BBTF.org/m/chatter : Wild Card Playoffs OMNICHATTER

Thursday, May 02, 2013

Baseball’s symphony of sounds

(espn.go.com)

posted 2 weeks ago by Los Angeles El Hombre of Anaheim to baseball | 5 comment(s)

Peavy smiles and says: “I try not to yell; I try not to swear. But at 7 o’clock every night, I turn into someone different. I’m out there trying to focus. I’m competing. I can’t control myself. But I have three little boys. I want them to be able to watch their daddy pitch without hearing all the yelling.

Dunn smiles and says: “I make fun of Jake. I mock him. I can’t even make the sound he makes when he’s out there; it will hurt my throat. We do an over/under on when he’s going to first yell at ...

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1. flournoy posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:07 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Go Braves.

2. Chris Needham posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:13 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

24 innings of baseball. That's all I'm asking for. Well, that and some strained hammies.

3. Guapo posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:20 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Strained hammies? We want torn labrums! It's the playoffs, damnit!

4. Tom Nawrocki posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:24 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

There's snow on the ground here in Denver this morning. The Rockies really dodged a bullet by not qualifying for the playoffs.

5. BDC

posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:24 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I thought the oblique was the strain of choice recently.

I'll get in my omnichatter early, as when game time comes tonight I'll actually be at the Ballpark. I'm trying to stay philosophical. It helps that I like the Orioles, and even have some residual fondness for Buck Showalter, who I imagine would love to win a postseason game here.

6. flournoy posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:25 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I'm pretty sure Medlen can handle throwing 24 shutout innings today if he has to.

7. RTsquared is not a Double Juggernaut posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:26 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I'm hoping to see a crisp, well-played baseball game today.

But mostly I'm hoping that I see the Rangers win.

8. RTsquared is not a Double Juggernaut posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:27 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Hey Bob - I'm in 332 tonight with my BoSox friend from Seattle.

9. Joey B. has ignited his October #Natitude posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:28 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

On paper, the odds sure don't look too good for Baltimore, with Saunders going against Darvish. Plus, Texas pretty much pounded the hell out of the O's in the season series this year. But just about anything can happen in one game, so let the crapshoot begin!

10. BourbonSamurai, vassal of the Harpsburg Empire posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:30 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

let's go o's!

let's go...hmmm. Let's go 15 inning nl game!

11. Joey B. has ignited his October #Natitude posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:34 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Also, all the people who thought that it made sense to have the wild card winners start the division series at home and make the higher seeds start on the road deserve to be exiled to a Siberian gulag for life.

12. SG posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:37 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Here are the estimated win probabilities using the announced starting lineups and Oliver projections.

STL: 42.1%
ATL: 57.9%

BAL: 30.5%
TEX: 69.5%

13. JJ1986 posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:42 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Here are the estimated win probabilities using the announced starting lineups and Oliver projections.

Lines from Vegas make ATL a 61% favorite and Texas a 65% favorite (and moving in Baltimore's favor).

14. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:43 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Also, all the people who thought that it made sense to have the wild card winners start the division series at home and make the higher seeds start on the road deserve to be exiled to a Siberian gulag for life.

It's a scheduling thing, and it's only for 2012. I assume they'll start the season earlier next year to create a better travel schedule for the WC/LDS games.

15. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:43 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Lines from Vegas make ATL a 61% favorite and Texas a 65% favorite (and moving in Baltimore's favor).

God. Being favored makes it even more stressful. I hate the playoffs.

16. SG posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:44 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Lineups for the NL.

STL
Jon Jay, CF
Carlos Beltran, RF
Matt Holliday, LF
Allen Craig, 1B
Yadier Molina, C
David Freese, 3B
Daniel Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Kyle Lohse, P

ATL
Michael Bourn, CF
Martin Prado, LF
Jason Heyward, RF
Chipper Jones, 3B
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Dan Uggla, 2B
David Ross, C
Andrelton Simmons, SS
Kris Medlen, P

17. JJ1986 posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:44 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

God. Being favored makes it even more stressful. I hate the playoffs.

Are you watching? I thought you didn't cheer for Wild Card teams.

18. SG posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:45 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Lineups for the AL.

BAL
Nate McLouth, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Chris Davis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Jim Thome, DH
Mark Reynolds, 1B
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Manny Machado, 3B

TEX
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Josh Hamilton, CF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Nelson Cruz, RF
Michael Young, DH
David Murphy, LF
Mike Napoli, C
Mitch Moreland, 1B

19. JJ1986 posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:46 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Are the rosters online somewhere. I assume all the teams are loaded up with relief pitchers.

20. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:48 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Are you watching? I thought you didn't cheer for Wild Card teams.

1. I haven't decided.

2. I don't.

I do, however, root for bad things to happen to Natinal fans, so I guess that's sort of a thing.

21. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:49 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

WHAT!? Nate McLouth isn't dead?!? How is that even possible? How is it even remotely possible that Nate McLouth is starting for a playoff team?!

22. SG posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:51 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Are the rosters online somewhere. I assume all the teams are loaded up with relief pitchers.

They're not all finalized yet but are supposed to be submitted to the league by 10. Not sure when they'll be announced.

St Louis's roster is set.

Pitchers: Lohse, Lynn, Jason Motte, Mitchell Boggs, Edward Mujica, Marc Rzepczynski, Sam Freeman, Joe Kelly, Fernando Salas and Trevor Rosenthal.

Position players: Yadier Molina, Tony Cruz, Bryan Anderson, Allen Craig, Daniel Descalso, Skip Schumaker, Pete Kozma, David Freese, Ryan Jackson, Matt Carpenter, Carlos Beltran, Jon Jay, Matt Holliday, Shane Robinson and Adron Chambers.

23. Joey B. has ignited his October #Natitude posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:54 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

It's a scheduling thing, and it's only for 2012. I assume they'll start the season earlier next year to create a better travel schedule for the WC/LDS games.

I know, and it's still a bunch of B.S.

24. Chris Needham posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:56 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

If you're swept in the two road games, you're hosed in a 2-2-1 format too. Just win the damn games and stop whining.

25. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:57 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

BAL: 30.5%
TEX: 69.5%

Wowsa. I guess Oliver hates Joe Saunders but good.

From the perspective of who the Yankees would play, I don't really have a preference (since I'm sure they'll disappoint me no matter what) but I'm coming around to the idea that I'd like to see Baltimore win. I'm not terribly convinced they're going to be a playoff team next year--in fact, I'm pretty convinced they are not--so it would be nice for their fans to get some home playoff dates.

26. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on October 05, 2012 at 09:58 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

If you're swept in the two road games, you're hosed in a 2-2-1 format too. Just win the damn games and stop whining.

Stop whining? Joey?

27. RTsquared is not a Double Juggernaut posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:00 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

SG: Are you sure on the Texas lineup? I was pretty sure that Soto would be catching with Napoli at 1B...

Per Jamey Newburg: SSS, but Soto hits Saunders well, and Yu's CERA with Soto is far better than with Napoli...

28. escabeche posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:00 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Fun fact: Jim Thome was also in the lineup for the last Orioles postseason game.

29. salvomania posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:02 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

The Birds' (the Cardinals', that is) lineup 1-6 is pretty tough.

Let's see if during their 16 hour-video session yesterday they discovered Medlens' Achilles' heel.....

30. Joey B. has ignited his October #Natitude posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:04 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Just win the damn games and stop whining.

Sir, I promise I'll do my best sir!

31. jmurph posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:13 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I think opening with the road two makes sense in a 7 game series where it's 2-5 or something crazy like that- really giving an incentive to the team with the better record. Then again that should really only happen in a world with a balanced schedule.

32. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:22 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I think opening with the road two makes sense in a 7 game series

When the ALCS/NLCS were 5 games, they always did 2-3. Fewer off days is better.

33. Guapo posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:23 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Joe Saunders at the Ballpark at Arlington, career: 6 starts, 0-6, 9.38 ERA.

34. Kyle S at work posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:26 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Heading down to Turner Field at 2pm to start tailgating (with wife and daughter in tow). It is perfect weather here. I can't wait!

35. I am going to be Frank posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:33 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Wow, I'm in three fantasy leagues and have never heard of:
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Daniel Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Andrelton Simmons, SS

I guess I'm biased against middle infielders.

The betting odds are really against the Orioles. That seems high for any MLB game.

36. zack posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:34 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Starting Saunders might make sense against a team like the Mets who are extremely lefthanded. But if anything, the Rangers are biased to the right.

His splits this year are outrageous (.359/.201 wOBA), but even his career split is fairly big (.346/.277). That means the average righty has hit like Mike Napoli's 2012.

Plus, you know 4.6 K/9 in the new MLB...the Orioles don't have anyone better to throw out there?

37. JJ1986 posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:35 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Wow, I'm in three fantasy leagues and have never heard of:

Three of these guys are pretty obscure, but Descalso's been a regular in the league for a few years and played in the World Series last year.

38. Rickey Fredonia Fudge Duckery Precious Twiddle posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:35 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Simmons is a defensive whiz (who put up pretty good offensive numbers before he broke his finger.) I could see why he wouldn't be a big name in fantasy circles. His value is not evident in counting stats.

39. TomH posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:37 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

yes they do; relievers from innings 4 thru 13.

40. zack posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:38 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

yes they do; relievers from innings 4 thru 13.

That's what I figured, but then I thought what are the chances he gets through even 3 innings without giving up several runs?

Also the fact that the Orioles vaunted bullpen's features prime players Darren O'Day and Luis ####### Ayala makes me a little ill.

41. Joey B. has ignited his October #Natitude posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:41 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

the Orioles don't have anyone better to throw out there?

It's pretty debatable. I agree that it seems like an odd decision, but Saunders had a good month in September, so maybe he's thinking "go with the hot hand".

And considering that Showalter is a baseball genius who has just pulled off one of the greatest managerial jobs I've ever seen in my life, I'm certainly not going to question the man.

42. JJ1986 posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:43 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

The Rangers crush lefties and Steve Johnson is a better pitcher. I'd guess they might switch early to cancel the Rangers' platoons, but it looks like they are going with Moreland and Murphy anyway.

43. salvomania posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:43 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Wow, I'm in three fantasy leagues and have never heard of:
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Daniel Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Andrelton Simmons, SS

This year Daniel Descalso played in 143 games, mostly as the Cardinals' starting 2b. In their World Series-winning 2011 he played in the second most games on the team during the season.

He went 2-for-2 in the epic Game 6 after being inserted as a pinch hitter in the 8th, and he started the 2-run rally in the 10th that re-tied the game and set the stage for Freese's 11th-nning walkoff homer.

Now who the hell is Ryan Flaherty?

44. Crispix Attacks 2: Swag Airlines posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:44 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Daniel Descalso hasn't done much in 2012 that was newsworthy, but he did have two hits in the World Series last year.

45. Nasty Nate posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:44 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Fun fact: Jim Thome was also in the lineup for the last Orioles postseason game.

I like that.

No one else from that game is still active - oops Omar Vizquel is. There were some big names there: Manny, Justice, both Alomars (on opposing teams), Baines, Eric Davis, Palmeiro, Ripken, Mussina etc...

46. Matt Clement of Alexandria posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:44 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Starting Saunders might make sense against a team like the Mets who are extremely lefthanded. But if anything, the Rangers are biased to the right.

They should be, at least, but Washington's starting Murphy (298/361 wOBA split career) and Moreland (277/342).

I was thinking that Showalter should pull Saunders in the 2nd inning and just go with the bullpen that brung him here, but Washington has cut him off at the pass by starting his worst possible vs. LHP lineup. Stupid like a fox, that Wash.

47. musial6 posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:44 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Descalso singled to lead off the 10th inning of 2011 WS Game 6. Appeared as a defensive replacement in 5 games. Bulk of the series. Not exactly a lightweight.

48. jack the seal clubber (on the sidelines of life) posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:52 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I don't know who to root for in Cards-Braves, since these are my two least favorite NL teams. I think the Braves will win, due to Medlen, which will at least get the Cards out.

Strike that, I still dislike the Mets more.

49. jack the seal clubber (on the sidelines of life) posted on October 05, 2012 at 10:54 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

Starting Saunders might make sense against a team like the Mets who are extremely lefthanded. But if anything, the Rangers are biased to the right

Saunders gets killed in Texas, too. Everything is against the Orioles today. Therefore, my projection on Saunders:

7 2 0 0 1 11

50. I am going to be Frank posted on October 05, 2012 at 11:02 AM # hit 0 | hit 0

I'll confess to not watching the WS last year because I was out of the country for a bit and after the Yankees lost I didn't have the heart to watch any more baseball.

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Thursday, May 02, 2013

Baseball’s symphony of sounds

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