http%3A//news.yahoo.com/posey-pence-ellsbury-among-81-striking-deals-000236366--mlb.html
- Yay for Buster.
- Thanks for starting a new thread, OP.
Kind of weird news about Buster - I mean that they only locked him up for a year. Have they been working on a long term deal? That's a guy that I wouldn't want getting pissed off about contract negotiations and I want to have him committed to my team for a long time.
The Braves and D-backs trade is the news today putting Justin Upton in the Atlanta outfield (and joining his brother). I guess that's a big deal, but I'm not convinced it makes the Braves for favorite in the East.
And in less bombastic news - Tony Plush (Nyjer Morgan) is going to be playing in Japan this year. Those who know the former Pirates, Nationals, Brewers player will know that MLB is losing one of the most ridiculous characters the game has had for the past several years.
- Hooray for a baseball thread, especially regarding the SF Giants. Am having withdrawals. Will miss my boyfriend, Mr. Brian Wilson next year. Hold me.
- Nationals are adding a fifth President to the President's Race. But who? Is it too soon for an Obama?
http://inthecapital.com/2013/01/24/the-washington-nationals-announce-addition-of-5th-running-president-mascot/%23ss__37869_1_0__ss
- I want to lick Buster Posey from head to toe.
- R4, I hope it's James Buchanan, America's gay president.
- I want to see more ass smacks not just in baseball but football and basketball as well. Let the pent up dam of ass smacking be burst asunder with a veritable flood of slaps to the ass for the slightest reason throughout the sports "world".
spanky
- Alex Rodriguez the biggest name in a new PED report that could grow into BALCO-like scandal
(Story at link)
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/alex-rodriguez-is-the-biggest-name-in-a-new-ped-report-that-could-rival-balco-143803741.html
- 2011 league MVP Ryan Braun is also connected to that Miami clinic - although so far they don't have a direct link to him receiving specific from the clinic.
Even the suspicion though has got to be enough to make many of the people that wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt with his previous failed test rethink their position.
Remember how he said that when he finally gets to tell his story everyone would understand how his positive test wasn't accurately representative of his PED use since he's clean? He was so adamant in a way that really seemed like he must have a story that would explain everything and clear his name. But now it's over a year later and he hasn't said anything more, so I'm wondering if he was just hoping people would forget about it.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-brauns-name-florida-clinics-022110889--mlb.html
- Curt Schilling says (tweets) he doesn't understand why anyone should be bothered by having gay players on their team.
He also has a story today about how he was encouraged to use PEDs to get back in the game with he was injured with the Red Sox. He won't get specific about who suggested it though.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/06/curt-schilling-mlb-pitcher-gay-athletes_n_2631871.html
V
- I know there have been fans of Big Time Timmy Jim (Lincecum) on the DL baseball threads before. Some of you will appreciate seeing his new haircut that this article claims has him looking like Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
His long hair always looked dirty to me, so I approve of the change. But the new clean cut do doesn't go with his weed-smoking image as much as the long locks did.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/tim-lincecum-cuts-hair-becomes-baseball-version-joseph-194510258--mlb.html
- Good for Hunter Pence, I remember when the Phillies got him in 2011 and helped the Phillies get the best record in baseball that year.
Of course they choked in the playoffs.
proud%20masculine%20gay
- Steve Buckley (the Boston Herald sportswriter who came out in 2011) ran a story about the current co-captain of the MIT baseball team, Sean Karson.
This is an ambitious kid - but that probably goes without saying for MIT students. The story is inspired by his coming out to his team, but baseball isn't the endeavor he'll be making a career in.
He's a chemistry major, but also is trying to grow his start-up dotcom company that sounds like a variation on 'Meet Up' for university students.
Although he isn't destined to be one of them, he expresses the same dismay that many of us have - the lack of publicly out pros in any of the major U.S. sport leagues.
http://bostonherald.com/sports/columnists/steve_buckley/2013/02/mit_ballplayer_gets_big_hit_coming_out/
- Apparently in Mike Piazza's new book he takes the Oprah approach to address why rumors about his sexuality bother him.
He says what bothers him about the gossip isn't that he'd be perceived as gay, but that he'd be a liar since he's denied it for so long.
Whatever. Honestly I don't care about him anymore and if he is gay, he can stay in the closet forever as far as I'm concerned.
http://www.amazinavenue.com/2013/2/10/3973316/new-york-mets-mike-piazza-book-says-what-you-think-it-does
- [quote]Twelve Opening Day games are currently set for Monday, April 1st.
[quote]The Cincinnati Reds will host the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on April 1st in the season's first edition of Interleague Play, which will be played throughout the regular season. Other Opening Day games on Monday include the Los Angeles Dodgers hosting the San Francisco Giants; the New York Mets hosting the San Diego Padres; the Washington Nationals hosting the Miami Marlins; the Chicago White Sox hosting the Kansas City Royals; the Minnesota Twins hosting the Detroit Tigers; the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the St. Louis Cardinals; the Oakland Athletics hosting the Seattle Mariners; the Atlanta Braves hosting the Philadelphia Phillies; the Milwaukee Brewers hosting the Colorado Rockies; the Pittsburgh Pirates hosting the Chicago Cubs; and the New York Yankees hosting the Boston Red Sox.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp%3Fymd%3D20120912%26content_id%3D38303572%26vkey%3Dpr_mlb%26c_id%3Dmlb
- Chase Utley at the 2013 Phillies training camp
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/643923_10152584712245492_915110785_n.jpg
- Hope Chase Utley stays healthy all season as he's great to look at.
- Anthony Recker of the Mets at spring training.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelgbaron/8466984297/sizes/k/in/photostream/
- "I'm playing to win a World Series. That's why I'm playing baseball. That's all that matters. Period." - Roy Halladay at spring training
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/529827_10152587824475492_559108319_n.jpg
- Hunter Pence and Tim Lincecum Impressions of Each Other During 2013 SF Giants Fan Fest
http://youtu.be/BVFoCutAEQk
- [quote]"I feel pretty damn good right now" - Chase Utley
I like how, when this was posted on Facebook, most of the comments from women were about Chase's looks and/or what they wanted to do with him
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/535575_10152594808680492_669417793_n.jpg
- I'd like to see a before and after picture of the weight that Mike Trout put on over the winter.
If he could pose for an updated shot like the one Torii Hunter posted last season, that would be much appreciated.
https://twitter.com/toriihunter48/status/252614362580275200
- Lincecum is so cool. I really hope his form returns.
- R10, the Schilling story surprises me a bit, I thought he was a big ol' conservative. Of course that doesn't mean he can't be open-minded.
I think Lincecum's adorable but I miss his long hair.
And Josh "Whipped Cream" Hamilton took another shot at his old team:
http://espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/8959488/los-angeles-angels-josh-hamilton-says-dallas-forth-worth-not-true-baseball-town
- Chase Utley lives on the same block where I work. I can't wait til he's back in town so I can "bump" into him at Starbucks. So hot.
- I wonder if Lincecum is going to let his grow back or continue to keep it short. He looked good with it long but looks more boyish with the short cut.
- I cannot wait for the day when this stops being news - individual players stating that they are cool with the idea of having gay teammates. This time it's Verlander.
The commentary from him might be of particular interest though because of his new teammate Torii Hunter having recently said he wouldn't be comfortable because he believes homosexuality is Biblically wrong...or whatever.
That's in contract to Verlander saying that he doesn't think any Tigers players would have difficulty coming out because the guys are a family.
Unfortunately, as long as people still make comments like Hunter did, I guess it's important for others like Verlander to give voice to the opposite opinion.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/justin-verlander-says-wouldn-t-mind-gay-teammate-013558352--mlb.html
- I don't know enough about Torii Hunter. On on hand, he's not comfortable with LGBT. On the other hand, he supposedly said not to believe everything one reads about him.
Which is it?
- Which teams have done It Gets Better videos? I think the Giants and Phillies did one and possibly either the Mets or the Yankees.
- Who's cute?
- R25 I live in Philly are you talking about Philly, where in Philly does Utley live or what neighborhood? Met his wife Jen at an animal rights function a few years back, very nice
anonymous%20
- Utley lives right on Washington Sq Park at the Ayer.
http://nakedphilly.com/society-hill/hit-list-4/
- Do any of you DLers participate in Fantasy Baseball Leagues?
I've never done it, but I'm definitely 'fantasy curious' and would be interested in finding a league that a newbie can play in.
- When do the teams haze rookies, making them dress up etc?
- Buster Posey gets $167M, 9-year deal from Giants
Associated Press - 58 mins ago
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Buster Posey is the San Francisco Giants' new franchise man.
The Giants rewarded NL MVP and batting champion with a $167 million, nine-year contract Friday, a deal that includes a club option for 2022 that could raise the value to $186 million over a decade.
Posey had been due to make $8 million this year. He instead gets a $7 million signing bonus, with $5 million payable Oct. 15 and the remainder Jan. 15, and his 2013 salary is reduced to $3 million.
He will make $10.5 million in 2014, $16.5 million in 2015, $20 million in 2016 and $21.4 million in each of the following five seasons. The Giants' option is for $22 million with a $3 million buyout.
Posey's agreement includes a full no-trade clause. Is the longest for a catcher and the largest in Giants history, surpassing Matt Cain's $127.5 million, six-year contract signed before the start of last season.
In addition, the deal is a record guarantee for a player with fewer than three years of major league service time — more than doubling the $80 million, seven-year contract Rockies slugger Carlos Gonzalez received before the 2011 season. It also is a record guarantee for a player with fewer than four years of service time, topping the $151.45 million over 11 years Colorado's Todd Helton was assured in March 2001.
The Giants captured their second championship in three years behind the play of the All-Star, who won the NL batting title and MVP award after missing most of 2011 following season-ending left leg and ankle injury.
Posey batted .336 with 24 homers and 103 RBIs while playing 148 games for the NL West champions, including 111 starts at catcher and 29 at first base. During the Giants' 2010 and '12 championship runs, Posey has hit a combined .244 with four home runs and 14 RBIs — two of those homers and five RBIs coming in last year's NL division series against the Reds in which San Francisco became the first team in big league history to rally from a 2-0 deficit to win a five-game series with three straight road victories.
On May 25, 2011, Posey tore three ligaments in his left ankle and broke a bone in his lower leg in a devastating collision at the plate with Scott Cousins, then with the Marlins.
Posey received his nice payday two days after turning 26.
He could wind up playing his entire career in the Bay Area — and the Giants certainly hope that will be the case. The club posted a photo on its Twitter account Friday of Posey, CEO Larry Baer, general manager Brian Sabean, vice president and assistant general manager Bobby Evans and manager Bruce Bochy — with the hashtag "SFG4Life."
The 2010 NL Rookie of the Year is represented by the same agency that negotiated Cain's deal last year, and both sides were eager to do something again this year to lock Posey up for the long-term.
"We're extremely pleased to reach an agreement that keeps Buster in a Giants uniform for a long time," agent Jeff Berry of CAA Baseball said. "Buster and the Giants have brought each other mutual success, and this contract reflects Buster's extraordinary accomplishments in just three years in the Major Leagues."
The contract includes the following bonuses: $100,000 for NL MVP, $100,000 for World Series MVP, $75,000 for NL championship series MVP, $50,000 for a Gold Glove, $50,000 for All-Star Game election, $25,000 for All-Star selection and $50,000 for a Silver Slugger.
In 2010, Posey wasn't even called up from Triple-A Fresno until late May but still batted .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs in 108 games to help the Giants capture their first NL West crown since 2003.
San Francisco gave him $6.2 million when he signed in August 2008 as the fifth overall pick out of Florida State, the richest deal for an amateur joining the Giants.
http://news.yahoo.com/buster-posey-gets-167m-9-deal-giants-193222348--mlb.html
- First Opening Day start sign of Hamels' importance
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com | 3/29/2013 1:19 P.M. ET
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Cole Hamels cradled the World Series MVP trophy in his hands that chilly October night in 2008.
He was the conquering hero of Philadelphia.
He almost single-handedly delivered the city its first championship since 1983, when the 76ers won the NBA title. But Hamels would continue to prove his worth in the coming years. He would make two National League All-Star teams and finish in the top 10 in NL Cy Young Award voting twice. He would be part of one of the greatest rotations in baseball history in 2011, when the Phillies won a franchise record 102 games.
He then signed a six-year, $144 million contract extension in July, proving monetarily he was one of the best pitchers in baseball.
But yet he had never started Opening Day until this year, which he'll do when he opens the Phillies' season Monday at 7:10 p.m. ET against the Braves at Turner Field.
"It really is [an honor]," he said. "A lot of great pitchers have had that honor, and to be one of them, it's something I will cherish. To be able to get your team off to the right start sets the tone for the entire season. It's something I'll be able to remember for a really long time. At the same time, I'm looking forward to the season. It's going to be a great season."
Hamels is one of the remaining core members of the '08 championship team. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Carlos Ruiz are the others.
He is the youngest, at 29.
He said he signed his extension because he believes in the future of the organization, despite an 81-81 finish last year that left the Phillies out of the postseason for the first time since 2006. Still, Hamels does acknowledge the time to win with this group is narrowing.
"You don't want to see it, but you understand the game of baseball is a very small window," Hamels said. "And you have to do very well for that period of time that you have. So I think -- even though you don't want to hear it -- it's more or less just the knowledge that you have to give it everything you can while you can, because it's going to be taken away really fast and you don't want to regret anything.
"I think that's kind of the idea behind what we have to do. We have to perfect everything we can. We have to play as hard as we possibly can. Because it's going to disappear fast, and I don't want it to disappear. That's why I still signed here, because I firmly believe we have a great team and we can win the World Series. And the organization wants to see that and the fans want to see that. And I think that's the ingredients that you need to succeed, and we have to push the limits."
Hamels did not start Opening Day in 2009 because of an elbow injury. He did not start Opening Day each of the previous three seasons because Roy Halladay got the nod.
Halladay is cause for serious concern as the season starts. He hasn't looked anything close to the dominant pitcher he had been in the past.
That should put more pressure on Hamels to perform.
"I think all of us need to do that," he said. "I don't think it's necessarily the pitching staff. I think it's the 25 guys on the team have to, along with the coaches. We have to motivate each other. We have to stay positive no matter if one guy goes down. That's what was hard with last year -- we weren't able to push to our top limits, and I think that's what we have to do this year and I know we're capable of it. And I think we've realized that. When you take a step back, you know you can take a couple of steps forward, and I think that's what we're doing."
That is the hope. If Hamels leads the rotation, the Phillies certainly have a better chance of getting back to the postseason. But it will be difficult to usurp the Nationals, who finished with the best record in baseball last season.
"Very close," Hamels said, when asked if the Phillies were close to winning the World Series again. "But when the time comes and we have to step between the lines, we have to play the very best baseball we can for 173 games. We have to look at it that way. If we don't take that sort of approach, then we're selling ourselves short. That's the attitude that we're getting. You can feel it in the clubhouse. You can see the work ethic. This is something that we want to do. We want to win 173 games and that's what we going to play for."
He can get them off on the right foot Monday.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp%3Fymd%3D20130327%26content_id%3D43401084%26vkey%3Dnews_phi%26c_id%3Dphi
- Does Buster's $167 million deal include a promise of full frontal nudity?
- Cole Hamels sporting a pornstache at tonight's Phlllies exhibition game at Citizens Bank Park
https://mobile.twitter.com/Phillies/status/317806523076186112/photos
- [bold]BEST MLB STADIUMS[/bold]
[bold][italic]With opening day rapidly approaching, Onion Sports provides a helpful guide to the greatest ballparks in Major League Baseball.[/italic][/bold]
[italic]PNC Park:[/italic] With its picturesque skyline views and fan-friendly amenities, PNC Park would be a great place to watch any team other than the Pirates
[italic]Wrigley Field:[/italic] The second-oldest major league baseball stadium has 41,000 seats that can fit roughly 18,000 Chicago Cubs fans
[italic]AT&T Park:[/italic] Offers a thrilling activity in the bay just outside the stadium where kayakers fight to the death to please throngs of bloodthirsty onlookers
[italic]The Coliseum:[/italic] Home of the Oakland A’s, it boasts all four bases, a pitcher’s mound, and an outfield
[italic]Minute Maid Park:[/italic] While the retractable roof is impressive, the real gems of this park are the 1,086 black flags hanging from the rafters that commemorate every Astros loss since the park opened in 2000
[italic]Tropicana Field:[/italic] Has over 40,000 great empty seats for every Rays game
[italic]Coors Field:[/italic] Home runs abound in Denver where the air is thin and the outfield fence is 150 feet from home
[italic]Marlins Park:[/italic] The beloved establishment recently installed a gigantic statue in center field of Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria flipping off all the fans while defecating on a miniature version of Miami
[italic]U.S. Cellular Field:[/italic] Named in honor of beloved White Sox manager Upwood Sidney Cellular
[italic]Citizens Bank Park:[/italic] Philadelphia’s downtown stadium offers fantastic sight lines, delicious local grub, and comfortable seats from which to scream racial epithets
http://www.theonion.com/articles/best-mlb-stadiums%2C31860/%3Fref%3Dauto
- Opening Day is finally here...almost.
ESPN kicks things off later today with a game that I normally wouldn't be interested in, but this afternoon I'll be watching the Rangers take on newly re-aligned Astros.
Well I should say that I'll watch a little of it. Monday will be better.
Anybody going to an Opening Day game?
- I have a crush on Josh Reddick of the A's. I've always wondered if he might be gay.
If you google him, you can see a dizzying array of hair styles & facial hair experiments ...would a straight guy do this?
At his best, he looks boyishly cute, he has a nice trim body & a great butt. I only hope he shaves the hideous scraggy beard that makes him look like an Amish farmer.
One cute thing is the chant that Yankees' bleacher fans would unleash mercilessly on him: "Red-Dick, Red-Dick!" ;)
- Yep. Josh Reddick can be boyishly cute, but he's been trying to copy Brian Wilson with the beard thing, which only makes him look like a straight douchebag.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/373064-red-sox-top-ten-prospects-no-2-of-josh-reddick
A%27s/Giants%20schitzo%20fan
- Madison Bumgarner; the epitome of horse-dick face.
http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/20/07/41/4225125/5/628x471.jpg
- That Onion spoof in r39 about ball parks was a scream, especially the bit about Chicago.
- Philadelphia's Citizen Bank Park isn't "downtown" though. And I've heard worse from fans from and in other cities but I guess Philly will always have a bad reputation when it comes to its fans.
- R45, didn't Philly fans use to wolf whistle at Tim Lincecum because of his long hair? Seems like they earn their low class reputation with relish.
- I have a weird crush on Mark Reynolds. Can't explain it. Maybe because he's thick with a nice ass.
- Dustin Ackley for Seattle is the cutest guy ever.
- Verlander is getting paid mega millions now. He deserves it, he's a stud on and off the field
- R48, gotta agree with you ...Dustin Ackley is one gorgeous stud ...and he is mine! -though he doesn't know it yet ;)
Seattleite
- Now I'm curious...gotta see me some pics of this Dustin Ackley.
- WOW just looked at some pics of Ackley...he is hot.
- Phillies @ Atlanta. Chipper Jones threw out the first baseball. So strange to see him not suited up to play.
- Dustin
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30372/dustin-ackley
- The Rangers' Yu Darvish lost his chance at a perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning when the Astros' Marwin Gonzalez singled up the middle.
- I wish more baseball players would shave. I'm tired of the scruffy look.
- R55, I don't understand a single thing you wrote but the fact that you did write it with concise intelligence and enthusiasm is rather hot to me.
Now please don't tell me you are a lesbian.
- Clayton Kershaw was a stud on Opening Day. Pitching a complete game shutout (of the defending World Series champs no less) AND scoring his team's only run with a solo shot over the fence is a great start to his season.
But for about a year now I've been completely in lust with the Giants bullpen pitcher who served up that pitch to Kershaw that has given him is first ever home run.
George Kontos is one hot Greek, and I can't remember the last time I've said that about anyone.
I know there are folks that post on here about how hot Tim Lincecum is. Well you all can have that kid. Give me the full grown man Kontos for a weekend.
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/george%20kontos
- I wanna ram my tongue so deep inside of Ryan Braun's ass. YUM
- r59 = Aaron Rodgers
Welcome to the DL Aaron. Don't act like you haven't already tasted that hole.
- Don't hate, I know you jealous that you can't bury your tongue in Braun's hole anytime you want like I can.
Aaron%20Rodgers
- Ian Kinsler is the cutest little thing.
- David Wright....yum
- Cliff Lee has a very nice ass. Was horny all night watching him pitch yesterday.
- Thanks for that post, r58. Don't have TV and listen to games on the radio, so rarely see the players unless I'm at the game or if I Google them.
Agree that Kontos is HOT. Too bad he blew it on Opening Day.
Would you care to reveal your team preference? I promise to play nice if you are a Dodgers fan.
- For r63, hot David Wright getting hotter with guyliner.
http://www.rickey.org/david-cook-david-wright-guyliner-kyle-drum-solo/
- I don't mind at all, r65. While I live in San Diego and therefore I see the NL-West play a lot, the Padres aren't my team. The team that I live and die by (mostly die) is the much smaller market Milwaukee Brewers.
But I'm not the one that posts here about Ryan Braun being hot - that is somebody else who may or may not be a Brew Crew backer.
That said though, I am a fan of the game as a whole, so I have appreciation for lots of different players and teams. I hate who I'm supposed to hate (Cardinals and Cubbies), but I say that with my tongue in my cheek since when it comes down to it, I have respect for both of those organizations and like several of their players.
I'm going out on a limb guessing that you might be a Giants fan, and further out by wondering if you are the guy that I was exchanging with on here (the 2012 thread though) during the World Series. I too like your Giants, and definitely more than the Dodgers, but there are several Dodger players that I am a fan of also.
Anyway, thanks for the feedback. In my experience fans of baseball are generally good people, even if we have disagreements about teams or players.
V
- Josh Hamilton says wife called for security before game
By SCHUYLER DIXON | Associated Press – 39 mins ago
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton says his wife had to call for security before his first game against the Texas Rangers because fans of his former team were shouting obscenities and personal insults at his family.
The All-Star slugger said Saturday that security guards stayed near his wife, Katie, and their children, and there weren't any major incidents during Friday's game.
"She ended up calling security just because people are being ugly," said Hamilton, who was 0 for 4 in the Angels' 3-2 loss. "Not necessarily the booing and stuff, but inappropriate with kids around — and that was before the game even started."
Rangers spokesman John Blake says the Angels had requested extra security near the Hamiltons, and there were no ejections after Katie Hamilton asked for help.
Hamilton said his family "absolutely" planned to attend the remaining two games, and Blake said they would be more isolated in a suite. Blake said a suite wasn't available for the Rangers' sold-out home opener.
Major League Baseball suspended Hamilton for more than three years for drug and alcohol use while he was in the Tampa Bay organization. He also had a couple of relapses with the Rangers.
The 2010 AL MVP said he heard plenty of insults from the stands Friday, including "crackhead" references like he used to get at Yankee Stadium in his first season with the Rangers five years ago.
"It's cool to get ragged on about normal things," Hamilton said. "But when you get a little swearing and jawing back at Katie and saying inappropriate things, it's a little different story."
Hamilton had a rough return on the field, striking out in his first two at-bats — which drew standing ovations — and just missing on a throw from right field that could have kept the game tied in the eighth inning.
But he had a good time Friday night at the suburban Dallas home he plans to keep, and said his four daughters were unaffected by the day's events.
"They kissed me and hugged me and said, 'Good game,'" Hamilton said. "They went on about playing with their little friends they had over. I went out and jumped on the trampoline with them. So it was like any other game coming home."
http://news.yahoo.com/hamilton-says-wife-called-security-game-184508573--mlb.html
- Los Angeles Angels' Josh Hamilton stands in right field as a fan holds a sign referencing Hamilton's past problems with alcohol and substance abuse during their MLB American league baseball game against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas April 5, 2013.
http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/HZqI0KunMZacXCrfI9LGZg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0xMDI0O3E9Nzk7dz02NjI-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-04-05T215758Z_526598794_GM1E9460G7Y01_RTRMADP_3_BASEBALL.JPG
- Los Angeles Angels' Josh Hamilton, left, and Garrett Richards, right, sit in the dugout in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Friday, April 5, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. Hamilton was a five-time All-Star and the 2010 AL MVP while with Texas before going to the AL West-rival Angels with a $125 million, five-year contract over the winter. He finished 0 for 4, he was booed when he was introduced, then cheered when he struck out twice.
http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/ZuBef9PBwTex3Ec8Y1wq0Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0xMDI0O3E9Nzk7dz04MDc-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/aa213c657c19350b2e0f6a706700ff5b.jpg
- I think it's terrific that Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim now have Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton.
It's great because they both played for teams that come from red states -- Missouri and Texas.
I'm very happy their losses are California's gains.
- Francona gets lost before home opener
Associated Press - 43 mins ago
CLEVELAND (AP) — New Indians manager Terry Francona said he got lost making a two-block walk to Progressive Field for the home opener.
Francona, who is living in downtown Cleveland during the season, was thankful there were people on the streets Monday morning "because I got lost three times." Francona joked that he doesn't have a good sense of direction and was glad someone finally picked him up in a golf cart and got him to the ballpark.
Boston's manager for eight seasons, Francona said "Cleveland is officially the nicest people I've ever met. Everybody I did walk by said, 'Hello.' That's a little different than I'm used to."
Francona said he was looking forward to catching a ceremonial first pitch from his father, Tito, who played outfield for the Indians from 1959-64.
http://news.yahoo.com/francona-gets-lost-home-opener-175853662--mlb.html
- Anyone else think Francona is a hot daddy?
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/dam/assets/130408141559-terry-francona-ap2-single-image-cut.jpg
- The Phillies lost. To the Mets.
- [bold]Anyone else think Francona is a hot daddy?[/bold]
Is there any doubt, R73?
Speaking of Cleveland Indians and hot men, what has happened with Grady Sizemore?
- [quote]Anyone else think Francona is a hot daddy?
Yes, definitely!
- Phillies beat the Mets last night and the final batter up was Mr. Hot Ass himself, Anthony Recker. He is a Mets catcher now.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K99yYvMs9w/TaIL7F-Ek8I/AAAAAAAAuXU/8axDJFzz-jA/s640/anthonyrecker185-11.jpg
- Josh Hamilton having a relapse in a bar in AZ from several years back. Some wise guy photoshopped Jesus in the background, oy veying over one of his lost flock. Apparently he had another relapse in 2012.
http://cdn.wl.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/josh_hamilton.jpg
- How about this for a random appearance by a former major leaguer on a TV show?
Jim Edmonds is on the newest episode of Real Housewives of Orange County. Apparently he's friends with Heather Dubrow and her husband because he showed up to one of their parties.
He came to the party alone - no wife, no date - but didn't appear to be hitting on any of the guests, male or female. That made me search online for info on his marriage status because I know he remarried about 4 years ago, but haven't heard much about him since he retired.
Apparently he's still married and although there are sporadic stories about it being a troubled, it looks like he and the wife picked up the kids and relocated to St. Louis. He's got a new job with Fox Sports as part of the broadcast team covering his old Cardinals. And the house he had in Anaheim is for sale, so I doubt he'll be a recurring 'friend' on RHOC.
Anyway, he still looks as hot as ever.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/374123/6/Jim-Edmonds-behind-the-mic-for-Fox-Sports-Midwest
- Papelbon reacts to Boston tragedy
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com | 4/15/2013 5:05 P.M. ET
CINCINNATI -- The Phillies sat in silence Monday afternoon as a horrific scene played out on the TVs above them inside the visitors' clubhouse at Great American Ball Park.
At least two explosions occurred at the end of the Boston Marathon with multiple deaths and injuries reported.
Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon played seven seasons with the Red Sox and lived above the popular steakhouse Abe and Louie's, where one of the explosions took place. He carried a blank look on his face as he shared his thoughts before Monday's game against the Reds.
"It's sad, man," he said. "Patriots' Day is a big thing in Boston, Sox play at 11 o'clock. It's all ruined. Families are ruined, lives are ruined. For what? It's just sad.
"I'm looking at it right now, and I'm like, damn, I used to live right there."
Papelbon said he has tried to contact people in Boston, but he has had no luck.
"It's kind of surreal," Papelbon said. "I don't know man, it's crazy. It's hard to even think about. … Hopefully, the city can rally and make things better, but it's going to be tough."
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp%3Fymd%3D20130415%26content_id%3D44854768%26vkey%3Dnews_phi%26c_id%3Dphi
- Papelbon, in a new interview, says that Obama wants to take everyone's guns. *sigh* As much as I like him, I hope he gets flak, from both fans and the Phillies, for saying something so stupid.
- R81,
That's enough for me to turn on Jonathan Papelbon.
You have to watch out for these Republican sports players.
- Isn't Papelbon from the deep South (Louisiana maybe)? Kind of says it all.
- Papelbon is dumb as a box of rocks.
Wait! I take it back, that's not fair to the rest of the boxes of rocks.
- [bold]Yankees Disabled List Absolutely Stacked[/bold]
By [italic]The Onion[/italic] (04.18.2013)
NEW YORK—After recently acquiring third baseman Alex Rodriguez, center fielder Curtis Granderson, first baseman Mark Teixeira, and shortstop Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees disabled list is absolutely stacked this year, sources confirmed Thursday. “This is a deep, deep DL,” said ESPN baseball analyst John Kruk, who noted that the injured list is loaded with power, speed, and multiple probable Hall of Famers. “Looking at the sheer talent they have, from top to bottom it’s a murderers’ row. If they can land a couple quality pitchers, this could be one of those historic disabled lists that people talk about for decades to come.” At press time, unconfirmed rumors indicated that the Yankees’ formidable disabled list may soon acquire Cy Young–winning left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/yankees-disabled-list-absolutely-stacked%2C32100/
- [bold]Wrigley Field Renovation Proposal Includes Tearing Down Clubhouse, Bleachers, Upper Deck, Lower Deck, Building New Stadium 10 Miles North[/bold]
By [italic]The Onion[/italic] (04.18.2013)
CHICAGO—Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts unveiled a $500 million Wrigley Field renovation proposal Thursday that includes demolishing the clubhouse, bleachers, upper deck, lower deck, as well as building a new stadium 10 miles north of the soon to be razed ballpark. “It’s going to be the same Wrigley Field that Chicago fans love, but it will have more space, new corporate boxes, new high-definition video boards, a new location, and a brand-new name,” said Ricketts, adding that the plan to modernize the revered Wrigley Field by tearing down outmoded features and constructing a new ballpark in the suburb of Evanston will be respectful to the stadium’s rich history and maintain its iconic status. “I’m very confident that these renovations will be enjoyed by our new roster, management, and fanbase.” Ricketts assured reporters that the refurbished outfield wall at Wrigley Field will still feature a 5-foot section of ivy.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/wrigley-field-renovation-proposal-includes-tearing%2C32107/
- Never really cared for Jeter, even though I will give him props for his playing ability, I think he comes across as too cocky but I worry that this latest injury may be career ending.
- I think someone on DL has posted that they like Chad Billingsley (and his super thick, beefy thighs). Disappointing news that he's out for at least a year now because he's going to have the Tommy John.
And in other amusing (to me) news, Padres Carlos Quentin returned from his 8-game suspension today and said that during his time off he contacted Zack Greinke and talked to him on the phone. He doesn't go into detail except to say that they had a good and productive chat.
Seems like it would be next to impossible to have a 'good chat' with Greinke considering his social anxiety and how he has zero affect when he speaks, but I'm sure that Quentin actually feels bad for hurting him and wanted to say that.
He absolutely was ready to rumble to get his point across that he's had with Greinke throwing at him (even if it is inadvertent), but I doubt he really wanted to hurt Zack and risk ending his career.
Either way, I thought he was a good man for calling Zack to apologize - if that's really what he did.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgersnow/la-sp-dn-billingsleys-surgery-20130423%2C0%2C6631889.story
- Okay, it may seem like a stupid question but I really don't know much about the background stuff when it comes to baseball but are most pitchers exceptionally tall or is it a more recent thing? I read that the Phillies new pitcher Jonathan Pettibone is 6'5" or 6'6"
- I think they prefer taller pitchers because it has something to do with the mound and affecting the ball's angle when thrown.
- Papelbon. Pettibone. Who's next?
- It's not a stupid question R89. And r90 mentions one of the (perceived?) advantages. I'll try to expand a little bit, but I can't explain it fully because it partially gets into a discussion of physics that is beyond my pay grade.
1) Like r90 says, the angle that the ball approaches the plate is different whether coming from a 6'6 guy vs. a 6' guy. It helps to visualize the cuboid strike zone and think about how the ball only has to pass through a part of it (even just a front or back corner) to be a strike.
The higher up in the plane the pitch starts, the sharper angle it can cut downward toward the strike zone - especially a good slider. The ball just has to catch a front low corner of that strike zone and it can continue sliding downward toward the ground. That minimizes (only by a fraction of a second) the time that the ball is occupying the space for a batter to make a good/comfortable swing.
2) Changing the way the batter sees the ball coming toward them is the next advantage. I'm 6'0, and if I pitch a straight fastball to you, that is the easiest thing for your brain to see and process the anticipated movement of because it's coming nearly level with only the slightest downward tilt. So you can prepare for the easiest swing because your brain is fast enough to know that the ball is moving in straight line at something like torso level.
But that also helps you be able to recognize when a non-straight pitch is coming like a curve ball for example. The closer the pitch starts to the batter's eye height, the earlier they can know if it is coming in with unusual movement or straightaway. But the higher in the air the pitch starts, once again, the trickier it is to recognize if the ball has movement or is a straight pitch.
3) Another thing a pitcher wants is to avoid the batter seeing for as long as possible is the ball coming out of their hand. Good batters can see the grip as the ball leaves the pitcher's hand and immediately process what that means for the movement of the ball they should expect.
So a freakishly tall pitcher with a long wingspan can have a good advantage because they can minimize (again, by only fractions of seconds) that amount of space between where they release the ball off the mound and where it arrives at the plate. A tall guy taking a huge step forward from the mound to pitch usually has a longer stride. So combine that stride with his longer arm and you can imagine that the spot in space where he would release the ball is a couple of inches closer to the plate than a short pitcher.
And again, the batter not seeing the release of the ball until it is those couple of inches closer to him cuts down the time his brain has to process what pitch is coming.
4) The last advantage is the one about physics that I can't really explain because it has to do with levers (a rod pivoting on a hinge). I just know that the belief is that a longer rod (long arms in this case) should be able to throw the ball faster as the rod pivots to the extend the hinge (elbow) lets it. But there is a cumulative effect because there are so many pivot points as a pitcher winds up and throws (elbow, shoulder, hips, and whatever else) and all of those bones (rods) are longer.
While I can't argue the physics explanation for that, I know that it doesn't necessarily hold true that the tallest pitchers generate the fasted pitches. There are more factors that affect how hard a pitcher throws.
So in summary...
1) Angle possibilities
2) Line of sight
3) Closer release point
4) Pitch speed
Those are things that could make a scout salivate over checking out a long, tall pitching prospect. It works for some, but I'll still take Pedro Martinez on my team anyday.
The%20Big%20Unit%20%286%2710%29
- Nats gotta get better. Their pitching sucks.
- Bryce Harper leaves game in the sixth with apparent injury (bruised left side)
- Speaking of Bryce, yesterday ESPN ran a 1-hour documentary style show about him called Bryce Begins. It was his story of growing up and his not very lengthy or difficult struggle to make it to the Majors.
He's been so impressive as a player since his Nats debut a year ago that I'd nearly forgotten about his rep for being a cocky asshole before he came up. I remember assuming he'd carry that attitude over and be such a prick that he'd be the new guy to hate in the game. But instead he's been nothing but professional and he still plays like a rock star. I'm happy that he doesn't act like one.
The show included a short scene of him packing his suitcase in his bedroom at his parent's home before he leaves for spring training. He was just wearing shorts and his body was very solid.
- thanks R95! ...hope they show it again ...looking forward to it, especially the bedroom scene ;)
Hopeless & Hapless M's Fan
- Wow, Roy Halladay was really bad today, even more so than in his previous starts. It was obvious that he's hurting so I don't know why Charlie Manuel decided to use him other than Halladay insisting he was fit.
- Seattle Mariners' cutie Dustin Ackley popped his cherry yesterday, hitting his first career grand slam.
- Bryce Harper is that dude.
- Dustin Ackley is a cutie. Is he trying to tell us something here?
http://l-r-g.com/blog/tag/dustin-ackley/
- haha, R100! ...we can dream, can't we?
I think Dustin needs a good massage, and i'm just the one to give it.
- Greetings from Dusseldorf from everyone's favorite schoolmarm!
Don't forget to check out my blog! Just google "recovered baptist blog."
Fuck you, webbie!
Smooches!
- I ask you, would a straight guy go through so many facial hair incarnations? ...
https://www.google.com/search?q=josh reddick&safe=off&rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS300US300&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=i_eWUdO4MKXNigLxwoGgDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1390&bih=1002
- Photos: 6th annual Utley All Star Animals Casino Night
05/16/2013 4:35 PM
By Colin Kerrigan
Phillies second baseman, Chase Utley, and his wife, Jen, held their 6th annual Utley All Star Animals Casino Night at the Electric Factory last night which benefited the Pennsylvania SPCA.
Many of Utley's teammates were in attendance including Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins and more. The annual event has raised nearly $1.5 million over the past five years.
Photo gallery at link
http://mobile.philly.com/blogs/%3Fwss%3D/philly/blogs/out_and_about/%26id%3D207708681
- I am going to fuck you long and hard, r101. With an entire bottle of creamy body lotion.
- Chase Utley...so good looking!
- Any guy who likes animals can't be bad.
