Flash Tizzle

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jul 18, 2006 -> 07:50 AM) I don't think you can really complain about our drafting over the past few seasons. As other posters showed, in the earlier rounds we've hit fairly well on the likes of BA, Sweeney, Fields, Broadway etc. who all seem to be doing fairly well, or who project well for the future. The Anderson of spectacular defense -- and a delicious .200 average? Granted, he's done well lately; but I'm not willing to cite his name as proof we've drafted well. Even departed names such as Young, Gonzalez, Haigwood have yet to prove themselves. I'm under the impression the success of a draft is determined in the majors, not by minor league numbers. Forgive me if I'm less than ethusiastic about the long term projections of the other names mentioned. And I'll continue to complain until it improves. Honestly, is removing 5 million from next years payroll (which will exceed 100 million, easily) really hurt our ballclub? It's going to go use if the money is responsible for signing legitimate talent, which in turn makes expensive veterans expendable in several years. Thus, it may hinder our immediate plans but assist in future seasons. There's a definite benefit to paying now in order to save later. I don't understand the complacency some have concerning this issue. It always seems people shrug their shoulders and reply, "Guess you hate World Championships." You're content with being middle of the pack? I just don't like the thought of, "well, we're not good -- but either are the Cardinals." Reminds me several seasons ago, when Williams made little impact on the offseason market and the general consensus was, "We didn't make any moves..........but either did Minneosta!" We expect success from our major league ballclub, and when it isn't there -- as it hasn't been in past seasons -- we've attempted to model ourselves after successful organizations. Why can't we hold the same reserve for our farm system? Why can't we look at various teams and think about mimmicking their methods with player development, just as we've done on the field? Hey, say it's unrealistic to have a World Series contender AND a producing farm system, but I believe there's much room for improvement. It's better to attempt such a feat than sit around and accept mediocrity.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jul 17, 2006 -> 06:29 PM) Pelfrey >>> Lumsden >>>> Broadway And I think we all know that I like Lummy quite a bit as a prospect. Noticed he was a relatively high draft pick-- 9th overall in 2005. No use beginning my routine of suggesting, "where's our Pelfrey?" From browsing looking through their system, and noticing what they've recently produced, it appears Mets have done FAR better then we have at producing major league talent. Reading an article on Baseball Prospectus it mentions several interesting points I wish Williams would adopt: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/featu...op10s/mets.html Why haven't we shown this type of dedication to producing Latin American talent? Yeah, a measly baseball school in Venezuela, that's about it. I wish an article could be written in which someone could infer Williams as "intent on making his club a dominant force" concerning Latin prospects. Whore our World Championship and Guillen's popularity for more than a baseball school. There should be a large collection of Latin American scouts shown a pink slip after the pitiful results they've shown over the past decade. No one can even debate me on this issue. It should improve.

QUOTE(SoxFan101 @ Jul 17, 2006 -> 06:19 PM) He wasnt the one that did the Kazmir trade...... Damn, I've been under the impression for over a year he was solely responsible. I recalled ESPN mentioning his name in connection with the move and didn't think otherwise.

QUOTE(DBAH0 @ Jul 17, 2006 -> 06:05 PM) Pelfrey could almost be better than Garcia right now anyway, the way he is dominating AA. Was never going to happen, and Minaya would be insane to give up his best pitching prospect right now. If we ask for Phillip Humber instead though............. First, how would Pelfrey rate in comparison to Lumsden and Broadway? Second, Minaya traded Kazmir before for Zambrano and we're going to assume he'll never do anything similar again? Garcia is far more deserving of such a package (atleast compared to Victor), and considering their rotation, who the hell are they to object? If Minaya stays pat, it sucks Tampa ruined it for everyone else. I suppose Sabean will never make any trade involving a decent pitching prospect since he was burned with Liriano. Again, seemingly someone ruined it for the entire league. I just want us to rape another team. Is it that difficult for someone just to abide by my wishes?

QUOTE(southsideirish71 @ Jul 17, 2006 -> 05:21 PM) Shockingly the Mets werent into the can we have one of your best relievers and one of your best young arms for our pile of poo. Then again maybe they remember the entire Kazmir debacle. Pelfry and Sanchez for Garcia would get KW a book deal ala Billy Beane. God dammit. I love how teams become wise when we're the ones inquiring. Just realize your position Minaya and give us what we want! f*** the Mets then. I hope they begin a tail-spin entering the trading deadline and Minaya caves into our demands. Funny, I recall last offseason when all people would tell me is not to trade our starting pitchers because, "when the trading deadline comes around, teams are more desperate." Well, I've yet to observe it from our position.

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 09:22 PM) Jeez, Flash, we'd still be in the wild card race. :rolly OH YEAH!!! /shakes fist. Where's our Liriano?

QUOTE(Heads22 @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 08:57 PM) I'd love him, but again, why would the Mets deal him? Because Williams will ask politely? Freddy Garcia is also a big game* pitcher *big game applies to starts made in 2005 and against the Cubs this season.

Just avoid a sweep. Falling 7.5 out of first place would seal the division for the Tigers. It's probably the most important series we've played. Just think about it -- we could be talking the difference between 1.5 back and 7.5 back. That's a HUGE difference, obviously. I recall several years ago, believe it was 2002, where a similar situation faced us in Minnesota and we were swept. Minnesota never looked back. And yes, I'm aware of what the Indians did last year. I just don't believe overcoming 7.5 game lead in late July is likely. Especially with a pitching staff which has failed to show consistency. Yes, even if the worst does occur we're still in the wildcard race. Have to point that out because someone will probably mention it with a rolly eye emoticon.

QUOTE(SABR Sox @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 08:49 PM) He started off the season with I believe 20+ scoreless innings. He has it, but I'd prefer Gordon, and maybe even Heilman. Why would you prefer the inferior talent? Risk of injury? I watched Heilman pitch earlier and I can't say I was impressed. He had trouble finding the strike zone, not even including his HR allowed. I'm not judging on this appearance alone -- his numbers overall aren't bad -- but I'd prefer Sanchez. If accepting Heilman meant a more advanced/talented prospect, then I'd be interested.

QUOTE(RudyLawRules @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 08:46 PM) I know he's been mentioned in some trade rumors with the Mets. I hadn't seen him until the last 3 outs of the Cubs rout tonight on ESPN. Did anyone catch his performance? He struck out the side in the 9th with some sick stuff. Granted it was the Flubs...but he still looked great. Hmmm.... Reminds me of Francisco Rodriguez in about every way imaginable. Whether it's the goofy goggles, appearance, delivery -- all are similar. I wouldn't mind including him in any proposed deal. Just add a quality prospect and we're good.

QUOTE(Gregory Pratt @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 04:00 PM) We'll be fine. Since you appear to believe everything will turn out fine, would you personally consider trading Garcia -- and moving McCarthy into the rotation -- or keeping everything as it stands? I'm not so confident 'we'll be fine,' atleast concerning the rotation. It just so happens this is the division of our ballclub which is expected to perform. I'm not one who is confident about our starters rebounding since they've been pitching above career numbers. I've heard this mentioned on a few occasions. Pitchers, apparently, don't have seasons which are out of line with their career averages.

No, we're not latching onto any past defeats with these threads. Great start to the second half, huh? Every division of the team disappointed in atleast one game this series. Most often in combination. Game 1, bullpen and offense; Game 2, starting pitching and defense; Game 3 starting pitching and offense.

Embarrassing weekend.

What kind of person pulls a pitch over the outside corner? Cmon now, I thought we had smarter baseball players than that.

Time for Thome to leave another runner on base!

Embarrassing.

Considering how difficult it is to bunt off Rivera, I would have realized afer the first attempt it's better to swing.

QUOTE(minorsfan @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 02:45 PM) Josh Fields was taken out because of injury I think it is a precautionary move, he got his knee hit by the helmet of a Pawtucket player when he slide into third. He stayed in the game but was removed to be safe I assume since Velandia was available on the bench Watch it linger and completely f*** us over concerning a trade at the deadline.

QUOTE(SoxFanForever @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 02:37 PM) Garcia was hitting 92-93 consistently on the gun that inning. Looks like he can still throw it when he wants. He better stop being a woman and do this more often. The same radar gun which had Jaret Wright at 94-96mph and Farnsworth at 93-94? I don't want to suggest a conspiracy, but I notice with Garcia more than any other starter there's always a problem with radar guns. I recall against Bedard on CSN he was registered at 95-97 and Garcia was at 88-90. Which really speaks to his missing velocity -- not even a generous radar gun can make it look good.

We have to showcasing Garcia right here. Considering we're just returning from an extended break, and Garcia is hardly the best option available for us to maintain the deficit, he isn't out at 108 pitches to protect our pen.

QUOTE(Dick Allen @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 02:25 PM) Teams that rely so much on their offense are usually dissappointed when the season is over. SHUT UP! /look at record /look at record against Detroit /look at career averages of starters /three words: vaunted pitching staff Even though we all agreed pitching/defense wins championships, watch a large percentage of posters suddenly change their philosophy to include offense. It just what happens when people can't criticize what's in front of them.

Haven't seen a hard hit ball off Farnsworth this entire series. This has really been pathetic.

QUOTE(fathom @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 02:19 PM) Yuck. Just one of those weekends ....which exposes your pitching. We're not a VAUNTED staff anymore. I doubt the league looks at probables against Buehrle, Garcia, Garland, Vazquez and shakes out of fear.

QUOTE(aboz56 @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 02:17 PM) Would I be asking too much if I asked for Thome to deliver here? 6LOB for JI JIM THOME.

QUOTE(SnB @ Jul 16, 2006 -> 02:15 PM) hey, remember when freddy won game 4 of the world series..........yeaaaaaaaaah. Yeah, that's in my memory bank with 2005 Politte. Both events have past, and unfortunately, both are now BAD.