2007 Post ASB MLB Catch-All Thread

[Brian]

Cardinals down 1 in the loss column.

[Rowand44]

Cardinals down 1 in the loss column.

I'd be pretty surprised if they don't end up winning that division. They might end up at .500 but they'll win the NL Central.

[whitesoxfan101]

Cincinnati, in a bizarre turn, is RED HOT right now (best record in the NL at 29-19 since July 3rd when they fired their manager), and has moved to within 6.5 games of the Cubs with a 3 game series against lowly Pittsburgh to start Tuesday. Plus, they have 6 games left with St. Louis, 6 with Milwaukee, and 6 with the Cubs, with their other series being the just mentioned 3 at Pittsburgh, 3 vs. the Mets (at home), 3 at the last place Giants, and 3 at home vs. the last place Astros. They also have the best pitcher in the race in Aaron Harang, the IMO best offense now that they are healthy, and are getting great bullpen work from 4 different guys right now in Majewski, Weathers, Burton, and Bray. Not saying it's going to happen, but nothing in this division would shock me anymore.

Edited August 27, 2007 by whitesoxfan101

[LosMediasBlancas]

Whatever happened to:

 

Dustin Hermanson?

Jerry Manuel?

[Balta1701]

Whatever happened to:

 

Dustin Hermanson?

Jerry Manuel?

Jerry Manuel has been with the Mets organization for several years, serving as a 1st base coach and a bench coach. His name occasionall crops up in managerial rumors when there is a vacancy.

 

Hermanson signed a minor league deal with the Reds before the start of this season, but was released and did not make the team.

[BigSqwert]

Astros fire their GM and Manager. KW should start sweating.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2993335

[santo=dorf]

Astros fire their GM and Manager. KW should start sweating.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2993335

Why? Reinsndorf is loyal to everyone, and he's the only one that can get rid of him.

[CWSGuy406]

I know Jeff Suppan isn't being paid by the Brewers to be their Godsent ace, but can some of those cliches that you always here about veterans like him actually pay off tonight? Can Suppan "know how to win" tonight, please? Asking for a sweep is probably unreasonable, but can't Milwaukee take two of three?

 

Man -- Wrigley is going to be rocking tonight.

[fathom]

I know Jeff Suppan isn't being paid by the Brewers to be their Godsent ace, but can some of those cliches that you always here about veterans like him actually pay off tonight? Can Suppan "know how to win" tonight, please? Asking for a sweep is probably unreasonable, but can't Milwaukee take two of three?

 

Man -- Wrigley is going to be rocking tonight.

 

I have no hope for the Brewers this series....the Cubs have such a pitching advantage this week against them. It's Cardinals or bust, and of course, Oswalt returns to face them, and he'll miss the Cubs.

[CWSGuy406]

I have no hope for the Brewers this series....the Cubs have such a pitching advantage this week against them. It's Cardinals or bust, and of course, Oswalt returns to face them, and he'll miss the Cubs.

 

What are the pitching matchups? I've now had two teachers (not even counting yesterday!) refer to this upcoming series, so I guess it's a big deal. I've tried my best to keep my head in the sand, what with these f***ing jamoke Cub rooters wearing the preppy Cub hats -- note that if asked to name the 25 man roster, I could probably name as many or more players than the average fan. Not that these Brewer fans are a whole lot better, but I'm not sure the Brewers would have enough to beat any team in the first round of the playoffs, so...

[Balta1701]

What are the pitching matchups? I've now had two teachers (not even counting yesterday!) refer to this upcoming series, so I guess it's a big deal. I've tried my best to keep my head in the sand, what with these f***ing jamoke Cub rooters wearing the preppy Cub hats -- note that if asked to name the 25 man roster, I could probably name as many or more players than the average fan. Not that these Brewer fans are a whole lot better, but I'm not sure the Brewers would have enough to beat any team in the first round of the playoffs, so...

Suppan vs Hill

????? vs Zambrano (Vargas scheduled to go, but just put on the DL today, MLB.com actually suggesting it could be Sheets)

Gallardo vs Lilly

[Gregory Pratt]

John Smoltz is a consumate professional and team player. He's as tough as nails. He beat the Astros in the playoffs with his shoulder aching beyond belief and put himself out of the playoffs with his gutsy performance, should the Braves have advanced that year. Today he's pitching on short rest against the Marlins for the Braves. I appreciate his willingness to go, considering his age and he IS a power pitcher, and it's nice that the Braves have a guy who they can go to in situations like these who can and will go out and do all he can, but I question the soundness of such a decision. I'm not sure I believe they'll make it to the playoffs (I am almost certain they won't win the division this year), considering their rough rotation past Smoltz/Hudson, but I guess they really do, and they're going to battle, and Smoltz thinks it's worth it. Good for him. I can't believe I went a long time with Smoltz as my LEAST favorite of the Big Three.

 

I expect the Braves to be really good next year with someone like Silva or Livan Hernandez in the 3/4 spot, probably a big trade, a fresher bullpen (volatile though they can be, certain teams are good at building bullpens and the Padres/Braves are those), and a good lineup. Should be interesting to see.

[fathom]

John Smoltz is a consumate professional and team player. He's as tough as nails. He beat the Astros in the playoffs with his shoulder aching beyond belief and put himself out of the playoffs with his gutsy performance, should the Braves have advanced that year. Today he's pitching on short rest against the Marlins for the Braves. I appreciate his willingness to go, considering his age and he IS a power pitcher, and it's nice that the Braves have a guy who they can go to in situations like these who can and will go out and do all he can, but I question the soundness of such a decision. I'm not sure I believe they'll make it to the playoffs (I am almost certain they won't win the division this year), considering their rough rotation past Smoltz/Hudson, but I guess they really do, and they're going to battle, and Smoltz thinks it's worth it. Good for him. I can't believe I went a long time with Smoltz as my LEAST favorite of the Big Three.

 

I expect the Braves to be really good next year with someone like Silva or Livan Hernandez in the 3/4 spot, probably a big trade, a fresher bullpen (volatile though they can be, certain teams are good at building bullpens and the Padres/Braves are those), and a good lineup. Should be interesting to see.

 

That book really must be your Bible.

[Gregory Pratt]

How many times do I have to explain that the book was one thing and plenty of other articles, SI stories and interviews have been about as well? Besides that, what Smoltz is doing certainly deserves some credit and praise, and is as worthy of mention here as DA CUBS!1111111 :phear

[Gregory Pratt]

You can explain all you want, but when half your posts are slurp jobs of the Braves and their organization, there is a right for criticism. I have read 3 books about the Orioles and Earl Weaver, and I have probably made 4 or 5 posts, tops, referencing it. I learned a ton, think he has some of the best philosophies ever, but I don't talk about Weaver like it's propaganda....

 

What's wrong with citing my source? If people say, "Oh, if you were GM, what would you do better than KW? Who says that would work? Why is that a good idea?" Because John Schuerholz knows a little somethingsomething about being an Executive.

 

I don't care what criticisms people have of my admiration for Schuerholz. But maybe I'll spend a week for the next fifteen-twenty three weeks or so talking about what GMs are better than Kenny Williams and what philosophies the White Sox should utilize instead of mentioning the Braves when "winning traditions," "General Managing For Dummies" and "Scouting Scouting Scouting" are relevant topics for discussion.

[Balta1701]

John Smoltz is a consumate professional and team player. He's as tough as nails. He beat the Astros in the playoffs with his shoulder aching beyond belief and put himself out of the playoffs with his gutsy performance, should the Braves have advanced that year. Today he's pitching on short rest against the Marlins for the Braves. I appreciate his willingness to go, considering his age and he IS a power pitcher, and it's nice that the Braves have a guy who they can go to in situations like these who can and will go out and do all he can, but I question the soundness of such a decision. I'm not sure I believe they'll make it to the playoffs (I am almost certain they won't win the division this year), considering their rough rotation past Smoltz/Hudson, but I guess they really do, and they're going to battle, and Smoltz thinks it's worth it. Good for him. I can't believe I went a long time with Smoltz as my LEAST favorite of the Big Three.

 

I expect the Braves to be really good next year with someone like Silva or Livan Hernandez in the 3/4 spot, probably a big trade, a fresher bullpen (volatile though they can be, certain teams are good at building bullpens and the Padres/Braves are those), and a good lineup. Should be interesting to see.

Given Turner Field's reputation as something of a pitcher's park that can cut down a little bit on home runs...I think the Braves and Sox would be an ideal match for a Jon Garland for a shortstop type swap. Esp. given that JS has to expect he'll lose Tex after next year, and thus may have to do a genuine rebuilding program.

[Gregory Pratt]

Given Turner Field's reputation as something of a pitcher's park that can cut down a little bit on home runs...I think the Braves and Sox would be an ideal match for a Jon Garland for a shortstop type swap. Esp. given that JS has to expect he'll lose Tex after next year, and thus may have to do a genuine rebuilding program.

 

The Braves won't be rebuilding with Schuerholz as GM. And I don't think that they'll be giving up Renteria for Garland. I don't know for sure, but I imagine that he'd be more interested in Vazquez, of our starters. Why would he take Garland and give up one of his three SS trading chips when he could get Silva, who is very similar and a very good 3/4, without giving up talent?

[fathom]

Brewers coming out of the gate looking strong....it's comical how lethargic they seem now.

[Gregory Pratt]

As opposed to the Chicago Cubs who could take on the world right about now!

[CWSGuy406]

I expect the Braves to be really good next year with someone like Silva or Livan Hernandez in the 3/4 spot

 

Sort of like this year? I mean, I know Atlanta has a fantastic rotation and all, what with two good pitchers (Chuck James has been awful since the second half, and Braves fans at BTF say he's not going to keep up with the league average ERA he's at now).

 

What's wrong with citing my source? If people say, "Oh, if you were GM, what would you do better than KW? Who says that would work? Why is that a good idea?" Because John Schuerholz knows a little somethingsomething about being an Executive.

 

Que? I'm sure somewhere in this statement there's got to be some relevance to what Tony said, but sheesh.

[Gregory Pratt]

You're really good at quoting one of my sentences in a longer post and trying to make it into something or other that it isn't. I love it when you analyze my posts, especially when you say, "I'm sure there's something relevant there" then add a lively sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh. Thanks! And as you concede, there is, actually, relevance and it's quite clear. But let's rephrase: if Tony ever has serious criticisms of Ozzie Guillen and wants to say, "Earl Weaver used to say this, do this, call for that, believed blah blah blah," he'd have every right and it would be more valid than someone (not Tony, or anyone on this board) saying "I don't believe Ozzie should call for Sean Tracey to plunk anyone. My mom agrees." Saying, "I think we need boppers, as Earl Weaver used to say," which is more valid than any uncited, "Oh, I think blah blah blah." You know what I'm saying? Probably, but sheeeeeeeeeeesh, right?

 

But really, I've got to go read a Biology chapter, so we'll carry this conversation out later tonight, if you've got some kind of counter. I just like to weigh my opinions with people much smarter than me. Makes me feel like I'm not crazy, and dispels any argument that "You're unreasonable." "You're crazy." No, not at all. I might be wrong, but I'm not pretending that anything which hasn't been done, or shouldn't be done, or would never work or happen can be done or happen.

Edited August 29, 2007 by Gregory Pratt

[CWSGuy406]

which is more valid than any uncited

 

Yes, and that's perfectly fine.

 

The criticism is that when every other f***ing post is Schuerholz this, Schuerholz that, it gets a little annoying. And maybe you don't see it that way, but when there's about five people calling you on it... Well, where there's smoke, there's usually fire.

 

That's fine though. If you find it necessary to make everything "Braves", be my guest and continue to do so. And I'll continue to call you on it.

 

Kapeesh?

[CWSGuy406]

But really, I've got to go read a Biology chapter, so we'll carry this conversation out later tonight

 

So I see you're not the only one doing something better with your time. Gosh damn, I did one freaking exercise of my Accounting 30 homework and it took me 50 minutes -- and I still have four more problems left. Crimany...

[Gregory Pratt]

I don't care about little irritations you have with me holding Schuerholz as The Model, The Example, so feel free to criticize me on the superficiality of "I don't like how often you talk about how good Schuerholz is and the Braves are". First of all, I wasn't even talking about Schuerholz specifically in the Smoltz post and in fact criticized Atlanta management for the move. I just think it's funny that people are saying, "Why are you holding up the Braves as a model of anything? Why do you cite Schuerholz has a good GM when you're talking about why KW is bad? Why are the Braves so hot and the White Sox not?" I've criticized fathom for talking so much about the Cubs, and you and Tony, too. Doesn't mean you should stop. By all means, feel free to go on and on and on about how that terrible team scares you because if they win, what? They won't. That's the end of it...but if they do.......Hendry is as good as KW!

[CWSGuy406]

I just think it's funny that people are saying, "Why are you holding up the Braves as a model of anything?

 

LOL -- I'd say the vast majority of us don't need you to tell us that the Braves are a great organization. If you actually feel the need to explain to us why the Braves are a model, then I really shouldn't be having this conversation with you in the first place.