Jake

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 4, 2012 -> 07:13 PM) Replace DeAza against LHPer's, that's it. He came into the game right around 800 OPS overall, that's great for him. But 3/27 against LHP isn't. Then when you add that to Dunn, AJ's struggles the last couple of years against LHP, it turns into a big problem in our line-up turning over consistently. I wouldn't mind using that to get some AB's against lefties but I don't want a platoon. de Aza should get some more work against lefties to see if he can be counted on when the games matter against LHP

Why do we want to replace de Aza?

I always wonder when Hawk is telling us to text this or that or like something on Facebook, etc how confused he feels saying it

I love how tough Jake Peavy pitches. He's never afraid. It's gotten him into trouble, but he really defines "competitor." Black Jack McDowell once said the best fastballs have a little "f*** you" behind them -- I think Jake Peavy is leading the AL in f*** you's this year.

Great pitch to Cabrera

QUOTE (caulfield12 @ May 4, 2012 -> 06:46 PM) Because drafting Sale high in the first round with his mechanics and frame and thinking he was going to be more than an elite reliever was obvious to most of this board and surely to scouts and front offices all around MLB. Other than that, there's nothing and nobody else to blame besides God, anatomy/physiology and physics. Continued bad luck for this organization going back for 3+ years, if you believe in that. The consensus is that he fell to us based on our promise to pitch him in the majors. Anyone that throws with a "funky" motion is deemed injury prone but you see guys with conventional mechanics go down every day. This is a tough break for Chris but I'm not going to go crazy yet...I need more time to think. I'm sure as hell not mad that we drafted him. If the downside here is that we have a top closer, I can live with that. This does make me wish Hector was ready to step into the rotation for him, though.

QUOTE (The Ginger Kid @ May 4, 2012 -> 06:44 PM) I see nothing to suggest this trend won't continue upward Law of averages! maybe Gordo can have a Jrue Holiday kind of year

Bunting is baseball.

Why does everything that goes wrong have to be somebody's fault?

QUOTE (fathom @ May 4, 2012 -> 01:35 PM) Just ridiculous how poorly Lillibridge is being used this year. Joe Maddon would probably have Lillibridge batting 3rd every game against LHP. Meanwhile, we have Eduardo Escobar getting more at bats than Lillibridge this season. I'm not sure how the team feels about his infield defense and neither am I. I honestly just haven't seen enough of it to evaluate. I'm guessing he gets a crack at starting if we do replace Morel, but it seems that he's principally a replacement in the OF -- not too good for him considering Viciedo is right handed and the only one that sees much time on the bench.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ May 4, 2012 -> 08:23 AM) Exactly, thats an incredible time if its legit, which has been an issue with HS and college 40 times. I try not to read too much into 40 times because of my experience in college football recruiting. It's a necessary evil, but times can be enhanced or hurt by things that don't have much to do with how fast you are: your starting form (this can have an IMMENSE effect), reaction time, etc. My older brother went to a speed coach and cut .2 off his 40 through working on his starts despite his top speed getting lower due to injury. It's kind of whacky and the fact that the goofy-ass form stuff can make such a big difference kind of biases the process to those that can get instruction on it.

QUOTE (fathom @ May 4, 2012 -> 11:34 AM) Delmon back in time just to face the Sox Hope all the religious minorities stay home tonight

Things are so chippy in here.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ May 4, 2012 -> 08:12 AM) I'd like to see how many MLB players could run a sub 4.5 40. Thats incredibly fast. Only a handful of guys running below 4.45 in the NFL.

QUOTE (greg775 @ May 3, 2012 -> 10:16 PM) no. i wondered the same thing. fathom said becks had a mental lapse. I thought he stole on the play, but we never had an angle that showed it AFAIK

Bullpen did a nice job. Offense was adequate. John Danks believes he should only throw fastballs to left handed hitters.

Odd that he'd have all that trouble seeing the low part of the zone considering every pitch was right around there

AJ keeps playing with my heart

Don't stop now boys!

QUOTE (fathom @ May 3, 2012 -> 10:01 PM) Give me Lillibridge over both Let's just leave Beckham alone today, he's actually approaching the Mendoza line now. Aim your pitchforks at Morel!

Well, this is the part of the lineup I want to see give these guys a run for their money.

I had a feeling they would regret letting a righty pitch to Dunn this late

I know we all love productive minor leaguers and stuff, but Morel is case in point why we like them to be talented. It's easier to watch someone struggle when you know they could turn into an all-star (Dayan) than a guy who is unlikely to have the tools to be much better than replacement level (could Morel ever be over 1 WAR?)

Folks just need to relax. I'm going to relax, let's relax together. We have an excellent starting rotation. The worst guy is a lefty that has been pretty damn good for a few years now and is bound to be at worst a productive, innings eater. The bullpen ain't bad either. Thornton, Reed, Crain, Jones are all having good seasons. Santiago has had a tough start but we have the depth to take care of it if he doesn't put it together. Paulie is having an MVP-esque season. Dunn and Rios, by all accounts are back. AJ is on track to have the best year of his career and now even throws guys out. Gordon Beckham has had a tough start but a great week. Alexei is just waiting for the weather to turn around Alejandro de Aza is turning out to be a solid top of the order hitter. Dayan Viciedo is immensely talented and young. See guys, it's not so bad. This team is not that bad. Let's just take a breath and enjoy the little things.

what