
He was traded to the Hawks, but then as a free agent signed a one-year deal with the Suns, already a good team(BArkley, KJ, Majerle,Ainge),for just one million dollars. People mocked him then... and worse after he got hurt - but since forgot... especially since they never won...
This article on espn is worth a look. It is very good insight to Jordan... and why people dislike LeBron's choice.
For guys like Jordan & Magic & Bird... it wasn't just about winning, it was aboout being the best... and thus proving themselves... and being a man.
And men like that. We all want to be the best. There is even a book for boys called how to be the best at everything. There is something that resonates with us about "manning up." And winning despite the odds.
But can we blame these kids?
Don't we teach kids to have fun.
Don't tv shows & books - as well as life- tell us: "It doesn't matter what you do, all that matters is who you do it with"?
One of the most interesting comments i saw about LeBron was a reader comment from Bill simmons mailbag (and i'll post it even though it came from Bloomington, In.
City: Bloomington, Ind.
Name: Alan
My wife is a psychologist and after watching the documentary about James' high school years, she is convinced LeBron is trying to recapitulate his high school years with the "five friends" only this time it's with highly paid peers in Miami.
Another wrote
City: St. Cloud, Wis.
Name: Jake
Bill, in your LeBronocalypse column, you said the message LeBron was sending by signing with the Heat was "Help!" Is it possible that this was more about LeBron deciding that what he wanted most was to have fun? Think about it, he never went to college and has been looked upon as a franchise savior since before he was drafted, now he can live in one of most fun cities in America and play ball with two of his best buddies in the league, and he doesn't have to carry the franchise every night...
And this one:
City: Chicago
Name: Ron
I think we're realizing that LeBron was never made up of the same stuff as Kobe or MJ. And the things that we saw him doing in the future were things that we wanted for him, because of his transcendent skills. But in the end, he just didn't want those things. He was abandoned as a kid, if you see his high school documentary, you see all he wants to do is be a part of something, not be something. He just wants to be a part of a group and be wanted. We've just all along wished he was wired for greatness. He's not. And it's a shame.
LeBron (And the other boys) just want to have fun.
They want to win, of course- that's the best way to have fun. But more than just winning, they want to win together and they want to have fun doing it.
In my original LeBron post, i questioned how good of friends they are. It seems like they really are good friends. Then why should we be so bitter about them?
Maybe we should be praising them for valuing fun over winning; praising them for valuing friendships over competition, fame & pride; praising them for putting their values above what everyone else thinks they should do
LeBron wanted to have fun. He wanted to be with his friends. Those are good things.
They just aren't Jordanesque.
Sportsfan have neen looking for the next Jordan for years: Vince Carter, Jerry Stackhouse, Kobe, LeBron...
But if you're LeBron why would you want to be the next Jordan? Wouldn't you want to be the first LeBron?
Many are saying he is now the next Pippen instead of the next Jordan.
i don't think there will be any comparison when his career is done.
What if he can go on to average 20-10-10 and be the defensive player of the year, and win a championship? and what if he does that 3 times?
And LeBron is not afraid of taking the big shot. He has done it, and he has made them. As an 18 year old kid he was leading teams.
Sure this will be Wade's team, but that doesn't mean Wade will always take the last shot. Sometimes it will be Wade, sometimes it will be LeBron. It will never be Chris Bosh.
LeBron doesn't need to be the next Jordan. He can be his own person, and that is why he's doing this.
So, why do we hate him so much? Why do we get so angry?
1st we want that next Jordan. We like cycle. And like i wrote about we want the man's man.
i read another person who compared the Heat signings to kids coming the playground and stacking their team. You know, they miss their free-throw on purpose... or like some of my friends in college, would show up 20 minutes late and even if we hadn't started yet, would just say "Oh we just got here, we got next."
i remember being furious at those guys. They weren't that great- one guy was a Tight End for the Purdue football team, and the other guys good- but you better believe we played our hearts out to beat them.
No one likes it when people stack teams.
And of course, it was all about "The Decision"
If they came out on day 1 of free agency and said we're 90% going to lay with each other in Miami, we just want to consider our options, it would have been better. But they played with people's hearts.
And then LeBron went on air for one hour to announce his decision.
He should have gone to Cleveland management, let them know is intentions. He should have made a small announcement in Akron about his intentions to play with the Heat. He should have been honest. He shouldn't have made such a big deal out of himself.
The Fans were going to be somewhat bitter anyway, but they would have gotten over it more quickly and not have felt so betrayed.
Meanwhile Jordan & Magic should stay out of this.
Jordan and Bird did commercials together and made video games. Bird & Magic had a lot of history together - but are any of these guys friends?
Bird & Magic played on the tow most storied franchises. Michael played in Chicago.
And Jordan doesn't have any friends at all.
Though we all want another Jordan on the court, do we want another Jordan in life? His life is marked by bitterness, greed, pride and foolishness.
Maybe LeBron winds up a better person for this decision.
His legacy was ruined because of the decision, but it can be reconciled, and i think it will.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Mook vs Innings pitched limits
When i write Mook Vs... titles it is an homage to the tv show Chuck, not that i'm against it... but not with this post. This is something i have a problem with...
News came out that Strassberg will have an inning limit this year…. Meaning he’ll be done pitching by September… We’ve already heard of the Joba rules- which means nothing now, though we also see the Yanks handling Phil Hughes with kid’s gloves…
And there were many who critiqued AJ Hinch for letting Edwin Jackson throw his no-hitter despite his high pitch count.
But why are we babying players so much these days?
Is it because they take so many substances, they’re not able to endure… or because kids don’t know how to play sports anymore? I don’t get it.
Pitchers used to pitch 200 innings easy. Complete Games was a category we looked at to determine how good a pitcher was, and many would pitch 10+ CG /year.
Maybe they would have been better if they hadn’t. Maybe there would be no debate about Jack Morris or Bert Blyleven.
But all their complete games didn’t shorten their career (though they may have had better numbers).
Prior & Wood got hurt. Doc Gooden didn’t last. He picthed 218 innings as a 19 yr old and 276 as a 20 year old... Maybe if they had pitch counts with him we'd be talking about him as the greatest pitcher of all time.
But what about pitchers who just run out of gas and who aren’t as good as they used to be… what if we let them pitch more and be even that more outstanding?
And what about all the pitchers who didn't have pitch counts and had long careers?
i say let 'em pitch!
There is no need to keep a pitcher in if he’s struggling, or if there is a huge lead even… but I think we need to stop babying players.
News came out that Strassberg will have an inning limit this year…. Meaning he’ll be done pitching by September… We’ve already heard of the Joba rules- which means nothing now, though we also see the Yanks handling Phil Hughes with kid’s gloves…
And there were many who critiqued AJ Hinch for letting Edwin Jackson throw his no-hitter despite his high pitch count.
But why are we babying players so much these days?
Is it because they take so many substances, they’re not able to endure… or because kids don’t know how to play sports anymore? I don’t get it.
Pitchers used to pitch 200 innings easy. Complete Games was a category we looked at to determine how good a pitcher was, and many would pitch 10+ CG /year.
Maybe they would have been better if they hadn’t. Maybe there would be no debate about Jack Morris or Bert Blyleven.
But all their complete games didn’t shorten their career (though they may have had better numbers).
Prior & Wood got hurt. Doc Gooden didn’t last. He picthed 218 innings as a 19 yr old and 276 as a 20 year old... Maybe if they had pitch counts with him we'd be talking about him as the greatest pitcher of all time.
But what about pitchers who just run out of gas and who aren’t as good as they used to be… what if we let them pitch more and be even that more outstanding?
And what about all the pitchers who didn't have pitch counts and had long careers?
i say let 'em pitch!
There is no need to keep a pitcher in if he’s struggling, or if there is a huge lead even… but I think we need to stop babying players.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Mook vs the next generation of pitchers
Pitchers are dominating this year. There have been 3 perfect games (if you count Galaraga) and 2 more no-hitters. Plus a bunch that went 8+ innings. And not only that, but there are more shut-outs than I can remember.
Young pitchers are particulary dominating
In anticipation of Stephen starssberg’s debut, ESPN did an article on the top pitchers of the next decade(not including Starssberg).
(This was pretty interesting in one of my fantasy leagues where Strassberg (and some others) were traded for Felix… and then this article ranks Felix #1)
Interesting that Lincecum didn’t even make the cut. And neither did Zach Greinke who was ridiculous last year.
Here are my top 12 pitchers in the next 5 years
1. Wainright
(he reminds me a lot of Greg Maddux- a complete player. He performed under pressure in the playoffs, and has Dave Duncan as his coach)
2. Lester
(Take out his April this year and his numbers would be mind-blowing. A lefty for a perennial contender… he already has a perfect game to his name and overcame cancer
3. Lincecum
(Scouts don’t like his unusual technique, but it has been working)
4. Halladay
(He still has 5 good – great- years left in him)
5. Ubaldo
(he’s coming back to earth, but he’s still pretty incredible)
6. David Price
(like many of the others before him I like his playoff experience… we forget how much hype he had last year)
7. Strassberg
(he will be great, but he’ll also have some growing pains)
8. Josh Johnson
(he is often mentioned as one of the top 3 pitchers in the NL- but usually for shock value… but he has been darn good this year, again no one notices).
9. Cliff Lee
(Seems to be coming into hiw own these last 3 years)
10. Verlander
(does anyone throw harder?)
11. Phil Hughes
(has gone thru some growing pains, I think he’s ready to bloom
12. Clayton Kershaw
(he’s stil 21 and improving a lot)
Honorable mentions
13. Mat Latos
14. Clay Buchholz
15. Bret Anderson
Noticeably missing
1. Felix
(he has a lot of wins, big deal. He reminds me of CC or Bartolo Colon
2. CC
(I’ve never been impressed by CC- expect for his brief tenure with the Brewers which was incredible. He is extremely inconsistent though, and due for a breakdown)
3. Greinke
(he looked like the next Saberhagen… but maybe that is what he is, a couple amazing years, and a decent career, but nothing special)
4. Tommy Hanson
(I’m sure he will be good, but I think others will be better)
Top Ten in the next ten years?
1. Strassberg
2. Price
3. Wainright
4. Bret Anderson
5. Lester
6. Kershaw
7. Ubaldo
8. Josh Johnson
9. Lincecum
10. Some guy we haven’t heard of yet
Of course no one knows what will happen. We all saw what happened with Prior & Wood with the Cubs. Any one of these guys could blow their arm out (though Johnson & Lester already went thru major surgeries). Or we could recall guys with funky deliveries like Fernando, D-train, or Nomo and assume Lincecum is bound to fail too.
Of course we don’t know. Only God knows.
But we like making predictions. We like preview magazines. We like picking our brackets for march madness and we like playing fantasy sports. And if we’re right, we can say “I knew it” or at least “I called it/ predicted it”
Just like only the writers of LOST actually knew the ending (ok maybe they didn’t either, those bastards… liars…idiots), no one knows how things will turn out.
I mean if anyone was going to have a great career it was Doc Gooden. Check out his stats! He was 24-4 with a 1.53 era and 16 complete games & 8 shut-outs, 268 k's- as a 20 year old!... 276k's as a 19 year old!
Only God knows. He knows the future, He knows all outcomes. He foreordained it. Does God really care about baseball? I guess He must be a fan… Some of His children are playing, so…
Yeah, God knows. And these guys may feel like a god on the mound…. But they’re not. And the same God who gave them that talent, can take it away.
This reminds me of the comedian when Kirk Gibson showed up in LA, some were calling him Jesus, and the stand-up joked could you imagine… Jesus up to bat, hits a routine grounder to the thirdbaseman and… he goes blind! The ball goes thru… Or… there’s popup to left field should be an easy out…. Wait a second! There comes a bird! HE has the ball and… yes! It’s a homerun!
OF course Jesus wouldn’t do that, it would be cheating, and God doesn’t cheat… Of course… He wouldn’t have to…
Anyway, I know we may not know, but it’s fun to predict. What are your predictions?
Young pitchers are particulary dominating
In anticipation of Stephen starssberg’s debut, ESPN did an article on the top pitchers of the next decade(not including Starssberg).
(This was pretty interesting in one of my fantasy leagues where Strassberg (and some others) were traded for Felix… and then this article ranks Felix #1)
Interesting that Lincecum didn’t even make the cut. And neither did Zach Greinke who was ridiculous last year.
Here are my top 12 pitchers in the next 5 years
1. Wainright
(he reminds me a lot of Greg Maddux- a complete player. He performed under pressure in the playoffs, and has Dave Duncan as his coach)
2. Lester
(Take out his April this year and his numbers would be mind-blowing. A lefty for a perennial contender… he already has a perfect game to his name and overcame cancer
3. Lincecum
(Scouts don’t like his unusual technique, but it has been working)
4. Halladay
(He still has 5 good – great- years left in him)
5. Ubaldo
(he’s coming back to earth, but he’s still pretty incredible)
6. David Price
(like many of the others before him I like his playoff experience… we forget how much hype he had last year)
7. Strassberg
(he will be great, but he’ll also have some growing pains)
8. Josh Johnson
(he is often mentioned as one of the top 3 pitchers in the NL- but usually for shock value… but he has been darn good this year, again no one notices).
9. Cliff Lee
(Seems to be coming into hiw own these last 3 years)
10. Verlander
(does anyone throw harder?)
11. Phil Hughes
(has gone thru some growing pains, I think he’s ready to bloom
12. Clayton Kershaw
(he’s stil 21 and improving a lot)
Honorable mentions
13. Mat Latos
14. Clay Buchholz
15. Bret Anderson
Noticeably missing
1. Felix
(he has a lot of wins, big deal. He reminds me of CC or Bartolo Colon
2. CC
(I’ve never been impressed by CC- expect for his brief tenure with the Brewers which was incredible. He is extremely inconsistent though, and due for a breakdown)
3. Greinke
(he looked like the next Saberhagen… but maybe that is what he is, a couple amazing years, and a decent career, but nothing special)
4. Tommy Hanson
(I’m sure he will be good, but I think others will be better)
Top Ten in the next ten years?
1. Strassberg
2. Price
3. Wainright
4. Bret Anderson
5. Lester
6. Kershaw
7. Ubaldo
8. Josh Johnson
9. Lincecum
10. Some guy we haven’t heard of yet
Of course no one knows what will happen. We all saw what happened with Prior & Wood with the Cubs. Any one of these guys could blow their arm out (though Johnson & Lester already went thru major surgeries). Or we could recall guys with funky deliveries like Fernando, D-train, or Nomo and assume Lincecum is bound to fail too.
Of course we don’t know. Only God knows.
But we like making predictions. We like preview magazines. We like picking our brackets for march madness and we like playing fantasy sports. And if we’re right, we can say “I knew it” or at least “I called it/ predicted it”
Just like only the writers of LOST actually knew the ending (ok maybe they didn’t either, those bastards… liars…idiots), no one knows how things will turn out.
I mean if anyone was going to have a great career it was Doc Gooden. Check out his stats! He was 24-4 with a 1.53 era and 16 complete games & 8 shut-outs, 268 k's- as a 20 year old!... 276k's as a 19 year old!
Only God knows. He knows the future, He knows all outcomes. He foreordained it. Does God really care about baseball? I guess He must be a fan… Some of His children are playing, so…
Yeah, God knows. And these guys may feel like a god on the mound…. But they’re not. And the same God who gave them that talent, can take it away.
This reminds me of the comedian when Kirk Gibson showed up in LA, some were calling him Jesus, and the stand-up joked could you imagine… Jesus up to bat, hits a routine grounder to the thirdbaseman and… he goes blind! The ball goes thru… Or… there’s popup to left field should be an easy out…. Wait a second! There comes a bird! HE has the ball and… yes! It’s a homerun!
OF course Jesus wouldn’t do that, it would be cheating, and God doesn’t cheat… Of course… He wouldn’t have to…
Anyway, I know we may not know, but it’s fun to predict. What are your predictions?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)