Author Topic: This Month in Baseball - July (Read 1919 times)

KingPK · « **on:** July 01, 2018, 12:35:16 PM »

That contract will never look good.

So we're coming up on the All-Star break. What major moves will be made at the end of the month? Stay tuned!

KingPK · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2018, 09:04:23 AM »

Shane Victorino retired. Thanks for the homer in the '13 ALCS bro.

Baby Shoes · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2018, 12:58:10 PM »

I figured he’s been retired

alkeiper · « **Reply #3 on:** July 05, 2018, 12:19:36 AM »

Shane Victorino was a Rule 5 pick twice. The Padres gave him a trial in 2003, sent him back to the Dodgers. The Phillies selected Victorino in 2005. Victorino didn't make the team, the Phils offered him back to the Dodgers and the Dodgers declined. The Dodgers also non-tendered Jayson Werth after 2006. Straight up gave away two of the Phillies' starting outfielders that beat them in consectutive LCS's. But I digress. Anyway, 2005 was the first year I did scorekeeping for Baseball Info Solutions. I saw Victorino's breakout minor league season up close. He would hit a home run in his first at bat and hit a bunt single the next. Only 24 years old, power and speed, it was obvious the Phillies had something. Victorino won International League MVP, got a spot in the Phillies lineup and had a career.

2008. Victorino hit a grand slam off Sabathia in the second inning of game two and the Brewers were never in the series after that. Game four he hit the home run off Cory Wade in game four that tied the game. Everyone remembers Matt Stairs' home run, but without Victorino's home run that one doesn't happen. He hasn't played in two years, I think he was effectively retired but it's nice to reminisce about a player who provided a ton of good memories.

Thrasher · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2018, 05:52:36 PM »

Jennry Mejia has a better chance of playing on the Mets next season than David Wright.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24021862/new-york-mets-reliever-jennry-mejia-conditionally-allowed-return-drug-ban-2019

snuffbox · « **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2018, 10:48:29 AM »

Jesus Aguilar didn't make the all star game roster. I'd say MLB should be ashamed but that's the same business that's held onto a guy's lifetime ban well over a half century after he went into the ground.

Thrasher · « **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2018, 01:35:37 PM »

Mike Zagurski got DFA by the Brewers. Can't say he didn't deserve it but I really have an irrational hate of them.

alkeiper · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2018, 12:59:51 AM »

Quote from: snuffbox on July 08, 2018, 10:48:29 AM

Jesus Aguilar didn't make the all star game roster. I'd say MLB should be ashamed but that's the same business that's held onto a guy's lifetime ban well over a half century after he went into the ground.

Aguilar is tied for sixth in the National League among first basemen in WAR, never played enough to qualify for a batting title and just started leading the league in slugging percentage yesterday. How many players do we want in this thing?

alkeiper · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2018, 01:38:03 AM »

I purchased a ticket to the Futures Game in Washington by the way. It will be my first time checking out that ballpark.

snuffbox · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2018, 11:49:12 AM »

Quote from: alkeiper on July 09, 2018, 12:59:51 AM

Quote from: snuffbox on July 08, 2018, 10:48:29 AM
Jesus Aguilar didn't make the all star game roster. I'd say MLB should be ashamed but that's the same business that's held onto a guy's lifetime ban well over a half century after he went into the ground.
Aguilar is tied for sixth in the National League among first basemen in WAR, never played enough to qualify for a batting title and just started leading the league in slugging percentage yesterday. How many players do we want in this thing?

I know he wasn't famous last year but thanks.

Detective Ventriloquist · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2018, 12:12:17 PM »

Game 1 of a double header between the Phillies and Mets was won by the Mets when Wilmer Flores hit a walk off home run in the 10th. That gave him 10 career walk off RBI. He now leads the Mets for most career walk off RBI.

TheSSNintendo · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2018, 01:03:24 PM »

Quote from: alkeiper on July 09, 2018, 01:38:03 AM

I purchased a ticket to the Futures Game in Washington by the way. It will be my first time checking out that ballpark.

It's a wonderful stadium. Just a pain in the ass to get to.

alkeiper · « **Reply #12 on:** July 10, 2018, 01:02:05 AM »

Quote from: TheSSNintendo on July 09, 2018, 01:03:24 PM

Quote from: alkeiper on July 09, 2018, 01:38:03 AM
I purchased a ticket to the Futures Game in Washington by the way. It will be my first time checking out that ballpark.

It's a wonderful stadium. Just a pain in the ass to get to.

Driving, metro or both? I'm planning on metro.

snuffbox · « **Reply #13 on:** July 11, 2018, 12:13:57 PM »

Yay, Aguilar and Segura won the final vote!

Baby Shoes · « **Reply #14 on:** July 11, 2018, 01:45:08 PM »

Diamondbacks getting beat up so bad by the Rockies that I turned the game on in the 4th inning and Diamondbacks have a position player pitching.

KingPK · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2018, 11:44:50 AM »

PAY MOOKIE

At-bat of the year right there.

KingPK · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2018, 04:35:08 PM »

Just play this on loop above his plaque in Cooperstown in about 20 years. It wasn't like the last pitch was a meatball either; he golfed ball four over the Monster.

alkeiper · « **Reply #17 on:** July 13, 2018, 12:08:26 AM »

I hope fans soon appreciate how good Mookie Betts is. He may be the second best player in the game.

alkeiper · « **Reply #18 on:** July 13, 2018, 04:35:49 AM »

Chase Utley press conference this afternoon. There could be a retirement announcement coming. Brace yourselves, because I will sound the Hall of Fame drum for him.

Harley Quinn · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2018, 05:35:36 AM »

Quote from: alkeiper on July 13, 2018, 04:35:49 AM

Chase Utley press conference this afternoon. There could be a retirement announcement coming. Brace yourselves, because I will sound the Hall of Fame drum for him.

I dunno if I'd go that far mostly due to the injuries he accrued but I wouldn't be like, "OMG Worst Ever," either. He put up a 125 OPS+ from 2004-2014 with a 61.9 WAR including 5 years of MVP caliber production.

snuffbox · « **Reply #20 on:** July 14, 2018, 07:38:45 AM »

The Brewers are playing like it's the second half of the season or something.

strummer · « **Reply #21 on:** July 15, 2018, 02:18:44 PM »

So chances that Jacob deGrom is the first Cy Young winner with a losing record? Still ton of time left but certainly possible. Will baseball "purists" lose their shit or has the tide finally turned on wins for pitchers?

Thrasher · « **Reply #22 on:** July 15, 2018, 02:26:32 PM »

I went and saw the Padres/Cubs game today and 70%+ of the crowd were Cubs fans. Every Cubs player that stepped up to the plate got an ovation. About four years ago I saw the Padres/Dodgers play each other and I don't remember it being as bad.

KingPK · « **Reply #23 on:** July 15, 2018, 02:28:40 PM »

Feels good to see the Yankees doing so well....and still being 4.5 back.

The NL as a whole just seems aggressively mediocre this year so far. But the real trash of the league seems to be in the AL.

Detective Ventriloquist · « **Reply #24 on:** July 15, 2018, 10:44:00 PM »

Quote from: strummer on July 15, 2018, 02:18:44 PM

So chances that Jacob deGrom is the first Cy Young winner with a losing record? Still ton of time left but certainly possible. Will baseball "purists" lose their shit or has the tide finally turned on wins for pitchers?

He could end up with less than 10 wins and a well below 2.00 ERA. That's insane to think about.

KingPK · « **Reply #25 on:** July 16, 2018, 11:44:26 AM »

Really bland lineup for the Derby this year aside from Harper. If he goes out early so do the viewers.

Justin Verlander seems like the happiest man alive. Not that I blame him.

Krankor · « **Reply #26 on:** July 16, 2018, 02:06:56 PM »

That was an enjoyable Derby. Every matchup was close. Schwarber with 55 bombs.

alkeiper · « **Reply #27 on:** July 17, 2018, 01:25:47 AM »

Quote from: Detective Ventriloquist on July 15, 2018, 10:44:00 PM

Quote from: strummer on July 15, 2018, 02:18:44 PM
So chances that Jacob deGrom is the first Cy Young winner with a losing record? Still ton of time left but certainly possible. Will baseball "purists" lose their shit or has the tide finally turned on wins for pitchers?

He could end up with less than 10 wins and a well below 2.00 ERA. That's insane to think about.

deGrom is 5-4, which is still above .500. I can't imagine a scenario where he falls below .500 and is still the best pitcher in the league.

I could see a pitcher of deGrom's profile winning a Cy Young. Hernandez won it at 13-12. deGrom only has four losses, that's a positive. The problem is that Scherzer is 12-5, Nola is 12-3. They're both on pace for 20 wins, and if voters give deGrom a Cy Young they won't take it from a 20 game winner.

deGrom's season really is remarkable. In his last fifteen starts he's produced a 1.28 ERA and allowed sixteen runs total. The Mets are 5-10 in those starts. I think it's clear there are unusual circumstances in Queens this year.

Firmino of the 909 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 17, 2018, 10:31:30 AM »

Barring last-minute change, #Orioles’ return for Machado will include only prospects, no #Dodgers major leaguers, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 17, 2018

Machado is very likely going to the Doyers. Thank GAWD.

snuffbox · « **Reply #29 on:** July 17, 2018, 02:50:33 PM »

I'd be upset Milwaukee didnt get him but they employ racist, homophobic, misogynist Josh Hader so congrats LA. Better you than Milwaukee.

Thrasher · « **Reply #30 on:** July 17, 2018, 03:50:33 PM »

If Milwaukee needs a lefty who isn't racist, they have one that they just down to minors a week ago.

https://thebiglead.com/2018/07/18/josh-hader-twitter-racist-homophobic/

Krankor · « **Reply #31 on:** July 20, 2018, 09:04:33 AM »

Cardinals are in the process of hammering the Cubs 18-4.

Cubs have had three position players pitch.

Tommy LaStella, Infielder, went 1 1/3 Innings, 3 Hits, 1 ER, 0 Walks, 0 Strikeouts

Victor Caratini, Catcher/First Base, went 1 Inning, 2 Hits, 2 ER, 0 Walks, 0 Strikeouts

Edit: Ian Happ is in to pitch the 9th. 1 Inning, 1 Hit, 0 ER, 0 Walks, 0 Strikeouts.

KingPK · « **Reply #32 on:** July 20, 2018, 11:17:43 AM »

Price just got Brock Holt injured by being an idiot. As if this team hasn't had enough injury trouble at 2nd this year.

strummer · « **Reply #33 on:** July 21, 2018, 04:59:06 AM »

Looks like Jeurys Familia is headed to the A's. Hey Bored!

Firmino of the 909 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 21, 2018, 01:31:53 PM »

Standing ovation for Josh Hader. Wow. I should never be surprised by the inability of Americans to treat racist comments as they deserve, but I am genuinely floored by that reaction.

Cartman · « **Reply #35 on:** July 21, 2018, 02:47:40 PM »

So once a racist always a racist? People never change? Never grow up?

Firmino of the 909 · « **Reply #36 on:** July 21, 2018, 02:50:43 PM »

Quote from: Cartman on July 21, 2018, 02:47:40 PM

So once a racist always a racist? People never change? Never grow up?

So you give him a standing ovation after it was outed that he dropped all kinds of racial slurs? Bitch please.

KingPK · « **Reply #37 on:** July 21, 2018, 03:00:38 PM »

Quote from: Saddam of the 909 on July 21, 2018, 02:50:43 PM

Quote from: Cartman on July 21, 2018, 02:47:40 PM
So once a racist always a racist? People never change? Never grow up?

So you give him a standing ovation after it was outed that he dropped all kinds of racial slurs? Bitch please.

Personally I probably wouldn't give him a standing ovation, but I understand why he got it. It was seven years ago. If he did it last week you'd have a point, but where's the line here? When can we look at something like this and say "yeah, he was an idiot back then but he apologized and let's support him for it". Or is this a scarlet letter he's going to have to bear for the rest of his life and nothing he can do will change that? That just seems incredibly unfair.

Thrasher · « **Reply #38 on:** July 21, 2018, 03:20:24 PM »

Quote from: Saddam of the 909 on July 21, 2018, 01:31:53 PM

Standing ovation for Josh Hader. Wow. I should never be surprised by the inability of Americans to treat racist comments as they deserve, but I am genuinely floored by that reaction.

Hader's ERA is 1.44. They'll look the other way and forget it.

Firmino of the 909 · « **Reply #39 on:** July 21, 2018, 06:22:38 PM »

Brewers Josh Hader gets standing ovation from fans in Miller Park #LADvsMIL pic.twitter.com/oz10XWeqjt
— Justin (@Just1nMKE) July 22, 2018

I think the crowd shot says it all.

It is easy for some people to say it was x years ago, it's not like he said that stuff about the race of any of the people clapping in this video. To cheer him like that is actually appalling.

snuffbox · « **Reply #40 on:** July 22, 2018, 01:27:51 AM »

I'm not super comfortable going on in anger if Cain, Aguilar, etc can forgive him & Dave Roberts had no problem with the standing ovation last night. I can only speak for myself but they have a lot more room to talk about these matters than I do.

Smues · « **Reply #41 on:** July 22, 2018, 10:07:59 AM »

Syndergaard to the DL...with Hand,Foot, and mouth disease. LOL Mets, forever and always.

Baby Shoes · « **Reply #42 on:** July 22, 2018, 10:52:37 AM »

Quote from: Smues on July 22, 2018, 10:07:59 AM

Syndergaard to the DL...with Hand,Foot, and mouth disease. LOL Mets, forever and always.

Noah Syndergaard has hand foot and mouth disease? No way pic.twitter.com/pnGqPMFThH
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) July 22, 2018

Krankor · « **Reply #43 on:** July 22, 2018, 11:03:12 AM »

The Cespedes heel situation sounds kind of bleak. Some shit about the bone growing into the achilles. Mets just need to scrap the rest of this team and trade everyone away they can

Firmino of the 909 · « **Reply #44 on:** July 22, 2018, 12:38:55 PM »

Quote from: snuffbox on July 22, 2018, 01:27:51 AM

I'm not super comfortable going on in anger if Cain, Aguilar, etc can forgive him & Dave Roberts had no problem with the standing ovation last night. I can only speak for myself but they have a lot more room to talk about these matters than I do.

I'm not angry. It's more like, save it until the guy proves it. He should donate his time to a charity and prove it.

John Rocker got cheered massively without apologizing all those years ago, this isn't the first time baseball fans have done it. I think we have a sick society that tacitly endorses such comments, overall I think that's my problem here. If the shoe was on the other foot we know Hader would be booed.

Thrasher · « **Reply #45 on:** July 22, 2018, 01:02:25 PM »

Can some explain to me how a position player can pitch and have a low ERA but an actual reliever can have trouble pitching? (Not projecting here at all.) I get that a position player might pitch a couple of innings a year but most of them don't have double digit ERA's.

snuffbox · « **Reply #46 on:** July 22, 2018, 03:48:11 PM »

I assume the batters are taking it nice and easy when it gets to that point.

strummer · « **Reply #47 on:** July 22, 2018, 10:29:39 PM »

Thor contacted the hand, foot and mouth disease while working at a kid's camp over the summer. The New York Mets everyone! Where you become violently ill doing charity work for children!

alkeiper · « **Reply #48 on:** July 23, 2018, 12:02:56 AM »

Quote from: snuffbox on July 22, 2018, 03:48:11 PM

I assume the batters are taking it nice and easy when it gets to that point.

Agreed. Plus, they're facing guys they have no scouting reports on throwing slower than the speed they're used to hitting.

As far as Hader, we see baseball players perform and we know their skills, but we don't really know their character. Sportswriters will gush over the character of almost every good rookie in baseball, but we don't really know. Hader's teammates will vouch for him because it's a team sport, it's the clubhouse code and getting the story out of the way makes it easier for the team. I don't think Hader should be suspended or anything. But I don't know if I would boisterously cheer him right out of the gate. He could be a better person now, he might not. How am I really to know?

snuffbox · « **Reply #49 on:** July 23, 2018, 01:35:14 AM »

I accept his apology. But I'm not sure if I would've or wouldn't have stood to cheer if I had been at that game. I always politely applaud intros but I've only stood twice. Mark McGwire in 1999 and Carlos Gomez in 2014 (because I thought he was being treated like shit by MLB after the McCann incident the previous year).

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Author Topic: This Month in Baseball - July (Read 1919 times)