BBTF's Sox Therapy Discussion :: What do we watch when we watch Opening Day?

Reader Comments and Retorts

Statements posted here are those of our readers and do not represent the BaseballThinkFactory. Names are provided by the poster and are not verified. We ask that posters follow our submission policy. Please report any inappropriate comments.

Page 3 of 4 pages < 1 2 3 4 >

201. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 02:55 PM (#4098315)

Papi fed a steady diet of curve balls. And he's still pretty fat.

202. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 02:57 PM (#4098324)

All of the games are still scoreless. We've got 21 scoreless innings going.

203. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 02:58 PM (#4098329)

Cabrera looking a bit foolish with that high 91MPH heater.

204. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 02:59 PM (#4098335)

Mets score to make it first run of the day.

205. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 02:59 PM (#4098336)

Not a good idea to go 0-2 on Miggy then walk him in front of Fielder.

206. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 02:59 PM (#4098338)

All of the games are still scoreless. We've got 21 scoreless innings going.

Mets just scored.

207. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:00 PM (#4098341)

0-2 to a walk. Blech.

208. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:00 PM (#4098342)

Dom Orsillo is a Dave Matthews fan.

That is too perfect. He's the Dave Matthews of broadcasting. No, better, he's the Dave Matthews fan of broadcasting.

209. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:00 PM (#4098344)

Jenny Dell!

210. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:00 PM (#4098345)

Nice curve to Fielder for strike 2.

211. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:02 PM (#4098349)

Like I said, you know Lester will get the double play ball.

212. FancyPantsHandle glistening with foreign substance Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:02 PM (#4098350)

Got a feeling Detroit is gonna see a lot of those DP's...

213. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:02 PM (#4098351)

ACE!! Matching Verlander!

214. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:04 PM (#4098354)

Aviles played that DP ball really smartly. He was a lot farther from the bag than you normally see on the 6-3 DP, but knowing the slow runner, he didn't want to risk the extra throw and transfer and took it himself.

215. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:05 PM (#4098362)

Dom Orsillo is a Dave Matthews fan.

That is too perfect. He's the Dave Matthews of broadcasting. No, better, he's the Dave Matthews fan of broadcasting.

At least he doesn't announce the game with the same intonation that Matthews sings Ants Marching.

HE hit a ground-er to 3rd base
YOUK-i-lis fi-res to 1st base
stay tuned for dub-u-b ma-son
fol-lowed by Gr-an-i-te Ci-ty Eeee-lec-tric

216. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:05 PM (#4098363)

Jon Lester is kind of uglier than I remembered.

217. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:06 PM (#4098366)

HE hit a ground-er to 3rd base
YOUK-i-lis fi-res to 1st base
stay tuned for dub-u-b ma-son
fol-lowed by Gr-an-i-te Ci-ty Eeee-lec-tric

HA! I can HEAR IT!

218. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:06 PM (#4098368)

That was a ridiculous curveball.

219. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:07 PM (#4098370)

Has his curveball always been this good? Right now it's Hall of Fame level nasty. I can't believe he can get that much break at near 80 mph. It breaks almost as big as Padilla's eephus.

220. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:08 PM (#4098372)

That one too.

221. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:08 PM (#4098373)

Verlander's secondary pitches come and go. He's always got the good fastball, but days like today when he's got the incredible curve are when he's at his best. He's also got a changeup and slider that range from solid to filthy at times themselves.

222. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:09 PM (#4098375)

Any chance Verlander's on a short leash (maybe 90 pitches) for Opening Day?

Come on, Leyland, you got to save your ace's arm for the long season.

223. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:09 PM (#4098376)

IIRC, it was always this good at times, ie when Justin was "on". When he wasn't on he'd overthrow it and it would end up high and outside (he did that at least once today). Last year his curve was that sick pretty much every time out.

224. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:10 PM (#4098378)

Tigers broadcasters were saying just over 100 pitches is the likely limit. It worries me how many pitches Verlander threw last year. It was like 4000+.

225. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:10 PM (#4098380)

Verlander at 95 pitches, probably only has one more inning in him considering it's his first start. I doubt Leyland will push him too far over 100 on opening day.

226. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:11 PM (#4098383)

He's also got a changeup and slider that range from solid to filthy at times themselves.

Yeah, when the changeup is moving - at 87 MPH - it's deadly.

227. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:13 PM (#4098390)

Tigers broadcasters were saying just over 100 pitches is the likely limit. It worries me how many pitches Verlander threw last year. It was like 4000+.

Watching him today, I don't think I'd be too worried. He's clearly pacing himself, Christy Mathewson style, and only dialing up his good stuff when he absolutely has to. I don't think every pitch is equal.

228. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:13 PM (#4098391)

Who's ready for some Morales and/or Padilla!?!

229. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:13 PM (#4098393)

Verlander at 95 pitches through 7, 122-pitch CG rate, 7.1-inning rate for 100 pitches.

Lester at 87 pitches through 6, 131-pitch CG rate, 7.0-inning rate for 100 pitches.

230. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:17 PM (#4098399)

I'm guessing this inning will be the end of Lester's day, regardless of what Avila does here.

231. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:17 PM (#4098400)

Not a bad location but only 92MPH

232. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:17 PM (#4098402)

He does pace himself well - he did that last season too. Still, it was a ton of pitches.

233. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:18 PM (#4098403)

I found out today that Padilla was a Red Sock and got inordinately excited.

234. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:18 PM (#4098406)

K him with the curve!

235. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:19 PM (#4098408)

I found out today that Padilla was a Red Sock and got inordinately excited.

He'll be in the game shortly.

236. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:19 PM (#4098410)

Is anyone warming? I'd probably let Lester pitch to Santiago even if he walks Avila...

237. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:19 PM (#4098412)

That was not a curve, nor have you K'ed him.

238. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:20 PM (#4098413)

Is anyone warming? I'd probably let Lester pitch to Santiago even if he walks Avila...

Yes, Morales & Padilla.

239. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:20 PM (#4098414)

####.

240. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:20 PM (#4098416)

they started warming up before the inning

241. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:21 PM (#4098417)

Double A with a great AB.

242. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:21 PM (#4098418)

Crud.

243. Textbook Editor Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:21 PM (#4098419)

Hmmm... Saw #239 before Gameday had it... Gameday might be warming up still.

244. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:21 PM (#4098420)

Ace?

245. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:22 PM (#4098423)

Lester has done well today without his best stuff. He hasn't gotten the curve going, and his fastball command has been in and out.

Just get one more, Jon.

246. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:23 PM (#4098428)

Hard to ##### about Jonny boy today. 1 run in 7 IP is damned good and this is a good hitting team. Hopefully we can make something happen here.

247. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:23 PM (#4098430)

ACE! Great outing by Lester.

248. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:24 PM (#4098432)

Lester has done well today without his best stuff. He hasn't gotten the curve going, and his fastball command has been in and out.

This is my assessment too. Lester definitely didn't have his best stuff, but he pitched well despite it. He should've been a little more careful to stay down and away to Avila there with 2 outs and Santiago on deck, but still 7 innings 1 run against a good Detroit lineup on a day without your best stuff is an ace level performance.

249. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:24 PM (#4098433)

Awright. Really can't complain about this performance - Lester is still rounding into shape and battled well, while Verlander has been transhuman.

Padilla in for three batters, then Morales for Fielder. Right?

250. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:24 PM (#4098435)

How's Detroit's bullpen? Is it as good as the Sox'? If so, this could turn out to be a slug fest.

251. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:25 PM (#4098436)

We're in line to see Jose Valverde. Who's the setup guy - Benoit?

252. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:25 PM (#4098437)

Lester at 107 pitches through 7, 138-pitch CG rate. Done.

Phillies scored, up 1-0 in the top of the 8th.
Mets up 1-0 and batting in the bottom of the 7th.
Other games are scoreless in the... uh, Nth inning.

253. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:25 PM (#4098438)

How's Detroit's bullpen? Is it as good as the Sox'? If so, this could turn out to be a slug fest.

Presumably it's Verlander in the 8th, Valverde in the 9th.

254. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:26 PM (#4098446)

Way to work the count against a guy reaching his PC limit, Salty.

255. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:26 PM (#4098450)

Presumably it's Verlander in the 8th, Valverde in the 9th.

Sweet! Padilla can match him pitch for pitch.

256. villageidiom Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:26 PM (#4098451)

Way to work the count, Salty. Maybe we'll see Verlander in the 9th, too.

EDIT: I'm Dan's shadow today.

257. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:27 PM (#4098452)

Way to work the count against a guy reaching his PC limit, Salty.

Seconded. This kid knows how to work it, man.

258. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:28 PM (#4098454)

OK, 100 pitches. You can take him out now.

259. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:28 PM (#4098456)

Honestly if I'm Leyland I'm letting Verlander finish this game, date be damned.

260. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:29 PM (#4098457)

I think Verlander's thrown exactly one bad pitch all day - he hung a first-pitch change to Salty and Salty fouled it back. Everything else has been non-stop nasty.

261. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:29 PM (#4098460)

He had 2 bad curves.

262. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:29 PM (#4098463)

*standing O*

263. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:30 PM (#4098465)

Honestly if I'm Leyland I'm letting Verlander finish this game, date be damned.

Yeah, me too. If the Sox bullpen can hold (reasonably big if), I don't hate the chances of the heart of the order against Valverde.

264. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:31 PM (#4098467)

Benoit is the setup guy. Detroit has a very good bullpen (that said watch them blow this game) - and that's even considering Al Alburquerque is on the DL.

265. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:31 PM (#4098469)

We've got a shot if Leyland really goes to Valverde against Pedroia, Gonzalez, Ortiz. If it's Verlander I think we're boned.

266. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:32 PM (#4098470)

A quick Masters update: Stenson was leading at 5 under at the 18th and took an 8 on the hole to finish -1 on the day. Wow.

267. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:32 PM (#4098472)

I'll say this, if the Sox are going to get the bats stuck up the ol' posterior Verlander is a guy I don't mind it happening against. I've always liked the Tigers and Verlander is just a treat to watch.

The only argument against Verlander finishing this is he's got Pedroia-Gonzalez-Ortiz-Youkilis due. If he's at all fatigued that's a problem.

268. The Clarence Thomas of BBTF (scott) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:32 PM (#4098473)

Vicente Padilla is ####### ugly!

269. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:33 PM (#4098477)

Dammit, Ryan, your glove is your purpose. That was playable. Not easy at all, but you can play that.

270. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:33 PM (#4098479)

What the ####### #### kind of outfield play was that by Sweeney?

271. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4098480)

I can't ####### stand that we've put together a bullpen where Vicente Padilla is a key member...and as I type...#### a duck.

272. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4098481)

Vicente Padilla is ####### ugly!

He looks like he's working a pretty nice day-drunk, too.

273. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4098483)

That was a bad route.

274. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4098484)

Are they doing the "delay then run in" infield defense they were doing in Ft. Myers?

275. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:34 PM (#4098485)

He looks like he's working a pretty nice day-drunk, too.

And some fried chicken?

276. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:35 PM (#4098486)

Padilla ALWAYS looks day-drunk or hungover. It's one of the reasons I enjoy him so much.

277. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:36 PM (#4098489)

I like this move. I'd do the same thing. Gotta go for broke and decrease the shot of a run scoring, even if it ups the chance of 2+ scoring here.

278. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:36 PM (#4098490)

I honestly don't get why Melancon isn't in.

279. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:36 PM (#4098492)

I think, on first reflection, that I like the IBB. Playing for one run, risking the big inning, down 0-1 seems right to me.

280. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:36 PM (#4098494)

Who is warming with Morales?

281. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:37 PM (#4098495)

I honestly don't get why Melancon isn't in.

I think the idea is Padilla-Morales-Melancon.

(Melancon is warming. Morales is coming in as a pure loogy.)

282. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:38 PM (#4098498)

Padilla ALWAYS looks day-drunk or hungover. It's one of the reasons I enjoy him so much.

His hair has gotten greasier and stringier as he's aged. He looks like a drifter that snuck into the clubhouse to snag a hot meal and a bed.

283. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:39 PM (#4098499)

I really can't stand people who aren't sports fans coming into my office, asking the score, then saying something "reassuring" like they are attending my mother's funeral.

284. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:40 PM (#4098500)

His hair has gotten greasier and stringier as he's aged. He looks like a drifter that snuck into the clubhouse to snag a hot meal and a bed.

He seems to be the most likely candidate as the guy that security stops at the door and doesn't believe he's a major leaguer.

285. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:40 PM (#4098501)

I really can't stand people who aren't sports fans coming into my office, asking the score, then saying something "reassuring" like they are attending my mother's funeral.

Yeah, my wife does that. It's irksome.

286. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:42 PM (#4098509)

MLB.tv just went to commercial after strike 2 to fielder WHAT THE #### IS GOING ON

287. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:42 PM (#4098510)

right now Prince fielder is hitting .500! His contract is a massive underpay!

288. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:43 PM (#4098512)

Wouldn't have had him. That ball needed to be hit to Sweeney.

289. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:43 PM (#4098513)

Sac fly on a nasty low fastball.

290. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:44 PM (#4098514)

A little surprised that Morales pitched to Young. I think that was Valentine giving his pitcher a chance to prove himself.

291. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:44 PM (#4098515)

I like that he let Morales have Young. I really think Morales has more to give than just LOOGY.

292. The Mohole* of David Wells (* - Piehole)

Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:44 PM (#4098516)

6 inches below the strike zone.

293. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:44 PM (#4098517)

There's no shame in losing to Justin Verlander, this much I know.

294. Joel W Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:45 PM (#4098520)

What Jose said in 291. I have a feeling he's going to see some big important innings this year, and be damn good. I always like the guys with big pedigrees who begin to put it together.

295. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:46 PM (#4098522)

Morales's stuff looked good to me.

296. Smyly Smile (Walewander) Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:46 PM (#4098527)

Welcome back to the bigs, Clete!

297. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:47 PM (#4098530)

That was definitely on purpose.

298. Answer Guy Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:47 PM (#4098532)

No there isn't any shame, but I'd have liked to have seen more than two hits. Lester pitched well despite a lot of folk in here saying he didn't have his best stuff, so that's good on balance. I just really hate the idea of Padilla is anything other than mop up man or emergency starter.

299. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:50 PM (#4098539)

Petunia!

He looked so happy to be facing not-Justin-Verlander.

300. Dan Posted: April 05, 2012 at 03:51 PM (#4098541)

Great AB from Pedroia.

Page 3 of 4 pages < 1 2 3 4 >

You must be Registered and Logged In to post comments.

<< Back to main

Reader Comments and Retorts

BBTF Sponsor

Support BBTF

Bookmarks

Hot Topics

Syndicate