So as you all may have noticed, my blog hasn't *ehem, ehem* been updated with new stuff as often as I'd like. Stupid college. Why does it have to infringe on stuff that really counts like sports, facebook, and girls? So here the deal: While I took my little sabbatical, I had time to do some thinking about what I wanted to touch on in my blog and where I wanted to go with it. To sum it up: miniseries. I'm going to, in the next few weeks or so, be kind of light on here while I write several miniseries for this blog. I'm still not 100% sure on the topics, although I do know one for sure: the story of Pete Rose, all-time hits leader, star utilityman for the Big Red Machine and deposed gambler. Other than that...taking suggestions for a couple others.
Hopefully you'll like what is going to pop up on here in the next few weeks and I sure am excited for what is coming after that-and I think you should be too. It's gonna be good.
And that's all I got.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
What a postseason...
Welp. They're done. Happy offseason to the Reds as they were eliminated by the Giants...even though they more than should have won the series. I mean...up 2-0 in a best of 5 series ON THE ROAD and coming home should have been more than enough of a lead to win the series. I mean...good gravy. Win ONE game at home? Should have been easy enough. Then Tim Lincecum and Buster Posey happened. 6 IP of shutout relief ball in 2 games for the rejuvenated Freak (or Franchise...whichever you prefer) and a right hook of a grand slam in game 5 for Posey (aka MVP) basically ended it for my Redlegs. Sorry Dad...sorry Joe...I guess we'll have to pick up rooting for em in the spring...2013 World Series or Bust!!!!
The Cardiac Cards did it again. What the heck. Down 6-0 to the Nats in an elimination game and won. Just...what?
...Can ANYBODY close them out?
...Not the Rangers.
...Not the Nationals.
...Enter the next contestant.
...Wait for it...
...Wait for it...
...Go Giants!!!
I just wanna see somebody beat the Cardinals. Yep. I'm not a Cards fan. At all. But that should be obvious (see who I'm rooting for in my first paragraph). But I have to say...props to them for having not just icewater in their veins but freaking liquid helium. *What goes up must come down*-->here's hoping.
Detroit is rolling. Even though Valverde is doing his best to wreck the World Series train for them...I wouldn't put him in unless you're up by 10 runs. Even that's a little to close for my comfort. Call him "The Waiter" cause he tends to serve up runs.
On the opposite side of the fence from Valverde is Verlander. Justin has been LIGHTS OUT this postseason. 3-0, 24.1 IP, 10 H, 25 K. #ShutdownMode.
In general and overall I think this postseason has to be one of the craziest and most intense postseasons ever. Last year was PRIME. This year has got to be right up there with it and has the potential to be even better overall. No, it might not have a game thats lauded as best ever like last year's World Series did, but I think this year overall might be shaping up to be better.
#HappyOffseason to the Orioles, A's, Reds, and Nationals. Also earlier to the Rangers and the Braves.
And that's all I got.
The Cardiac Cards did it again. What the heck. Down 6-0 to the Nats in an elimination game and won. Just...what?
...Can ANYBODY close them out?
...Not the Rangers.
...Not the Nationals.
...Enter the next contestant.
...Wait for it...
...Wait for it...
...Go Giants!!!
I just wanna see somebody beat the Cardinals. Yep. I'm not a Cards fan. At all. But that should be obvious (see who I'm rooting for in my first paragraph). But I have to say...props to them for having not just icewater in their veins but freaking liquid helium. *What goes up must come down*-->here's hoping.
Detroit is rolling. Even though Valverde is doing his best to wreck the World Series train for them...I wouldn't put him in unless you're up by 10 runs. Even that's a little to close for my comfort. Call him "The Waiter" cause he tends to serve up runs.
On the opposite side of the fence from Valverde is Verlander. Justin has been LIGHTS OUT this postseason. 3-0, 24.1 IP, 10 H, 25 K. #ShutdownMode.
In general and overall I think this postseason has to be one of the craziest and most intense postseasons ever. Last year was PRIME. This year has got to be right up there with it and has the potential to be even better overall. No, it might not have a game thats lauded as best ever like last year's World Series did, but I think this year overall might be shaping up to be better.
#HappyOffseason to the Orioles, A's, Reds, and Nationals. Also earlier to the Rangers and the Braves.
And that's all I got.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Dame. Notre Dame.
Thanks to my Dad for requesting this post.
No thanks to my buddy Jake for his hating on this team like a boss.
And no...I'm not gonna sit here and troll ND because I think they're the best team ever. Because they're not. Not even close. Yeah, they're 4-0, and have beaten ranked Michigan State and Michigan. Two words about those teams: Big Ten. Meaning they're slightly, if not grossly, overranked and overrated. So don't take too much from those wins.
What I AM here to do today is to analyze how they got to 4-0. Statistical analysis, if you will. Numbers don't lie...as long as you don't misconstrue them as you are analyzing. They can be biased if you want them to be.
Let's start off by taking a look at their overall FBS rankings, both offense and defense (ESPN):
Pass yards: 85th (211.0)
Rush yards: 89th (140.3)
Points for: 86th (25.8)
Points against: 4th (9.0)
In English:
Pass yards: nothing special
Rush yards: more nothing special
Points for: decent, still nothing special
Points against: shutdown mode
So the basic stats show one thing and one thing only: teams don't score against them. Whether that's can't (ND's D is beast) or just don't (offenses need not apply) is still unknown. All the other stats are fair to middling as they don't score in bunches and don't chew up a lot of yardage. Let's go deeper into the defensive stats:
Team statistics leaders(CBS and ESPN):
Sacks: T-8th (14.0)
Interceptions: T-2nd (8.0)
Pass Defense: 23rd (178.8)
Rush Defense: 29th (112.5)
In English:
Sacks: good
Interceptions: too early to tell. there are about 6 teams tied for 2nd so nobody has pulled away yet
Pass D: good, not great
Rush D: good, not great
The deeper stats show that although teams aren't scoring against them, their defense isn't really leading the league in anything or everything, meaning that the D is getting a little lucky when it comes to avoiding the opposing team scoring on them. Take last weekend's Michigan game: twice in the first half the Irish picked off MICH QB Denard Robinson in the end zone. Is that because the Irish's D was that good or was it just Denard being an idiot? Might be both. From the reactions I got from MICH fans, it was more of the latter, but they're always entitled to their opinions.
Final reactions: 4 words: "Regression to the Mean". What that means is that the Irish are playing above their stat level, and that in the future their record will fall back to their playing level. This phrase is mostly used in baseball, but it really is appropriate here. Are the Irish National Title contenders? Not just "no", but "hell no". BCS bowl team? Probably not, although with the number of ranked teams on their schedule its not too far off if they keep winning. Bowl team? Definitely. I would say that a 7-4 record is about right. I see them losing to #8 Stanford and closing out the season with a loss to #13 USC, and I could definitely see losses next week to Miami (FL) and later to #16 Oklahoma.
And that's all I got.
No thanks to my buddy Jake for his hating on this team like a boss.
And no...I'm not gonna sit here and troll ND because I think they're the best team ever. Because they're not. Not even close. Yeah, they're 4-0, and have beaten ranked Michigan State and Michigan. Two words about those teams: Big Ten. Meaning they're slightly, if not grossly, overranked and overrated. So don't take too much from those wins.
What I AM here to do today is to analyze how they got to 4-0. Statistical analysis, if you will. Numbers don't lie...as long as you don't misconstrue them as you are analyzing. They can be biased if you want them to be.
Let's start off by taking a look at their overall FBS rankings, both offense and defense (ESPN):
Pass yards: 85th (211.0)
Rush yards: 89th (140.3)
Points for: 86th (25.8)
Points against: 4th (9.0)
In English:
Pass yards: nothing special
Rush yards: more nothing special
Points for: decent, still nothing special
Points against: shutdown mode
So the basic stats show one thing and one thing only: teams don't score against them. Whether that's can't (ND's D is beast) or just don't (offenses need not apply) is still unknown. All the other stats are fair to middling as they don't score in bunches and don't chew up a lot of yardage. Let's go deeper into the defensive stats:
Team statistics leaders(CBS and ESPN):
Sacks: T-8th (14.0)
Interceptions: T-2nd (8.0)
Pass Defense: 23rd (178.8)
Rush Defense: 29th (112.5)
In English:
Sacks: good
Interceptions: too early to tell. there are about 6 teams tied for 2nd so nobody has pulled away yet
Pass D: good, not great
Rush D: good, not great
The deeper stats show that although teams aren't scoring against them, their defense isn't really leading the league in anything or everything, meaning that the D is getting a little lucky when it comes to avoiding the opposing team scoring on them. Take last weekend's Michigan game: twice in the first half the Irish picked off MICH QB Denard Robinson in the end zone. Is that because the Irish's D was that good or was it just Denard being an idiot? Might be both. From the reactions I got from MICH fans, it was more of the latter, but they're always entitled to their opinions.
Final reactions: 4 words: "Regression to the Mean". What that means is that the Irish are playing above their stat level, and that in the future their record will fall back to their playing level. This phrase is mostly used in baseball, but it really is appropriate here. Are the Irish National Title contenders? Not just "no", but "hell no". BCS bowl team? Probably not, although with the number of ranked teams on their schedule its not too far off if they keep winning. Bowl team? Definitely. I would say that a 7-4 record is about right. I see them losing to #8 Stanford and closing out the season with a loss to #13 USC, and I could definitely see losses next week to Miami (FL) and later to #16 Oklahoma.
And that's all I got.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Weekend Recap: NFL Week 3
How bout dem Saints and Refs.............????
This weekend was full of games that were crazy with comebacks and teams losing games they had no business losing (Saints, Lions, Niners). Ugly reffing was prevalent again, especially visible in the Lions/Titans game and also the Patriots/Ravens. Pats/Ravens multiple times looked like they were about to clear the benches and someone was about to get punched out...all in the first quarter. The replacements either have to get their act together and call games correctly or the NFL better think about cutting the regulars some kind of deal quick--this is getting way to far out of hand, and coaches and players alike are about to fly off the handle...
"Can someone please tell these ****ing zebras foot locker called and they’re needed Back at work !!!!"--BrandonSpikes55 (Twitter.com)
Bout sums it up.
The Lions forked one over to the Titans in Tennessee 44-41 in overtime thanks to their center who hiked the ball on 4th and 1 on the Titans' 7-yard line rather than following Jim Schwartz' game plan and drawing the Titans offsides or, if not, kicking the field goal...
Saints lost again. Is Sean Payton worth that much to the Saints or was it Jamaal Charles (33 carries, 233 yards, TD)? At 0-3 I think it's time to hit the panic button, especially with the Falcons rolling like they are. IF the Saints are gonna make the playoffs they have to stop turning the ball over and just not executing. Oh...and they have to find a defense. Mebbe they can't tackle if they aren't trying to snap someone in half to make an easy 10k.
Speaking of the Falcons, they followed up an impressive win over Denver by steamrolling San Diego on the road 27-3. Is Matt Ryan finally becoming elite (275 yards/3 TD /1 INT)? I think so. With Julio Jones really coming out this season and with consistent performers Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White to throw to...this is a formidable passing attack.
The Bears clubbed Saint Louis in a good rebound effort after getting whipped in Green Bay.
The Christian Ponder-led Vikings stunned the 49ers. Ponder is quietly putting up numbers that the more recognized QB's in his division are not doing consistently this year (Rodgers, Stafford, Cutler are all struggling). He's earned the Vikes' trust and with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart to run the ball...this team may actually be underrated. I won't say playoff dark horse, but a 7-8 record or even 8-8 isn't too far off.
Andy Dalton aired it out to beat RGIII and the Redskins. A.J. Green was the best receiver in the NFL this week (9 Rec, 183 Yards, TD)
Philly just keeps putting the rock on the ground.It finally caught up to them in a 27-6 loss to the surprising Cardinals.
And that's all I got.
This weekend was full of games that were crazy with comebacks and teams losing games they had no business losing (Saints, Lions, Niners). Ugly reffing was prevalent again, especially visible in the Lions/Titans game and also the Patriots/Ravens. Pats/Ravens multiple times looked like they were about to clear the benches and someone was about to get punched out...all in the first quarter. The replacements either have to get their act together and call games correctly or the NFL better think about cutting the regulars some kind of deal quick--this is getting way to far out of hand, and coaches and players alike are about to fly off the handle...
"Can someone please tell these ****ing zebras foot locker called and they’re needed Back at work !!!!"--BrandonSpikes55 (Twitter.com)
Bout sums it up.
The Lions forked one over to the Titans in Tennessee 44-41 in overtime thanks to their center who hiked the ball on 4th and 1 on the Titans' 7-yard line rather than following Jim Schwartz' game plan and drawing the Titans offsides or, if not, kicking the field goal...
Saints lost again. Is Sean Payton worth that much to the Saints or was it Jamaal Charles (33 carries, 233 yards, TD)? At 0-3 I think it's time to hit the panic button, especially with the Falcons rolling like they are. IF the Saints are gonna make the playoffs they have to stop turning the ball over and just not executing. Oh...and they have to find a defense. Mebbe they can't tackle if they aren't trying to snap someone in half to make an easy 10k.
Speaking of the Falcons, they followed up an impressive win over Denver by steamrolling San Diego on the road 27-3. Is Matt Ryan finally becoming elite (275 yards/3 TD /1 INT)? I think so. With Julio Jones really coming out this season and with consistent performers Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White to throw to...this is a formidable passing attack.
The Bears clubbed Saint Louis in a good rebound effort after getting whipped in Green Bay.
The Christian Ponder-led Vikings stunned the 49ers. Ponder is quietly putting up numbers that the more recognized QB's in his division are not doing consistently this year (Rodgers, Stafford, Cutler are all struggling). He's earned the Vikes' trust and with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart to run the ball...this team may actually be underrated. I won't say playoff dark horse, but a 7-8 record or even 8-8 isn't too far off.
Andy Dalton aired it out to beat RGIII and the Redskins. A.J. Green was the best receiver in the NFL this week (9 Rec, 183 Yards, TD)
Philly just keeps putting the rock on the ground.It finally caught up to them in a 27-6 loss to the surprising Cardinals.
And that's all I got.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Rookie Review...part 2!
A few days back I took a look at the performance this year of breakout rookies Yu Darvish, Mike Trout, and Bryce Harper. I'll finish up this 2-part series with a couple lesser-known rookies, yet ones that are not to be overlooked:
Yoenis Cespedes.
The Cuban defector known for his big bat and his penchant for whiffs really had wide ranging expectations when he signed with the Oakland Athletics in the offseason. His power was never in question; his overall performance was a wild card. So far he has been a staple in the resurgent A's season.
Stats:
GP: 114
AVG: .291
SLG: .491
OBP: .355
HR: 19
SB: 16
WAR: 2.1
Analysis: Well...for being a massive wild card going into the season, he has been a very pleasant surprise for the A's. His AVG is a surprise too; most critics said he was too strikeout-prone to put up very high averages--especially one that is pushing .300. He has been in and out some due to injury, but when he has been in he's killed it. Will he be worth the large sum of money the A's paid for him come 3 years from now? If this season has any indication of future performance...heck yes. Big time hitter.
Matt Moore.
Moore is the most heralded SP since someone by the name of "Strasburg". Known for his ability to punch out hitters at a startling rate and with a fantastic performance in last year's playoffs vs. the potent Texas Rangers, his stock couldn't have been any higher going into this year. The Rays rewarded his potential with a sizeable long-term contract early this year as they have done with several of their young stars.
Stats:
GS: 29
W/L: 10-11
ERA: 3.88
WHIP: 1.36
K: 169
WAR: 0.8
K/9: 8.98
Analysis: Plain and simple, this was not the season we thought he'd have. Yes, the strikeouts are there but maybe not quite even up to what we thought he'd get (barely a K an inning) and he just flat hasn't shut down teams as expected. Given he has shown flashes of greatness, but the consistency is not there. Even recently he's struggled (0-4, 5.61 ERA in the last month) so its not like he's been getting better or even showing improvement against big league hitters. At this point only time will tell if he will become the pitcher everyone thought he'd be, and what the Rays need him to be if they want to continue to compete with the AL East powerhouses.
Wade Miley.
Honestly I really didn't know too much about Miley before May or so. He didn't come in with much fanfare, even wasn't the most talked-about rookie pitcher in the Diamondback's camp. He came out with a starting job, though, and has put together a more than solid rookie campaign; out-pitching teammate Ian Kennedy--one of last year's top Cy Young candidates.
Stats:
GS: 26
W/L: 15-10
ERA: 3.10
WHIP: 1.16
K: 127
WAR: 3.8
K/9: 6.30
Analysis: Solid, if not spectacular opening act for the DBacks' young lefty. He's been consistently good throughout the season for a team that underachieved for a good part of the season, enough so that a team that was projected to win the NL West is probably going to miss the playoffs entirely. It's definitely not Miley's fault. Not dominant, just consistent. He came in as a distant number two behind Ian Kennedy and has been the ace of the staff since day 1. His teammate for a few weeks and rookie phenom Trevor Bauer was the sexy pick to steal the show-but it's been Miley that's been the pleasant surprise for an underachieving team.
And that's all I got.
Yoenis Cespedes.
The Cuban defector known for his big bat and his penchant for whiffs really had wide ranging expectations when he signed with the Oakland Athletics in the offseason. His power was never in question; his overall performance was a wild card. So far he has been a staple in the resurgent A's season.
Stats:
GP: 114
AVG: .291
SLG: .491
OBP: .355
HR: 19
SB: 16
WAR: 2.1
Analysis: Well...for being a massive wild card going into the season, he has been a very pleasant surprise for the A's. His AVG is a surprise too; most critics said he was too strikeout-prone to put up very high averages--especially one that is pushing .300. He has been in and out some due to injury, but when he has been in he's killed it. Will he be worth the large sum of money the A's paid for him come 3 years from now? If this season has any indication of future performance...heck yes. Big time hitter.
Matt Moore.
Moore is the most heralded SP since someone by the name of "Strasburg". Known for his ability to punch out hitters at a startling rate and with a fantastic performance in last year's playoffs vs. the potent Texas Rangers, his stock couldn't have been any higher going into this year. The Rays rewarded his potential with a sizeable long-term contract early this year as they have done with several of their young stars.
Stats:
GS: 29
W/L: 10-11
ERA: 3.88
WHIP: 1.36
K: 169
WAR: 0.8
K/9: 8.98
Analysis: Plain and simple, this was not the season we thought he'd have. Yes, the strikeouts are there but maybe not quite even up to what we thought he'd get (barely a K an inning) and he just flat hasn't shut down teams as expected. Given he has shown flashes of greatness, but the consistency is not there. Even recently he's struggled (0-4, 5.61 ERA in the last month) so its not like he's been getting better or even showing improvement against big league hitters. At this point only time will tell if he will become the pitcher everyone thought he'd be, and what the Rays need him to be if they want to continue to compete with the AL East powerhouses.
Wade Miley.
Honestly I really didn't know too much about Miley before May or so. He didn't come in with much fanfare, even wasn't the most talked-about rookie pitcher in the Diamondback's camp. He came out with a starting job, though, and has put together a more than solid rookie campaign; out-pitching teammate Ian Kennedy--one of last year's top Cy Young candidates.
Stats:
GS: 26
W/L: 15-10
ERA: 3.10
WHIP: 1.16
K: 127
WAR: 3.8
K/9: 6.30
Analysis: Solid, if not spectacular opening act for the DBacks' young lefty. He's been consistently good throughout the season for a team that underachieved for a good part of the season, enough so that a team that was projected to win the NL West is probably going to miss the playoffs entirely. It's definitely not Miley's fault. Not dominant, just consistent. He came in as a distant number two behind Ian Kennedy and has been the ace of the staff since day 1. His teammate for a few weeks and rookie phenom Trevor Bauer was the sexy pick to steal the show-but it's been Miley that's been the pleasant surprise for an underachieving team.
And that's all I got.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Rookie Review...part 1!
The 2012 MLB season has seen more than its share of remarkable rookies ascend to stardom, or come in with sky-high expectations and not really live up to them. I figured that since the season was drawing to a close I would take analyze the name-brand rookies and see how they fared in their first MLB season-whether they overachieved, underachieved, or just plain lived up to expectations in this first part of a 2-part series:
Yu Darvish.
The Japanese pitching phenom came into the MLB with much fanfare as he signed a massive contract with the Texas Rangers in the offseason. Expectations varied, based on the fact that most scouts consider Japanese baseball to be high-Triple A-level baseball. Also, the baseball used in Japanese pro ball is slightly different than the ball used in American pro ball; so there would be an adjustment period expected for him. There has never been any question of his talent. He was an ace to the 10th degree in Japan, and many expected great things from him in his first season of MLB ball.
Stats:
GS: 26
W/L: 14-9
ERA 4.14
WHIP: 1.33
K: 196
WAR: 2.5
K/9: 10.40
Analysis: A strikeout artist in Japan, Darvish has continued the trend with his massive arsenal in American ball. Overall, he has been a relative disappointment. He came in and has throughout the season struggled with his control-people couldn't hit him but he gives up way too many free passes, which explains the relatively bloated WHIP. He also struggled out of the stretch, so when he gives first base to someone his troubles were compounded and therefore his ERA is higher than most figured it would, after seeing him post several seasons of sub-2.50 ERA seasons in Japan. He could still be acclimating himself to American ball as his more recent starts have been much better; nevertheless he hasn't quite lived up to preseason expectations as the Ranger's ace that takes over for the departed C.J. Wilson.
Mike Trout.
Two words: holy smokes. Is there ANYTHING this kid can't do? He's putting up numbers most stars would kill to put up, especially in this pitching-dominated era (or at least this decade, as only recently has pitching really started to have the upper hand). He came in with high expectations with his blazing speed, but no one could really say that they saw this season coming--the power, speed, average--it all came together and FAST for the Angel's young rookie.
Stats:
GP: 121
AVG: .331
SLG: .569
OBP: .397
HR: 27
SB: 45
WAR: 7.7 (what?!)
Analysis: Perfection. This is the kind of player that comes around once in a lifetime. We're talking not even The Machine (Albert Pujols) in his best years put up these kind of overall numbers. Yes, some stats from Pujols might have been higher in those years(ex: HR) but overall this has been a season for the ages from this rookie. The only award this kid shouldn't win after the season is over is Cy Young.
Bryce Harper.
The most heralded rookie since Stephen Strasburg...and on the same team too. 19-year old phenom, drafted right out of high school, called the most complete position player in a long time with his immense power potential and great awareness of the strike zone. He blew through the minors and found his way into the National's lineup for the first time late last year and came in as the starter this year.
Stats:
GP: 12
AVG: .262
SLG: .454
OBP: .335
HR: 18
SB: 13
WAR: 3.8
Analysis: Well...its his first season. Overall, he has been a minor letdown. He showed his power on occasion, but not to the extent that was expected of him right out of the box. The average is also lower than what the Nat's bargained for when they drafted him first overall. His best aspect is his awareness of the strike zone, but he's had issues putting the bat on the ball consistently. He's going to keep improving, and we can still expect stardom to come to the Nat's young outfielder--probably sooner than later. Honestly, what was expected of him this year was almost unachievable. They expected Mike Trout's season from Harper, and honestly that's not really fair.
Yu Darvish.
The Japanese pitching phenom came into the MLB with much fanfare as he signed a massive contract with the Texas Rangers in the offseason. Expectations varied, based on the fact that most scouts consider Japanese baseball to be high-Triple A-level baseball. Also, the baseball used in Japanese pro ball is slightly different than the ball used in American pro ball; so there would be an adjustment period expected for him. There has never been any question of his talent. He was an ace to the 10th degree in Japan, and many expected great things from him in his first season of MLB ball.
Stats:
GS: 26
W/L: 14-9
ERA 4.14
WHIP: 1.33
K: 196
WAR: 2.5
K/9: 10.40
Analysis: A strikeout artist in Japan, Darvish has continued the trend with his massive arsenal in American ball. Overall, he has been a relative disappointment. He came in and has throughout the season struggled with his control-people couldn't hit him but he gives up way too many free passes, which explains the relatively bloated WHIP. He also struggled out of the stretch, so when he gives first base to someone his troubles were compounded and therefore his ERA is higher than most figured it would, after seeing him post several seasons of sub-2.50 ERA seasons in Japan. He could still be acclimating himself to American ball as his more recent starts have been much better; nevertheless he hasn't quite lived up to preseason expectations as the Ranger's ace that takes over for the departed C.J. Wilson.
Mike Trout.
Two words: holy smokes. Is there ANYTHING this kid can't do? He's putting up numbers most stars would kill to put up, especially in this pitching-dominated era (or at least this decade, as only recently has pitching really started to have the upper hand). He came in with high expectations with his blazing speed, but no one could really say that they saw this season coming--the power, speed, average--it all came together and FAST for the Angel's young rookie.
Stats:
GP: 121
AVG: .331
SLG: .569
OBP: .397
HR: 27
SB: 45
WAR: 7.7 (what?!)
Analysis: Perfection. This is the kind of player that comes around once in a lifetime. We're talking not even The Machine (Albert Pujols) in his best years put up these kind of overall numbers. Yes, some stats from Pujols might have been higher in those years(ex: HR) but overall this has been a season for the ages from this rookie. The only award this kid shouldn't win after the season is over is Cy Young.
Bryce Harper.
The most heralded rookie since Stephen Strasburg...and on the same team too. 19-year old phenom, drafted right out of high school, called the most complete position player in a long time with his immense power potential and great awareness of the strike zone. He blew through the minors and found his way into the National's lineup for the first time late last year and came in as the starter this year.
Stats:
GP: 12
AVG: .262
SLG: .454
OBP: .335
HR: 18
SB: 13
WAR: 3.8
Analysis: Well...its his first season. Overall, he has been a minor letdown. He showed his power on occasion, but not to the extent that was expected of him right out of the box. The average is also lower than what the Nat's bargained for when they drafted him first overall. His best aspect is his awareness of the strike zone, but he's had issues putting the bat on the ball consistently. He's going to keep improving, and we can still expect stardom to come to the Nat's young outfielder--probably sooner than later. Honestly, what was expected of him this year was almost unachievable. They expected Mike Trout's season from Harper, and honestly that's not really fair.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Rocket. Boomerang Style
Alright. So as I was putting stuff together and looking at links for my previous post, this really stuck out to me as something fun to post...mainly because this type of thing never happens. Not "normally doesn't happen", NEVER happens. Nolan Ryan was an old fart when he retired from pitching. He was 46. Buuuutttt....Roger Clemens is 50. He hasn't played in the MLB in close to 5 years. He's gone through court, went through it again, and is still kicking it. He has made 2 starts for the semipro team Sugarland Skeeters this year, and the Houston Astros' owner Jim Crane came out and publicly said that he would sign Clemens but wouldn't start him against a contender. That statement pulled this response out of Clemens:
"I can tell you right now and they would know, too, that if I was going to go do it, I am going to pitch against a contender, that's who I want to knock out. Why would I want to waste my time running around and getting in shape. I get over to Minute Maid (Park), I'll crank it up and get it over 90 for a contender. We'll knock them right out of the playoffs. That would be the fun. Pitching against somebody that's not in contention wouldn't be any fun for me."
Feisty. Clemens style. But dang...I would absolutely PAY to see Clemens pitch in the MLB one more time just for the fun of it! The guy has nothing to lose. Let him have some fun. I mean...his legacy is set as it is--either you see him as one of the greatest pitchers in the modern era or even any era or you see him as a sleazy juicer who really just can't find the decency to admit it--and really, what is one or two starts at age 50 gonna do to change it? He's not Favre-ing. He's having fun. And that's the point of sports anyway, isn't it? I know that isn't so big in the MLB and its farm systems, but I find that sad. So what if a team wants to give an ex-star a chance not so much at redemption but at one more go-round. If it makes them money, what is it to me? And I personally would watch that game. Worth it.
The one thing Clemens needs to weigh is the fact that in a few months he'll be eligible for the Hall of Fame. If he even throws one pitch in a game he will be postponing that for 5 years. Unfortunately for him, that may be irrelevant anyway because of his juicing scandal and the fact that he might not pull the required support to get elected. So for pete's sake...let the man pitch one-or two-more games!! Let him have some fun. Believe me, the guy probably needs it. Deserves it. Juicer or not, the whole thing is just plain crazy and incredible; and the fact that as many people want to see a 50-year old throw in an actual MLB game just oozes win on so many levels.
And that's all I got.
"I can tell you right now and they would know, too, that if I was going to go do it, I am going to pitch against a contender, that's who I want to knock out. Why would I want to waste my time running around and getting in shape. I get over to Minute Maid (Park), I'll crank it up and get it over 90 for a contender. We'll knock them right out of the playoffs. That would be the fun. Pitching against somebody that's not in contention wouldn't be any fun for me."
Feisty. Clemens style. But dang...I would absolutely PAY to see Clemens pitch in the MLB one more time just for the fun of it! The guy has nothing to lose. Let him have some fun. I mean...his legacy is set as it is--either you see him as one of the greatest pitchers in the modern era or even any era or you see him as a sleazy juicer who really just can't find the decency to admit it--and really, what is one or two starts at age 50 gonna do to change it? He's not Favre-ing. He's having fun. And that's the point of sports anyway, isn't it? I know that isn't so big in the MLB and its farm systems, but I find that sad. So what if a team wants to give an ex-star a chance not so much at redemption but at one more go-round. If it makes them money, what is it to me? And I personally would watch that game. Worth it.
The one thing Clemens needs to weigh is the fact that in a few months he'll be eligible for the Hall of Fame. If he even throws one pitch in a game he will be postponing that for 5 years. Unfortunately for him, that may be irrelevant anyway because of his juicing scandal and the fact that he might not pull the required support to get elected. So for pete's sake...let the man pitch one-or two-more games!! Let him have some fun. Believe me, the guy probably needs it. Deserves it. Juicer or not, the whole thing is just plain crazy and incredible; and the fact that as many people want to see a 50-year old throw in an actual MLB game just oozes win on so many levels.
And that's all I got.
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