Pitchers And Catchers...

LHMark · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:22 pm

Here we go! All across Florida and Arizona, pitchers and catchers are reporting for the start of Major League Baseball spring training. It's a time of optimism and hope for every team (except the Kansas City Royals), and, for serious baseball fans, signifies the beginning of the great ritual.

So I wish good luck to fans of every team. Except Boston. To their fans I say "here comes the wagon."

[Edited 2008-02-14 14:25:12]

mt99 · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:25 pm

oh - i thought this was yet another gay thread..

KROC · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:26 pm

Quoting Mt99 (Reply 1):
oh - i thought this was yet another gay thread..

It is now that you posted in it.

WrenchBender · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:28 pm

Quoting Mt99 (Reply 1):
oh - i thought this was yet another gay thread..

Well it is about baseball after all duck

WrenchBender

AirCop · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:29 pm

Quoting LHMARK (Thread starter):
except the Kansas City Royals)

Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland A's ,Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants can be added to the list...

- Twins fans get ready for whip lash when Livan Hernandez pitches in the MetroDome..

KROC · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:35 pm

It is a glorious time of the year. The NFL is over and done with (thankfully) and baseball is gearing up for another season in the sun. You know when camp breaks spring is here. The crack of the bat, the snap of a catchers mit as it receives a fast ball, the sounds of the fans, the vendors yelling out peanuts and beer here. It doesn't get any better. Until....like a chainsaw ripping down tree's in the amazon forest...here comes chowd fan. The most annoying set of fans in sports. Moment ruined.

fxramper · Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:42 pm

Tom in NO · Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:04 pm

Quoting AirCop (Reply 4):
Twins fans get ready for whip lash when Livan Hernandez pitches in the MetroDome..

They can also look forward to some pretty crappy pitching.

Quoting LHMARK (Thread starter):
Except Boston. To their fans I say "here comes the wagon."

That brings to mind an interesting question.....I wonder if Terry Francona and his staff have been stealing signs from the opposition over the past few years. Come to find out there's a damn good teacher about 30 miles down the road wink

Tom at MSY

KROC · Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:08 pm

Quoting Tom in NO (Reply 7):
That brings to mind an interesting question.....I wonder if Terry Francona and his staff have been stealing signs from the opposition over the past few years. Come to find out there's a damn good teacher about 30 miles down the road

Depends. Was video equipment being used in centerfield, or was it old fashioned sign stealing? Wink

LHMark · Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:11 pm

Well they do have an old fashioned sign in the left-field wall of their dilapidated hovel.

a380us · Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:08 am

YA LETS GO METS!!!
Big grin

Mike89406 · Fri Feb 15, 2008 5:17 am

Hey Kyle! Welcome to Spring Training. Wow, thats a lot of supplements there Wow!

maybe you want to consider a shot instead. It's down the hall second door on your left.

Big version: Width: 512 Height: 396 File size: 39kb

KROC · Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:27 am

At least the Yankees will be safe with Mr. Red Hat on the job...

LHMark · Fri Feb 15, 2008 1:29 pm

I'm just depressed to see Kyle Farnsworth reporting to camp.

a380us · Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:38 pm

Is Santana reporting now too?
I mean he just signed like a week ago.

yowza · Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:39 pm

An there I was thinking this was another gay or straight thread Wink

YOWza

ltbewr · Fri Feb 15, 2008 3:44 pm

Now maybe the sports news will turn to more impotant and meaningful issues rather than the Clemens/Bonds PED's scandals. LET'S GO METS!

Stretch 8 · Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:04 pm

I will defer to Jim Leyland:

"It's huge because the expectations are so high," he said, "and because we have to find out some things about our bullpen. We have to make sure we don't just come in here, stare at the lockers and say, 'Holy cow, this team's pretty good.' I'll make sure that doesn't happen.

He certainly will. GO GET'EM TIGERS!

a380us · Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:11 pm

Quoting LTBEWR (Reply 16):
LET'S GO METS!

Yeah another met fan!

Stretch 8 · Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:18 pm

WS prediction:

Mets-Tigers. Tigers win a 7-game epic.

KROC · Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:08 pm

Quoting A380US (Reply 14):
Is Santana reporting now too?
I mean he just signed like a week ago.

Santana reported to camp 2 days ago.

Mike89406 · Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:53 pm

Looks like

Big version: Width: 315 Height: 275 File size: 63kb

KPWM · Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:49 am

I can smell another World Series for to Sox. GO SOX!

N1120A · Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:58 am

Quoting AirCop (Reply 4):

- Twins fans get ready for whip lash when Livan Hernandez pitches in the MetroDome..

The HomerDome is actually not the pitcher's park people think it is.

Quoting FXramper (Reply 6):

Fenway Franks Wink

Quoting A380US (Reply 14):
Is Santana reporting now too?
I mean he just signed like a week ago.

Sure, why not? It is not like he is injured

Mir · Sat Feb 16, 2008 1:04 pm

Quoting Mike89406 (Reply 21):
Looks like

Damn, has Beckett been working out with David Wells or something?

-Mir

halls120 · Sat Feb 16, 2008 1:09 pm

Drove by the new Nationals stadium in SW DC yesterday. It looks like they will still be working on it when the first pitch is thrown, but what a gorgeous place to watch a game.

Stretch 8 · Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:56 pm

Agreed about the new Nats stadium, too bad it's in such a crappy part of town.

AirCop · Sat Feb 16, 2008 3:02 pm

Halls, isn't the park in SE Washington near the Navy yards?

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 25):
but what a gorgeous place to watch a game.

Now if they had a decent team..

halls120 · Sat Feb 16, 2008 3:24 pm

Quoting Stretch 8 (Reply 26):
Agreed about the new Nats stadium, too bad it's in such a crappy part of town.

That part of DC is undergoing a significant makeover. DOT moved their headquarters over there, and there are several new office and condo/apartment buildings going up. Over in SE, the old EPA complex has been dismantled, with new construction on the way.

10 years ago, I wouldn't have set foot in that part of town. 10 years from now, it will likely be similar to the area around the MCI Center downtown.

Quoting AirCop (Reply 27):
Halls, isn't the park in SE Washington near the Navy yards?

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 25):
but what a gorgeous place to watch a game.

Now if they had a decent team..

It is near the Navy Yard, and while the Nats aren't going to be the WS champs this year, last year they played far above expectations, and they seem to have improved themselves in the off season. They also have a terrific young manager, and an ownership that understands the game.

Unlike the idiot who owns the Redskins, for example.

Mike89406 · Sat Feb 16, 2008 10:48 pm

Quoting Mir (Reply 24):
Quoting Mike89406 (Reply 21):
Looks like

Damn, has Beckett been working out with David Wells or something?

-Mir

I think his offseason diet consisted of beer & wings

NeilYYZ · Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:02 pm

The Jay's hopes this year hinge on a healthy pitching staff. If Halladay, Burnett and Ryan are all healthy for the whole season I like our chances of competing. I'd be surprised if we beat out the Yanks or the BoSox but who knows what will happen. Wouldn't hurt to have V Dub pick up his batting this year too, last year was abysmal.

a380us · Sun Feb 17, 2008 12:08 am

Quoting N1120A (Reply 23):

Sure, why not? It is not like he is injured

True but its so wierd like 2 weeks later being on another team and it will be sad now that Glavin is gone.

KROC · Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:33 am

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 28):
It is near the Navy Yard, and while the Nats aren't going to be the WS champs this year, last year they played far above expectations, and they seem to have improved themselves in the off season. They also have a terrific young manager, and an ownership that understands the game.

Exactly. The Nat's are setting themselves up to have a solid team a few years from now. They wern't going to win this year. Probably not next year either, so they are building for the future and things are looking pretty good for them right now.

Quoting NeilYYZ (Reply 30):
Wouldn't hurt to have V Dub pick up his batting this year too, last year was abysmal.

Seriously. Dude did more harm to my fantasy offense last year than he did good.

Quoting A380US (Reply 31):
True but its so wierd like 2 weeks later being on another team and it will be sad now that Glavin is gone.

No, its not sad Glavine is gone. We already have 1 5 or 6 inning pitcher in Pete Martin, but at least Pete has heart. After Glavines performance in the final game of the season the Mets HAD to win....I would have bought his plane ticket for him to go somewhere else.

N1120A · Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:06 pm

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 25):
Drove by the new Nationals stadium in SW DC yesterday. It looks like they will still be working on it when the first pitch is thrown, but what a gorgeous place to watch a game.

I hear it is going to be a sight.

Quoting Mir (Reply 24):

Damn, has Beckett been working out with David Wells or something?

Hey, Wells still pitches effectively.

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 28):
That part of DC is undergoing a significant makeover. DOT moved their headquarters over there, and there are several new office and condo/apartment buildings going up. Over in SE, the old EPA complex has been dismantled, with new construction on the way.

Aren't they also going to build the new stadium for DC United across the water from that?

Quoting A380US (Reply 31):

True but its so wierd like 2 weeks later being on another team and it will be sad now that Glavin is gone.

Glavine was a great pitcher, but he is now merely a reliable third or fourth starter/innings eater, whereas Santana is the best pitcher, certainly the best lefty, in baseball.

Quoting KROC (Reply 32):
After Glavines performance in the final game of the season the Mets HAD to win....I would have bought his plane ticket for him to go somewhere else.

Perhaps he was thinking about going home to shine his Cy Youngs?

a380us · Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:11 pm

Quoting KROC (Reply 32):
No, its not sad Glavine is gone.

i am kind of sad even though he really isnt a met and he will always be a brave but hopefully Santana will end his career (in a while) as a met.

N1120A · Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:20 pm

Quoting A380US (Reply 34):
but hopefully Santana will end his career (in a while) as a met.

Well, you have him till he is at least 35.

halls120 · Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:22 pm

Quoting N1120A (Reply 33):
Quoting Halls120 (Reply 28):
That part of DC is undergoing a significant makeover. DOT moved their headquarters over there, and there are several new office and condo/apartment buildings going up. Over in SE, the old EPA complex has been dismantled, with new construction on the way.

Aren't they also going to build the new stadium for DC United across the water from that?

That was the original plan, but something has held it up.

Probably the fact that Soccer is a fourth rate sport in the US. stirthepot

N1120A · Mon Feb 18, 2008 10:34 pm

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 36):

That was the original plan, but something has held it up.

Looks like D.C. United's owners, who paid an MLS record for the operating rights to the team, wanted about $200 million in benefits in exchange for privately financing the project.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...le/2007/07/20/AR2007072002470.html

NeilYYZ · Mon Feb 18, 2008 11:05 pm

Quoting KROC (Reply 32):

Seriously. Dude did more harm to my fantasy offense last year than he did good.

For all that coin we threw his way this year had best be a damn sight better. I'll give him a bye on last year as a fluke, but he'd best be swinging for the fences from day 1 this season.

KROC · Tue Feb 19, 2008 12:42 am

Quoting N1120A (Reply 33):
Glavine was a great pitcher, but he is now merely a reliable third or fourth starter/innings eater, whereas Santana is the best pitcher, certainly the best lefty, in baseball.

Glavine is far from an innings eater. When he pitches you better have the bully ready. You're lucky to get 7 innings out of him. Usually you can expect 5 or assuming he doesn't get lit up.

Quoting N1120A (Reply 33):
Perhaps he was thinking about going home to shine his Cy Youngs?

Well he can stick'em since he didn't win squat with the Mets.

Quoting A380US (Reply 34):
i am kind of sad even though he really isnt a met and he will always be a brave but hopefully Santana will end his career (in a while) as a met.

You can be sad for both of us then.

Quoting Halls120 (Reply 36):
Probably the fact that Soccer is a fourth rate sport in the US.

4th rate sport? Did it get a boost in the ratings?

Quoting NeilYYZ (Reply 38):
For all that coin we threw his way this year had best be a damn sight better. I'll give him a bye on last year as a fluke, but he'd best be swinging for the fences from day 1 this season.

He best be having his all around game working from day one this year.

N1120A · Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:03 am

Quoting KROC (Reply 39):

Glavine is far from an innings eater.

Over 200 innings in 3 of his 5 years with the Mutts definately counts

Quoting KROC (Reply 39):

Well he can stick'em since he didn't win squat with the Mets.

Might have helped a little if your offense could have given him a bit of run support, given that his ERA with the Mutts was under 4.

KROC · Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:26 am

Quoting N1120A (Reply 40):
Might have helped a little if your offense could have given him a bit of run support, given that his ERA with the Mutts was under 4.

He did get shafted on a lot of wins the past two years, but his ERA isn't that impressive.

'03 32GS 183.1 innings 4.52 ERA
'04 33 212.1 3.60
'05 33 211.1 3.52
'06 32 198 3.82
'07 34 200.1 4.45

Or course that .1 came in his 34th start of the year. The most important game for the Mets of the entire year against a crappy Nationals team and goes out and lays an egg the size of Mo Vaughn. I will give him the fact he is durable and took the bump every 5th day, however the innings don't get me greasy. When I got into baseball 300 innings wasn't that uncommon. Funny how in the day and age of advanced medical proceedures, limited innings and all kinds of new training techniques it seems that arm injuries are far more prevolent that when pitchers where thowing 300 innings plus a year.

N1120A · Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:35 am

Quoting KROC (Reply 41):
When I got into baseball 300 innings wasn't that uncommon. Funny how in the day and age of advanced medical proceedures, limited innings and all kinds of new training techniques it seems that arm injuries are far more prevolent that when pitchers where thowing 300 innings plus a year.

That is a major systemic issue that definately needs to be addressed, but it isn't exactly Glavine's fault.

KROC · Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:49 am

Quoting N1120A (Reply 42):
That is a major systemic issue that definately needs to be addressed, but it isn't exactly Glavine's fault.

I agree, I was just making a point how I don't think 200 innings is something that should make one excited.

N1120A · Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:02 am

Quoting KROC (Reply 43):

I agree, I was just making a point how I don't think 200 innings is something that should make one excited.

In today's context, it should. It is the reason people are so willing to keep paying Livan Hernandez a very good living.

KROC · Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:17 pm

Quoting N1120A (Reply 44):
In today's context, it should. It is the reason people are so willing to keep paying Livan Hernandez a very good living.

But it really shouldn't. 15-20 years ago, pitchers were pitching these innings like it was nothing. Winning 20 games, lots of complete games etc. Now in the era of save the pitchers arm etc. pitchers are pitching less and getting hurt more. Livan Hernandez is a good thing, but I still won't get geeked up because Pitcher so and so just tossed 210 innings in 2008.

Stretch 8 · Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:15 pm

I agree with KROC.

In this era, if you don't have a lights-out set up guy to pitch the 7th (and sometimes 8th), you won't get into the post-season.

CaptOveur · Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:20 pm

Quoting KPWM (Reply 22):
I can smell another World Series for to Sox. GO SOX!

Don't break anything jumping off the bandwagon in July.

AirCop · Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:27 pm

Quoting N1120A (Reply 44):
It is the reason people are so willing to keep paying Livan Hernandez a very good living.

Which is why baseball salary problems is all screwed up, Hernandez is nothing more than a .500 at best with a ERA in the 4-5 area, and the number of big hits he allows can drive a manager crazy.

Quoting KROC (Reply 41):
When I got into baseball 300 innings wasn't that uncommon.

Warren Spahn, Juan Marichal, Sandy Koufax 300 plus innings plus 20 plus wins were nothing for these guys. In 1963 Spahn and Marichal went after each other for 16 innings until Willie Mays ended it with a home run, 1-0.

halls120 · Tue Feb 19, 2008 4:16 pm

Quoting AirCop (Reply 48):
Quoting KROC (Reply 41):
When I got into baseball 300 innings wasn't that uncommon.

Warren Spahn, Juan Marichal, Sandy Koufax 300 plus innings plus 20 plus wins were nothing for these guys. In 1963 Spahn and Marichal went after each other for 16 innings until Willie Mays ended it with a home run, 1-0.

For Spahn and Marichal, yes. Koufax didn't last all that long by comparison.

Who is online

Popular Searches On Airliners.net