A Baseball Thread: Winter is...Almost Over!!! [BCochran]

Welcome back Baseball Rons and Ettes. It's been awhile since we last talked baseball and that just can't stand. So toss in a lip and grab a beer, let's do this thing.

Holy crap Spring Training is only 2 1/2 weeks away!Thank you sweet baby Jesus.

RIP Ernie Banks

Last time we recapped some of the big splashes that took place over the course of the Winter Meetings. I'm going to take this post and one more to hit every other club and what they did during the off-season. This week we're looking at the National League. (You know, where they play actual baseball.)

NL EAST

Washington - The Nationals immediately vaulted themselves into contention with the signing of the off-season's biggest free agent, Max Scherzer. 7 years, $210 million. I said DAYUM. The Nationals' rotation was ranked the best in baseball before signing the right hander.

Philadelphia - The Phillies attempted to add depth to their pitching rotation with the signings of Aaron Harang and Chad Billingsley. Harang has been a solid, if not spectacular, starter for years. At the age of 36, it's a question mark whether or not he can chew up innings like he has previously. Billingsley is younger, at 30, but missed all of last season recovering from both Tommy John surgery and a repair of his right flexor tendon. They were both signed to 1 year deals.

Atlanta - The Braves have been incredibly active in the off-season, acquiring and trading players all over the place. The pitching staff especially will likely look very different this year. But in the end, only two names are going to ring a bell. Jonny Gomes and AJ Pierzynski. Both were signed to 1 year deals and financial info was not disclosed.

New York - The Mets have been fairly quiet this off-season. They've recently signed utility man/outfielder John Mayberry Jr. and RHP Bobby Parnell.

NL CENTRAL

Cincinnati - The Reds biggest off-season acquisition was Marlon Byrd. While Byrd has some years on him, he's 37, his output is still high. He led the Phillies in HRs, extra base hits and total bases last year. He's also spent significant time at all three outfield positions and will give the Reds increased production and flexibility in the outfield. The Reds also avoided arbitration and resigned their AllStar catcher Devin Mesoraco to a 4 year extension.

Milwaukee - The Brew Crew seemed to focus on pitching this off-season. They signed veteran free agent reliever Neal Cotts to a one year deal. They also traded for a trio of young, promising players. Marcos Diplan, Corey Knebel (both pitchers) and Luis Sardinas (infielder) were all acquired in a trade with the Rangers.

Pittsburgh - The Pirates have been very active this off-season, but most of their moves have involved minor league prospects. They did resign the 2013 Comeback Player of the Year, pitcher Francisco Liriano to a 3 year deal. They also picked up outfielder/first baseman Corey Hart. Hart missed all of 2013 due to knee surgery and only had limited appearances last year with Seattle. Most of his action came as DH, so it'll be interesting to see how he'll hold up back out in the field.

St. Louis - The Cardinals biggest move this off-season came with the resigning of pitcher Lance Lynn. Lynn has been a workhorse for the Cardinals. He ranks among the top NL pitchers in a host of categories including wins, starts and innings pitched. He and Adam Wainwright are one of the best combos in baseball.

NL WEST

Arizona - The D-Backs focused on pitching to a large degree by signing pitchers Robbie Ray, Zack Godley, Jeferson Mejia, Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa and Yoan Lopez. They also picked up infielders Domingo Leyba and Raymel Flores, as well as outfielder/third baseman Yasmany Tomas.

Colorado - The Rockies had a very busy January. They acquired pitchers David Hale and Gus Schlosser and catcher Nick Hundley. They also avoided arbitration and resigned pitchers Adam Ottavino, Rex Brothers, Jhoulys Chacin, Tyler Chatwood and Jordan Lyles, along with catcher Michael McKenry and outfielder Drew Stubbs.

Los Angeles - The Dodgers were involved in an unusual, intra-division, trade with the Padres. The Dodgers traded proven talent in Matt Kemp for a young potential in pitcher Joe Wieland and catcher Yasmani Grandal. They also picked up pitcher Zach Eflin...and then immediately sent him to Philadelphia as part of a package for longtime Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

San Francisco - The reigning World Champions mostly spent the off-season locking in their current players. They did lose Pablo Sandoval, but they resigned pitchers Jake Peavy, Ryan Vogelsong and Sergio Romo. They also struck a deal with the Marlins to acquire Casey McGehee. McGehee will be Sandoval's replacement at third base. Last season he led NL third basemen in hits, RBIs and fielding percentage. He also was among league leaders in multi-hit games, walks, batting average and on-base percentage.

Wow. Ok that was a lot of baseball. I know this post was a bit...drier...than the previous posts, but the idea was to try and give you a quick and dirty on what the NL has been up to in the off season. If you prefer the AL, well, that'll be up next time.

I hope you enjoyed the post and I hope you're all looking forward to the upcoming baseball season.

(I beg the indulgence of the cobs in taking a minute to pimp AtC's and my podcast. Every Tuesday morning at 945am. marginallyhonorablechairman@wordpress.com.)

Thank you to ace and the rest of the cobs for allowing me to post here and, as always, a special thanks to CBD for putting it up.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 04:45 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Sweet words: Spring training

Posted by: Y-not on the phone from her sick bed at January 31, 2015 04:40 PM (9BRsg)

2 Cochran...Do you ever come down for spring training games? I live near the Nationals training facility in Viera, FL. Good times. I go to maybe 4 games/year in the spring.

Posted by: Citation X driver at January 31, 2015 04:41 PM (Sqmjr)

3 *sigh*

I guess the Phillies are in a "rebuilding" phase. Again.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 04:44 PM (sdi6R)

4 Let's play two!

Posted by: Mr. Dave at January 31, 2015 04:46 PM (pMuvd)

5 From last thread...

@Sven: re lawyers. No doubt. I humbly offer my services, for suitable recompense. Which brings us to the real problem... money.

Posted by: Df82 at January 31, 2015 04:52 PM (91edK)

6 I'm always curious about how spring training will go. Injuries, a minor leaguer who blossoms unexpectedly, veterans off to a good or bad start, and so on. It's the best suspense saga out there.

My big question for the Nationals is: How will Ryan Zimmerman do at first base? If he stays healthy he could be one of the best hitters in the league.

Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 04:53 PM (FvdPb)

7 Even though they are in the AL...

GO TRIBE!!!!

Posted by: itchytriggerfinger at January 31, 2015 04:55 PM (8Lbu5)

8 Have the Cubs been kicked out of NL? Some interesting moves there.

RIP Ernie! Got to see him play in my youth. What a gem of a ballplayer and human being.

Posted by: jd at January 31, 2015 04:57 PM (LrpUO)

9 Have the Cubs been kicked out of NL? Some interesting moves there.

RIP Ernie! Got to see him play in my youth. What a gem of a ballplayer and human being.

Posted by: jd at January 31, 2015 04:57 PM (LrpUO)

10 BC... Thanks for this baseball thread. Not that I'm getting fidgety for the new season to begin or anything. Nope. Not me!

Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 04:57 PM (FvdPb)

11 Worst baseball news recently is the death of Ernie Banks

Still, soon the game begins again.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 31, 2015 04:59 PM (39g3+)

12 Oh, and I expect the Nationals to be very, very good next year. And not get far in the post season.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 31, 2015 04:59 PM (39g3+)

13 What ? No Lastros?

Posted by: Mitt Romney at January 31, 2015 05:00 PM (Xrson)

14 JD, the Cubs, Padres and Marlins were covered in the previous baseball post, so they're not repeated here.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at January 31, 2015 05:01 PM (GEICT)

15 I don't even know who is running my Braves anymore.

I do know they have essentially blown the team up since last year.

Still saddled with two of the worst contracts in modern sports isnt helping.

Go Hawks! 19 in a row.

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at January 31, 2015 05:03 PM (3HEy6)

16 On opening day I'm opening the bubbly. Plus pudding! I will inhale the scents and taste the fruits as only an impartial journalist can.

Posted by: Steve Kroft at January 31, 2015 05:03 PM (gwG9s)

17 My heirs still get residual checks from my appearance on 'WKRP in Cincinnati'. Bailey forever - Jennifer never!

Posted by: Sparky Anderson at January 31, 2015 05:06 PM (gwG9s)

18 No entry for the Cubs. No luck climbing out of the basement again this year?

Posted by: GMB - Tyrant 2nd Class at January 31, 2015 05:07 PM (GoyxN)

19 Question sort of answered.

Posted by: GMB - Tyrant 2nd Class at January 31, 2015 05:08 PM (GoyxN)

20 le sigh

no cubs is equal to no sunshine

Posted by: navycopjoe at January 31, 2015 05:09 PM (PsbTM)

21 St. Louis - The Cardinals biggest move this off-season came with the resigning of pitcher Lance Lynn.

I would call the Cards trading Shelby Miller for Jason Heyward a much bigger move

Mets signed Michael Cuddyer and Bobby Parnell was already with the Mets, resigning a 1 year deal to avoid arbitration. But yeh, pretty much quiet for them otherwise

Posted by: George Costanza at January 31, 2015 05:10 PM (GrXXa)

22 When Obama was elected we had Jobs, Cash, Hope and Banks...................

Posted by: PaleoMoron at January 31, 2015 05:14 PM (16Oo2)

23 Nothing against baseball, but the Spurs are the only pro team I follow. Now they're finally back from injuries, and playing better. They're about to go on the long annual Rodeo Road trip, because the rodeo is in the same arena every night for two weeks. That's the other pro sport I like to watch in person.

Posted by: stace at January 31, 2015 05:15 PM (ImzkZ)

24 "No entry for the Cubs. No luck climbing out of the basement again this year?"
-Posted by: GMB - Tyrant 2nd Class at January 31, 2015 05:07 PM (GoyxN)

Pecota projections have them finishing over .500, (82-80) and I agree with them. They also have them in 2nd place in the Central.

http://tinyurl.com/avqzm9

I believe they have one more year behind the Cardinals and Pirates before Kris Bryant makes the HUGE splash I think he'll make.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:16 PM (16bOT)

25 Last night's ONT mentioned listening to ball games on AM radio. I have a circa 1933 RCA AM/SW cathedral radio with the big magnetic speaker. Time to see if it still works. A bit of nostalgia. The alternative would be a 1960 transistor radio with a pressed leatherette cover. I still remember that 'electronic' aroma they gave off.

Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 05:16 PM (FvdPb)

26 Pittsburgh also re-signed AJ Burnett, so he will be back in their rotation this year.

Reds traded Matt Latos to the Marlins because they couldn't afford to sign him.

The will also lose Johnny Cueto (20 game winner in 2014) this year, as the can't afford to sign him, either.

Look for the Marlins to press the Nationals in the East. They a.re "all in" to win in 2015

Posted by: Bossy Conservative.... waiting for spring at January 31, 2015 05:17 PM (RFeQD)

27 "*sigh*
I guess the Phillies are in a "rebuilding" phase. Again."
-Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 04:44 PM (sdi6R)

The problem with the Phillies is they are stuck with injured/aging veterans signed to enormous contracts.

You can't "rebuild" if you can't "sell-off" talent!

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:17 PM (16bOT)

28 For those of you with ESPN Insider subscriptions, Keith Law has published his Top 100 Prospects for 2015

Baseball is moving away from free-for-all with Free Agents and even the big market clubs like the Yankees and Dodgers are putting emphasis on home grown players who are controllable for 6 years while in their primes, and locking up the best players before reaching free agency.

With Steroids and other PEDs banned, players aren't quite so likely to play at 38 like they did at 28 now.

Posted by: kbdabear at January 31, 2015 05:17 PM (GrXXa)

29 I second it! Let's Play Two!!!

It's about 8 degrees here today.

Walt Whitman once said, "I see great things in baseball. It's our game, the American game. It will repair our losses and be a blessing to us." You could look it up.

Posted by: tcn in AK at January 31, 2015 05:19 PM (+YMhA)

30 For those of you with ESPN Insider subscriptions, Keith Law has published his Top 100 Prospects for 2015,"
Posted by: kbdabear at January 31, 2015 05:17 PM (GrXXa)

MLB Network is airing "Top 100 Prospects" right now.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:20 PM (16bOT)

31 "JD, the Cubs, Padres and Marlins were covered in the previous baseball post, so they're not repeated here."

Thanks, BC. I'll go back and check that out. Looking forward to a new year... as all good Cubs fans do:-)

Posted by: jd at January 31, 2015 05:20 PM (LrpUO)

32 I believe they have one more year behind the Cardinals and Pirates before Kris Bryant makes the HUGE splash I think he'll make.
Posted by: ColdBeer1

Yeah, if the Cardinals don't collapse into mediocrity because three of their key players are getting old; and Wainright has about a million innings on his arm over the last few years.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative.... waiting for spring at January 31, 2015 05:21 PM (RFeQD)

33 This one belongs to the Reds!

Posted by: Marty and Joe at January 31, 2015 05:21 PM (gwG9s)

34 ....and this is the old lefthander, rounding third and heading for home.

Goodnight, everyone

Posted by: Zombie Joe Nuxhall at January 31, 2015 05:23 PM (RFeQD)

35 I was frozen before 'Frozen' became a big deal. Just ask Walt Disney.

Posted by: Ted Williams at January 31, 2015 05:25 PM (gwG9s)

36 Posted by: Bossy Conservative.... waiting for spring at January 31, 2015 05:21 PM (RFeQD)

Yup... they're coming back to Earth, so to speak. Their Minor League cupboard is a little bare, as well. Not good times for Cards fans.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:25 PM (16bOT)

37 I still play, but sadly, I think the game is dying. All the kids here in SoCal play that goddamned soccer all the time; it's rare to see any ever playing baseball.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at January 31, 2015 05:32 PM (oKE6c)

38 I'm ready for baseball season. That means the snow is gone

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 05:34 PM (u/Asb)

39 Rest in peace, Ernie.

Let's play two!

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 05:34 PM (dFi94)

40 Yup... they're coming back to Earth, so to speak. Their Minor League cupboard is a little bare, as well. Not good times for Cards fans.
Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:25 PM (16bOT)

Wah Wah wah

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 05:34 PM (u/Asb)

41 I like the Sox/Cubs. Have you seen me throw? Putin has.

Posted by: Barry Soetoro at January 31, 2015 05:35 PM (gwG9s)

42 For those of you who want information on all the transactions this winter, Major League Baseball Trade Rumors has a tracker. Great site for keeping up with the moves and rumors, I have it bookmarked and follow them on Twitter

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/transactiontracker

Posted by: kbdabear at January 31, 2015 05:36 PM (GrXXa)

43 41 I like the Sox/Cubs. Have you seen me throw? Putin has.
Posted by: Barry Soetoro at January 31, 2015 05:35 PM

Reggie saw you pitch too. :-)

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 05:36 PM (u/Asb)

44 The two most beautiful words in the English language are
"Play Ball!"

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 05:37 PM (dFi94)

45 Muslim call to prayer is the most beautiful sound in the world.

Posted by: Barry Soetoro at January 31, 2015 05:38 PM (gwG9s)

46 44 The two most beautiful words in the English language are
"Play Ball!"
Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 05:37 PM (dFi94)

Woman to man, take me (polite)

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 05:40 PM (u/Asb)

47 Sadly, winter is not almost over here. They're calling for up to 12 inches of snow starting tonight and ending overnight Sunday.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 05:40 PM (dFi94)

48 The Dodgers have three outfielders with huge contracts that they wanted to offload while they can, Kemp was the first one. They had to throw in 32 million to the Padres towards Kemp's 107 million 5 years left on his contract. Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford both have huge contracts well above their age and production and the Dodgers want to make room for one of their top outfield prospects in Jock Pederson, who could be better than Yasiel Puig.

I liked the moves they made, they were able to vastly improve their middle infield defense with Jimmy Rollins and Howie Kendrick without giving up ANY of their own prospects, by flipping the prospects they got for Kemp and Dee Gordon for them. The only move I question is signing Brandon McCarthy for 4 years/48 million. He's usually on the disabled list for a good part of every year and he's a bottom of the rotation pitcher by now.

Posted by: kbdabear at January 31, 2015 05:43 PM (GrXXa)

49 Thanks for the beisbol BC

Posted by: Osoloco at January 31, 2015 05:44 PM (k6TbN)

50 That picture of Ernie Banks just makes me happy.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 05:44 PM (dFi94)

51 I rewarded my O's excellent last season by purchasing hoodie and coffee mug.

Go Birds!!!

Posted by: goatexchange at January 31, 2015 05:44 PM (ynyyD)

52 I wish I had the memories many of you have for the game. I pretty much ignored baseball from 1965 until the Nationals started up. Now it's the only sport I follow. I can say there is no lack of Nats caps around here and folks are happy to discuss the team.

Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 05:45 PM (FvdPb)

53 Gee whiz... I had forgotten about the death of Stl. OF Oscar Taveras. Damn. Don't drink and drive at 80 MPH, I guess.

Also, RIP Ernie Banks. He was "One of Those Guys", like Tony Gwynn. Nary a bad word spoken of them.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:47 PM (16bOT)

54 52 I wish I had the memories many of you have for the game. I pretty much ignored baseball from 1965 until the Nationals started up. Now it's the only sport I follow. I can say there is no lack of Nats caps around here and folks are happy to discuss the team.
Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 05

Yeah those montreal expos are pretty good

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 05:49 PM (u/Asb)

55 I stopped following baseball in 1969... heartbreaker it was...

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at January 31, 2015 05:52 PM (/9Mak)

56
17 degrees -- wind chill: 0

Posted by: Reflective Alternate-Reality Soothsayer at January 31, 2015 05:53 PM (mFNJH)

57 Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 05:45 PM (FvdPb)

You picked the right year to stop "sniffing glue"! ...lol.

They are going to be beasts this season. That pitching staff if excellent and deep. They could lose guys for some time and almost not skip a beat.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:53 PM (16bOT)

58 Can we get a clean-up on Aisles 53 & 59, please?

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:58 PM (16bOT)

59 Thanks!

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:06 PM (16bOT)

60
Posted by: Citation X driver at January 31, 2015 04:41 PM (Sqmjr)

I plan to see the Tigers play the Nationals there in early March. My brother lives in Titusville so it will be a short drive. Also plan to see the Tigers in Lakeland at least once.

My brother tells me the Nationals will be moving from Viera in a couple years. I guess they got a better offer.

Posted by: Bill R. at January 31, 2015 06:07 PM (jKUeC)

61 They just showed close-up shots of Giancarlo Stanton after he got that Facial from Fiers last season... ooof.

Still has no feeling in part of his upper-lip.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:09 PM (16bOT)

62 58 Can we get a clean-up on Aisles 53 & 59, please?
Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:58 PM (16bOT)

59 Thanks!
Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:06 PM (16bOT)/i]

Heh. Now *you're* 59.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 06:10 PM (sdi6R)

64 Oh, on MLB Network, that is. They're doing a Marlins & Cubs special, highlighting Stanton, Joe Maddon and Anthony Rizzo.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:11 PM (16bOT)

65 "Heh. Now *you're* 59."
-Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 06:10 PM (sdi6R)

*HAH!* ...and 53!

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:12 PM (16bOT)

66 The Phillies were too loyal to too many really great core players, so now they're stuck with them. You gotta be ruthless as a team, not soft hearted. When they're past their prime, move them for a replacement that will contribute.

Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 31, 2015 06:12 PM (39g3+)

67 Avoided another embarrelling.

Nats outfielder Jason Werth was sentenced to five days in jail for driving 105 on the DC beltway.

https://tinyurl.com/mhfuwt5

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 06:13 PM (sdi6R)

68 Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 31, 2015 06:12 PM (39g3+)

Exactly.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:14 PM (16bOT)

69 the National League. (You know, where they play actual baseball.)

DAMN STRAIGHT!

Posted by: pookysgirl, lifelong Dodgers fan at January 31, 2015 06:18 PM (dCUzJ)

70 This week we're looking at the National League. (You know, where they play actual baseball.)

I'm gonna go back and read comments to see if we're still talking about, I swear.

Now it pains me to say this. The only reason the National League exists is to field someone against the Red Sox in the World Series.

But you guys do play real baseball. This designated hitter bullshit is bullshit.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at January 31, 2015 06:20 PM (1xUj/)

71 "the National League. (You know, where they play actual baseball.)"
Posted by: pookysgirl, lifelong Dodgers fan at January 31, 2015 06:18 PM (dCUzJ)

I just let that go because ...*Cochran*

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:21 PM (16bOT)

72 Pretty sure the designated hitter was invented by the devil or a modern progressive. Tomato tomahto.

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at January 31, 2015 06:23 PM (3HEy6)

73 *yawn*

Posted by: WannabeAnglican at January 31, 2015 06:24 PM (UaV8u)

74 When did the designated hitter rule start? I grew up in New England listening to Red Sox games and don't remember such a thing in the late 1950s or early 60s.

Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 06:26 PM (FvdPb)

75 If b-a-s-e-b-a-l-l ever gets like bastitball, I will quit following it for certain.

Posted by: Eromero at January 31, 2015 06:26 PM (go5uR)

76 Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 06:26 PM (FvdPb)

Early 70's I think. I hate it by the way. Did I mention that? No? I do. I hate it.

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at January 31, 2015 06:27 PM (3HEy6)

77 "When did the designated hitter rule start? I grew up in New England listening to Red Sox games and don't remember such a thing in the late 1950s or early 60s."
-Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 06:26 PM (FvdPb)

1973

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:27 PM (16bOT)

78 Being a Mets fan has its adavantages, they are usually irrelevant just after the all-star game so it frees up a tremendous amount of time at prime vacation time.

We are nine deep in pitching and will probably come in last place.

Can't wait for all of the 1-0, 2-1 losses.

Posted by: Kreplach at January 31, 2015 06:28 PM (DDFkt)

79 I think (and looking it up is cheating, fappers) the designated hitter started in 1969.

That's when MLB changed their logo, too. I was 9 years old and already hated change.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at January 31, 2015 06:28 PM (1xUj/)

80 It was 1973.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:31 PM (16bOT)

81 #66

Teh kittehs are still loyal to the Phillies, though. They have a water bowl with the Phillies logo (yeah, I bought it for them in 200

and a cat bed made out of fleece with a Phillies print (friend made it for them). I've thought of putting an AL logo on the litter box (in honor of the designated s-hitter rule) but then i'd have to move the photo of the JEF.

Posted by: Basement Cat at January 31, 2015 06:31 PM (omf9g)

82 The DH rule was started in the American League in 1973.

It's also been adopted in a lot of the minor leagues, to get guys more at bats.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative.... after 5 pm at January 31, 2015 06:32 PM (RFeQD)

83 It had been bandied about since around '69, but it wasn't put to a vote until after the 1972 season. After the vote, the Leagues were given a choice whether to adopt it or not.

One did, one didn't.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:32 PM (16bOT)

84 Nats outfielder Jason Werth was sentenced to five days in jail for driving 105 on the DC beltway.

Posted by: rickl

That actually makes me sort of like him. I used to drive that and faster in the middle of the night when the roads were empty.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative.... after 5 pm at January 31, 2015 06:33 PM (RFeQD)

85 Chicago Cubs: 1908 World Champions.

That is all.

Oh, and Go CARDs!!

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 31, 2015 06:34 PM (5buP8)

86 Just went back to my notes on the DH... It had actually been debated since 1900 and was almost initiated in the 1920's.

It was adopted in the Minor Leagues in 1969.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:36 PM (16bOT)

87 #78

Friend downstairs is a diehard Mets fan-- I give her a Mets calendar every year for Hanukkah to cheer her up in the off-season. Both of us are in countdown mode for Spring Training, needless to say.

Posted by: Basement Cat at January 31, 2015 06:37 PM (omf9g)

88 I sort glass, that's my job...it was hard at first but now....I know it by heart...

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 06:38 PM (/4AZU)

89 When did the designated hitter rule start?

I don't know, but it needs to fng stop. there is nothing more exciting in BB than when a pitcher drives in a tying/winning run. More offense. The perpetual cry of the idiotic. They lowered the pitching mound because of Bob Gibson, and the dude still won 20.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 31, 2015 06:39 PM (5buP8)

90 5 Posted by: Df82 at January 31, 2015 04:52 PM (91edK)

We need some lawfare by our intrepid L words and some billionaire Tech guys who were not bitten by the moonbat vampire gerbils.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 06:39 PM (/4AZU)

91 I'm surprised Jason Werth found road space to go that fast. The roads around are seldom empty enough to do that. So glad I'm retired and don't have to deal with traffic anymore.

Thanks for the answers about the designated hitter rule. I could have looked it up but didn't want to deny people a chance to rail against it.

BTW, I don't like the DH rule either. There's a certain amount of suspense (and humor) having the pitcher swing.

Posted by: JTB at January 31, 2015 06:40 PM (FvdPb)

92 33 Posted by: Marty and Joe at January 31, 2015 05:21 PM (gwG9s)

God love ya Joe...

and drive home safely we want you at the next game...

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 06:41 PM (/4AZU)

93 The Mets were a team of density in 2006 until a wicked hook from Adam Wainwright intervened with their path to glory.

Have you ever been at a stadium, crowd insane with joy and 50k people lift up and sink down into the concrete?

Posted by: Kreplach at January 31, 2015 06:42 PM (DDFkt)

94 89 Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at January 31, 2015 06:39 PM (5buP

1973 or as I refer to it...

Year one of the AS calender...

(after Sven)

They started experimenting with it in '69 or -3 (AS)

Pitchers should play baseball too.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 06:43 PM (/4AZU)

95 I've just come to accept the DH. I'll let others bang their head against the wall about it and act like "Big L" Libertarian Purists.

I just laugh at it all...

*ole'*

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:43 PM (16bOT)

96 Have you ever been at a stadium, crowd insane with joy and 50k people lift up and sink down into the concrete?

Wrigley Field. Story of my life.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 06:44 PM (dFi94)

97 35 Posted by: Ted Williams at January 31, 2015 05:25 PM (gwG9s)

Palelin, ennen kuin se oli vitun sana...

//Torgo the Caveman

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 06:45 PM (/4AZU)

98 95 Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:43 PM (16bOT)

All stats from prior to the adoption of the awesome DH rule should be exiled from history....

//Mau Mau

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 06:46 PM (/4AZU)

99
DH rule is for wimpishly wimpy wimps.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 06:47 PM (dFi94)

100 58 Can we get a clean-up on Aisles 53 & 59, please?
Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:58 PM (16bOT)

Something I said?

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 06:47 PM (u/Asb)

101 I'm pretty sure Obama invented the DH rule. Because he hates America.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 06:47 PM (sdi6R)

102 95 I've just come to accept the DH. I'll let others bang their head against the wall about it and act like "Big L" Libertarian Purists.

I just laugh at it all...

*ole'*
Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:43 PM (16bOT)

Crossbow longbow shit. It is what it is

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 06:48 PM (u/Asb)

103 100 58 Can we get a clean-up on Aisles 53 & 59, please?
Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 05:58 PM (16bOT)

Something I said?
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 06:47 PM (u/Asb)

Posts got deleted. You got re numbered .

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 06:48 PM (dFi94)

104 "Something I said?"
-Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 06:47 PM (u/Asb)

Nope. It got cleaned-up. Some off-topic rambling dude with huge walls of unbroken text and links.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:48 PM (16bOT)

105 Thanks cold beer Slappy

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 06:50 PM (u/Asb)

106 Posts got deleted. You got re numbered .
Posted by: grammie winger, watching

Whew

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 06:50 PM (u/Asb)

107 Nope. It got cleaned-up. Some off-topic rambling dude with huge walls of unbroken text and links.

I think it was MUMR's roommate at the nut house.

Posted by: Ronster at January 31, 2015 06:50 PM (ymjdW)

108
Tiger fan forever here but yeah, the DH rule sucks. A pitcher in the lineup adds another dimension to the game and forces a manager to, well, manage.

Posted by: Bill R. at January 31, 2015 06:51 PM (jKUeC)

109

forces a manager to, well, manage.

THIS

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 06:52 PM (dFi94)

110 If you're into Baseball Cards...

There is a show on Fox, one hour from now, called 'Strange Inheritance'.
Jamie Colby is the hostess.

She will be reporting on someone who inherited a rare cache of vintage Baseball Cards.
Which sounds kinda cool.

Posted by: wheatie at January 31, 2015 06:53 PM (hX3bN)

111 Have you ever been at a stadium, crowd insane with joy and 50k people lift up and sink down into the concrete?

I remember back in the day-- you probably do too-- when Bill Buckner's infamous fielding error helped to hand the Mets the 1986 WS. There was a joke making the rounds then that two Bills-- Billy Graham and Bill Buckner-- had one thing in common: they were the only two guys in America who could get a stadium full of 50,000 people jumping to their feet yelling "Jesus Christ!"

Posted by: Basement Cat at January 31, 2015 06:54 PM (omf9g)

112 If I had my druthers, I'd get rid of the DH, but it just doesn't bother me. Like I said, I'll let everyone else beat their heads against the wall and laugh.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:54 PM (16bOT)

113 "There was a joke making the rounds then that two Bills-- Billy Graham and Bill Buckner-- had one thing in common: they were the only two guys in America who could get a stadium full of 50,000 people jumping to their feet yelling "Jesus Christ!""
-Posted by: Basement Cat at January 31, 2015 06:54 PM (omf9g)

*HAH!*

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 06:55 PM (16bOT)

114 There is a show on Fox, one hour from now, called 'Strange Inheritance'.
Jamie Colby is the hostess.

I watched a couple of her shows. One about a Strad. Cello and the other a bunch of old cars.

Did I mention that Jamie Colby is kinda hot?

Posted by: Ronster at January 31, 2015 06:57 PM (ymjdW)

115 We're doomed to the perpetual DH now because too many players that can't play the field anymore can still hit. No Big Papi I wasn't referring to you. Why do you ask?

Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at January 31, 2015 06:58 PM (3HEy6)

116 41 I like the Sox/Cubs. Have you seen me throw? Putin has.
Posted by: Barry Soetoro at January 31, 2015 05:35 PM (gwG9s)

I've seen you catch any times.

Posted by: Reggie at January 31, 2015 06:58 PM (+XMAD)

117 RIP Mr. Banks.

Even though they are in the AL...

GO TRIBE!!!!
Posted by: itchytriggerfinger at January 31, 2015 04:55 PM (8Lbu5)

*fistbump*

Posted by: alexthechick - Come to us SMOD at January 31, 2015 07:01 PM (IrByp)

118 114 There is a show on Fox, one hour from now, called 'Strange Inheritance'.
Jamie Colby is the hostess.

I watched a couple of her shows. One about a Strad. Cello and the other a bunch of old cars.
Did I mention that Jamie Colby is kinda hot?

---------

I caught part of the show about the Cello.
I like Jamie Colby. ...She's married to some big name surgeon, I think.

Been trying to give Fox my eyeballs in that timeslot, now that the Huckster is gone.
I hope they experience a ratings jump without Huck.

Posted by: wheatie at January 31, 2015 07:04 PM (hX3bN)

119 Posted by: weirdflunkyonatablet at January 31, 2015 06:58 PM (3HEy6)

Yeah, the DH is the pre-retirement gig for aging hitters.

Thank you BCochran, for this thread! We're expecting 9 inches of snow tonight. I needed a reminder of the Boys of Summer.

Summer. One of the most beautiful word in the English language. Same goes for baseball.

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands and not bitter at all over the Super Bowl. No really, hones at January 31, 2015 07:04 PM (+XMAD)

120 It's nice to see you post a picture of Ernie with a smile on his face.

Of course, nobody has ever been able to take a picture of Ernie without a smile on his face.

Posted by: Roy at January 31, 2015 07:04 PM (fWLrt)

121 Giants baby!

Posted by: SFGoth at January 31, 2015 07:04 PM (26s9t)

122 O/T here. Our local news has a story about the measles outbreak and the fact that it was pretty much eradicated in the U.S. The government is blaming it on the people that won't let their kids get inoculated. While I don't doubt that is a contributor, I'd be willing to bet that it started from all the crimigrants that Obama has let into the country.

Posted by: Bill R. at January 31, 2015 07:06 PM (jKUeC)

123 Yo! Baseball!

Wait your turn.

Daytona 500, 22 Feb...

Posted by: Spun and Murky at January 31, 2015 07:08 PM (4DCSq)

124 Last night I was looking into plane tickets to Orlando. Today I find out we're expecting 7-10 inches of snow between tonight and Monday morning. Why can't it be March already? I'm sure looking forward to seeing some spring training.

Posted by: Bill R. at January 31, 2015 07:09 PM (jKUeC)

125 I remember as a kid that the NY football Giants had to be differentiated from the NY baseball Giants. Seemed like the Giants and Yankees were always in the World Series.

Posted by: Ronster at January 31, 2015 07:10 PM (ymjdW)

126 Well, I hope Cotts works out for the Crew. They badly need pitching and a lefty is welcome.

The gdamned idiot protesters interfered with people going to see a Bucks game. Since, like most people around here, I don't care about the Bucks, that didn't faze me too much. But if those hippie aholes start harassing people trying to get to Miller Park during baseball season, I will be wroth.

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands & not bitter at all over the Super Bowl. No really, honest.) at January 31, 2015 07:10 PM (+XMAD)

127 @111

That's funny.

Feel bad for Buckner he should have never been in that position.

But it was a delirious time for a mets fan.

Posted by: Kreplach at January 31, 2015 07:11 PM (DDFkt)

128 Possible clean-up on aisle 221 of the previous thread.

Posted by: A Dot at January 31, 2015 07:17 PM (yxw0r)

129 Sorry.... Love me some Royals... But baseball season starts the day after the Stanley Cup gets hoisted.

Posted by: fixerupper at January 31, 2015 07:18 PM (xrURQ)

130 78 Being a Mets fan has its adavantages, they are usually irrelevant just after the all-star game so it frees up a tremendous amount of time at prime vacation time.

We are nine deep in pitching and will probably come in last place.

Posted by: Kreplach at January 31, 2015 06:28 PM (DDFkt)

Fellow long time Mets fan here. The future looks good since Keith Law ranked us 4th in prospects and most analysts have us in the top 5. There's hitting in the pipeline too besides the pitching, so Alderson and DePodesta did a nice job rebuilding the farm system from the disaster that Minaya left it.

The Nats have to do it all this year since next year Ian Desmond, Jordan Zimmermann, Denard Span, and Doug Fister all hit free agency, and Strasburg hits it the year after.

Posted by: kbdabear at January 31, 2015 07:19 PM (GrXXa)

131 I boycotted the game for decades after the World Series was cancelled in the 1990s.

I've been following the last couple of years though so thank you for the thread.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at January 31, 2015 07:20 PM (AC0lD)

132 Basement Cat @ 87- friend downstairs?
If you are Basement Cat, who or what is your friend downstairs?

Posted by: Eromero at January 31, 2015 07:20 PM (go5uR)

133 I taught Ernie how to click his heels like that.

Posted by: Zombie Ron Santo at January 31, 2015 07:23 PM (fWLrt)

134 131 Posted by: Stateless Infidel at January 31, 2015 07:20 PM (AC0lD)

I peek at the Reds but I'll never be the fan I was prior to the players and owners accomplishing what WW1 and WW2 couldn't.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:24 PM (/4AZU)

135 132

Sub-basement Mets Fan Cat.

After the last few years, the NL East should have a sub-basement just for the Phillies.

Posted by: Basement Cat at January 31, 2015 07:24 PM (omf9g)

136 My Little League team in 1969 was the Mets. That year I was a big Mets fan although I didn't stop loving the Tigers. They were defending champs that year.

Posted by: Bill R. at January 31, 2015 07:25 PM (jKUeC)

137 Bill Buckner was a great player, and it's a shame that he will be forever remembered for that error.

It's sort of like the NY Giants centerfielder Fred Snodgrass. In Game 8 of the 1912 World Series, he dropped an easy fly ball that put the tying run on base. Nobody remembers that he made a spectacular catch on the next play.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 07:25 PM (sdi6R)

138 Marty is perhaps the greatest baseball radio man ever.

Joe - I think he was drunk most of the time. "There's a looping fly ball ... Could be trouble ... It's in the Ohio."

Posted by: Early Cuyler at January 31, 2015 07:29 PM (fgh+v)

139 Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 07:25 PM (sdi6R)

Yes, I always thought that was unfortunate too. The downside of being a pro athlete - screw up a big game and you'll be remembered for that forever. Nothing else counts.

(And Buckner and Snodgrass played in the days before monster contracts, so neither of them got to console themselves with their mountains of money. Buckner, playing in the 80's did much better than Snodgrass.)

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands & not bitter at all over the Super Bowl. No really, honest.) at January 31, 2015 07:30 PM (+XMAD)

140 It's sort of like the NY Giants centerfielder Fred Snodgrass. In Game 8 of the 1912 World Series, he dropped an easy fly ball that put the tying run on base. Nobody remembers that he made a spectacular catch on the next play.

The ironic part is that if he had caught the first ball and missed the second one, the results would have been exactly the same and he wouldn't have been blamed for it.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 07:32 PM (sdi6R)

141 138 Posted by: Early Cuyler at January 31, 2015 07:29 PM (fgh+v)

If he was he earned it... Joe was there for the last of the good years before a LONG lull....

They were an awesome duo...I didn't realize how good they were or lucky I was growing up with them as the sound of Baseball...

Rob Dibble was a blast to watch too.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:33 PM (/4AZU)

142 Looking at my calander, I notice that in 1 week winter will be almost half over.

Posted by: bergerbilder at January 31, 2015 07:34 PM (2o6Wj)

143 142 Posted by: bergerbilder at January 31, 2015 07:34 PM (2o6Wj)

then we'll get to hear how much the planet is warming....

I wonder if the poor dears grasp how seasons work?

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:35 PM (/4AZU)

144
I peek at the Reds but I'll never be the fan I was prior to the players and owners accomplishing what WW1 and WW2 couldn't.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:24 PM (/4AZU)

EXACTLY my thinking! I was a geeky high school kid that listened to every game, followed stats, bought magazines, etc throughout high school. I don't know if the game lost a generation of viewers, and they're certainly not hurting, but that was a huge kick in the nuts to any loyal fans.
After I injured myself and came back home, I'd follow the Tigers with my 88 year old father. In the end, I guess that's how the game will always survive.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at January 31, 2015 07:36 PM (AC0lD)

145 My body calendar says it will be the 4thof July soon, then Christmas again. Guess I shouldn't complain.

Posted by: Ronster at January 31, 2015 07:36 PM (ymjdW)

146 "Rob Dibble was a blast to watch too."
-Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:33 PM (/4AZU)

Friggin' half-psychopath, that guy. Guy gets three hits during the game? ...drill him. At least Charlton and Myers had some sense.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:37 PM (16bOT)

147 The downside of being a pro athlete - screw up a big game and you'll be remembered for that forever. Nothing else counts.
*********
Tell me about it.

Posted by: Donnie Moore at January 31, 2015 07:38 PM (fLKzW)

148 "Tell me about it."
-Posted by: Donnie Moore at January 31, 2015 07:38 PM (fLKzW)

Oof.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:40 PM (16bOT)

149 146 Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:37 PM (16bOT)

He was crazier than Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn....

of course everyone in Ohio knew he was gonna blow his shoulder and elbow out b/c of his bad form at the plate but he was FEARED.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:41 PM (/4AZU)

150 Test

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 07:42 PM (fIzos)

151 -Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:41 PM (/4AZU)

He was feared because he'd break your ribs with a 99MPH fastball if you looked at him funny.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (16bOT)

152 Big Red Machine Redux 2015!

Posted by: WLW 700 AM at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (gwG9s)

153 Sven, the best thing about Joe was the silence. He often wouldn't say a word between pitches and you could just take in the crowd noise. The vendors yelling "Cold beer here!"

It seems the announcers nowadays feel compelled to talk the entire time and 90% of it is twaddle.

Posted by: Early Cuyler at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (fgh+v)

154 Baseball??

That's so....counterintuitive.

So the Cubs actually have someone good this time around, no?

If so I may have to lift my embargo.

Posted by: eleven at January 31, 2015 07:44 PM (MDgS8)

155 151 Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (16bOT)

"by hook or by crook"

//Big Red Machine 1991 Wire to Wire baby

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:45 PM (/4AZU)

156 "It seems the announcers nowadays feel compelled to talk the entire time and 90% of it is twaddle."
-Posted by: Early Cuyler at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (fgh+v)

For all the criticism of announcers, this is the one that holds the most weight with me.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:47 PM (16bOT)

157 Could you put your review of the Astros in the NL Central? Y'know, for old times sake.

*sigh*

Posted by: Rihar at January 31, 2015 07:47 PM (+ao6J)

158 153 Posted by: Early Cuyler at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (fgh+v)

That's funny I'm listening to "enjoy the silence" reminiscing about Eric Davis from that year....

Yeah Joe never lost sight of the game being the star of the show, and he ENJOYED the crowd....

Baseball is not something educated fans need retaught every game, and too few modern announcers grasp that their fanbase "gets" or they wouldn't be watching/listening.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:47 PM (/4AZU)

159 Looking at my calander, I notice that in 1 week winter will be almost half over. >>>

Since December 21st the days have been getting longer for us optimists.

Posted by: Redshirt at January 31, 2015 07:48 PM (Ae09I)

160 Eric Davis was awesome, man. Big, big fan.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 07:49 PM (16bOT)

161 152 Posted by: WLW 700 AM at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (gwG9s)

Here on the Big One...

"All My Reds" the soap opera of this year's Cincy baseball team...

I miss the early mornings and the late nights....

every once in a while when we moved to El paso weird atmospheric bounce would let me hear 5 minutes at a time of WLW late at night.

Posted by: Sven S Blade a.k.a. El Assassin@sven10077 at January 31, 2015 07:49 PM (/4AZU)

162 133 I taught Ernie how to click his heels like that.

Posted by: Zombie Ron Santo at January 31, 2015 07:23 PM (fWLrt)

Heh. Miss you Ronnie.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 07:50 PM (dFi94)

163 153 Sven, the best thing about Joe was the silence. He often wouldn't say a word between pitches and you could just take in the crowd noise. The vendors yelling "Cold beer here!"

It seems the announcers nowadays feel compelled to talk the entire time and 90% of it is twaddle.
Posted by: Early Cuyler at January 31, 2015 07:43 PM (fgh+v)

The great Phillies announcers Richie Ashburn and Harry Kalas were like that. They came across as a couple of friends just sitting on the porch and talking about baseball.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 07:54 PM (sdi6R)

164 Stupid iPad is f*cked up

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at January 31, 2015 07:56 PM (K4xGQ)

165
The great Phillies announcers Richie Ashburn and Harry Kalas were like that. They came across as a couple of friends just sitting on the porch and talking about baseball

When Ron Santo went to color commentary on WGN radio, he came off as a crazed fan on Cubs steroids. You never had to wait for the score. You knew if we were winning or losing just by the tone of Ronnie's gasps.

Posted by: grammie winger, watching the fig tree at January 31, 2015 07:56 PM (dFi94)

166 I don't so much mind the announcers talking a lot...

It's that godawful fakey fake comaraderie laughing at terrible jokes shit that makes baseball announcers insufferable.

You can't spell fake comaraderie without COMA.

Posted by: eleven at January 31, 2015 07:58 PM (MDgS8)

167 Astros win the pennant!!!

Astros win the pennant!!!

Posted by: eleven at January 31, 2015 07:59 PM (MDgS8)

168 In 1980, the Philies went to the World Series. Under MLB rules at the time, the Series was only broadcast on network radio and TV. The teams' local announcers, who had been announcing games all season, were cut out of the loop. They were not allowed to cover the Series.

Phillies fans went ballistic over that and they got the rules changed.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 08:05 PM (sdi6R)

169 We went out to Surprise a few years back. Great little stadium they've got out there. I ran into Jon Daniels...literally. He told me I had my hands full (I had 3 kids with me). I just stammered "uh yeah" but I so wish I had come up with something more clever.

Oh well. Can't always be eloquent.

Posted by: Lauren at January 31, 2015 08:09 PM (MYCIw)

170 In 2008 and 2009 when the Phillies were in the Series again, I had the TV on with the sound turned down and the local announcers on the radio.

Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 08:11 PM (sdi6R)

171 NOOD! Obama is a Muslim.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at January 31, 2015 08:13 PM (16bOT)

172 Sigh. You show a photo of Mr. Cub and forget them in your analysis.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at January 31, 2015 08:30 PM (LnE5F)

173 Atlanta has gotten rid of all their talent, gonna be a tough year.

I had Max Scherzer on a fantasy team last year and was disappointed. No way is he worth $30 mil a year.

Posted by: waelse1 at January 31, 2015 08:49 PM (x+P8L)

174 I'm so happy to see baseball talk on AoS that I'll ignore the childish slight upon the AL.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at January 31, 2015 09:45 PM (IAe6t)

175 Let's Go Mets!

Posted by: joecapoe at January 31, 2015 10:48 PM (5HV0X)

176 Posted by: rickl at January 31, 2015 08:11 PM (sdi6R)

I do the same thing with Brewer broadcasts. Have the TV on with the sound off and listen to Bob Uecker on the radio. He is just so damn funny.

Posted by: Donna &&&&&& V. (brandishing ampersands & not bitter at all over the Super Bowl. No really, honest.) at January 31, 2015 11:12 PM (+XMAD)

177 14 JD, the Cubs, Padres and Marlins were covered in the previous baseball post, so they're not repeated here.
Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at January 31, 2015 05:01 PM (GEICT)

The Padres were barely mentioned in that one too. Just Kemp, none of their other moves.

Oh well.

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at January 31, 2015 11:14 PM (56r3D)

178 I have a soft spot for venerable old baseball cities that are loyal to teams who haven't won a World Series in a very long time:

Cleveland and Pittsburgh come to mind.

Cubs? Not so much. At a hundred and seven years, you have to draw a line.

Losers.

Posted by: Levin at February 01, 2015 09:41 AM (6pgRO)

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