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The Jays have been shut down by the veteran Cuban Orlando Hernandez this year - to the tune of 17 IP, 9 hits, 6 walks, 20 strikeouts and no runs allowed in 3 starts. El Duque is undefeated in 13 starts with 8 wins to his credit this season overall. He might be the Yankees' best starting pitcher right now.
Game 152: Solving El Duque | 288 comments | Create New Account
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_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:02 PM EDT (#31702) #
I just saw Wells' catch on TSN again, and I was listening to the radio yesterday, so can someone tell me why Howard Dean was filling in for Rod Black?

Normal lineup today. Gomez is the DHD - DH of the Day.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:06 PM EDT (#31703) #
This will be the fourth duel between Lilly and Hernandez this season. Prior to their first meeting in New York, El Duque had made just two shaky 5-inning starts all year and Ted had lost his last three, so it was a complete surprise when both men pitched shutouts. Hernandez fanned 10 Jays in 7 innings, allowing just four hits, while Lilly gave up three hits and three walks in 6.2 IP, striking out six. You may recall Ruben Sierra hitting the walkoff homer, as Vinny Chulk took the 1-0 loss. Five days later, in an eagerly anticipated SkyDome rematch, El Duque lasted only two innings, leaving with a tight hamstring. Lilly departed after six with a 2-1 lead, but that time it was Ligtenberg’s turn to blow it.

On August 7 at the Stadium, Teddy didn’t have his best command and got rocked to the tune of 8 hits and 4 walks, while the ageless Cuban shut out the Jays for eight frustrating innings. So the 2004 scorecard shows Hernandez with two shutouts and an incomplete, while Lilly pitched extremely well twice and poorly once, with the 0-1 record to show for it. Ted's still looking for his first career W against his former team, so let’s hope his luck changes tonight and the revamped Jays bullpen doesn’t let him down.

Gibby's playing one of those managerial hunches based on a very small sample size -- Gomez is 3-for-6 this year off El Duque and has taken him deep in the past, so it's not unreasonable, and Eric Crozier isn't exactly looking confident up there.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:09 PM EDT (#31704) #
By the way, I recently read a terrific 2001 book called The Duke Of Havana: Baseball, Cuba, and the Search for the American Dream, by Steve Fainaru and Ray Sanchez. Which reminds me, it’s long overdue to be returned to the Robert Dudek library. If you can locate a copy, it’s highly recommended and will only increase your appreciation for the remarkable El Duque and his countrymen.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:13 PM EDT (#31705) #
Way to get the game started by Adams. I'm telling you, Russ already has one of the more "sound" approaches on this Blue Jay team and that's not a knock on the rest of the guys it's a praise towards Russ.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:21 PM EDT (#31706) #
Adams laid off the curves, and ripped a fastball for a leadoff single. O-Dog also got ahead 2-0 then pulled the first strike through the right side. Unfortunately, Vernon grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to snuff what could have been a nice rally. Carlos recognized the slow hook well and waited for "his" pitch, but was fooled on the 2-0 and missed it by a mile. He appeared to be guessing on the 3-1 and took a belt-high curve down the middle. After fouling one off that he almost killed, then spoiling a better pitch, he popped out to leave Adams stranded.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:27 PM EDT (#31707) #
Memo to every pitcher:

DO NOT THROW A STRIKE TO SHEFFIELD!
_StephenT - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:27 PM EDT (#31708) #
What can El Duque do that Nakamura can't?
_Moffatt - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:30 PM EDT (#31709) #
Has there ever been a player with faster wrists than Sheffield? I'm not even sure Bonds could top him.

I'm sure Coach will remember a few. I'm trying to think of guys from the 80's. I think Sheff is faster than both Gwynn and Brett. The only other guy I can recall with really quick wrists is Jeff Leonard.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:31 PM EDT (#31710) #
What can El Duque do that Nakamura can't?

Read hitters' minds and give them what they're least expecting.

Has there ever been a player with faster wrists than Sheffield?

Well, Henry Aaron was pretty similar.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:33 PM EDT (#31711) #
I'm not watching the game at the moment, so can someone explain this to me?


-G. Sheffield grounded into fielder's choice, D. Jeter out at second
-B. Williams homered to deep left, G. Sheffield scored


Just curious as to why there was no DP turned on the first play.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:34 PM EDT (#31712) #
DO NOT THROW A STRIKE TO SHEFFIELD!

I thought they pitched him very well. Back-door curve, high heat, and a harmless groundout on something off-speed. What you don't want to throw him is a fastball down the middle.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:35 PM EDT (#31713) #
Ryan, the roller to Hinske was too slow to turn two.
_Moffatt - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:35 PM EDT (#31714) #
Well, Henry Aaron was pretty similar.

Since he retired a year or so before I was born I'll take your word for it. :)
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:36 PM EDT (#31715) #
Ah, thanks coach.

Too bad.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:39 PM EDT (#31716) #
I wish someone would tell Tabler that it's Rios, not Rijos or Ree-Hose. It's not really a tongue-twister, Pat.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:46 PM EDT (#31717) #
Bad pitch by Lilly to Sierra. It was either supposed to be up or in, but where it was, it was hard to miss.
Mike Green - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:50 PM EDT (#31718) #
Henry Aaron had very quick wrists. Playing stickball when he was a kid in Mobile probably had a lot to do with it.

I remember being amazed at how quickly he'd turn on a ball, and it would leap off his bat and get out to the wall lightning fast and then just nestle gently into the bleachers. I don't think I've seen a similar "flight path" since.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:53 PM EDT (#31719) #
I thought Russ had no power. ;)
_Andrew Ward - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#31720) #
Houston, I think we have our shortstop!
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#31721) #
Adams hits a laser inside the pole for a 320-foot HR. Nice player.
_Dr. Zarco - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#31722) #
Wow, Russ Adams can not impress me any more with the bat. He's been simply awesome.
_Scott Levy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:54 PM EDT (#31723) #
Russ Adams hits his 3rd HR. Gabe Gross and Alex Rios have 4 home runs COMBINED.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:56 PM EDT (#31724) #
I don't think I've seen a similar "flight path" since

Me neither. Sheffield has way more of an uppercut than Aaron, who put a lot of topspin on those line drives.
Pistol - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:57 PM EDT (#31725) #
Looks like Adams doesn't want to play in Syracuse anymore.

At this point it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't be in Toronto's lineup on opening day 2005.
_dp - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 07:59 PM EDT (#31726) #
Still too early to know much about how Adams will turn out, but so far, looks like I was dead wrong. And I'm really happy being dead wrong.

Wanted to make the game tonight ($6 upper deck seats through NYU) but they sold out fast.
_Wildrose - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:03 PM EDT (#31727) #
I don't think there's any doubt Adam's will be the opening day 2005 shortstop...unless your Rod Black.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:04 PM EDT (#31728) #
As long as people can live with 20 throwing errors, the rest of Adams' game is big league. He covers a ton of ground (more than Gomez did four or five knee surgeries ago and at least as much as Woody) and hasn't wasted any at-bats that I've seen. I figured him for a high OBP, line-drive gap power, lots of doubles and triples, maybe 5-6 HR, but if he can hit 15 into the seats, even better.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:09 PM EDT (#31729) #
Jays strike out with the bases loaded. Aint that just the season in an inning?
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:13 PM EDT (#31730) #
It looks like Carlos is starting to fall out of his groove a bit...over the last couple games he has had at least 4 pitches that he would have smashed out of the park about two weeks ago, but he's fouling them off now. Of course, who knows what would have happened if he didn't get plunked.

PS: I like Russ Adams. I don't think his defense is bad, either. He's made a couple rookie mistakes (hurrying a throw, throwing when there's no play,) but that's about it. He has good range and a strong arm. Oh, and he can hit.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:15 PM EDT (#31731) #
Yeah, Hinske was just trying to spoil everything he could reach, so El Duque threw him something further outside. At least they're making him work -- 63 pitches in 3 innings -- so if they stay patient, they may get to him.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:38 PM EDT (#31732) #
Steiner: "The Yankees are like Tom Hanks' character in Road to Perdition. They come in, do their job, and leave. Then do it in another city."

I'm surprised he used that Tom Hanks movie and not "Catch Me If You Can."
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:39 PM EDT (#31733) #
And an early reminder, folks: Wednesdays with J.P. after the game.

Miguel Batista -- closer?
Russ Adams -- MLB-ready?
Aquilino Lopez -- what happened?
Fisher Cats -- all right!

Tons of stuff to talk about tonight.
_greenfrog - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:46 PM EDT (#31734) #
I would also like to know: what are the chances of keeping Carlos (how badly do they want him back)? Are they willing to offer him a three-year contract? For how much (ballpark figure)?

Chacin, Rosario, League--how close are these guys to being MLB-ready?
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:48 PM EDT (#31735) #
See? There's another pitch that Delgado ALMOST crushed. Well he did crush it...almost crushed fair I mean.

Either he busts out soon with a homer, or he falls into a funk.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:56 PM EDT (#31736) #
GOING.....GOING.....ZAUN....hits a single to bring in the run.

I'll take it. Stick it to the Merc's fighting Jays.
_Scott Levy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:57 PM EDT (#31737) #
Rios with his 13th steal. Good to see the Jays use some of their young legs to their advantage. With power being a problem, it couldn't hurt to run more.

Another good question for JP would be whether the Jays will change up their offensive philosophy should they lose Delgado and have to replace him with a lesser power hitter.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#31738) #
One thing I hate about TSN is that they never ever show replays of individual pitches. I want to see the location of the pitch, damn it! That K to Gross looked WAY outside. Sportsnet would have shown the replay 5 times, and I'd be sure.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#31739) #
Boy Rod, don't sound too excited about the Jays scoring. Except for the Wells catch last night, he's sounded downright sad when the Jays score. Sure enjoys those Yankees though!
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:02 PM EDT (#31740) #
I love how the radio is ahead of the TV. It gives me a chance to turn my head and cringe should something go in the Yankee's favour.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:04 PM EDT (#31741) #
That K to Gross looked WAY outside.

For sure, and some umps would have called it high. Maybe Gabe got the rookie strike zone.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:08 PM EDT (#31742) #
For sure, and some umps would have called it high. Maybe Gabe got the rookie strike zone.

Gross was yapping at the ump a bit too, so I'm sure that had something to do with it. I love subjectivity.

Also, not only does Tabler need to learn how to pronounce "Rios," he also needs to learn "Frasor." Like the river, Pat.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:09 PM EDT (#31743) #
What's this I hear about Patterson not being back next season as pitching coach? That can't be. He's widely thought of as one of the best in the biz, and many players have attributed their personal success to him. (Escobar, Loaiza, Halladay, he taught Chacin his cutter that has brought him success) It would be a shame if he were gone next year.

Anyone else watching the YES Broadcast hear the Butterfield/Menechino story? Well, "Double Nickles" is a huge New England Patriots fan and the other day Mighty Mouse was wearing a Tom Brady jersey and Butterfield noted how nice it looked. Long story short, it's actually a game worn jersey SIGNED by Tom Brady and Frankie gives it to Butterfield as a gift and it nearly brings Butterfield to tears.

Based on the reaction of certain players, I'd have to agree with JP that the Jays have the finest coaching staff in the league.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:11 PM EDT (#31744) #
The Jays need to capitalize on this opportunity right here after Gomez leads the inning off with a double thanks to an idiot fan in the left field corner, still would have been a double.

Let's Go Russ!!
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:12 PM EDT (#31745) #
Thor swings his hammer and gets a double thanks to a drunk in a USMC shirt.

Dave, where did you hear this about Patterson getting the can? Pitching is one of the good things about the SFH.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:13 PM EDT (#31746) #
Bloop single! Advances Gomez.. back to second. Tough break there.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:14 PM EDT (#31747) #
That's about as definitive as you can get to being a 'bloop' single.

Like the obscure Simpsons' reference: "Everything's coming up Adams!"
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:15 PM EDT (#31748) #
They were just talking about it on YES.

They spoke with Patterson before the game and he said he wasn't sure if he'd be back next year.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:17 PM EDT (#31749) #
Oh man, I sure hope they bring him back. Why would they even consider not bringing him back?

To continue the obscure reference: Adams loves his flood pants. His cuffs are bone dry.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:17 PM EDT (#31750) #
What else is Gil going to say? His contract, like that of all the coaches, expires after the season.
_Tyler - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:18 PM EDT (#31751) #
Yoohoo Jobu, over here...it's me the flaming wreckage of the bullpen the last two seasons...
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:18 PM EDT (#31752) #
Guess it depends on who the coach is next year, I can imagine if it's someone new they'll want their own hand-picked staff. It remains to be seen, but I hope not, Patterson's excellent with the pitchers and it can't be developmental for the pitchers to have new coaches every couple of years.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:19 PM EDT (#31753) #
True.... I'll give you that. Not like he had much to work with though. And the starters have been pretty nifty.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:19 PM EDT (#31754) #
Come on Vernon... Pleasee make Torre pay for leaving El Duque in there.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:20 PM EDT (#31755) #
HORRIBLE 2-0 call to Wells.

Instead of it now being 3-0, it's 2-1.

That was disgusting.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:20 PM EDT (#31756) #
Rod Black noticed that the Yankee Strike Zone is a bit lower than a normal strike zone.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#31757) #
Yussssss. 'Atta boy Vernon! Smacks it the other way(!) for a triple.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#31758) #
Bases-clearing triple (or double.. we'll see)!
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#31759) #
All right Vernon!

Win or lose tonight, it's great to see this team playing so well.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#31760) #
There's your bad call replay Ryan.

WOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Fightin Jays take the lead thanks to the windmill action of Butterfield.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#31761) #
Vernon's had some real shat strikes called on him tonight, but redeems it himself with a rocket of a triple; nice.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:21 PM EDT (#31762) #
Vernon is ON FIRE.

You know he's going well when he has a homer AND a triple BOTH to opposite field in the same week!!

What a player.

Also, I was at last night's game and I was seated where I had the PERFECT angle to see his catch last night.

A thing of beauty.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:22 PM EDT (#31763) #
It's well established that there is one set of rules for the Yankees, and another set of rules for everyone else.

Wells triples in two, it's 4-3 and in comes Heredia! I predict two more runs this inning...
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:23 PM EDT (#31764) #
Wonder if we'll get to see the flyin' Hawaiian this game.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:23 PM EDT (#31765) #
Heredia got Carlos yesterday. I predict that will not happen again.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:24 PM EDT (#31766) #
Is there a better gameday line than "In play, run-scoring play"? There's always the anticipation of "what could it be?" Mmm, triple.

To continue the Adams jokes, 7 minutes later: Adams on possible trade rumors: "I can't go to the NL, they use guys like me as currency!"
_Ron - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:25 PM EDT (#31767) #
YEAH BABY!!!!
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:25 PM EDT (#31768) #
Delgado beats the shift.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:25 PM EDT (#31769) #
The Flyin' Hawaiian with goggles!

They're always good if they have goggles..."Only Hawaiian Boy can save me now."

Jeter misses a ball? Is that possible? ;)
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:25 PM EDT (#31770) #
Sweet!!

Carlos smacks a looper the other way. It probably should have been caught by Matsui, but Jeter tried to play superman and missed horribly.

5-3 Jays.
_Prisoner of Ham - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:25 PM EDT (#31771) #
Rod Black, only man on earth who thinks theres such a thing as a ground rule single.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:26 PM EDT (#31772) #
"That is a stand-up ground-rule double."

And that's something you don't see everyday.

I don't think Jeter hesitated; in fact Jeter has always been very good on balls hit in the air. His defensive shortcoming has always been his lateral range on ground balls...
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:26 PM EDT (#31773) #
And here comes everyone's favourite ex-Jay, Tanyon Sturtze!!!
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#31774) #
Okay, the Jeter bashing is getting a wee-bit out of control.

The infield is in on that play, and it's a tough play to make for ANYONE. Matsui was coming hard and I think he just gave up and expected Jeter to make that play. Any SS that makes that grab is a gold glover, it's a near impossible play.

I mean, I dislike Jeter as much as the next guy and I too feel he's overrated, but sometimes the bashing gets a bit out of control.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:27 PM EDT (#31775) #
You know your bullpen stinks when former Jays castoffs Felix Heredia and Tanyon Sturtze come into a close game - in the same inning.

Unless the Yanks get their starters to go 6 innings, or stretch out Quantrill (who's been kinda subpar lately) and Gordon and Rivera, it could be a short playoffs for the Yanks.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:28 PM EDT (#31776) #
TSN has to change their intro song for Jays broadcasts. It's not far getting me pumped up for Dan and Buck, and leaving me with Rod and Tabbie.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:28 PM EDT (#31777) #
Jeter tried to play superman

No, that's his job. The infielder is supposed to keep going after the ball until an outfielder calls him off. But Matsui did seem to hesitate half way there...
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:28 PM EDT (#31778) #
Brandon League up and warming for the Jays.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:29 PM EDT (#31779) #
Jesus guys, I was joking. The Jays are winning, lighten up.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:29 PM EDT (#31780) #
Rob, if Brandon League does a TV interview and says "Ahhh, my eyes, the goggles do nothing!" my life will be complete.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:30 PM EDT (#31781) #
Tanyon Sturtze: the worst decision J.P. has made with the Blue Jays.

Agreed?
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:30 PM EDT (#31782) #
There can never be too much Jeter bashing. Apparently Adams' dad is a big wheel down at the cracker factory. Maybe he can do something about Jeter.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:31 PM EDT (#31783) #
On the replay of the pop-up, Jeter took off for it, but something occurred to me. Why didn't Rodriguez give any effort at all? He's closer, distance-wise than Jeter. Obviously it's a tougher angle, but still...
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:32 PM EDT (#31784) #
That third inning, when the boys made El Duque work so hard, paid off in the seventh. Torre leaving in a guy so old they have to carbon-date him to know his true age helped too, but the Jays made Joe use up his bullpen last night. They deserve to win this series, but there are nine pretty tough outs left to get.
_smarchee - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:32 PM EDT (#31785) #
Fozzy, that is hilarious :)
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:32 PM EDT (#31786) #
Boy, I sure hope we don't annoint Russ 'Milhouse' Adams anytime soon, I can't imagine he'd be thrilled with a nickname like that. Now 'Thrillhouse', maybe a bit more.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:32 PM EDT (#31787) #
Rob, if Brandon League does a TV interview and says "Ahhh, my eyes, the goggles do nothing!" my life will be complete.

I think that would be the ONLY instance when I wouldn't mind seeing the Flyin' Hawaiian take a comebacker off the goggles.

Alright, not really.... but in my minds eye it's damn funny.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:33 PM EDT (#31788) #
Tanyon Sturtze: the worst decision J.P. has made with the Blue Jays.

Agreed?


John Wasdin.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:33 PM EDT (#31789) #
Jesus guys, I was joking.

Cool.

It was really an impossible play all around, with Matsui at normal OF depth for Delgado (i.e. deeep), and Torre playing his infield in.

Discuss. Should he have had his infield in? And in that configuration? It only works on ground balls, and as the entire AL has figured out, Delgado doesn't hit many ground balls to the left side of the IF.

I suppose there's no point in having the infield in AND the shift..
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:33 PM EDT (#31790) #
Ya know, you Jeter bashers better watch out. Don't heckle him at any games, or else he might just get fed up with all the bashing and decide to throw a chair at one of you.

Speaking of the Loose Cannon Fransisco "Frankie" Fransisco, can someone tell me WHY he said he threw the chair into the stands? I still haven't heard the reason first hand, but I've heard that he did give a reason why.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#31791) #
Torre loves having the infield in though.

Maybe he does it just for kicks.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#31792) #
Not to mention that Adams' mom is dating Pyro. If the cracker man can't handle Jeter, Pyro can challenge him to a joust.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#31793) #
Tanyon Sturtze: the worst decision J.P. has made with the Blue Jays.

Luke Prokopec?
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:35 PM EDT (#31794) #
Boy, I sure hope we don't annoint Russ 'Milhouse' Adams anytime soon, I can't imagine he'd be thrilled with a nickname like that.
_smarchee - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:35 PM EDT (#31795) #
where is Luke Prokopec these days ? And what about letting Chris Carpenter walk ?
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:35 PM EDT (#31796) #
Don't worry about Thrilhouse, his mom says he's the handsomest boy in the AL East.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:36 PM EDT (#31797) #
Tanyon Sturtze: the worst decision J.P. has made with the Blue Jays.

Izturis/Quantrill for Prokopec/Ricketts anyone?
_Matthew E - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:37 PM EDT (#31798) #
Do we mean 'least smart decision' or 'decision that worked out worst'?
_Paul S - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:39 PM EDT (#31799) #
Dammit, Theodore. NO ONE ever runs in the running box. Hit him with the throw! He will be called out!
_Paul S - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:40 PM EDT (#31800) #
Brandon League looks a lot like Millhouse.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:40 PM EDT (#31801) #
Oh boy! Here comes the Flyin' Hawaiian.

I can just picture the moment when Adams and leauge look into each others glasses

Hawaiian: (gasp) I'm a baseball player!
Thrilhouse: (gasp) So am I!
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:40 PM EDT (#31802) #
Do we mean 'least smart decision' or 'decision that worked out worst'?

Its a whole lot easier to figure out the ones that worked out worst...

Izturis/Quantrill for Prokopec/Ricketts was a salary dump as much as anything else. I'm still not exactly sold on Izturis as a hitter. Maybe he'll become Omar Vizquel, but I want to see a little more.

MAJOR LEAGUE! Brandon the Heat King!
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:41 PM EDT (#31803) #
Both Carpenter and Quantrill were financial decisions, not talent decisions. Obviously, that trade with L.A. didn't work out, but not all of them will.

Do we mean 'least smart decision' or 'decision that worked out worst'?

Thanks for pointing out the difference, Matt. Limiting myself to first-guesses and without the advantage of hindsight, I thought Doug Creek was a mistake.
_smarchee - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#31804) #
Jeff Tam ?
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:42 PM EDT (#31805) #
Thank you Mr. Homeplate Umpire guy

That "strike" to A-Rod was a bit low.

League looks a bit shaky out there.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:43 PM EDT (#31806) #
Now that I think about it...

It's not even close between Sturtze and Wasdin. Remember, Wasdin was some dreck picked up for next to nothing, and pitched only 5 innings. Sturtze pitched (can anyone guess?*), and earned one million dollars.

Wait, I forgot about the Prokopec deal. Hmmm. Not sure on that one.

Oh, yeah, the game.
Major League Brandon Heat King Flyin' Hawaiian Punch-Out! Goggles!
"Mental mistake by Hinske" - Jerry

* Sturtze pitched 89 innings. I thought it was higher. He sucked so much, it felt like 200.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:43 PM EDT (#31807) #
Ahhhhhh....cripes
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:44 PM EDT (#31808) #
League is very conscious of who he's facing this inning. I know it's good to work fast, but he seems to be rushing, and adrenalin is fine, but he's "too" excited.

Brain cramp by Hinske; you have to get one there.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:44 PM EDT (#31809) #
Gameday mocks me:
In play, no out recorded
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:44 PM EDT (#31810) #
Oh My Goodness what was Eric thinking right there?

That's the thing, he wasn't thinking.

This sucks, League v. Sheffield part 2. This team with the bases loaded and 1 out.
_Ron - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:44 PM EDT (#31811) #
Arghhh ... Major Brain Fart by Hinske.

There's no way he would get Jeter at 2nd on a slow grounder.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#31812) #
Hey, how about that. The Yankee Strike Zone getting called both ways. It makes for a nice change of pace.

What a pretty slider for strike 2. Awesome pitch.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#31813) #
Shef went down against League last night rather quickly, right?

And tonight! Nice slider.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#31814) #
Man, there's a lot of life on that fastball. And the slider, when you're looking heat, is absolutely unfair. Sheff who?
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:45 PM EDT (#31815) #
The Chef just recieved a hard HAWAIIAN PUNCH
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:46 PM EDT (#31816) #
What? "Batting fourth, Bernie Williams"?

Who's up next, Scott Brosius?
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#31817) #
No, he's 7th
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:47 PM EDT (#31818) #
Brandon's breathing easier now, ignoring the runners, just letting it fly. Bernie couldn't get around on the 1-1. Zaun has a plan...
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:48 PM EDT (#31819) #
League's got a 1-2 count on Matsui. Perhaps their common Pacific heritage will lead to a strikeout...somehow.
_BCMike - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:48 PM EDT (#31820) #
Nice!!
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:48 PM EDT (#31821) #
High and away, means slider under his fists is next. And it works!
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:48 PM EDT (#31822) #
It's official..... I have Hawaiian fever.
_gid - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#31823) #
Rob, re: Sheffield, I believe you're correct. I was thinking the same thing. Another nickname for League: SHOOGY.. SHeffield One Out Guy..

Ok, he gets Williams for good measure.
_Keith Talent - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#31824) #
Gotta love these Fisher Cats.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#31825) #
I looked up Prokapec. He signed a minor league contract with the Reds, rejected his assignment to the minors a month later, and resigned a minor league deal with the Reds. Before that, he was on the disabled list with a torn labrum. What's odd is that he doesn't show up anywhere in the Reds, so I guess he was released again, DL'd again. No clue.

"In play, out(s) recorded"

Now that's the stuff.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:49 PM EDT (#31826) #
HUGE sigh of relief there. Great job by League again.
_Ron - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#31827) #
Damm I just pumped my fist in the air. I'm all jacked up right now. I love watching the prospects play.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#31828) #
Exhale.

Nice job, League.
_Dr. Zarco - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#31829) #
After the little "whoops, I should have warmed up more" 4 pitch walk to Jeter, that was a really outstanding job by League. That sure is trial by fire-coming in facing the top of the Yanks order, then getting out of a bases loaded 1-out jam facing the probably MVP.
_fives - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:50 PM EDT (#31830) #
Is League an Ash draft? He didn't go to college.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:52 PM EDT (#31831) #
I said it before -- these radio ads for The Score leave nothing to the imagination. Not that I'm complaining...

Another nickname for League: SHOOGY

The Brandon Heat King Major League SHOOGY Hawaiian Punch-Out with Goggles! Can that fit on a Cheer Club banner?
And yes, he was a 2001 draftee.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:52 PM EDT (#31832) #
So, how long before the Frankie "K-Rod" comps?

Outstanding outing by League, sitting down the probable MVP and a solid veteran hitter to get out of a bases loaded jam.

Hmmm, let's see... 97 mph fastball coupled with a flat out filthy 89 mph slider?

Can you say, "League for Closer"??
robertdudek - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:52 PM EDT (#31833) #
There's only a few relievers in the majors who throw 96/97 and have that much movement on the fastball. If he harnesses the talent he has, League could be a great reliever. The optimistic career path as a reliever would be Duane Ward; as a starter - I have no idea.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:53 PM EDT (#31834) #
Can you say, "League for Closer"??

I can also say "Expensive 8th-Inning Pitcher", because that's what Batista would become. ;)
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:53 PM EDT (#31835) #
Is League an Ash draft?

I prefer to give the credit to Tim Wilken, but he was a 2nd-rounder in 2001, last draft under El Gordo.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:54 PM EDT (#31836) #
97 mph fastball coupled with a flat out filthy 89 mph slider?

Who does that remind you of more? K-Rod? Or Wardo?
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:55 PM EDT (#31837) #
Rob, the answer's simple...

TRADE BATISTA FOR MORNEAU DAMNIT!!!

Only kidding of course, but I doubt JP/Gibbons/etc. would have much of a problem sending BBatista back to the starting rotation.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:55 PM EDT (#31838) #
DaveInNYC -- Check last night's game thread. Somebody called League "KRod's brother from another mother" or something similar.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:56 PM EDT (#31839) #
There's only a few relievers in the majors who throw 96/97 and have that much movement on the fastball. If he harnesses the talent he has, League could be a great reliever.

Imagine if he developed a changeup...

CRAP. I hate Posada.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:56 PM EDT (#31840) #
I miss the flyin' hawaiian already...
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:56 PM EDT (#31841) #
Another nickname for Brandon League.

"The One Man Army"

Because he seems to be the only reliever who can get anybody out.
_gid - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:57 PM EDT (#31842) #
Is it just me or has Posada hit something like half a dozen homers off the Jays this year?
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:58 PM EDT (#31843) #
Is it just me or has Posada hit something like half a dozen homers off the Jays this year?

A pain Adams knows all too well. So this is what it feels like.... when doves cry?
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:59 PM EDT (#31844) #
Imagine if he developed a changeup...

He'd be a top of the line starter and would join Doc Halladay, Dustin McGowan, Ted Lilly, and David Bush as the greatest 5 man rotation... EVER!

Dream dream dream
_Scott Levy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 09:59 PM EDT (#31845) #
With Speier in the 8th, does that mean (BB)Batista pitches the 9th? One run lead, against the Yankees, and a 100 walk pitcher to close it out. GULP.

It won't be a save situation if Speier has any say, apparently.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:00 PM EDT (#31846) #
The K-Rod slider is from another planet. It looks like it's rising, then it sweeps left and dives down. League's is more like a cutter; hitters see fastball until the last second. Before we anoint him the next anyone, let's see how he commands the fastball and how he reacts when -- inevitably -- someone clobbers it.

Great game, eh?
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:00 PM EDT (#31847) #
Before this game, Posada was hitting .371/.511/.686 against the Jays with three bombs and 12 RBI's.

Crap...Matsui...Damn it. Speier has been so good lately, now would not be the good time to lose it. Well, actually, it would be the perfect time to lost it, if this is indeed the Season From Hell.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:01 PM EDT (#31848) #
I think I might take up sending Gibbons to a hypnotist. I would then instruct the hypnotist to repeat one simple thing to Gibby...

"You only have one reliever, and he is in a League of his own."

That should fix the Jays bullpen problems. ;)
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:01 PM EDT (#31849) #
This is the last time I update League's nickname...

The Major League Brandon Heat King One Man Army SHOOGY Hawaiian Punch-Out with Goggles!
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#31850) #
Can we bring League back in? Have him take off the goggles and wear Menechino's jersey. No one would ever now the difference.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#31851) #
I humbly sugest the insertion of "flyin'" before Hawaiian ;)
_braden - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#31852) #
What are these Score radio ads that everyone keeps talking about? I feel as though I'm missing out.
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:02 PM EDT (#31853) #
Speier BRINGS THE HEAT! Nice to have found it.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:03 PM EDT (#31854) #
Imagine if he developed a changeup...

That's one reason they stretched him out in New Hampshire. Rick Adair had been working on it with him, but he wasn't using it. So he has one, but (like Frasor) doesn't have the confidence in it yet to use it as an out pitch.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:03 PM EDT (#31855) #
Good. Speierman is settling down. 2 K's and ahead of Johnny O.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:03 PM EDT (#31856) #
I can start singing the Speier-Man song again, provided he gets Johnny O out.

Otherwise, Adams will be saying "This game started like Romeo & Juliet, but ended in tragedy!"
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:04 PM EDT (#31857) #
Okay, Speier can also be part of the bullpen... but only as the guy who pitches when League's arm gets tired after working 25 consecutive games.

He would be paid meal money, and that's about it.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:04 PM EDT (#31858) #
Tremendous job by Speier to maintain his composure while so many fans were losing theirs. :)
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:06 PM EDT (#31859) #
Sorry I doubted you, Speier man.

Is Batista in for the ninth then? Miguel Batista vs. Jeter, A-Rod, and Sheff.

Fasten. Your. Seatbelts.

(PS, this is a great game thread. Having lots of fun here)
Mike Green - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:06 PM EDT (#31860) #
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/draft/draft.asp?Y=2001&P=June-Reg&R=2
Brandon League was chosen in the 2nd round of the 2001 draft, a few picks after Dallas McPherson, and a few before Jason Arnold. COMN.

For those who don't know, Brandon's 21. The Jays have been very careful about his workload this season, and there's no reason to deviate from that plan. The good news in all of this is it appears that he's psychologically ready for prime-time.

Boy, this is fun.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:06 PM EDT (#31861) #
Come on Coach, admit that Speier had you worried there for a sec. ;)

But yes, he rebounded nicely and got 2 k's and a weak pop out from Johnny O.

Russ Adams up at the dish, do I smell a 4 hit night?
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:07 PM EDT (#31862) #
Hinske: "Adams, they got you to ground out, too?"
Adams: "Yeah but it's OK. I'm standing on Frank..."
Menechino: "We're a totem pole!"

braden: To be fair, only I talk about them (which is probably getting annoying), but you really have to listen to them to get the full effect. fan590.com, they're on at least every few innings.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:07 PM EDT (#31863) #
Can't help myself:

"In the heat of the night
He bridges the gap to Batista,
If the Kountdown was on,
He'd have gotten us some pizza

Speier-Man
Speier-Man
Friendly neighbourhood set-up man

Wealth and fame
He's ignored
Underrated holds are his reward"
_Paul S - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:09 PM EDT (#31864) #
His hand was on the bag!
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:09 PM EDT (#31865) #
Very close call, but the hand on the base beat the tag to his face.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:09 PM EDT (#31866) #
Darn, O-Dog seemingly slid right into the tag.

And upon further review, what do ya know! His hand hit the bag before he was tagged in the face!!
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:10 PM EDT (#31867) #
Hudson hit the bag with his hand well before A-Rod tagged him on the head.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:10 PM EDT (#31868) #
Dave, I don't get nearly as excited as you do over every pitch, or every inning, or every game. For me, baseball is like a long, pleasurable river. I never know what's around the next bend, and I always enjoy the ride.

Speier's a fine reliever, whether or not he succeeds in any one appearance. The Jays are a very nice young team, playing extremely well against the best in the business, regardless of the standings.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:11 PM EDT (#31869) #
The K-Rod slider is from another planet.

Yes indeed. In fact, it doesn't act much like a slider at all. Its some kind of weird frisbee curveball. Last time I saw him, he was throwing it in the mid 70s, too.

Duane Ward - I remember the hitters all called it a slider, but Ward and his catchers seemed to think it was a very hard (high 80s) curveball...

Very very late call... Got it right, though. Good hustle by Matsui, terrific relay by Jeter, good tag by Rodriguez.

I think it was Earl Weaver who used to say that when you run the bases aggressively against bad teams, it helps you win ball games. But when you run aggressively against good teams, it helps them win ball games.
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:11 PM EDT (#31870) #
What makes it worse, was that the ump was right there and seemingly had the perfect angle on it.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:12 PM EDT (#31871) #
I can't help myself...

Remember the time you called Hudson out at third? And you lied and said he was tagged? Then why did he have his hand on the bag, Ron Kulpa? Why did he have his hand on the bag??
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:12 PM EDT (#31872) #
Ooooo... little bit of an argumement there.

Jeter said "Radical" after the Adams ground out to which Adams replied "That kid with no range said 'Radical'! I say 'Radical'! That's my THING that I say!"
_BCMike - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:13 PM EDT (#31873) #
"Good call"

I don't know what game Rod and Pat are watching but IMO the ump made the easy call. I don't have a problem with Hudson being called out, but a good call would have been realizing that Hudson was tagged on the shoulder after his hand hit the bag.
_Keith Talent - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:14 PM EDT (#31874) #
Rod Black was surprised that closer Batista is coming in to a one-run game in the 9th.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:14 PM EDT (#31875) #
Routine, Miguel. Throw a strike, let 'em hit it at someone.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:14 PM EDT (#31876) #
There's no avoiding it, I think we have to nickname Russ 'Millhouse' now
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:15 PM EDT (#31877) #
We have to stop this Adams = Milhouse stuff. Or at least pick on another rookie: Crozier, Quiroz, Chacin are all available. ;)

Or just mock Rod Black endlessly.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:15 PM EDT (#31878) #
Routine, Miguel. Throw a strike, let 'em hit it at someone.

Low strike. Throw a low strike.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:15 PM EDT (#31879) #
Calling him Milhouse would be a little mean.... maybe we should just go with Thrillhouse :)
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:16 PM EDT (#31880) #
Threw heat past A-Rod, got him to ground one foul, made him chase a slider. How sweet it is.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#31881) #
Oh what a sweet pitch. Fastball running away. Bye, A-Rod.

Sheff scares me more than any other batter in the AL. That bag waggle is so intimidating.

...oh well! Ground out to Adams. Game over.

GREAT GAME. Great thread, too.
_JackFoley - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#31882) #
That's the kind of inning the closer needs to have. Great job, Miggy.
_Keith Talent - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#31883) #
A manly save from Batista.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:17 PM EDT (#31884) #
Thrillhouse it is :)

Game over! Jays win the 3-game series! And Rod seems sad again. Pity.
_Matthew E - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:18 PM EDT (#31885) #
I'd like to quote the immortal Bob McCown here...

Ho hum, just another win.
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:18 PM EDT (#31886) #
Ryan, there wil be no bag waggling here.

Awesome game. Don't forget to call Wilner & J.P., gang.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:18 PM EDT (#31887) #
Thrilhouse throws out the "mvp" to give the jays the win! He then stares down Gary and tells him he'll kick his butt! ..... at nintendo.
_Ron - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:19 PM EDT (#31888) #
Great game .... great series

Fun baseball to watch.

I'm glad the kids are playing. They got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:19 PM EDT (#31889) #
Boo! Where's the fan590 online feed?
_braden - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:19 PM EDT (#31890) #
Stay tuned to Sportscentre. In honour of Vernon they're doing a top ten catches by a CF on tonight's show.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:20 PM EDT (#31891) #
Adams, now that the game's over: "The season's over, UP YOURS, GIBBONS!"

Gibbons: "Well, I'm glad the rest of you remembered that winter
vacation starts at the end of the series, not the beginning . . . wait a minute, did Adams sign my program 'see you in the car! Best Wishes, Adams'? That's unsettling!"
_BCMike - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:20 PM EDT (#31892) #
For anyone interested, TSN is going to have a the top ten catches by a CF on sportsdesk, or whatever they call it now.

Oh, and its Wednesdays with JP.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:20 PM EDT (#31893) #
Such a great game, I forgot about WWJP. Should be fun.

Great inning from Batista. I can't remember the last time he pitched an inning without baserunners.

Did the Jays just take two of three from the Yankees? No way!

Err...by bag waggle, I meant bat waggle. No, that was NOT a Freudian slip!
_Dan H - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:20 PM EDT (#31894) #
great game thread guys; helps out chumps like me who aren't able to watch or listen to the game :)

This season has been a rough one, but having teams in contention dread having to play the Jays would be a sweet way for it to end :)
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:21 PM EDT (#31895) #
http://www.cjcsradio.com/livecjcs.ram
Someone HAS to call in with the Thrillhouse reference. It will make no sense, but someone must do it.

Fozzy: try CJCS. COMN for RealPlayer link, or go to http://www.thegamelive.com/baseballmlb.html#tor.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:23 PM EDT (#31896) #
Thanks Rob, much manlove to you!

And yes, if someone says how impressed they've been with Thrillhouse they will be my hero for the rest of the night.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:24 PM EDT (#31897) #
Thanks Rob, much manlove to you!

I'd prefer having some man-[joke blocked out by CRTC for lack of originality].
_DaveInNYC - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:24 PM EDT (#31898) #
Even better, someone has to call in and make a reference to Brandon League's nickname, which has become the single longest nickname in the history of professional sports.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:25 PM EDT (#31899) #
No J.P. tonight.
_Braby - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:25 PM EDT (#31900) #
is cjcs working for you guys? Rob you from Stratford?
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:25 PM EDT (#31901) #
I wonder how much it would cost to get "Thrillhouse 666" on the back of Jay's jersey.

Ouch... no JP tonight boys.
_Ron - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:26 PM EDT (#31902) #
NO JP tonight. Booooooooooo!!!!!!!!
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:26 PM EDT (#31903) #
Mike Wilner: a shiny nickle to you if you give a shout out to Adams' new nickname on the Fan :)
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:27 PM EDT (#31904) #
No JP tonight. :(

Wilner's good though. And, someone else is coming on...I missed his name.

PS...Tampa loses their series against KC. Imagine that.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:27 PM EDT (#31905) #
is cjcs working for you guys? Rob you from Stratford?

I haven't tried the link, but I'm in Burlington and I just listen to the FAN over the air. I gave Fozzy a link to a number of broadcasts; those might work.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:28 PM EDT (#31906) #
Did that CMA commercial just use a mickey mouse version of the "Smells like teen spirit" riff?

*shudders*
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:29 PM EDT (#31907) #
Common Wilner.... I know you're reading this... just say THRILLHOUSE! You know you want to!
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:38 PM EDT (#31908) #
Phelps homered tonight. Good for him. It was lefty Nate Robertson, but still.
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:42 PM EDT (#31909) #
Shawn Green is trying to decide about playing this Friday and Saturday. Its Yom Kippur from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, and the Dodgers are playing the Giants.

Thats an awful hard situation to be in, and someone's probably going to criticize whatever he does...
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:46 PM EDT (#31910) #
Jobu!
_James W - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:46 PM EDT (#31911) #
There he goes! Thanks Mike.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:47 PM EDT (#31912) #
Hawaiian Punch-Out is his decision. Good job, Jobu!
_Ron - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:47 PM EDT (#31913) #
THX Mike for the plug!
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:47 PM EDT (#31914) #
I heard that Green was going to play Friday and sit Saturday, as a kind of compromise. You're right, he can't win. The bond with your teammates in a pennant race is almost like a religion, and it's impossible to fully honour both.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:47 PM EDT (#31915) #
Mike's the man, it's official! Shameless plug!
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#31916) #
We are really sad. One minute after he plugs us, four Bauxites mention it. ;)
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#31917) #
What did he say? My online radio thingie crapped out.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#31918) #
Now we just need Thrillhouse and we're set :)
Coach - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#31919) #
Hey, Wilner gets more than his share of shameless plugs here, too. It's nice of him to throw us a bone once in a while. :)
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:50 PM EDT (#31920) #
Other ex-Jays news: Pat Borders is catching tonight for the Twins.

I don't think he's eligible for the post-season, but he's hitting .357 since he got to Minnesota. Is Joe Mauer going to be back or do they have to go with Blanco and Terry Adams' buddy?
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:52 PM EDT (#31921) #
LOL, I first read Magpie's post as saying "Terry Adams' body"

I think I'd like that.
_Rob - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 10:59 PM EDT (#31922) #
Well, I was looking forward to J.P, but no dice. I guess it was important, as he's only missed one all year.

Night, all. By some strange coincidence, The Simpsons are on now. ;)
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:00 PM EDT (#31923) #
Speaking of Terry Adams' body, the Red Sox have already used Myers, Williamson, Timlin, Foulke, Mendoza, and Embree in this ball game.

Ten complete, Palmeiro, Roberts, Newhan up in the 11th. Embree probably stays in for that, but if it goes any longer... BK Kim? Terry Adams?

Dave McCarty also available. Am I forgetting anyone?
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:03 PM EDT (#31924) #
Jon Stewart rocks.

"A real victory in the war on terror. We got the guy who wrote 'Peace Train'.... "

Embree gets the Orioles in order, going to the bottom of the 11th.
_miguel - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:07 PM EDT (#31925) #
Hey, what is this place?

So many of you. Why don't you sign up on bluejayway.ca? Much better forums, not that these are that bad or anything.

Have a good night!
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:08 PM EDT (#31926) #
Curtis Leskanic in for the Red Sox. Forgot about him.

We want Adams.
_Andrew S - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:10 PM EDT (#31927) #
Confession: In a dead quite skydome, I stood up and yelled "hey Derick, how's it feel to be the second best shortstop on your team?" I guess around 1000-2000 people heard me clearly.

I felt less cocky when he pulled it over the leftfield fence.
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:11 PM EDT (#31928) #
Since the game is over, I'll throw this in.

Ichiro has had 8 hits in his last 8 at-bats, giving him 244 hits on the season, so he needs 13 more hits with 11 games to go. Given his current average, he's on pace for 15 more hits (with 4 at-bats per game), but he has 4 upcoming games against Oakland.

Finally, to kill the joke, Adams on his game-worn Ichiro! Orix Blue Wave Jersey: "It cost me 50,000 Bazooka Joe comics!"
_6-4-3 - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:12 PM EDT (#31929) #
1st and Second for the O's.

Maybe the Sox should've brought in Kim for the save.
_braden - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:19 PM EDT (#31930) #
Did the Sox just turn a 3-2-4 double play?
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:22 PM EDT (#31931) #
3-2-4. Presumable Mientkiewicz snagged it going to his right and threw home (bases were loaded) and Varitek got it to Reese (covering 1st after breaking for the ball) in time to get Jay Gibbons.

The magic of baseball...
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:23 PM EDT (#31932) #
Awwww.....cripes!

Forces beyond my control forced me to walk away from the radio. Can anyone with a good memory PLEASE tell me what exactly the five tool host Wilner said about Thrillhouse and battersbox?
robertdudek - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:23 PM EDT (#31933) #
miguel,

This place is a pena. We like it here - thanks for the invitation all the same.
_braden - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:24 PM EDT (#31934) #
I'm an idiot. Reading the GameDay captions, I for some reason thought that Varitek threw it to second base. Obviously the situation that you just presented is a lot more realistic, though still a seemingly great play.
_Fozzy - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:24 PM EDT (#31935) #
It wasn't about Thrillhouse, but he plugged Hawaiian Punch Out as his pick for League's new nickname, and gave mucho props to battersbox for the name
_Magpie - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:25 PM EDT (#31936) #
Orlando Cabrera just ended it in Boston with a solo HR leading off the 12th.
_Ryan Lind - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:26 PM EDT (#31937) #
Orlando Cabrera hits a walkoff.

Damn it. As much as I love beating the Yanks, I hate helping these guys. RARRR.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:27 PM EDT (#31938) #
Alright then.... my task still lies ahead of me. To get Wilner to say THRILLHOUSE before the season's done. All are welcome to join my quest :)
_braden - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:28 PM EDT (#31939) #
Game over. Cabrera with a walk-off. I hate the Sox. I'm sick of being force fed by the media about the David vs. Goliath storyline regarding Boston and the Yankees. For the love of Thrillhouse, they aren't an underdog. With their payroll they should be doing exactly as they are. Though it seems unlikely, I can't imagine what the reaction will be should they perform a 'miracle' comeback and overtake the Yankees.

I'm used to the Yanks winning. I can live with that. But not those Damn Red Sox.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:31 PM EDT (#31940) #
Im with braden. I like the idea of "the red sox winning" and "a championship comming back to boston" but I hate the idea of picturing it with this roster of overpaid whiners.
_Andrew S - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:36 PM EDT (#31941) #
Humbug. "Most" of the Red Sox aren't underpaid whiners.

Everyone in baseball who isn't a Yankees fan hates them. Plus, I grew up with a Jays - Tigers rivalry that's now pretty dead. Boston? Whatever.

Like all the Leafs' fans who get uppity about the Senators. Not a big deal. Habs suck. But Sens? Whatever. Same with Red Sox. There doesn't need to be a Blue Jays fan dislike of the Sox that's so prevalent here.
_Jobu - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:50 PM EDT (#31942) #
Here's a good topic for late night debate, is The Brandon Heat King Major League SHOOGY Flyin' Hawaiian Punch-Out with Goggles going to be as good a reliever as we've seen so far, or is it too soon to tell, or is he doomed to fall back down to earth?
_Jim - TBG - Wednesday, September 22 2004 @ 11:53 PM EDT (#31943) #
http://www.torontobaseballguys.com
There's a good book Peter Golenbeck called Fenway: An Unexpurgated History of the Boston Red Sox. It's basically an oral history of the club - much of it through the eyes of the fans -
and after reading it, I felt a bit of a kinship for Red Sox fans. I thought "gee, these guys are like Leafs fans who've been waiting 50 more years. Maybe they're not so bad after all."

I think it took all of one series back in Fenway to rediscover my dislike of the Sox, and most of it comes from the fans.

A) They're almost as obnoxious as Yankees fans.
B) They need professional help. These are people who will chant "Yankees suck" when they're not even there. That's just not healthy. Captain Ahab would tell these people to lighten up.

That said, I'd love to see a Red Sox-Cubs World Series, and I wouldn't even mind it if Boston won. But some ground rules if they do: Not one more word about the curse, and don't get uppity with Jays fans until they've won back-to-back.

In other news, I note that since the birth of the Speier-man song, he hasn't blown a single save. (Remember, this season is all about the silver linings)
Pistol - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:02 AM EDT (#31944) #
Giants game - Bonds is up, runners on 2nd and 3rd. The pitcher throws a wild pitch and the runners advance. Bonds is subsequently walked.

Would the Giants be better off telling their runners *not* to advance to open 1b?
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:12 AM EDT (#31945) #
Yes, alot of times I find that the fans of a team turn me off of a team I'd actually like to cheer for (red sox, canucks)
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:27 AM EDT (#31946) #
Ichiro just got another hit, giving him 245 on the season.

With League, I want to say that the goggles alone will ensure his dominance. Aquilino Lopez has soured me on relievers. That's an unfair comparison: A-Lo was a Rule 5er who pitched well for a season, then melted down, but nothing was ever expected of him. Same goes for Frasor and Chulk. But still, I worry that the sucktitude of the bullpen will rub off on him, or he'll learn the same splitter that apparently ruined Lopez's career, or he'll get hurt like Halladay and McGowan did, etc. But, he's here, he's striking out Yankees, and he's looking good, so I might as well enjoy it.

I wouldn't mind if the Red Sox won. If nothing else, it'd end the curse talk, the endless replays of Buckner, and the mentioning of Bucky Dent. It's like when Brian Kingman kept appearing to "jinx" opposing pitchers who were on the verge of losing 20 games. After a while, you just want him to go away. Plus, there's the "anyone but the Yankees" factor, and the "Woudl this give Bill James a World Series ring?" factor. All things considered, I'd rather see Oakland win, but the Red Sox are far from the worst-case scenario for me.
_Ron - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:29 AM EDT (#31947) #
There isn't anything wrong with Canuck fans .....at least that's what I tell myself.
_A - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:40 AM EDT (#31948) #
Jon Stewart rocks.

This evening was hilariously funny with his Kat Stevens piece of the top, Madonna equating the high level of safety in Israel to the high level of safety in New York and the Republican Campaign Chairman as the evening's guest. Absolute brilliance.

Anyone know if he writes all his own stuff?
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:45 AM EDT (#31949) #
According to IMDB, the show has many writers, and the trivia section claims the show is put "together in this way: a researcher scans major newspapers, the Associated Press, and cable news channels, then gives possible topics to the ten writers. These meet to discuss headline material for the lead news segment. By 11:15 a.m. they meet with Jon Stewart, and by 12:30 they have come up with jokes for the day's show. The cast hold a rehearsal, then the show is taped at 6:30 in front of an audience."

So Stewart has input, but he definately doesn't write all his jokes.
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:59 AM EDT (#31950) #
Last comment: Ichiro singled in the 8th, to give him 3 hits on the night, and 246 on the season. He now needs 11 hits in 11 games, which means he needs to (roughly) hit .250 the rest of the way to tie the record.
_R Billie - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:00 AM EDT (#31951) #
His tools are going to buy League some margin of error at the big league level. Very few pitchers throw in the mid-to-high 90s from that arm angle with that kind of movement. As long as his control is respectable he'll do fine. If he continues to keep his pitches low in the strikezone and can miss high or low when he wants to he'll be dominant.

At the same time it's not going to take long for word to get around the AL. I'm sure most of the Yankees hitters had no clue about League before this series but you can bet they're taking him seriously now.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:02 AM EDT (#31952) #
Just listening to the fan and they mentioned something about Steve Trachsel (sp?) on the Mets saying some negative remarks about the expos. Anyone know what they're talking about?
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:14 AM EDT (#31953) #
TSN's website reports that Trachsel decided to share his comments about the 3,664 fans in attendance at last night's game in Montreal:

"They're in Montreal, nobody cares. We're in New York, everybody cares," said Trachsel, who got a no decision despite six strong innings of work. "The attendance here is worse than in spring training, it's embarrassing"

Expos catcher Brian Schneider responded:
"Of course it's a small crowd, but it's easy right now, at this point in the season and with all the stuff going on around us, to make a big point about the crowds, but it's not like it's anything new, and I don't want to sit here and try to rip on the crowds because I don't think it's the right thing to do right now."

There you go. Odd that Trachsel felt the need to respond, maybe the bad season in New York is wearing on him.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:17 AM EDT (#31954) #
All I can say is that I am SO GLAD I went to Montreal for the first time last month and saw the Expos in what is looking more and more like their final year. I dont know how I could cope if they moved before I ever got to catch a game. Montreal may not care, but I will, and it will be a sad they when they're finaly gone.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:20 AM EDT (#31955) #
I wonder if the loss of the Expos will galvonize all Canadians (who like baseball and don't live in Vancouver) as Blue Jay fans, or if the Expos fans in Quebec and in the east will just cheer for no teams at all.
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:32 AM EDT (#31956) #
One of my regrets of the summer is that I never made it to an Expos game. At the time, I figured it'd take too much time and money, but I apparently missed out on the last chance to see the Expos. It's really sad.

A couple months ago, I read a book about lost ballparks. It had the usual suspects: The Polo Grounds, the "other" Wrigley Field, Sportsman's Park, Crosley, etc, but it also had Jarry Park in Montreal. The author does a brief overview of baseball in Montreal, and I was surprised at how long the history was. I knew the whole "Montreal got screwed out of a World Series" story, but I never knew what a long tradition baseball had in Montreal.

I don't necessarily think that other people will cheer for the Blue Jays if the Expos go. There might be some people (Griffen, possibly)who write in worried tones that the Jays might be next, but I think the Jays have to win before Canada as a whole would adopt them. To take a similar example, if Edmonton and Calgary lost their hockey teams to the lcokout, I don't think fans of those teams would cheer for Vancouver or Toronto.

As I typed this, Ichiro got another single. He went 4 for 6 in the game, as Seattle pounded Anaheim for 24 hits and 16 runs.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:44 AM EDT (#31957) #
JP had some interesting comments, he believed that keeping the Expos in Montreal would be better for the Jays because it keeps baseball alive across Canada ans the entire east side may just choose "no baseball" over the Jays.

In regard to the idea of other cities latching onto the Jays, what I ment by that is if Toronto didn't have a team and the Vancouver Millionaires were the only Canadian baseball team, you bet your sweet bippy they'd be my favourite baseball team and not the buffalo bison or Detroit Tigers. I don't understand why Vancouver has a seemingly larger love for the Mairiners than the Jays. It seems like a national connection would outweigh a geograpic proximial one.
_Ron - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 01:54 AM EDT (#31958) #
I don't understand why Vancouver has a seemingly larger love for the Mairiners than the Jays. It seems like a national connection would outweigh a geograpic proximial one.

This is easy ......... because a lot of people outside of Toronto hate ... Toronto

If the Expos left I don't think the Jays would get more fans.

Look what happened once the Grizzlies left, the Raptors didn't pick up a ton of new fans.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:00 AM EDT (#31959) #
I know about the whole complex thing....but when you're down to one team left in all Canada, it's not about the city, it's about national unity. Back in the Canadian NBA heydays, if it was the raptors who bolted and the Griz' stayed, I'd sure as hell make them my favourite team.....well, if I liked basketball that is.
_Magpie - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:05 AM EDT (#31960) #
it's about national unity.

That's right. And you know what holds this country together?

Hating Toronto.
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:06 AM EDT (#31961) #
If the Jays were gone, and Vancouver was the only Canadian team . . . I don't know what I'd do. I probably wouldn't latch onto the Millionaires, though. The time shift would make it difficult to watch their games, as most of them would start at 10 PM eastern time. Plus, I couldn't actually attend the games, which hurts a bit, too.

I honestly don't think national pride is a big issue in sports teams. I never really followed the Griz, I didn't care when they left. The same goes for the Jets. I didn't really like the push to make the Flames "Canada's team" during the NHL playoffs, either.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:08 AM EDT (#31962) #
Oh please, everyone knows the national hatred chart goes

Quebec seperatists
Toronto
wherever you're not :)
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:12 AM EDT (#31963) #
As an insomniac who is always awake to watch the BC feed of sportsnet, I think the aggravation of constantly seeing the uber smug Don Taylor bury Jay highlites after the Mairners, Red Sox, Yankees, BC Lions, Whitecaps, local high school team, kids playing shiney, local ski report....has finally pushed me over the edge.
_Ron - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:28 AM EDT (#31964) #
What holds the country together is all the hate towards Toronto and Quebec.

Out here in Vancouver almost nobody cares about the Blue Jays or MLB in general.

After the Grizz left you wouldn't even know a NBA team was once here by the lack of coverage the league gets right now.

The one league or should I say team that is picking up major fan support right now is the BC Lions. And oh yeah there is still WAY TOO MUCH Hockey talk out here.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:31 AM EDT (#31965) #
And oh yeah there is still WAY TOO MUCH Hockey talk out here.

Tell me about it. Damn you Don Taylor!!! There's not even any hockey to talk about! Give me my baseball fix!!
_Kevin Pataky - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 07:37 AM EDT (#31966) #
All I know is I got only "Spier-man Spier-man" in my head before Posada's jolt disappeared into the upper deck and I laughed to myself thinking this song isn't going to help anything ...
Craig B - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:19 AM EDT (#31967) #
everyone knows the national hatred chart goes

Quebec seperatists
Toronto
wherever you're not :)


National Hatred Chart

11. Gary Bettman

10. Slush in all its forms

9. Toronto

8. Molson's Commercials

7. Lawyers

6. Air Canada

5. Ottawa

4. Quebec separatists

3. Banks

2. Brian Mulroney

1. ROD FREAKING BLACK

(Note, the National Hatred Chart is distinct from the National Mockery Chart, which places the city of Winnipeg squarely at #1. Cold, mud, mosquitoes, poverty, and constant flooding? Ooh, sign me up!)
_Chris H - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:22 AM EDT (#31968) #
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/minors/04league20s/nyp.html
Baseball America's rankings of the top twenty players in the NY-Penn League just came out. Somewhat surprisingly only one Auburn player made the list - Curtis Thigpen at #11. COMN.

I am assuming Purcey did not have enough innings to qualify?

I say somewhat surprising since 4 or 5 Jays made the list last year for Auburn and the year before there were several...

C.
Craig B - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:24 AM EDT (#31969) #
Oh, and this one from Magpie was brilliant:

"That is a stand-up ground-rule double."

And that's something you don't see everyday.


Bah. What's wrong with ballplayers today? Pete Rose would have slid into second on that ground-rule double.
Craig B - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:30 AM EDT (#31970) #
Steve Trachsel:

They're in Montreal, nobody cares. We're in New York, everybody cares...

...about the Yankees.
_Moffatt - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:33 AM EDT (#31971) #
2. Brian Mulroney

C'mon. How can you say Brian is more annoying than Ben?
Craig B - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:35 AM EDT (#31972) #
Not annoying. Hated. People find Ben Mulroney annoying. People HATE Brian Mulroney, like they hate snakes, or Hitler.
_haddon - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:45 AM EDT (#31973) #
I'd agree they hate Mulroney like a snake, but certainly not like Hitler.
We can compromise and say they hate him like mosquitos and Osama.
_G.T. - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 09:59 AM EDT (#31974) #
Jon Stewart rocks.

Anyone know if he writes all his own stuff?


When they got the writing award at the Emmys, there sure were a lot of folks who came up onstage to accept it. Having Howard Dean read their names in the clip they submitted was kind of funny... I noticed that Stephen Colbert was the only "correspondent" among the writers.

But, as one of seemingly few people who remember Jon Stewart's failed late night talk show (which I kind of liked, for what it was), I think it's safe to say that it's probably TDS' writing staff that deserves the bulk of the show's accolades... did anyone out there see the show when Kilborn was the host? I think that was long before it started airing in Canada...
Mike Green - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 10:32 AM EDT (#31976) #
Craig, I'm not saying I could live in Winnipeg 12 months a year, but there's much to be said for it. Community-oriented people who support their Goldeyes to the hilt. Decent restaurants. A very fine market. I like for many of the same reasons that I like Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Now, Regina, do you have your defenders?
_Ryan - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 10:58 AM EDT (#31977) #
Wow the amazing things you can learn just from spending time poking around on imdb.com:

[Stephen Colbert] Provides voice of Ace for Saturday Night Live's "The Ambiguously Gay Duo" segments. The voice of Gary is provided by fellow Daily Show correspondent Steve Carell.
_R Billie - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 12:16 PM EDT (#31978) #
Baseball America's rankings of the top twenty players in the NY-Penn League just came out. Somewhat surprisingly only one Auburn player made the list - Curtis Thigpen at #11. COMN.

It's very hard to project players at this level. Players you don't notice go on to do good things at higher levels and players you like don't necessarily do as much. If you look at their list from five years ago, 4 of the 10 players have made the majors but there doesn't look to be a standout player among them yet.

I don't think the pitching is as strong as last year's crop but a lot of that will depend on how Zach Jackson shapes up next year. If the Jays hit on their first two pitching selections and Thigpen and Lind hit at higher levels then it's a pretty good draft. We're not seeing as many obvious values in the mid-to-late rounds as their seemed to be in the '03 draft.
_Ryan Lind - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:46 PM EDT (#31979) #
Craig's list is the bestest.

I don't actually hate Toronto, though. Never been there. I just hate the (F'ing) Leafs. Also, Don Taylor is really annoying and the BC Lions kick ass.

That is all.

PS: Rod Black sucks.
_Ryan Lind - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 02:48 PM EDT (#31980) #
PPS: How come the Molson's commercials make the list but the Wendy's commercials don't. Is it because Mr. Jackass Wendy Asshole isn't Canadian?
_Rob - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 03:23 PM EDT (#31981) #
Stealing Craig's idea and narrowing the field from 32 million to 1.22 million...

Batter's Box Hatred Chart:

11. Mr. Wendy

10. Terry Adams (I had to include him)

9. One-M

8. Phil Cuzzi

7. Al Leiter

6. Bud Lite

5. That woman who text-messages Sarah

4. The entire 1985 Royals team

3. Frank Tanana

And the last two are pretty much the same all across Canada.
robertdudek - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 04:40 PM EDT (#31982) #
I loved that '85 Royals team - George Brett was my favourute player.
_Rob - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 05:12 PM EDT (#31983) #
Well, I included them because of the 3-1 series lead and all, but I can just insert Jeffrey Loria there instead.
_Jobu - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 05:37 PM EDT (#31984) #
I hate Loiza alot more than Leiter...whom I don't hate.
_G.T. - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 05:40 PM EDT (#31985) #
That cheating Tippy Martinez should be there! And before Phil Cuzzi there was Joe Brinkman.

And seriously... without the '85 Royals, we wouldn't have had the '86 Baseball Abstract. I can't see how anyone could read James' Royals article, and still think of him as more of a "stats guru" than a real fan.
_Fozzy - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 10:30 PM EDT (#31986) #
Is Mr. Wendy Canadian? I was flipping through the channels and stopped for a few minutes on an old episode of Popular Mechanics for Kids. And lo and behold to my astonishment, with a pre-pubescent Elisha Cuthbert, was Mr. Wendy himself.

And on a sidenote, is not one of the finest Simpsons' moments when a barrage of pretzels knocks out hall of famer Whitey Ford? "It's a black, black day for baseball, folks."
_Fozzy - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 10:31 PM EDT (#31987) #
P.S. Don't ask why I was watching Popular Mechanics for Kids. End communication.
_6-4-3 - Thursday, September 23 2004 @ 11:54 PM EDT (#31988) #
You're right the line "Hall of Famer Whitey Ford now on the field pleading with the crowd for... for some kind of sanity." is almost as good as Mr. Burns telling Smithers to "scout the American Leagues, the National Leagues, the Negro Leagues" after introducing his team of all-stars (including Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown), and Smithers telling Mr. Burns that his team has been retired, or dead, for over a century.
_Fozzy - Friday, September 24 2004 @ 12:47 AM EDT (#31989) #
Indeed 6-4-3 :)

"Well then Smithers, go find me some players, some LIVING players!"

What was really distrubing was tonight, one of my professors made a very vague Simpsons quote, and the majority of the class got it and chuckled. Last year a prof told me how much easier conveying allusions and their meanings were, based on the Simpsons than on the Bible; sadly I think he was right.
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