tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39456762011-07-08T06:02:51.886-07:00The Southpawsouth·paw (southpô)
n. Slang
A left-handed person, especially a left-handed baseball pitcher.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comBlogger3961100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1103238923332872892004-12-16T15:08:00.000-08:002004-12-16T15:15:23.333-08:00Shows what I know
The A's traded Tim Hudson to the Braves . . . and Marcus Giles is still a Brave. I wouldn't have guessed that traded if you gave me 100 tries. Then again, I don't know smack about 99% of minor leaguers, so I usually defer to those who are more informed.
In other news, Adrian Beltre is now on the Mariners, where he will now likely regress into the sub-par 3B that almost got Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1102704369199874762004-12-10T10:42:00.000-08:002004-12-10T10:47:18.423-08:002 Items
1) My e-mail address just got re-activated (not checking in 30 days closes a Hotmail account, oops!), so if anyone has sent me anything in the last month or so, it got deleted. Please re-send and I'll reply as soon as I can.
2) Skip Bayless has some things to say about Barry here, that strikes hard at anyone fitting this description (emphasis mine):
The feds knew most people wouldn't Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1102639956401493212004-12-09T16:45:00.000-08:002004-12-09T16:52:36.400-08:00NL West Heating Up
Suddenly, Sabean's two-headed "Omarndo" (that's Omar and Armando . . . get it? I'll be here all week.) isn't looking quite as good.
Glaus to Arizona . . . Kent to Los Angeles.
I hope Beltre leaves the NL West now.
Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1102542271335160372004-12-08T13:35:00.000-08:002004-12-08T13:46:53.606-08:00Steroids & Baseball
There's SO Much to say about this . . . and I don't even know where to begin. If you're reading this and don't regularly check OBM then please do so now. Seriously, even if you don't come back here, go there now.
Ray Ratto also has a fantastic piece over at ESPN that's worth reading (if you didn't already ride the wave of links from OBM).
David Pinto checks in every so Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1101923201007892572004-12-01T07:45:00.000-08:002004-12-01T09:46:41.006-08:00Closing Time
The Giants have signed Armando Benitez to be their new closer. They gave him a three-year deal, but it is reportedly backloaded, and his signing bonus is spread out over five years. If the Giants got Florida Benitez, then this could be a really good thing . . . but if they got Self-Destructo Benitez, then we may be looking at another midseason change come closing time.
The way Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1100635007149854222004-11-16T11:30:00.000-08:002004-11-16T11:59:34.666-08:00Duck, Duck, Goose!
Suck, Suck, Great!
Notes:
Okay, so the Giants get Omar Vizquel . . . for 3 YEARS and $12.25 MILLION? That would have been a good signing 2 YEARS AGO.Barry Bonds gets his record 4th straight (7th total) MVP award, with the byline at ESPN as "Beltre finishes second in NL voting". And people wonder why Barry hates the media.I know I'm a spoiled fan when the best player on my Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1098979878324282172004-10-28T09:09:00.000-07:002004-10-28T09:11:18.323-07:00Intro Music
Hot on the heels of Bill Simmons' question about why Foulke enters to Danzig's "Mama", ESPN compiled a list of players' intro songs.
Unfortunately, the "Mama" question was NOT answered.
Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1095807702539070842004-09-21T15:58:00.000-07:002004-09-21T16:01:42.540-07:00'06 Option Exercised?
ESPN is reporting that the Giants are picking up their 2006 Team Option on Barry Bonds' contract.
Looks like he'll be retiring in a Giants uniform.
Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1095794234935518752004-09-21T13:08:00.000-07:002004-09-21T12:19:39.906-07:00Worth Walking?
There's a decent roundtable discussion over at ESPN that's worth a read. Of note is the never-ending debate about walking Bonds.
"That's how great Bonds is -- and how stupid teams are for walking Bonds so much. Even with such lousy hitters coming up after Barry, those No. 5 hitters have 99 RBI, in large part because Bonds is always on base. San Francisco's opponents, for exampleMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1094574439462298652004-09-07T09:25:00.000-07:002004-09-07T09:27:19.463-07:00Barry Blogger
If you haven't been to barrybonds.com you may not know that he has a journal that he's updating for the rest of this season (and likely beyond). His journal entries are also being posted at MLB.com, so you may know about them anyway . . . but it's worth mentioning.
In his Sept. 6 post Barry mentions the HR chase (the focus of the journal, I believe), but focuses on the Playoffs.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1094573377841856912004-09-07T09:03:00.000-07:002004-09-07T09:09:37.840-07:002005 Free Agents
Peter Gammons takes a look at the players who will be Free Agents this winter.
Start getting your Christmas lists ready.
Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1094068995093987022004-09-01T12:57:00.000-07:002004-09-01T13:05:05.830-07:00Forgotten, but not gone
Well, August was the first month in the history of The Southpaw with NO POSTS. This post is as much a test to see if there's even an August 2004 link in the archives as it is to let you know that I've posted a bunch of stuff in an OBM "Talkback" on John's September 1 post. You can view the entire thread here.
Enjoy.
OH, and to let you know what's been going on, I've Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1090439749630540692004-07-21T12:49:00.000-07:002004-07-21T12:56:08.903-07:00Pittsburg?
While Pittsburg gets its second All-Star Game in 12 years, San Francisco is still waiting. Apparantly, a lower capacity similar stadium in a town that previous hosted only a dozen years ago is a better fit than Pac Bell, er SBC Park.
At least ESPN lists PBP as a likely candidate for an All-Star game . . . even if Selig won't. Unfortunately, it looks like Bonds may not be a Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1090354740186095102004-07-20T12:56:00.000-07:002004-07-20T13:27:39.513-07:00"Gamers", Vengeance, and Thoughts
John Perricone over at OBM has his take on John Olerud vs. JT Snow. He also comments on "gamers" . . . which oddly enough Peter Gammons just headlined his latest column with.
Meanwhile, Bill Simmons (a.k.a. The Sports Guy) posted his Vengeance Scale . . . primarily influenced by the recent Shaq trade in the NBA. There's a few baseball references in there.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1088440642809942142004-06-28T09:31:00.000-07:002004-06-28T09:37:22.810-07:00The Southpaw = Bad Luck Charm?
Baseball is all about superstitions.
It seems to me as though the Giants good fortune has paralleled the lack of content on The Southpaw. No posts; long winning streak. Posts about the streak; streak ends. No posts; Giants are in first.
I've been wanting to post about this coincidence for a while, but the Giants just kept winning . . . so I stayed away. The Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1085673703283762062004-05-27T08:49:00.000-07:002004-05-27T09:01:43.283-07:00HDMLB?
I recently upgraded to a nice HDTV. Unfortunately, I only get 7 channels of HDTV. Since the NBA playoffs are currently been on ESPN, I've been able to see a few games on ESPNHD (I was also able to see some local HD broadcasts of Kings games -before they choked- as well). They look great. You get a chance to see MORE of what's going on, since you're not constantly tied down to just theMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1085672959799181852004-05-27T08:45:00.000-07:002004-05-27T08:49:19.800-07:00Back on Track?
With a 5-game winning streak, and Bonds returning to the "Shock & Awe" compaign, are the Giants finally ready to make a serious run?
They're currently 3.5 out, and 3 games below .500, so at least they're going in the right direction.
Here's hoping they can keep this up.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1084981189992393562004-05-19T08:31:00.000-07:002004-05-19T08:39:49.993-07:00New Blog
It looks like there's another Cubbie in town, and he's from . . . Modesto?
Bill Kelly runs Rooftop Report, and The Southpaw is currently on the "enemy" list (and rightly so with Jason Schmidt making the Cubs look like the Braves last night).
Now that the screen's down at Wrigley, I'm sure the view is great.
Check him out.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-108498060177901332004-05-19T08:26:00.000-07:002004-05-19T08:30:01.780-07:00For a Good Time, Call...
Travis, over at Boy of Summer, has a great little satire you should check out.
It includes Bud Selig, Rob Neyer, and a few bloggers you may know.
Good stuff.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1084979972379826512004-05-19T07:56:00.000-07:002004-05-19T08:19:32.380-07:00Complain and You Shall Receive
Just one day after my post about the lack of a San Francisco pitcher on ESPN's Best Pitched Games list, Jason Schmidt nabs the #2 spot in the NL by throwing a 1-hitter (with 13 Ks) against the Cubbies.
This WOULD have been the best performance to date (topping Ben Sheets' 18-K performance), except for a certain unit of largeness allowing 1 less hit, and 1 less Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1084809785586914222004-05-17T09:00:00.000-07:002004-05-17T09:03:05.586-07:00Best Pitched Games
ESPN.com has a page dedicated to the Best Pitched Games of 2004 (there are also links for 2002 & 2003, but no data as of this posting).
Not surprisingly, there isn't a Giants pitcher to be found anywhere (save for the previous day's game scores).Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1084809543070946332004-05-17T08:39:00.000-07:002004-05-17T08:59:03.070-07:00More of the Same
David Pinto links to a SFGate article on the "Walk Bonds Strategy".
The article, like many before it, claims that the strategy is actually BENEFICIAL to the Giants, and references a Bill James study in the process.
LOGICALLY, I understand that having a batter (ANY batter) put on base consistently for free is helpful. Then I look at the standings, or watch a random (and Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1084476754538991822004-05-13T12:24:00.000-07:002004-05-13T12:32:34.536-07:00Walk of Shame
Jayson Stark is the latest to jump on the "Intentional Walk Rule Change" bandwagon.
The Southpaw is still waiting on the "Real Protection for Barry" bandwagon . . . but there is no driver to be seen, and the wheels are questionable as well.
As recently as last winter, I thought I saw Gary Sheffield and Vlad the Impaler walk by, but it must have been an illusion, because now all IMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1084377268121177752004-05-12T08:46:00.000-07:002004-05-12T08:54:28.120-07:00Still on the Payroll?
Rob Nen may be running out of options. Currently, he could be pointed to as the reason that the Giants didn't get a bat this winter (or last for that matter), since his MILLIONS are on the books while his arm is apparently in the witness protection program.
What I keep wondering is if they could have tried a buyout or outright waiver. I understand that it would almost beMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1082752974434316102004-04-23T13:42:00.000-07:002004-04-23T13:50:18.686-07:00Something to Cheer For
With Barry Bonds' hot start this season, he's even looking better then Barry Bonds. This has prompted some interesting articles to be written about him . . . and most interesting is the idea that Bonds could hit .400 this year.
The first "official" mention I noticed was an entry over at Aaron's Baseball Blog (he had written about it previously over at The Hardball Times,Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1082565635547085632004-04-21T09:40:00.000-07:002004-04-21T10:28:38.436-07:00Thoughts from the Park
Thoughts while attending my first Major League game of the season, from SBC Park in San Francisco...
Dustin Hermanson looked TERRIBLE. They should have had someone warming up in the Top of the 2nd (or at LEAST the Top of the 3rd). He was lucky to get out through 2 scoreless innings.
Brian Giles absolutely crushed his homer into Right-Centerfield. There was no question,Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1082561652948806672004-04-21T08:34:00.000-07:002004-04-21T08:38:12.606-07:00667
Last night Barry Bonds hit his 667th career home run (wasting no time escaping the dreaded 666). The Giants vision board showed the ball landing in McCovey Cove, and then switched back to Barry trotting around the bases. All we saw of the ball was the SAME GUY who got 660 and 661 paddling over to get it. Unbelievable!
Later, they go BACK to the replay between innings, and show the WHOLE Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1082560985950302962004-04-21T08:23:00.000-07:002004-04-21T08:27:05.716-07:00Singles Night
The other day while watching the Giants on TV, they gave a little promo about upcoming "event" nights at SBC "Don't Call Me Pac Bell" Park. One of these event nights was Singles Night. I joked that we, being married with a child, should go as either an incentive for singles to settle down, or just because it would be funny.
Well, last night was Singles Night . . . and I was Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1082478822407143152004-04-20T09:33:00.000-07:002004-04-20T09:37:55.950-07:00See You at the Ballpark
Tonight I will be attending my first game EVER at SBC Park. I hope it's as nice as Pac Bell Park was . . . that was a BEAUTY!
With any luck, I'll get to witness #667 . . . or maybe even a WIN (I think the odds are 3:2 in favor of Barry passing Ruth this season over the Giants taking the West, but it's still early).
A friend of mine (even though he's a Dodger fan) went Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1081865497632334022004-04-13T07:11:00.000-07:002004-04-13T07:15:26.793-07:00660
One down, two to go.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1081528967631607262004-04-09T09:42:00.000-07:002004-04-09T09:47:24.090-07:00A Close One
The Giants almost pulled off the win last night in San Diego...
1-0 Padres going into the top of the ninth, Giants score 2 runs off of Trevor Hoffman to take the lead.
2-1 Giants, bottom of the 9th, Herges comes in for the save, Burroughs knocks in Greene.
Extra Innings.
Top 10, Grissom, as my wife puts it, "Steals Bonds' Thunder" by being the first to homer in Petco Park. Giants Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1081353202409050082004-04-07T08:53:00.000-07:002004-04-07T09:45:26.590-07:00Day Two: Thoughts Still Rolling
Here's my thoughts on Day 2 of the (Giants) season...
Giants-Astros
4-for-4, 4 RBI, 1 Run scored . . . Neifi Perez. That puts him at .500 after his 0-for-4 last night. He also made a GREAT snow-cone catch to keep the Giants ahead. Is something wrong in the universe?
1-for-4, 1 BB (intentional) . . . Barry Bonds. That puts him at .571, so at least we know Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1081261807969476762004-04-06T07:30:00.000-07:002004-04-06T08:26:56.340-07:00Opening Day Thoughts
After watching more baseball then I tought a new father would be able to, I had a lot of things on my mind. Here's some of my thoughts...
Giants-Astros
Wasn't the Roy Oswalt/Jimy Williams situation remeniscent of the Pedro/Little situation from last year's playoffs? Isn't it funny that they had the same end result? Don't teams employ managers to make the tough decisions?Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1081260827299726512004-04-06T07:13:00.000-07:002004-04-06T07:17:29.030-07:00One Week Today!
Today at noon, my son Kellen Thomas will be one week old. Here's the details...
March 30, 2004 @ 12:00 p.m.
8 lbs 13 oz
19.5 inches
Head - 14 inch diameter
All natural birth, baby and mother are doing great.
The funny part of this story is that we think he was actually 9 lbs, but the birthing center that we delivered at is very pro-family, and let us bond with Kellen for Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1078935938686735492004-03-10T08:25:00.000-08:002004-03-10T08:31:07.326-08:00Quote of the Day
This QotD is brought to you by Jim Leyland via Peter Gammons, from his latest Diamond Notes.
Former manager Jim Leyland says, "there is no way Barry Bonds was on steroids when he played for me, and he won two MVPs in three years." It should have been three in three. "I think Andy Van Slyke was wrong to make those comments," says Leyland. "I think he was a little jealous of Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1077226152134465142004-02-19T13:29:00.000-08:002004-02-19T13:32:33.200-08:00Lots of News . . . We're Getting Close
In case you missed it, Albert Pujols signed a 7-year $100 million deal with the Cards.
As expected, Greg Maddux returned to the Cubbies.
Peter Gammons has his latest over at ESPN, in which he praises L.A. for signing Paul DePodesta and champians the Red Sox.
And speaking of DePodesta, Rob Neyer has an EXCELLENT piece about him and the Dodgers. The most Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1076902726663166082004-02-15T19:38:00.000-08:002004-02-15T19:43:31.013-08:00Thanks for Nothing
Greg Maddux remains unsigned.
This after rejecting a multi-year offer from the Giants, a team that he had expressed interest in during the 2003 season.
Kudos to Sabean & Co. for making a run, but it just wasn't enough.
The Cubs, again, look to be the front-runners for his services . . . although if I were the Rangers I'd think about using some of that new "caproom" to show Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1076902548284441962004-02-15T19:35:00.000-08:002004-02-15T19:38:21.250-08:00Seems Familiar
Here's a team that I traded for in EA's MVP Baseball 2003 for the PS2:
C Marerro
1B Durazo
2B Durham
SS Rodriguez
3B Rolan
LF Bonds
CF Guerrero
RF Pujols
And I'm not even going to get into who was on my bench (including Dunn and Kearns).
And yet, George Steinbrenner plays the same Fantasy Baseball game in real life, every day. Increadible.
Tim Kurkjian lists some Winners and Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1076535580551049252004-02-11T13:39:00.000-08:002004-02-11T14:19:26.060-08:00Stay on Target...Stay on Target
The Southpaw will be back on track again for the 2004 season. We apologize for any/all visits that encountered absolutely nothing new, and even some VERY dated information.
Please accept our most heartfelt apologies, and look for the return of the lefty soon (hopefully with a new mini-lefty sidekick to take care of).
In the meantime:
Check out the new design (Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1075401806626490062004-01-29T10:43:00.000-08:002004-01-29T10:47:30.186-08:00Jumping the Gun
Robb Nen spoke out about the reports that he may miss the 2004 season, and says that reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.
"I have no doubts I'm going to come back and I'm going to be almost where I was before."
In related: I heard an interview with Giants Trainer Stan Conte yesterday on the radio in which he said that his comments were taken a little bit out of Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1075304005073052632004-01-28T07:33:00.000-08:002004-01-28T07:35:33.640-08:00Opening Day or BUST?
In a conference call on Tuesday, San Francisco Giants Trainer Stan Conte said that Robb Nen will "be ready opening day or he'll probably never be ready". He also said, "The extent of his surgeries can in fact be career-ending. We're very cautious, not even cautiously optimistic."
Not even CAUTIOUSLY optimistic?
Sounds like he's done.
What this means is that the Giants Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1073930161892548492004-01-12T09:56:00.000-08:002004-01-12T10:49:16.623-08:00Random Signings
The San Francisco Giants signed Brett Tomko. Projected to pitch in the 4th or 5th spot in the Giants rotation. This should also help to shore up the bullpen as well. We'll see what other moves the Giants have in mind (Steve Shelby notes that theis puts the Giants Opening Day payroll at approximately $72 million, which is their self-imposed hard cap).
The Houston Astros signedMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1073925833622907692004-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:002004-01-12T08:45:41.060-08:00YES . . . And NO.
Looks like Vlad WAS close to signing . . . just not with the Mets or Orioles.
If you haven't already heard, Vladimir will be on the Opening Day roster of your Anehiem Angels!
Huh?
Yes, the Angels came in and sweeped Vlad the Impaler away with a 5-year, $70 million deal (average annual of $14 million per). Looks like the same plan that the Giants ownership had when they cameMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1073607756357907682004-01-08T16:22:00.000-08:002004-01-08T16:24:19.153-08:00Has Vlad FINALLY Been Signed?
Well, maybe.
Just as the Mets have reportedly become interested, it looks like the Orioles will finally close the deal on Vlad the Impaler.
It'll be nice to see this finally over (believe it or not, Vlad's been looking for a team longer then A-Rod was trying to move to Boston!), even if it's a little anticlimatic.
Baltimore's initial offer was 5 years and $65 Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1073606548843702662004-01-08T16:02:00.000-08:002004-01-08T16:04:55.013-08:00The Granddaddy of Them All
Literally.
During my holiday absence, I took a little trip down to Southern California and attended the 90th Annual Rose Bowl, starring the #1 ranked Univeristy of Southern California Trojans and some overrated team from the mid-west.
Okay, I didn't think that they were overrated until January 2, but the events of January 1 directly affected my perception.
Let me Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1073605215753604632004-01-08T15:40:00.000-08:002004-01-08T15:43:52.293-08:00Richie Rich Average
Rich Aurilia will reportedly may only make $250,000 more then Neifi Perez in 2004 (worst-case he will make $750,000 more). This is based on an ESPN.com report that Aurilia has signed a one-year $3.5 million deal with the Seattle Mariners.
Here's the breakdown, as we currently know it:
Neifi Perez
2004 Salary - $2.75 million ($500,000 incentive bonus possible - I believe Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1072144891020734382003-12-22T18:01:00.000-08:002003-12-22T18:03:35.530-08:00...And Knowing is Half the Battle
Ray Ratto has a pretty good feel for Central California baseball fans this winter.
With the holidays coming up, and my trip to Southern California to USC's second home (read: Rose Bowl), posting will be sporadic at best for the rest of the year (read: next 2 weeks). Then again, I guess it's been pretty sporadic for the last 2 months, so things shouldn't be tooMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1071768752457562032003-12-18T09:32:00.000-08:002003-12-18T09:33:46.983-08:00Time to Speak Out
David Pinto has a MUST READ post over at Baseball Musings.
Go.
Now.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1071680304548963852003-12-17T08:58:00.000-08:002003-12-17T09:02:00.390-08:00Blog Notes
Wait 'Til Next Year looks at the 6 Division Winners from 2003 and sees where they're at so far this offseason. He likes the moves that the Giants have made. His prediction, the Giants will "be in the hunt again next season, but this time don't expect the division to be locked up by the All-Star Break."
Universal Baseball Blog, Inc. also looks at some teams and their offseason movesMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1071676126591363022003-12-17T07:48:00.000-08:002003-12-17T08:23:32.153-08:00Lots of News
Let's get right to it...
A's get Redman. The A's got Mark Redman in trade from the Florida "We're Not Having A Fire Sale" Marlins for RP Mike Neu and either a player to be named later or cash. Billy Beane expects Redman to fill in the 4th spot, which I would assume leaves Harden in the 5th spot and Duchscherer in Sacramento (or the Oakland Pen).
In related A's news, they also Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1071539263337411722003-12-15T17:47:00.000-08:002003-12-15T17:52:16.170-08:00Random Thoughts While Surfing for Baseball News
*Has anyone but me noticed this?
Michael Tucker San Francisco Kansas City 2 years, $3.5M
Benito Santiago Kansas City San Francisco 2 years, $4.3M
It's like the Giants traded Santiago and a First Round Draft Pick for Michael Tucker! In what world does that make any sense?
*Here's the quote of the month courtesy of Jeffrey Williams of Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1071519618591653132003-12-15T12:20:00.000-08:002003-12-15T12:21:29.466-08:00And No, It's Not Influenza
I'm sorry for not posting in so long, but I'm sick. It's not some Fijian strain of the flu, or even a sinus cold. I'm sick of sitting around watching teams getting better, free agents getting signed, available players getting traded . . . and the Giants sitting on their hands.
THE CONTENDERS
The Red Sox ALMOST made it to the World Series last year, so what do they Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1070562946627579882003-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:002003-12-04T10:36:42.873-08:00Deals, Deals, Deals
Where to begin?
Apparently, the Yankees have signed Gary Sheffield, Paul Quantrill, Tom "Flash" Gordon, Aaron Boone, Felix Heredia, and backup catcher John Flaherty.
They have also made a mega-trade with the No-Use-For-A-Home Expos to acquire Javier Vazquez. As a surprise to no one, the deal included Sacramento local Nick Johnson as the centerpiece going to the 'Spos, withMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1070560120554899492003-12-04T09:48:00.000-08:002003-12-04T09:49:36.436-08:00Small Update
I've been a lot slower this post-season than last, and I appologize to anyone who's dropped by to see NOTHING. We'll see about getting that fixed. I'm working on some things that I'd like to introduce soon, but realistically it'll be some time before they're even ready for Beta Testing. On the personal front, as of yesterday morning I am an Uncle (again). My Sister-in-Law gave Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069877518043031462003-11-26T12:11:00.000-08:002003-11-26T12:12:44.043-08:001 Down, 1 Up in the Air
The A's and Padres finally closed the deal on Kotsay for Long & Hernandez, but the Red Sox and Diamondbacks are still waiting on Curt Schilling's decision for their deal to go through. The word is that he'll make his decision on FRIDAY, which is also when the deal must be finalized by (5 PM EST specifically).Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069873926965701752003-11-26T11:12:00.000-08:002003-11-26T11:12:52.920-08:00When Bad Articles Start Great Debates
David Pinto has the makings of a great debate over at Baseball Musings regarding the theory of "Productive Outs".
Check it out.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069873821219527832003-11-26T11:10:00.000-08:002003-11-26T11:16:34.043-08:00Lee to Chi-town
Sacramento Native Derrek Lee was traded to the Chicago Cubs yesterday for Hee Seop Choi and a PTBNL (Player To Be Named Later, in case you didn't know).
The Cub Reporter likes the deal, and has some speculation about the PTBNL here.
For another cub-fan response, Bryan Smith has his take over at Wait 'Til Next Year.
Even non-fans like the deal, as I think they should.
David Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069465425008634392003-11-21T17:43:00.000-08:002003-11-21T17:47:15.670-08:00Two for the Road
Jayson Stark's got a great column up in which he talks about a lot of Free Agent and Trade Situations that are out there right now.
Of note is that Boof Bonser isn't high on scouts lists any more ("He's just a mediocre Triple-A pitcher right now."), but [Merkin] (incorrectly listed as Melvin) Valdez is ("[H]e hit 98 on the gun and lit it up. This kid has a big arm").
Editor's Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069450357267210482003-11-21T13:32:00.000-08:002003-11-21T13:34:10.013-08:00Happy Birthday to The (real) Southpaw!
26 years in this world and I still don't understand salary arbitration.
Editor's Note: I forgot to mention this last week, but we've had 3D confirmation that there will indeed be a Southpaw Jr. You can see 3D Ultrasound pictures of my unborn son here (click MORE for the whole gallary of pictures).
Just so it's clear, the GENDER is what was confirmed (andMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069449958862657922003-11-21T13:25:00.000-08:002003-11-21T13:33:50.436-08:00Tino to Tampa
The St. Louis Cardinals have shipped 1B Tino Martinez to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for minor league pitcher Evan Rust and a PTBNL. Following recent MLB trends, the Cardinals are paying $7 million of Tino Martinez's contract ($7.5 million this season, $1 million buyout next) for him to play on another team.
This is a good move for the D-Rays as they'll be on the hook for $1.5 Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069368143096463262003-11-20T14:42:00.000-08:002003-11-20T14:43:39.343-08:00A Fitting Anniversary, Really
Well, thinking I'd be all ready to celebrate The Southpaw's first full year today . . . I completely missed it, as the first post went up on November 14, 2002.
Thanks to everyone who's visited, and double-thanks to everyone who's e-mailed or linked me over the last year.
I've got some big plans for the 2003-04 season, so we'll see where we end up in Year 2.
If Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069260121907970262003-11-19T08:42:00.000-08:002003-11-19T08:42:37.046-08:00A Second Move, or Another First?
The A's have traded SP Ted Lilly to their annual trade-partner, the Toronto Blue Jays, for Bobby Kielty.
I like this move. The A's have got pitching to spare, Lilly's inconsistent, and they've needed more bats for some time now. I just hope that Kielty can improve upon what he does if given 500+ ABs.
And if history's any indicator, pencil in Ted Lilly to haveMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069183359041070622003-11-18T11:22:00.000-08:002003-11-18T11:23:13.373-08:00An Obvious Throw-In
According to ESPN.com, the A's have agreed to send C Ramon Hernandez and OF Terrence Long to the Padres for OF Mark Kotsay.
I wonder what the Elephants will think of this one . . . Long is gone.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069182686411102702003-11-18T11:11:00.000-08:002003-11-18T11:12:00.856-08:00Should be 8
Barry Bonds easily won his sixth MVP today. Even counting the Pendleton and Kent debacles, Barry Bonds has twice as many MVPs as any player in the history of the award.
Bonds received 28 of the 32 first place votes, with Pujols getting 3 and Sheffield 1.
Congratulations Barry.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1069017934782998742003-11-16T13:25:00.000-08:002003-11-17T09:13:53.123-08:00Mass Linkage
First and formost is the big trade . . . the Giants have aquired catcher A.J. Pierzynski from the Minnisota Twins for RP Joe Nathon and minor leaguers RHP Boof Bonser and LHP Francisco Liriano.
Namesake Waiting for Boof checks in with a positive outlook and a hope that this is the first move of many. I guess Boof never DID show up . . . so the name was fitting. (In other WFB newsMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1068657986945726642003-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:002003-11-12T09:26:53.216-08:0023, 32, and 51?
ESPN.com has a list of the Top 50 Free Agents along with predictions on where they'll end up signing.
According to these predictions, the Giants will sign 1/25 of these free agents.
23. Rich Aurilia SS
32. Raul Mondesi RF
I guess they'll be filling out the roster with number 51 on.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1068081239017115892003-11-05T17:13:00.000-08:002003-11-05T17:17:15.856-08:00Irony and Memories
The Gold Gloves have been announced for both leagues in the last two days, and I can't help but think that this is all so familiar.
2003 NL Gold Glove winners
P: Mike Hampton, Atlanta Braves
C: Mike Matheny, St. Louis Cardinals
1B: Derek Lee, Florida Marlins
2B: Luis Castillo, Florida Marlins
3B: Scott Rolen*, Cardinals
SS: Edgar Renteria*, Cardinals
OF: Andruw Jones*, BravesMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1068068093741299232003-11-05T13:34:00.000-08:002003-11-05T13:35:29.060-08:00Let the Rumors Begin
It seems as though Todd Helton is available for trade.
Unfortunately, at $16.4 million per, he's out of reach for the G-men.
If they can spend THAT much, expect Vlad the Impaler to be roaming around near the arcade at Pac Bell (yes, I called it Pac Bell).Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1067887926113561402003-11-03T11:32:00.000-08:002003-11-03T11:40:15.840-08:00...And Boy Are My Arms Tired
In case you didn't catch it, I was part of Wait Til Next Year's Organizational Meetings.
Editor's Note: Please disregard the error in which I referred to Nen's final two contract years as 04-05 (should read 03-04).Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1067887146665869292003-11-03T11:19:00.000-08:002003-11-03T11:20:54.123-08:00Sad News in the Baseball Blogging Community
Christian Ruzich, A.K.A. The Cub Reporter, has lost his home in the Southern California fires.
Please be sure to send him your thoughts and prayers.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1067886976189446002003-11-03T11:16:00.000-08:002003-11-03T11:16:30.950-08:00More news I missed
The big story last week was that the Boston Red Sox put Manny Ramirez on "irrevocable waivers" last week. That means that anyone claiming him would get him outright, without any compensation to the BoSox. Not paying much attention to it, I didn't notice that it was "irrevocable waivers", so I didn't look into it further.
Aaron Gleeman has a great breakdown, but to spoil theMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1067886596735660432003-11-03T11:09:00.000-08:002003-11-03T11:41:57.060-08:00Wagner to Philly
It's funny how you find out about trades sometimes. I started my morning as I do most mornings with a stop at ESPN's website to see if anything happened on the East Coast while I was busy sleeping, and moved on.
As I got to my morning break, however, I checked out some blogs to see what was out there to read, and while visiting Baseball Musings I see that Billy Wagner has beenMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1067391977393781052003-10-28T17:46:00.000-08:002003-10-28T17:46:24.403-08:00At Least We're Not the Yankees
Any fan thinking that their team is loaded with huge contracts should check out the table that Doug Pappas made.
While being "stuck" with players like Giambi, Jeter, and Mussina might not sound so bad, the fact that none of their players are getting younger HAS to be of some concern. If this Yankees team starts to deteriorate, that's a LOT of money not to be Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1067382592818740812003-10-28T15:09:00.000-08:002003-10-28T15:10:20.263-08:00We still here muthasuckas!
Sorry for the obscure Notorious M.S.G. reference. And while I don't know them, I DO know the guys from Warp 11 (who will be performing at the G Street Pub in Davis, CA on Halloween for those who are interested).
Okay, enough of that.
Free Agents
Players are starting to file for Free Agency, as things start to officially kick off in the off season.
The Big names Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1066930599626830122003-10-23T10:36:00.000-07:002003-10-23T11:03:25.793-07:00New Sites and An Update
Here are a couple of new sites that I've been introduced to, all of which are linked to the right.
First of all, Marlins blogger Mike Hunssinger (The Book of Mike) checks in to correct an error I made in my "Selig Series" post. While I was correct about the Fire Sale being in 1998, the World Championship was from the 1997 World Series (making them the 1997 World Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1066328316057746622003-10-16T11:18:00.000-07:002003-10-16T11:21:03.153-07:00Why You Should Root for the Yankees Tonight
-or-
Why I Will Boycott the "Selig Series"
I am an admitted anti-Yankee fan. Not only do I not root for them but I have pretty much always rooted against them. There's been no real reason for this, other than that's what I've always done. Spending most of my formative baseball years in the early 80's, the Yankees weren't a powerhouse. So it wasn't Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065745890624707742003-10-09T17:31:00.000-07:002003-10-09T17:32:51.043-07:00News and Notes
Barry Bonds will get a chance to hit the first home run in the San Diego Padres brand spanking new Petco Park in 2004.
John Smoltz thinks it's time to become a starter again, stating that he doesn't think the Braves can win a championship with him closing.
If Smoltz returns to the rotation he may just end up taking Maddux's slot when he leaves via Free Agency.
In Free Agent Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065721256770424182003-10-09T10:40:00.000-07:002003-10-09T10:40:56.340-07:00Still Here
Alas, bay area baseball has come to an end in 2003. As I'm sure anyone who visits this site knows, the A's and Giants have been eliminated from the 2003 Playoffs, and now must look to 2004 for "Battle of the Bay 2".
I'll be updating some things on the site, and I'm currently looking at the roster for the Giants to see what they've got and what they need. I'll post some speculation Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065464425407302982003-10-06T11:20:00.000-07:002003-10-06T11:20:25.266-07:00Hidden Indicator?
Every team that has advanced thusfar in the 2003 playoffs has done so on a 4-man rotation.
Starting Pitchers (3 days rest)
Florida: Beckett, Penny, Redman, Willis
Chicago: Woods, Zambrano, Prior, Clement, Woods
New York: Mussina, Pettite, Clemens, Wells
Today, the A's and Red Sox will face off in a Game 5.
Previous starters . . . today's starter (3 days rest)
Oakland: HudsonMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065323268765377162003-10-04T20:07:00.000-07:002003-10-04T20:25:16.680-07:00Still Tired?
What is it with the A's and plays at the plate?
* If little Giambi slides, the A's advance.
* If Hernandez, Chavez, and Tejada execute a simple rundown, the A's advance.
* If Tejada runs all the way home, the A's advance.
* If Byrnes touches home plate (even if it would have been the SECOND time, why take a chance?), the A's advance.
Instead, the A's haven't made it out of the LDSMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065322633031521422003-10-04T19:57:00.000-07:002003-10-04T20:20:34.166-07:00No Mas
It's over.
Some thoughts:
* Who sends J.T. Snow home on a short single to left with Aurilia and Bonds coming to the plate?
* Did anyone else think it was over with Perez leading off the ninth?
* Can a team really expect to win a series with 7 errors in 4 games?
* Can a team really expect to win a series without hitting a single home run?
* Were there more mental errors than physical?
* Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065134874968441502003-10-02T15:47:00.000-07:002003-10-02T15:47:54.490-07:00Let's Play Two!
In what was scheduled by MLB as a glorified two-ticket double-header, the A's have taken control over the LDS with the Red Sox.
The two teams will now travel the states to the "other" coast, where they will play Game 3 in historic Fenway Park.
Go A's.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065110710135880182003-10-02T09:05:00.000-07:002003-10-02T10:13:48.933-07:00Shoot...Me...Now
"What an ending. Who would have thought that? A's win with a bunt. Shame on anybody who missed it." - Ken Macha, Oakland A's Manager
"It was probably the best game I've ever been involved in." - Eric Chavez, 3B
"It was the biggest hit in my career." - Ramon Hernandez, C
Recap.
Years from now (or today for that matter) if anyone ever asks me where I was when the A's and Red Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065043082972839292003-10-01T14:18:00.000-07:002003-10-01T14:21:48.066-07:00More Predictions
It looks as though Dan Lewis and I are almost identical in our Playoff Picks.
You know what they say about great minds and all that.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1065031988385418892003-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:002003-10-01T11:13:08.330-07:00Just One More Reason
John Wiebe of John's Dodger Blog has another reason why you should root for the Giants in the 2003 playoffs . . . taking away the only valid argument dodger fans have against Giants fans.
I know my dodger buddies use it against me (this means YOU, Brett).Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1064969642784698902003-09-30T17:54:00.000-07:002003-10-01T14:05:20.830-07:00"Expert" Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2003 MLB Playoffs (from Stephen Shelby's Playoff Prediction Pool), along with comments on what I think needs to happen to make it so...
ALDS
Red Sox over A's in 4 (Red Sox need strong pitching after Pedro)
Twins over Yankees in 5 (Yankees bad 'D' needs to overcome Yankees good bats)
NLDS
Giants over Marlins in 3 (Schmidt & Bonds)
Cubs over Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1064966145488183892003-09-30T16:55:00.000-07:002003-09-30T17:07:26.043-07:00Lots of Postseason Info
I apologize in advance for any/all typos in this post.
With the season complete, and 2 LDS games in the books (Twins 3, Yankees 1; Giants 2, Marlins 0) . . . there's a TON of info on your favorite team out there . . . especially if you're a fan of one of the 8 playoff teams. Let's get right down to it.
First things first, here's the Game 1 recap & boxscore for the Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1064353438770144332003-09-23T14:43:00.000-07:002003-09-23T14:43:58.330-07:00Giants in the news (or newslike substance)
Peter Gammons has a nice puff-piece on Filipe Alou.
Bryan over at Wait 'Til Next Year (quickly becoming one of my favorite daily visits) dogs the Giants-Angels Series and looks at what the Giants will do in the off-season. He even puts the Giants in the Top 4 for the Greg Maddux sweepstakes as well.
"The Stringman" sent me a great article from the Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1064351583566111752003-09-23T14:13:00.000-07:002003-09-23T14:13:03.556-07:00The Giants Win the Pennant!
This just in from the Day Late Dollar Short Department . . . the San Francisco Giants clinched the NL West. But then, you already knew that.
In other bay area playoff news, the A's should be wrapping things up shortly.Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063659170462760452003-09-15T13:52:00.000-07:002003-09-15T13:52:50.330-07:00The Death of Superman
Father Time my finally have caught up with the Ageless Wonder. Barry Bonds is talking about retiring . . . now.
I first noticed something strange when there was an ESPN INsider story about Bonds retiring. Not being an "INsider", I couldn't read it so I moved on. Now David Pinto has posted a chunk of the story that has me very concerned about Bonds being in the Giants Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063652384554588762003-09-15T11:59:00.000-07:002003-09-15T13:53:54.950-07:00Canadian Gambling
David Pinto points to a story about Steve Stone's (yes, the WGN/Cubs announcer) bid to buy the Expos and relocate them to Las Vegas.
Pinto agrees that Vegas would be a good place for baseball, but is bothered by the fact that the buyers/cities that are publicly working on Expos deals didn't even know that they had another competitor. I agree, but I'm in no way surprised that Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063405474898831932003-09-12T15:24:00.000-07:002003-09-12T15:25:06.216-07:00Raving Mad(dux)
Rob Neyer's got a piece up on Greg Maddux's streak of consecutive 15-win seasons. In case you hadn't heard, one more win puts Maddux over Cy Young for this arbitrary feat, which is as much of an oddity as it is impressive.
He simplifies the "record" talk with a realistic (and very simplified) explaination of Maddux's place in the history of Major League Baseball.
In baseball'sMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063404521120949732003-09-12T15:08:00.000-07:002003-09-12T15:08:41.133-07:00Bullpen Rankings
Jayson Stark has released his Bullpen Rankings for the playoff contenders, and the Giants are 3rd in the NL.
The only problem with that is the fact that Stark even says that the Braves (ranked 4th) would be in 3rd if John Smoltz was healthy. Ouch.
At least the Dodgers (1) and the Astros (2) could both be sitting at home in October . . . and if Smoltz stays a question mark Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063385692866892832003-09-12T09:54:00.000-07:002003-09-12T09:54:52.713-07:00MVP Revisited
David Pinto says that Pujols currently has the lead, although a small one, in the race for the NL MVP.
He points to Win Shares and playing time as his primary reasons for Albert's lead. Pujols is leading Bonds by less than 2 Win Shares (or less than a game since each game has 3 shares), and has played 26 more games then Bonds.
There are two ways to interpret this information...
Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063298153246920862003-09-11T09:35:00.000-07:002003-09-11T09:35:53.170-07:00Credit where credit is due
With all of the problems that myself and other bloggers have gone through using Blogger, it's good to know that they may be turning things around.
Blogger Pro is now FREE. Here's the Blogger free features link.
I guess Google is turning things around. Too bad many have already made the switch to Movable Type or are currently in the process, but great for those who Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1063228567385427212003-09-10T14:16:00.000-07:002003-09-10T14:17:26.486-07:00ROY changes, or just DRAFT changes?
Rob Neyer has been talking about amending the ROY Award to include compensation. It's an interesting idea, and one of the better ideas regarding modifications to the ROY that I've heard, but there's always an exception to every rule.
In fact, in his latest mailbag, a reader's question leads him to change his theory (although in fairness it was only a rough Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1062615000712467752003-09-03T11:50:00.000-07:002003-09-03T15:34:42.373-07:00Fun With Stats (NL MVP Edition)
I was playing with the Sortable Stats over at ESPN.com, and had some interesting finds.
First, let's look at the MVP race in the NL (all stats are MLB leaders, to emphasize how great Bonds and Pujols have played). The first number listed is MLB RANK. Enjoy!
Batting Average (AVG)1Albert Pujols.3612Todd Helton.3523Barry Bonds.343
One of the two biggest Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1062610874392583232003-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:002003-09-03T15:38:18.780-07:00Giant lead
The San Francisco Giants continue their wire-to-wire lead in the NL West, now leading by 12 games and a magic number of 13.
The G-men have continued to win, even without Superman. The other day I watched the Giants put a starting lineup on the field that looked more like a last place team than a division leader.
Eric Young, 2B
Neifi Perez, SS
Marquis Grissom, CF
Jeffrey Hammonds, Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1062609107829530272003-09-03T10:11:00.000-07:002003-09-03T10:11:47.850-07:00remember me?
Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for . . . wait, I haven't been here in weeks.
I'm currently in the process of learning php, as well as cascading style sheets, in the hopes of creating a new/fresh design for The Southpaw. These changes will likely be implemented simultaneously with my conversion to Moveable Type, and possibly even a domain name.
Big things coming, but in Matthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3945676.post-1061945336779582362003-08-26T17:48:00.000-07:002003-08-26T17:49:35.410-07:00Southpaw's Ramblings
Here are the list of things that have been on my mind lately . . . in case you've been wondering.
...is anyone else tired of the Gagne/Smoltz Cy Young push? I mean, isn't that why we have the Rolaids Relief Award?
...when you really think about it, the question of the day isn't why didn't the Pirates include Jason Kendall, it's what do you choose to watch tonight, The O.CMatthew T. Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06822960556246297804noreply@blogger.com