The first in a semi-periodic update of the playoff field and my take on how things will play out.
Offense: The Minutemen struck out more times (970) than they scored (900), so things don't particularly bode well. Russell Bowie 30 homers and 106 RBI are an imposing presence in the lineup as are hit machines Darryl Coles (193 hits and 71 SB) and Hector Pettitte (184 hits). Kansas City trots out the a murderer's row -- Pat Saunders, Al Mendoza, Henry Cust, Philip Jacobs, Darrin Cooper, Hunter Pierre...six Monarch hitters drove in 100+ runs. EDGE: Uhhh, KC?
Pitching: Bahstun is lead into battle by the 1-2 of Groucho Hunter and Rob Thomson. The pair combined for 28 wins and a 4.01 ERA. Both are effective, but not intimidating. Speaking of intimidating, Kansas City will start a duo of 23-game winners in Bennie Pujols and Midre Navarre. And the others ones aren't too bad either. EDGE: Kansas City.
Prediction: Kansas City in 5. Boston's pretty pesky.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wherio is Nerio?
I've gone deadbeat with the blog thing so thanks to some of you checking in with your posts. Send your submissions via SiteMail.
Where Are They Now? Nerio Turner
Think back. Way back. All the way back to last season. Remember that hulking slugger Nerio Turner? We here at the Onion Blog decided to take a long at season 2 and how it compared with season 1. In 20 less at-bats, Nerio had 28 fewer runs, 25 fewer hits, 25 fewer home runs, 50 less RBI's, with a slight drop in walks and a big jump in strikeouts. Accordingly, his batting average, on base percentage and OPS also dropped.
So what's the cause for the decline in these numbers? Age shouldn't yet be a factor as Nerio is still a spry 27 year old. Nerio did have a 15 day stint on the DL, but that shouldn't have caused that dropoff. Maybe Nerio just returned the earth this season. Maybe the fat contract he signed in the offseason didn't leave him as hungry as last season. Maybe the Mitchell Report had something to do with it....?
When we approached Nerio about the subject, he had no comment, citing the upcoming playoff series against 6th seed, Arizona. He said "he didn't want any distractions."
Next season, we'll again check in with Nerio to see if he returns to season 1 form, or if it was an aberration.
Where Are They Now? Nerio Turner
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Think back. Way back. All the way back to last season. Remember that hulking slugger Nerio Turner? We here at the Onion Blog decided to take a long at season 2 and how it compared with season 1. In 20 less at-bats, Nerio had 28 fewer runs, 25 fewer hits, 25 fewer home runs, 50 less RBI's, with a slight drop in walks and a big jump in strikeouts. Accordingly, his batting average, on base percentage and OPS also dropped.
So what's the cause for the decline in these numbers? Age shouldn't yet be a factor as Nerio is still a spry 27 year old. Nerio did have a 15 day stint on the DL, but that shouldn't have caused that dropoff. Maybe Nerio just returned the earth this season. Maybe the fat contract he signed in the offseason didn't leave him as hungry as last season. Maybe the Mitchell Report had something to do with it....?
When we approached Nerio about the subject, he had no comment, citing the upcoming playoff series against 6th seed, Arizona. He said "he didn't want any distractions."
Next season, we'll again check in with Nerio to see if he returns to season 1 form, or if it was an aberration.
Awards Preview: NL MVP
Unlike the A.L. MVP race, there's no clear-cut choice in the N.L. You might say, "Well, Timo the Great Phillips is on the ballot, led the N.L. yet again in OPS, end of story, right?" But I'd say, "Not so fast, Bud -- there's more the story!"
Timo Phillips is a great hitter and had another fine year. However, he (a) only played 113 games because of a DL stint; (b) was helped greatly by the bandbox that passes for a ballpark in San Juan (what, because it's an island the ballpark has gotta be small???); and (c) played for a last place team yet again. Timo led the N.L. with a 1.186 OPS, but his home OPS at cozy Hi Bithorn Stadium was a whopping 1.338, while on the road it was a still-great-but-not-the-best 1.031. Call it the "Opposite Mendoza Effect" if you like.
Which brings us to Wayne Ramsey of the Cubbies. A fine, fine year, no doubt about it. Led the N.L. w/53 home runs, and finished second in RBIs with 156. Played in a hitter's park, but his stats are home-road neutral, so his numbers are legit. However, like Phillips, Ramsey played for a last place team. Also, he plays 1B, the least valuable defensive position, and did so without distinction this season.
Next up: Joe Stein of the Austin City Limit. Another guy whose OPS topped 1.000. Listed as a SS, he actually spent most of the season shuttling between 3B and CF, playing them adequately but not spectacularly. Austin didn't finish last (they're in the same division as San Juan), but did finish 24 games back.
Pablo Johnson of the Cincy Motorboaters is a more traditional MVP candidate: the leading homer and RBI guy for the team that led the N.L. in wins. However, his numbers, 36 homers, 117 RBIs, and a .958 OPS, are tremendous but not as good as some others. His OPS is only 10th in the league, for example.
The final candidate on the ballot is Johnny Costello of Washington, another playoff team. Little Johnny had a fantastic year for the Senators, his 120 walks and .456 OBP the standout numbers. The rest wasn't shabby either, as he hit .317 with 36 homers, 116 RBIs, and 130 runs scored. On the downside, he played an undistinguished left field and missed 24 games due to injury.
So, you may ask, "Who IS the N.L. MVP? Sounds like it's really close!" Heck if I know! Seems like a coin flip year to me. Given a choice, I'd actually take a guy who's not even on the ballot: James Gao, Colorado Springs' superhuman catcher. Despite playing in a pitcher's park, Gao put up incredible offensive numbers for a catcher, played good defense, and logged 161 games behind the plate. His overall stats -- .905 OPS, 26 homers, 142 RBIs, .325 AVG -- are less than the five candidates above, but consider this: (a) his defensive contribution was by far the most valuable; (b) he's the star position player on a team that won their division for the second season in a row; and (c) his road numbers are very impressive, with 83 RBIs in 80 games, a .353 AVG, and a .950 OPS.
Do they take write-in candidates? :-)
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Timo Phillips is a great hitter and had another fine year. However, he (a) only played 113 games because of a DL stint; (b) was helped greatly by the bandbox that passes for a ballpark in San Juan (what, because it's an island the ballpark has gotta be small???); and (c) played for a last place team yet again. Timo led the N.L. with a 1.186 OPS, but his home OPS at cozy Hi Bithorn Stadium was a whopping 1.338, while on the road it was a still-great-but-not-the-best 1.031. Call it the "Opposite Mendoza Effect" if you like.
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Which brings us to Wayne Ramsey of the Cubbies. A fine, fine year, no doubt about it. Led the N.L. w/53 home runs, and finished second in RBIs with 156. Played in a hitter's park, but his stats are home-road neutral, so his numbers are legit. However, like Phillips, Ramsey played for a last place team. Also, he plays 1B, the least valuable defensive position, and did so without distinction this season.
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Next up: Joe Stein of the Austin City Limit. Another guy whose OPS topped 1.000. Listed as a SS, he actually spent most of the season shuttling between 3B and CF, playing them adequately but not spectacularly. Austin didn't finish last (they're in the same division as San Juan), but did finish 24 games back.
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Pablo Johnson of the Cincy Motorboaters is a more traditional MVP candidate: the leading homer and RBI guy for the team that led the N.L. in wins. However, his numbers, 36 homers, 117 RBIs, and a .958 OPS, are tremendous but not as good as some others. His OPS is only 10th in the league, for example.
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The final candidate on the ballot is Johnny Costello of Washington, another playoff team. Little Johnny had a fantastic year for the Senators, his 120 walks and .456 OBP the standout numbers. The rest wasn't shabby either, as he hit .317 with 36 homers, 116 RBIs, and 130 runs scored. On the downside, he played an undistinguished left field and missed 24 games due to injury.
So, you may ask, "Who IS the N.L. MVP? Sounds like it's really close!" Heck if I know! Seems like a coin flip year to me. Given a choice, I'd actually take a guy who's not even on the ballot: James Gao, Colorado Springs' superhuman catcher. Despite playing in a pitcher's park, Gao put up incredible offensive numbers for a catcher, played good defense, and logged 161 games behind the plate. His overall stats -- .905 OPS, 26 homers, 142 RBIs, .325 AVG -- are less than the five candidates above, but consider this: (a) his defensive contribution was by far the most valuable; (b) he's the star position player on a team that won their division for the second season in a row; and (c) his road numbers are very impressive, with 83 RBIs in 80 games, a .353 AVG, and a .950 OPS.
Do they take write-in candidates? :-)
Awards Preview: AL MVP
Awards voting has been made available and, with the help of your friend and mine Ralph Bedwell, we'll preview the MVP and Cy Young races. Why not Rookie of the Year you say? Eh, no one cares about freshmen.
Ralph picks up the slack with the AL MVP Race:
Poor Pat Saunders of the K.C. Monarchs. All he did was hit .382 with 25 homers, 106 RBIs, and 161 runs scored as the leadoff hitter for a team that won 114 regular season games and smoked the rest of the field for the second consecutive year. That got him on the MVP list, but does he have any real chance of winning the prestigious award? Not as chancee! In fact, two of his teammates figure to finish ahead of him in the voting.
Henry Cust is a similar story. The Monarchs' All-World second sacker is on the MVP list for the second year in a row, and with good reason: .323, 41 homers (for the second consecutive season), 143 RBIs, 162 runs scored, not to mention 118 walks and great defense at 2B. But does he have a chance to crown his career with the MVP? No way!
Andy Porter of Milwaukee (54 bombs, 143 RBIs, 122 runs, .305) and Dario White of the Chechakos (1.005 OPS and 7 plus plays in CF) must be similarly frustrated. If they have MVP bonus clauses in their contracts, they will NOT get paid this season.
The reason? Al Mendoza, of course. Setting new standards for the mythical Mendoza Line, Big Al hit .366, crushed 54 homers, scored 133 runs, and plated 182 RBIs (yes, 182 -- that's not a typo!) in just 138 games for the Monarchs. Imagine what his numbers would be if he hadn't been rested so much. But looking deeper, Mendoza's season was even more extraordinary than that. It turns out that K.C.'s cavernous ballpark hurt Mendoza's numbers -- a lot. On the road his numbers were simply unbelieveable: 36 homers, 103 RBIs, 70 runs, and an .801 SLG, all in just 66 road games. Yes, that's right: if Mendoza had played his entire season on the road, his numbers might well have been 72 homers and 206 RBIs!
Whatever angle you take, it looks pretty clear: whether he actually wins the vote or not, Al Mendoza is your AL MVP for season two.
Ralph picks up the slack with the AL MVP Race:
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Poor Pat Saunders of the K.C. Monarchs. All he did was hit .382 with 25 homers, 106 RBIs, and 161 runs scored as the leadoff hitter for a team that won 114 regular season games and smoked the rest of the field for the second consecutive year. That got him on the MVP list, but does he have any real chance of winning the prestigious award? Not as chancee! In fact, two of his teammates figure to finish ahead of him in the voting.
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Henry Cust is a similar story. The Monarchs' All-World second sacker is on the MVP list for the second year in a row, and with good reason: .323, 41 homers (for the second consecutive season), 143 RBIs, 162 runs scored, not to mention 118 walks and great defense at 2B. But does he have a chance to crown his career with the MVP? No way!
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Andy Porter of Milwaukee (54 bombs, 143 RBIs, 122 runs, .305) and Dario White of the Chechakos (1.005 OPS and 7 plus plays in CF) must be similarly frustrated. If they have MVP bonus clauses in their contracts, they will NOT get paid this season.
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The reason? Al Mendoza, of course. Setting new standards for the mythical Mendoza Line, Big Al hit .366, crushed 54 homers, scored 133 runs, and plated 182 RBIs (yes, 182 -- that's not a typo!) in just 138 games for the Monarchs. Imagine what his numbers would be if he hadn't been rested so much. But looking deeper, Mendoza's season was even more extraordinary than that. It turns out that K.C.'s cavernous ballpark hurt Mendoza's numbers -- a lot. On the road his numbers were simply unbelieveable: 36 homers, 103 RBIs, 70 runs, and an .801 SLG, all in just 66 road games. Yes, that's right: if Mendoza had played his entire season on the road, his numbers might well have been 72 homers and 206 RBIs!
Whatever angle you take, it looks pretty clear: whether he actually wins the vote or not, Al Mendoza is your AL MVP for season two.
Awards Preview: AL Cy Young
Awards voting has been made available and, with the help of your friend and mine Ralph Bedwell, we'll preview the MVP and Cy Young races. Why not Rookie of the Year you say? Eh, no one cares about freshmen.
AL Cy Young nominees:
23-4, 2.85 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 163K
If the Kansas City 1-2 splits the voting, Petersen could very well pick up the trophy. Never mind that his strikeout numbers were down and hits allowed were up. The righty won nine more games in S.2 and cut his ERA more than three-quarters of a run between seasons.
23-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 134K
Four complete games and 221+ innings pitched prove his durability. His 3:1 K/BB ratio show his power. But, his S.1 to S.2 splits are impressive for a 30 year old -- he cut his hits, runs, walks and ERA. Not too shabby.
23-5, 3.33 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 174K
He's got style, flash, a nifty fastball and a sweet 'stache. And, this sunofabitch made opposing hitters look silly this yea, striking out 174 batters in 238.1 innings. How'd you like to take him and Navarre 1-2 in your rotation?
18-11, 3.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 142K
The cornerstone of a resurgent Arizona team which gave KC chase during the first half and locked up a playoff appearance in the second half. His numbers aren't lights out, but there is something to be said about a guy who wins 20 percent of his team's games.
16-4, 2.88 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 194K
The stats smoke. Absolutely smoke. And he missed at least two starts after going on the DL with a irritated nerve in his forearm (didn't a pitcher for the Cubs go out with muscle damage from playing PlayStation games?).
This guy's pick? Mel Peterson. But, I picked the Lakers and the Patriots.
AL Cy Young nominees:
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23-4, 2.85 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 163K
If the Kansas City 1-2 splits the voting, Petersen could very well pick up the trophy. Never mind that his strikeout numbers were down and hits allowed were up. The righty won nine more games in S.2 and cut his ERA more than three-quarters of a run between seasons.
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23-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 134K
Four complete games and 221+ innings pitched prove his durability. His 3:1 K/BB ratio show his power. But, his S.1 to S.2 splits are impressive for a 30 year old -- he cut his hits, runs, walks and ERA. Not too shabby.
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23-5, 3.33 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 174K
He's got style, flash, a nifty fastball and a sweet 'stache. And, this sunofabitch made opposing hitters look silly this yea, striking out 174 batters in 238.1 innings. How'd you like to take him and Navarre 1-2 in your rotation?
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18-11, 3.57 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 142K
The cornerstone of a resurgent Arizona team which gave KC chase during the first half and locked up a playoff appearance in the second half. His numbers aren't lights out, but there is something to be said about a guy who wins 20 percent of his team's games.
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16-4, 2.88 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 194K
The stats smoke. Absolutely smoke. And he missed at least two starts after going on the DL with a irritated nerve in his forearm (didn't a pitcher for the Cubs go out with muscle damage from playing PlayStation games?).
This guy's pick? Mel Peterson. But, I picked the Lakers and the Patriots.
Awards Preview: NL Cy Young
Awards voting has been made available and, with the help of your friend and mine Ralph Bedwell, we'll preview the MVP and Cy Young races. Why not Rookie of the Year you say? Eh, no one cares about freshmen.
NL Cy Young nominees:
23-5, 2.78 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 182K
Big year for 31 year old pitchers. Johnson spent season two cutting his bad numbers and raising his good ones. Wins: +7, Ks: +24, Losses: -6, Hits: -10, ERA: -.29, Teeth in that smile: +20.
21-6, 2.60 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 205K
Check that badass facial hair. Just a total stud on the hill with a rubber arm -- 12 complete games and 263 innings pitched.
12-5, 44/56 SV, 1.06 WHIP
I love my reliever and consider him a big part of my team. But, the starters were just too damn good this year. Next...
20-8, 3.17 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 248K
Another stud who, despite his 230 hits allowed, still struck out more batters and threw 269 innings.
4-2, 1.67 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 37/45 SV
Blah, blah, blah reliever, blah blah, blah saves, hello....0.86 WHIP and .195 OAV. Not too bad. Still though...
This guy's vote: Lon Costello
NL Cy Young nominees:
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23-5, 2.78 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 182K
Big year for 31 year old pitchers. Johnson spent season two cutting his bad numbers and raising his good ones. Wins: +7, Ks: +24, Losses: -6, Hits: -10, ERA: -.29, Teeth in that smile: +20.
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21-6, 2.60 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 205K
Check that badass facial hair. Just a total stud on the hill with a rubber arm -- 12 complete games and 263 innings pitched.
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12-5, 44/56 SV, 1.06 WHIP
I love my reliever and consider him a big part of my team. But, the starters were just too damn good this year. Next...
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20-8, 3.17 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 248K
Another stud who, despite his 230 hits allowed, still struck out more batters and threw 269 innings.
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4-2, 1.67 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 37/45 SV
Blah, blah, blah reliever, blah blah, blah saves, hello....0.86 WHIP and .195 OAV. Not too bad. Still though...
This guy's vote: Lon Costello
Untitled
Awards voting has been made available and, with the help of your friend and mine Ralph Bedwell, we'll preview the MVP and Cy Young races. Why not Rookie of the Year you say? Eh, no one cares about freshmen.
NL Cy Young nominees:
23-5, 2.78 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 182K
Big year for 31 year old pitchers. Johnson spent season two cutting his bad numbers and raising his good ones. Wins: +7, Ks: +24, Losses: -6, Hits: -10, ERA: -.29, Teeth in that smile: +20.
21-6, 2.60 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 205K
Check that badass facial hair. Just a total stud on the hill with a rubber arm -- 12 complete games and 263 innings pitched.
12-5, 44/56 SV, 1.06 WHIP
I love my reliever and consider him a big part of my team. But, the starters were just too damn good this year. Next...
20-8, 3.17 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 248K
Another stud who, despite his 230 hits allowed, still struck out more batters and threw 269 innings.
4-2, 1.67 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 37/45 SV
Blah, blah, blah reliever, blah blah, blah saves, hello....0.86 WHIP and .195 OAV. Not too bad. Still though...
This guy's vote: Lon Costello
NL Cy Young nominees:
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23-5, 2.78 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 182K
Big year for 31 year old pitchers. Johnson spent season two cutting his bad numbers and raising his good ones. Wins: +7, Ks: +24, Losses: -6, Hits: -10, ERA: -.29, Teeth in that smile: +20.
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21-6, 2.60 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 205K
Check that badass facial hair. Just a total stud on the hill with a rubber arm -- 12 complete games and 263 innings pitched.
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12-5, 44/56 SV, 1.06 WHIP
I love my reliever and consider him a big part of my team. But, the starters were just too damn good this year. Next...
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20-8, 3.17 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 248K
Another stud who, despite his 230 hits allowed, still struck out more batters and threw 269 innings.
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4-2, 1.67 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 37/45 SV
Blah, blah, blah reliever, blah blah, blah saves, hello....0.86 WHIP and .195 OAV. Not too bad. Still though...
This guy's vote: Lon Costello
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Saturday, June 21, 2008
Where the hell did the blog go?
So, at some point this season, you might have said to yourself, "Self. I thought this league had a blog." It did. It does. Mostly. The window of season two fell smack in the middle of what we in the not-for-profit industry call the "spring events season." Galas. Golf tournaments. Really, the last chance to make major bucks before July 1 and the fiscal new year. Combine that with a heavy class load and my time for posting has been reduced considerably.
I anticipate playoff previews in the early part of the week, as well as the season-end power rankings. But, here's where the fun begins. I head to Vegas for a week on Thursday (business and pleasure), come back for four days, then head to North Carolina for a week (vacation). So, the blog will be even more sporadic than normal.
That said, I would be HAPPY to take guest postings, if you would like. Seasons in review, free agent "rumors" (they don't even have to be your own players), Hank Steinbrenner-like rants...whatever you would want to submit. Posting isn't always the problem. Sitting down and coming up with the post becomes the time consumer for me lately.
You should sitemail or trade chat me if you have something for the blog. My goal is to come back after vacations and ramp up the efforts going into season three.
And speaking of season three, let's get off our asses and re-up.
Thanks all!
I anticipate playoff previews in the early part of the week, as well as the season-end power rankings. But, here's where the fun begins. I head to Vegas for a week on Thursday (business and pleasure), come back for four days, then head to North Carolina for a week (vacation). So, the blog will be even more sporadic than normal.
That said, I would be HAPPY to take guest postings, if you would like. Seasons in review, free agent "rumors" (they don't even have to be your own players), Hank Steinbrenner-like rants...whatever you would want to submit. Posting isn't always the problem. Sitting down and coming up with the post becomes the time consumer for me lately.
You should sitemail or trade chat me if you have something for the blog. My goal is to come back after vacations and ramp up the efforts going into season three.
And speaking of season three, let's get off our asses and re-up.
Thanks all!
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