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Friday, April 06, 2012

Primer Dugout (and link of the day) 4-6-2012

St. Joseph News-Press, April 6, 1912:

Ping Bodie, the sensational fence-buster of the Sox, and Jacques Fournier, recruit first baseman, are of Italian and French nationality respectively. Both have warm red blood that surges under the slightest taunt and whenever they get together harmony is scattered to the four winds…

Jacques says that Ping is a Dago. Ping says there is no such thing as a Dago. He contends than Jacques is a French Canuck.
...

Manager Callahan says he will offer no objection as long as words are not permitted to interfere with double plays and the hit-and-run.

“Jacques and Ping agree on one thing: That’s exactly the sort of thing a Mick would say.”

Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 05:32 AM | 56 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: dugout, history

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1. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 05:34 AM (#4099189)

I'm breaking my own rules about players needing to be semi-regulars at a position to be in the Birthday Team's starting lineup.

I mean, you try to tell Mickey Cochrane he's on the bench while Joe Mowry and Kenny Williams play every day. (Cochrane made one appearance in LF, and it's a pretty safe assumption that's where he'd play if this was a real team.)

C: Ernie Lombardi
1B: Andy Phillips
2B: Bret Boone
3B: Red Smith
SS: Lou Merloni
LF/Manager: Mickey Cochrane
CF: Dick Johnston
RF/GM: Kenny Williams

SP: Bert Blyleven
SP: Marty Pattin
SP: Benny Frey
SP: Phil Regan
SP: Tommy Greene
RP: Don Elston

2. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 05:51 AM (#4099192)

100 years ago today, the El Paso Herald quoting Nap Lajoie on why he stopped driving cabs:

"Here we are -- this is your hotel," I shouted. No reply. "Asleep in the hack," I thought. So I got down, opened the door, and peered inside. My fare was gone....there lay the package which he had been tightly clasping. I tore it open, and dropped it in a hurry. It was a large fish. A venerable fish. It had been venerable for a long time, and it was getting more venerable every minute.
...

"Look here," I wailed [to a policeman], "a fellow offered me $5 to take him to the hotel, jumped the hack as we rode along, and left his fish behind him...What the ____ am I going to do with that ____ fish there, I'd like to know?"

The captain shook his head. "Why," said he, "you keep it for seven days, and then if nobody calls for it, it's yours."

3. Phil Coorey. Posted: April 06, 2012 at 06:26 AM (#4099195)

South Sydney!!!!

4. Walt Davis Posted: April 06, 2012 at 06:52 AM (#4099199)

Surely Mr. Lombardi would be on the bench, not Mr. Cochrane. Stunned neither of them ever took a single inning at 1B.

5. Dag Nabbit has the talking pillow Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:39 AM (#4099208)

Today also marks 20 years since the first game at Camden Yards. And I didn't realize this at the time I wrote the article, but at that first Camden game, Rick Sutcliffe became the ninth pitcher in history to post a win against all 26 franchises. (That fact is listed in the article under the list of events, but I didn't make the connection in my mind that it must've been in the first Camden Yards game).

6. Doris from Rego Park Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:45 AM (#4099213)

At the risk of being even more disappointed when he's not elected on the first ballot (ever?), some friends and I are thinking about attending 2013 HOF Weekend to see Mr. Piazza. Is it too early to start booking? Too late? I imagine rooms are tough to come by in the immediate Cooperstown area, but any suggestions? I've only given this about three minutes of research, but the HOF website links to a 2012 travel package. Reserved seating for the induction ceremony is included, which is key, but the hotel they use is in Albany, which is...challenging. Any thoughts or advice?

7. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:47 AM (#4099216)

When I visited Camden three years ago during a SABR convention, I was struck by how non-striking I found the place. It wasn’t bad, but Camden couldn’t hold a candle to Safeco Field, I thought. It looked like just another stadium to me. I’ve spoken to several other SABR members and most felt the same way—Camden was a letdown.

That's from Chris' piece and other than the part about Safeco (I didn't like it) I agree 100%. I first went to Camden in 2001 and while it was certainly not a bad ballpark I didn't come away thinking "wow." The only two new parks that have really stuck out for me have been PNC and Coors (haven't been to San Francisco yet)

8. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:52 AM (#4099220)

At the risk of being even more disappointed when he's not elected on the first ballot (ever?), some friends and I are thinking about attending 2013 HOF Weekend to see Mr. Piazza. Is it too early to start booking? Too late? I imagine rooms are tough to come by in the immediate Cooperstown area, but any suggestions? I've only given this about three minutes of research, but the HOF website links to a 2012 travel package. Reserved seating for the induction ceremony is included, which is key, but the hotel they use is in Albany, which is...challenging. Any thoughts or advice?

I went in 2009 and really have to give Cooperstown a thumbs up. They really do a great job of keeping things running smoothly. We stayed about 45 minutes outside Cooperstown but it is very easy to drive to one of the bus lots and get bussed to the ceremony. Also, the day before the ceremony you can drive right into town and park on someone's lawn (I think most people were charging about $10) and then do the Hall tour, walk around the town and get autographs or talk to Hall of Famers that are everywhere.

My recollection is that the day of the ceremony you get there fairly early then wait around a lot so bring a book or some cards or a laptop and just hang out.

9. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:55 AM (#4099224)

South Sydney!!!!

Amazing, Phil. They might not suck this year.

I should mention, by the way, that the official national anthem performer of today's Birthday Team is Zamfir, master of the pan flute. He turns 71 today.

10. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:59 AM (#4099229)

Surely Mr. Lombardi would be on the bench, not Mr. Cochrane.

I was sort of thinking that as I put the team together, then I slid Cochrane to left field and the idea that Schnozz would sit just suddenly vanished from my thoughts.

You could probably put together a nice lineup of guys who'd sit the Birthday Team bench if limited to their primary position. Frank Thomas and Ernie Lombardi is a heck of a start. Adrian Beltre (2033 hits, 311 home runs, 114 stolen bases) comes to mind as a potential third baseman - he shares a birthday with John McGraw.

11. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 09:06 AM (#4099232)

Bill Mazeroski? You might be in the Hall of Fame, but you sit the Birthday Team bench behind Nap Lajoie.
Hughie Jennings? Nope, we have Luke Appling.

12. The Long Arm of Rudy Law Posted: April 06, 2012 at 09:57 AM (#4099259)

I mean, you try to tell Mickey Cochrane he's on the bench

It's especially difficult to tell him that when he's also the manager.

13. Tom Nawrocki Posted: April 06, 2012 at 10:16 AM (#4099275)

I should mention, by the way, that the official national anthem performer of today's Birthday Team is Zamfir, master of the pan flute. He turns 71 today.

All due respect to Zamfir, but Merle Haggard turns 75 today.

14. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 10:19 AM (#4099278)

Best. Duo. Ever.

15. Tom Nawrocki Posted: April 06, 2012 at 10:32 AM (#4099292)

First thing I remember knowin'
Was a lonely pan flute blowin'...

16. The Long Arm of Rudy Law Posted: April 06, 2012 at 10:37 AM (#4099303)

Can't we have one thread that doesn't turn into a Zamfir-Merle Haggard debate???

17. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 11:02 AM (#4099332)

Hey, the chatters are up already, yeah!

18. Dag Nabbit has the talking pillow Posted: April 06, 2012 at 11:34 AM (#4099356)

Can't we have one thread that doesn't turn into a Zamfir-Merle Haggard debate???

Sure, provided you consider a Zamfir-Merle Haggard-Frank Black debate different.

Today is also the birthday for the Pixies lead singer.

19. Neutral Milk Dotel (Dan Lee) Posted: April 06, 2012 at 01:23 PM (#4099467)

My daughter just picked up a baseball and said "Hey! This is from the Cushioned Cork Center!"

She's awesome.

20. PreservedFish Posted: April 06, 2012 at 01:27 PM (#4099471)

I should mention, by the way, that the official national anthem performer of today's Birthday Team is Zamfir, master of the pan flute. He turns 71 today.

A month ago I was listening to my local college radio station, and the DJ played a Zamfir song. The funny thing was that she announced it as if she had unearthed something obscure and incredible - she was clearly not aware that the guy is a kitsch culture icon.

21. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 02:32 PM (#4099543)

The chatters aren't working right. Boo.

22. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 02:58 PM (#4099565)

Is the dugout going to be the official unofficial collect all chatter thread?

23. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:09 PM (#4099576)

When I saw the official chatters weren't looking I submitted a omnithread, but it's not up yet, so, well...

24. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:12 PM (#4099578)

Jeter just swung at a 92 MPH fasttball in the dirt. Don't see that happen very often.

25. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:16 PM (#4099584)

Arrieta vs. Pavano isn't going to be a 1-0 game, I'm guessing.

26. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:16 PM (#4099585)

A 1-0 game in St. Pete wouldn't be a surprise though. I seem to recall Shields v Sabathia in the Bronx last year ending 1-0 on a single run scored when Cano scored on an errant pickoff throw from Shields.

27. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:19 PM (#4099588)

Granderson is a fool for not bunting on that shift and making them realign. With his speed anything fair on the third base side is an easy single.

28. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:24 PM (#4099594)

Nick Markakis just ensured it won't be 1-0.

29. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:26 PM (#4099596)

Sabathia doesn't look too sharp early.

30. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:32 PM (#4099599)

I'm hearing on Twitter that Girardi is already in Postseason form....

31. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4099600)

Retarded first inning intenitonal walk BACKFIRES HUGELY!

32. Tom Nawrocki Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4099601)

Adam Dunn has batted three times this season, and has a strikeout, a walk, and a homer.

33. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:38 PM (#4099604)

I ####### LOVE it when stupid intentional walks backfire on Girardi. And that was just about the best one yet.

34. Gamingboy Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:38 PM (#4099607)

As I said, Girardi in Postseason form. :)

35. Tom Nawrocki Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:41 PM (#4099611)

You guys left out the best part: Girardi intentionally walked career .229 hitter Sean Rodriguez.

36. Crispix Attacks 2: Swag Airlines Posted: April 06, 2012 at 03:42 PM (#4099613)

Adam Dunn has batted three times this season, and has a strikeout, a walk, and a homer.

Projected for 162 homers, 162 walks and 162 strikeouts?

Better than last year's totals of 11, 75 and 177.

37. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:01 PM (#4099623)

ARod's looking pretty healthy. Shields isn't looking very sharp.

38. Dr. Vaux Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:05 PM (#4099630)

It changes things considerably if the Rays have 2010 Shields instead of the 2011 version.

39. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:06 PM (#4099631)

That was a really stupid play by Pena with a 2 run lead.

40. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:09 PM (#4099636)

I was not expecting this matchup to be the highest scoring game of the season to date.

41. Dr. Vaux Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:10 PM (#4099637)

Are they using a superball in that game?

42. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:13 PM (#4099641)

No. Pitchers are going to 3 ball counts and hitters are sitting on get-it-over fastballs.

43. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:22 PM (#4099646)

It's games like this that make me think that more work on the subject of atmospheric conditions from game to game is a place for sabermetrics to make strides. And by atmospheric I mean more than just the "atmosphere" but the hitters background on a given day and the balls being used and on and on. Sure, it's possible that Shields and Sabathia both simply don't have it today but it seems more likely to me that there is something going on, Vaux' superballs or weather conditions impacting the humidity or something that is making it a good day for hitters.

44. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:25 PM (#4099651)

Neither pitcher has any fastball command. This is a major issue for Shields because his fastball is neither hard nor moves much. Sabathia has adjusted by throwing more sliders. Shields is just constantly pitching behind in the count.

The Trop is always 72 degrees with their AC blowing. It's the last park in the majors to look for atmospheric effects on the ball. It's also been one of the best pitchers' parks in the league for the past several years. It has lately been nearly as extreme as Petco. These pitchers are just pitching poorly.

45. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:40 PM (#4099667)

Sabathia just walked José Molina. That speaks for itself.

46. Dr. Vaux Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:40 PM (#4099668)

It seems like the strike zone is tight today everywhere.

47. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:42 PM (#4099670)

West has actually called a pretty good game. The pitchers just don't have good control today.

48. Phil Coorey. Posted: April 06, 2012 at 04:55 PM (#4099679)

Amazing, Phil. They might not suck this year.

Lost two props already but I like what they have in store - loving the new kids Reynolds and Everingham - really needed that win yesterday after the opening day Sox loss!!

49. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 05:49 PM (#4099716)

All of a sudden a huge strike zone for Rafael Soriano. He hasn't thrown a pitch in the zone yet and he's got a K and a 3-1 count.

50. Tom Nawrocki Posted: April 06, 2012 at 05:54 PM (#4099719)

"Jake McGee"? That's a totally made-up name if I've ever heard one.

51. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 07:05 PM (#4099743)

What an ending! What a game!

I assume NYY will have the same closer controversy as we have in Boston now. Silly Girardi going with Rivera instead of his best reliever, David Robertson. What was he thinking??

52. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 07:28 PM (#4099751)

Chris Young just demolished a hanger from Lincecum.

53. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:08 PM (#4099761)

If today's birthday team gets to play at Citizens Bank Park, you've got to invite the inventor of the Taser.

54. BDC

Posted: April 06, 2012 at 08:12 PM (#4099763)

Go Rangers

55. Dan Posted: April 06, 2012 at 10:05 PM (#4099789)

Holy ####. Tulowitzski just hit a ball that pretty much went out of Minute Maid Park. It hit the top of the facade behind the Crawford Boxes where the roof would touch the wall if it were closed.

56. Der_K Posted: April 08, 2012 at 01:01 PM (#4100295)

Ba transactions are up. Kudos to Matt Eddy for weekend/holiday work.

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Primer Dugout (and link of the day) 4-6-2012

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