Man, we never clip the part of Robothal articles that have to do with the header.

The main article is about Yost justifying Sabathia's almost-200 IP-and-it's-not-even-September. Their answer is a low pitches/IP. So, high IP with low pitches/IP is ok.

Would make sense, except he's also leading the league in pitches (and PAP). He's 27, he's built like an ox, and he isn't throwing 130 pitches on 3 days rest. He's fine.

and that Bugs Bunny curveball

Bugs Bunny did not throw a curveball, he was a fastball/changeup pitcher.

Bugs Bunny did not throw a curveball, he was a fastball/changeup pitcher.

Goofy had a hell of a curve though. Plus he could play every position equally, and he was no slouch with the stick either.

Daffy started his career with a screwball but transformed into a high hard one kinda guy.

Bugs Bunny did not throw a curveball, he was a fastball/changeup pitcher.

You've got to question whether a guy has the tools to scout the Merry Melodies Association if he's calling Bugs a curveball pitcher.

Also keep in mind that Melvin says, "Our game plan all year has been to push our starters a little bit more to stay away from overusing our bullpen."

The plan has worked: In the National League, only the Diamondbacks are using their bullpen less than the Brewers.

The Dbacks should just stop using Brandon Lyon

Yost justifying Sabathia's almost-200 IP-and-it's-not-even-September. Their answer is a low pitches/IP. So, high IP with low pitches/IP is ok.

I haven't read the article -- it's Rosenthal, they'll be another one in about 10 minutes -- but isn't the obvious simply that Sabathia is being given the rented mule treatment? The Brewers don't realistically figure to be in the Sabathia sweepstakes, do they? If his arm falls off while in pinstripes, is that their concern?

How much do you think Dempster will get this winter? He's really been under the radar as far as free agents, but he's having quite a contract year. I have to think teams that fail to land Sabathia will go after Dempster with a lot of money.

The Brewers don't realistically figure to be in the Sabathia sweepstakes, do they? If his arm falls off while in pinstripes, is that their concern?

No. It is, however, their concern if he's completely gassed when the playoffs roll around (as he was last year), assuming they get that far. As I pointed out in another thread, the notion that the Brewers can know what CC's tipping point is before he loses effectiveness THIS year is silly, and therefore, it's dumb to take unnecessary risks. Like letting him push his pitch count to 130 in the 9th inning of a 7-run game.

How much do you think Dempster will get this winter? He's really been under the radar as far as free agents, but he's having quite a contract year. I have to think teams that fail to land Sabathia will go after Dempster with a lot of money.

Yeah, and I'm sort of on the fence as to how far the Cubs should go to retain him. His conversion to starter's been a joy to watch, but he's a risk for a long-term deal. I'm wondering if there might be a workable compromise, based on the Cubs' likely desire to keep him and Dempster's willingness to offer a hometown discount. (The Cubs pretty much saved his career as a multi-year rehab project, and gave him all sorts of chances to succeed, which has really borne fruit this year.)

I suspect, though, that at the end of the day he'll want to fully cash in on his success while his value's at his peak, and I can't say I'd blame him given the market for starting pitchers. Hell, if Carlos Silva gets 4/40MM, Dempster probably gets 6/80MM.

It is, however, their concern if he's completely gassed when the playoffs roll around

Isn't the situation somewhat different this year? The 2007 Indians had reason to be more optimistic about reaching the playoffs than the 2008 Brewers, and were better positioned to ratchet back Sabathia's workload if they so elected. The Brewers are fighting for their playoff lives and seem willing to sacrifice Sabathia at the altar, for good or for bad, to achieve this.

The Brewers are fighting for their playoff lives and seem willing to sacrifice Sabathia at the altar, for good or for bad, to achieve this.

OK, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be concerned about his being gassed for the playoffs, even if there's more urgency about getting there in the first place in the Brewers' case. What possible end was served by letting him go as long as he did in his last start? (In any event, I'm not sure I agree they're really "fighting for their playoff lives;" they lead the wild card race by 2.5, and while that's certainly a blowable lead, I think they've got the most talent of the wildcard contenders.)

I think they've got the most talent of the wildcard contenders.

But they remain an incredibly dumb team. I have searched for a way to validate without sifting through individual play by play data, but I am convinced the Brewers lose more guys trying to stretch base hits or take an extra base than any other team in the league.

I'm glad Chone Figgins doesn't have a HOF vote.

But they remain an incredibly dumb team. I have searched for a way to validate without sifting through individual play by play data, but I am convinced the Brewers lose more guys trying to stretch base hits or take an extra base than any other team in the league.

You should watch the Orioles play.

Both Huff and Mora have cleared waivers, but are unlikely to be dealt in August — in part, perhaps, because of the money left on their contracts. Huff, 31, is guaranteed $8 million next season. Mora, 36, is due $9 million.

I imagine neither hitter won't be moved until next August. Mora's numbers are pretty much driven by a recent hot streak. Huff's been a suprisingly solid signing for the O's.

A friend of Rafael Palmeiro's who recently saw the former slugger reports that Palmeiro is in excellent condition as he approaches his 44th birthday on Sept. 24. Palmeiro's son, third baseman Patrick Palmeiro, was the Pirates' 22nd-round pick out of Heritage H.S. in Colleyville, Tex. Rafael's younger son, Preston, 13, also plays baseball, and could have a bright future.

What did Robo lost a bet with Raffy?