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The All-Star Break is over! The NEW MLB Thread - This half we get stickied for sure!

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P

Poody

What program do you use to photoshop a picture?
"At first, I thought I might have a cramp or something,'' Penny said. ``I felt it when I released the ball at full extension. I felt fine warming up before the game. Anytime something like that happens, it's frustrating. But at least it wasn't my elbow or shoulder.''

Tracy said Carrara will not take Penny's spot in the rotation if Penny can't make his next scheduled start Friday in Chicago.



yahoo sports
 
M

Mrbob

Member
Wow. What a pathetic game. The Cubs handed this game away to the Giants. Can this team not function with Nomar resting? Good grief! I can't believe this team is leading the Wild Card with how stupid they play sometimes. Problems I noticed in this game:

1) Top first. Corey Patterson gets on base. Gets picked off in a rundown because he isn't paying attention to what the pitcher is doing.

2) Bottom first. Ramirez doesn't catch the pop up with two outs. Lets Bonds score

3) Sosa. He can't hit shit. The guy is struggling and needs a day off. He was letting huge breaking pitches that should be crushed past him. He iis like 0 for his last 6000.

4) In the 4th inning, Alou with another stupid running mistake. Sosa actually hits the ball towards right field for once, which is amazing in itself, but dumbass Alou keeps on running. He gets picked off of first in a double play.

5) The "Bonds shift' play in the 7th. Bonds hits the ball to Grudz, who for some reason doesn't throw it to 2nd for the force out. He throws it to first to get Bonds out. But then no one is covering 3rd so the baserunner gets over there and scores on the next chopper out to first.

6) Kyle Farnsworth. On a bunt in the 8th, he throws the ball over the head of Todd Walker at first base. Leads to a two run inning.


All in all, they deserved to lose this game tonight. They played like shit. Even Wood didn't have his A game tonight, but he kept the team in the ballgame despite all the problems. Then they fell apart totally after he left. This was a painful one to watch.

Yeah, Sosa is looking really, really bad. He should be batting 7th or 8th.
Click to expand...

Right now, as crappy as he is swringing, he should be in the 9 hole with the pitcher batting eighth. Hell, I expect the pitcher to make better contact than Sosa right now.
 
element

element

Member
Ninja Scooter said:
:( you sure? THe espn ticker said he was retiring effective immedately? Either way is sad. They should put a statue up of him in front of Safeco.
Click to expand...
listening to the press conference right now. ESPN jumped the gun.
 
D

Desperado

Member
mlb.com said:
HOUSTON -- Sometime between now and Nov. 1, the Houston Astros will likely pick up the option on Craig Biggio's 2005 contract, which will pay Biggio $3 million if exercised or $1 million if the Astros buy it out.

Until that day arrives, however, Houston's all-time hits leader and seven-time All-Star has been taking ground balls at second base just in case he needs to make a move next season.

"You never know what's going to happen," Biggio told MLB.com on Sunday. "The thing that concerns me right now is trying to get to the Wild Card, that's the main thing. On a personal side, after 17 years of being with one organization and two different owners, if I have to leave it would be a huge disappointment.

"I hope it doesn't come to that. I really want to finish my career with the Astros, but it's not up to me. I love Houston, I love the fans here, they've been great to me. It's really hard for me to imagine not being a part of this organization."

The thought of Biggio playing anywhere but Houston is unthinkable, not after all he has done for this organization and this city, and all the times during his prime when he could have left but chose to stay. It would be like seeing Cal Ripken in a uniform other than Baltimore's, or Kirby Puckett wearing a jersey that didn't have Minnesota on the front.

Biggio's contributions to this city are much more than just his Hall of Fame-worthy resume, which includes 19 team records, four Gold Gloves and the longest tenure with one team of any active ballplayer other than Cincinnati's Barry Larkin.

Without Biggio and teammate Jeff Bagwell, the Astros might not be in Houston today.

Without those two the Astros likely wouldn't have won three consecutive division titles in the late '90s. And without those playoff appearances, the referendum that narrowly passed to get a new stadium might not have succeeded, which would have meant no Minute Maid Park and no 30-year commitment to keep the team in Houston.

In addition to his civic impact there's also Biggio's significant contributions to the organization past and present. He may not be the player he was five years ago, but Biggio is still a valuable asset to the lineup.

"No way you can argue with 2,600 hits, his on-base percentage is up there, he's tied for the team lead in homers," Astros manager Phil Garner said. "He's just had a very good year. [Changing positions] is never an easy thing to do, especially during the middle of the season, but from what I've seen, he's handled it about as well as you could have expected."

Biggio, who led all Major Leaguers in hits (1,660) during the 10 years preceding the 2004 season, is hitting .291, the second-highest figure among Houston starters. His .359 on-base percentage trails only Lance Berkman and Bagwell and his .333 batting average against lefties is the highest on the club. Bagwell, Berkman and Mike Lamb are the only Astros who have a higher batting average against right-handers than Biggio. Biggio's 17 home runs are tied for the team-high.

Those numbers alone make Biggio a bargain for 2005, and that doesn't include the other contributions.

Remember it was Biggio who turned down more money from the Yankees and Rockies to re-sign with Houston in 1996.

Biggio agreed to defer money to help the Astros go after other talent that otherwise wouldn't have fit in the budget.

Biggio came up as a catcher, but moved to second base because that's what the Astros wanted. He moved to the outfield when the Astros signed second baseman Jeff Kent and moved again to left field when the Astros traded for Carlos Beltran.

Not many players of Biggio's stature would have taken the frequent moves without complaining publicly and yet Biggio time and time again quietly took one for the team. We hear so many times about team players. The Astros have an opportunity to show what being a team player is worth.

It is true there has been some inevitable decline in his skills over the years, but Biggio still gives his all on every play. You won't see Biggio get thrown out at second base on a hit down the line for lack of hustle.

Some fans criticize Biggio's defense in left field, overlooking the fact that he'd played only seven games at the position before this season. And left field at Minute Maid, with it's short distance and scoreboard fence that makes playing balls off the wall an adventure, is one of the more difficult in baseball to master.

"There's really no way to practice [playing balls off the wall] because most of the balls hit in [batting practice] are in the seats," Berkman said. "There's a lot of caroms to learn out there."

Biggio has had to self-educate himself on the position as he goes and still maintain his average and production as Houston's leadoff man. There have been a lot of factors contributing to Houston's disappointing season, but it would be unfair to blame them on Biggio.

On the contrary, the $2 million difference in what it would cost the organization to keep Biggio over letting him go next season would be money wisely spent.

The Astros would be hard pressed to find better bang for their buck than Biggio at that price, especially as his pursuit of 3,000 hits gathers steam and begins to capture the fans' attention the way Tony Gwynn's, Paul Molitor's and Robin Yount's quest for 3,000 did in recent years.

Biggio, who has 2,590 career hits, has a shot to become the 26th member of the 3,000 hit club and there's nothing he'd like more than to get his 3,000th as an Astro.

"[Three thousand] is a special number," Biggio said. "I think if you get to the point where it looks like it's going to be attainable, you've got to go for it. There's a small number of people that actually got there and to be able to get there with one team -- if I'm fortunate enough to get there with the Astros that would really be special."

Though it seems clear Biggio will be back next year, the player and club haven't talked about 2005 yet. Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker said the decision will be made after the season.

"We normally address those [players with options] after the season," Hunsicker said. "Obviously, it's something we're going to look at, but those decisions normally aren't made until after the season when we [Hunsicker, Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. and team president Tal Smith] can sit down and discuss what we'd like to do."

McLane has repeatedly said he would like to see Biggio finish his career with Houston and go to the Hall of Fame as an Astro.

"Craig's been here as long as I have, even longer," he said. "He's an important part of the Houston Astros."

Biggio's relationship with the Houston owner has him optimistic things will work out to both sides' satisfaction.

"I think there has been some serious loyalty from Drayton and from myself," Biggio said. "He's compromised in the past and so have I, both I think for the good of the team. Obviously, we both love this city and the Astros."

Unlike most option decisions, this one isn't a question of money. The value of Biggio's option pales in comparison to Kent's, which is worth $9.5 million.

The issue is playing time. The Astros have prospects like outfielder Jason Lane and second baseman Chris Burke waiting in the wings for a shot at an everyday job.

With only three players under contract for next season -- Bagwell, catcher Brad Ausmus and pitcher Andy Pettitte -- the Astros will also have to decide whether to begin extensive rebuilding this winter, in which case Biggio's playing time and chances of playing in a World Series might be improved by going elsewhere.

Rebuilding teams need drawing cards, and Biggio going after 3,000 hits would fit the bill. He's also insurance if Lane or Burke, who may not be ready to make the jump to the Majors, show they aren't ready to be everyday players.

One scenario has the Astros declining to pick up Kent's option with Biggio moving back to second base, a position where he won four Gold Gloves.

Would Biggio mind moving back to the keystone?

"I'd love it," he said. "I've got more experience playing there than anywhere else. But you know me, I just want to play, and I'll play wherever they tell me to play."

Biggio at second alongside slick-fielding shortstop Adam Everett would work well for the Astros. Biggio's last second base partner was Julio Lugo, not the ideal defensive pairing. But Everett and Biggio would arguably be a defensive upgrade over the current tandem as well as opening up a corner outfield spot for Lane.

The price tag of $3 million (plus a possible $1.5 million in incentives) would also help the Astros budget-wise as they try to re-sign Berkman and Beltran to long-term deals this winter.

From all sides, bringing back Biggio is a no-brainer. There should be no doubt he has earned the right to remain an Astro until he's ready to retire. This organization, and this city, owes Craig Biggio that much.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%.
 
M

Mashing

Member
I know you're a Cubs fan that that inherently means you say stupid shit... but that one takes the cake. I'm truely speachless. If you look at Bigg's numbers you would see that the lists he is on is with very exclusive company. It's like saying Bonds sucks, you know it's not true.
 
C

Cubsfan23

Banned
Cap Anson August 3, 1897
Honus Wagner June 9, 1914
Nap Lajoie September 27, 1914 (First game)
Ty Cobb August 19, 1921 (Second game)
Tris Speaker May 17, 1925
Eddie Collins June 3, 1925
Paul Waner June 19, 1942
Stan Musial May 13, 1958
Hank Aaron May 17, 1970 (Second game)
Willie Mays July 18, 1970
Roberto Clemente September 30, 1972
Al Kaline September 24, 1974
Pete Rose May 5, 1978
Lou Brock August 13, 1979
Carl Yastrzemski September 12, 1979
Rod Carew August 4, 1985
Robin Yount September 9, 1992
George Brett September 30, 1992
Dave Winfield September 16, 1993
Eddie Murray June 30, 1995
Paul Molitor September 16, 1996
Tony Gwynn August 6, 1999
Wade Boggs August 7, 1999
Cal Ripken Jr. April 15, 2000
Rickey Henderson

Biggio isn't as good as these guys
 
M

Mashing

Member
If you say so... but thankfully our two opionins don't mean shit. If you ask the sportswriters if they'd vote Biggio into the Hall of Fame... I'm certain most of them would say yes.

I am curious though, why do you think he's not as great as those players?
 
N

Ninja Scooter

Member
Cubsfan23 said:
Cap Anson August 3, 1897
Honus Wagner June 9, 1914
Nap Lajoie September 27, 1914 (First game)
Ty Cobb August 19, 1921 (Second game)
Tris Speaker May 17, 1925
Eddie Collins June 3, 1925
Paul Waner June 19, 1942
Stan Musial May 13, 1958
Hank Aaron May 17, 1970 (Second game)
Willie Mays July 18, 1970
Roberto Clemente September 30, 1972
Al Kaline September 24, 1974
Pete Rose May 5, 1978
Lou Brock August 13, 1979
Carl Yastrzemski September 12, 1979
Rod Carew August 4, 1985
Robin Yount September 9, 1992
George Brett September 30, 1992
Dave Winfield September 16, 1993
Eddie Murray June 30, 1995
Paul Molitor September 16, 1996
Tony Gwynn August 6, 1999
Wade Boggs August 7, 1999
Cal Ripken Jr. April 15, 2000
Rickey Henderson

Biggio isn't as good as these guys
Click to expand...

how come you don't have a date for Ricky!?!
henderson.jpg

"Today, i am the greatest of alltimes!"
 
M

Matrix

LeBron loves his girlfriend. There is no other woman in the world he’d rather have. The problem is, Dwyane’s not a woman.
Mashing,dont listen to anything he writes.He lives in his own world where he thinks the Cubs have a chance of winning a World Series while he's alive....

most people with baseball knowledge know he's nuts.
 
M

Mrbob

Member
I got a question about MLBTV. You can purchase the rest of the season for 40 bucks. Does this include playoff games??! Otherwise I might as well just buy the monthly pass for 15. I noticed Foxsports is taking control of most cubs games over the next two months. I don't get Foxsports Chicago so I'm gonna have to start watching the streams online. Which isn't a big deal 'cause it is crystal clear! I don't want to miss out on the action.

PS Biggio sucks
 
L

Lathentar

Looking for Pants
Cubsfan23 said:
Ugh, Biggio would easily be the worst 3,000 hit man.
Click to expand...

Gold Glove and All Star Catcher
Gold Glove and All Star 2nd Basemen
Now a decent outfielder...

Possibility to reach 3,000 hits

He should seriously be considered for the Hall of Fame.
 
M

Mashing

Member
Mrbob said:
I got a question about MLBTV. You can purchase the rest of the season for 40 bucks. Does this include playoff games??! Otherwise I might as well just buy the monthly pass for 15. I noticed Foxsports is taking control of most cubs games over the next two months. I don't get Foxsports Chicago so I'm gonna have to start watching the streams online. Which isn't a big deal 'cause it is crystal clear! I don't want to miss out on the action.

PS Biggio sucks
Click to expand...

[lie]yes you can watch your own home games on MLBTV... they are NOT, repeat NOT blacked out in your home terrority. You can feel free that your money is not going to be wasted[/lie]
 
E

Eminem

goddamit, Griese!
i'm wondering if Frank Thomas is a hall of famer....2 MVPs, has always had solid numbers, really popular for a while...he would be in i would think, but it's ab it borderline
 
M

Mrbob

Member
Haha!

My zip code is not part of the Cubs regional broadcast area (I live in Wisconsin) so I won't get local black outs. I can't watch Brewers games online though. :( Teh horror.
 
M

Mashing

Member
You should be ok then...

Why they fucking blackout games that aren't fucking televised is beyond my comprehension... do consider radio broadcasts as being "televised"?
 
D

Desperado

Member
All-time National League leader [2nd overall] - Leadoff HR's [37 or 38 I think]

4th All-time in HBP [ok it isn't really meaningful but still...]

1500+ runs scored
Will reach 1000 RBI's [leadoff man almost entire career]
Will likely reach 400 SB's [although not near Henderson's total]
Has a chance for 3000 hits
547 Doubles [20th All-time]

All-star Catcher 1991
All-star 2B 6 times

4 2B Gold Gloves

In 1997 Biggio hit into zero DPs & was HBP 34 times.

needs 26 RBIs to become the fifth player to reach 225 home runs, 1,000 RBIs, 300 stolen bases, 500 doubles and 1,500 runs scored. Those already achieving those levels are Rickey Henderson, Willie Mays, Paul Molitor and Barry Bonds.
 
R

reggieandTFE

Member
Biggio should definitely be considered for the hall, but until Ryan Sandberg is elected he'll have no shot. They're similar in most batting statistics, but Ryno also played most of his career during the deadball 80s and won a bunch more gold gloves.

Bill James has a stat called "hall of fame monitor" in which he looks at overall reference stats in comparison with other players of the era and he has Sandberg at 157.5 and Biggio at 109. A likely hall of famer has a total greater than 100.
 
L

Lathentar

Looking for Pants
reggieandTFE said:
Biggio should definitely be considered for the hall, but until Ryan Sandberg is elected he'll have no shot. They're similar in most batting statistics, but Ryno also played most of his career during the deadball 80s and won a bunch more gold gloves.

Bill James has a stat called "hall of fame monitor" in which he looks at overall reference stats in comparison with other players of the era and he has Sandberg at 157.5 and Biggio at 109. A likely hall of famer has a total greater than 100.
Click to expand...

Sandberg will get in next year.
 
M

Meier

Member
How embarassing? The guy is 11-3 this year and has been lights out for the past 2 months. Lima Time is in FULL FORCE!
 
D

Desperado

Member
Miguel said:
CARLOS HERNANDEZ IS COMING UP! THE ASTROS HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TOO EVERY 5 DAYS!
Click to expand...

OH GLORIOUS DAY!

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Houston Astros put left-hander Darren Oliver on the 15-day disabled list because of shoulder trouble and sent righty Tim Redding to Triple-A New Orleans after Tuesday night's 7-3 loss to the New York Mets.

Oliver was forced to come out of last Thursday's start against Atlanta after a 12-pitch first inning because of tightness in his shoulder. This is the fourth time in his career that he has gone on the DL with shoulder problems.

Oliver was acquired from Florida on July 22. He did not allow an earned run in five games for the Astros.

Redding was demoted after giving up three runs in 1 1-3 innings to the Mets in relief. He is 4-7 with a 5.73 ERA.

The Astros recalled righty Chad Qualls and lefty Carlos Hernandez from New Orleans.
Click to expand...
 
J

Joe

Member
glavine lost his two front upper teeth. its fucked up but funny at the same time.

and the yanks losing to the rangers doesnt upset me at all, it's completely bitter-sweet. at least it keeps the wildcard race closer.
 
E

Eminem

goddamit, Griese!
I'm sorry, and this isn't a cubs bashing, but Prior and Wood aren't as good as they were last year. something's wrong with them or something, but they're just not performing up to the bar they've set for themselves.
 
M

Miguel

Member
Eminem said:
I'm sorry, and this isn't a cubs bashing, but Prior and Wood aren't as good as they were last year. something's wrong with them or something, but they're just not performing up to the bar they've set for themselves.
Click to expand...

It's Dustiny. (TM)
 
M

Mrbob

Member
Cubsfan23 said:
Prior needs to dump his girlfriend
Click to expand...

Hahahah. The last two games the Cubs have reverted back to the shit team we saw before the trading deadline. 6 runs. 5 solo home runs. Fuck.

BTW, rumors say if Sammy doesn't produce in the rest of this home stand he is gonna get dropped down in the batting lineup. Dusty actually have enough stones to do this?
 
F

Flizzzipper

Member
CINCINNATI — This is a true story. It is not a myth, not a fable, not a fairy tale.

There were witnesses.

A security guard outside Great American Ball Park was standing near Mehring Way, the street that runs between the stadium and the Ohio River.

Suddenly, as if dropped from the heavens, a baseball landed on Mehring Way and hopped onto a piece of driftwood near the river bank.

The baseball was launched from inside the stadium by Cincinnati Reds left fielder Adam Dunn. It cleared the center field wall near the 404 sign. It cleared the 20 feet of grassy knoll behind the wall. It carried over the 32-foot high black batter’s eye. It cleared the roof.

It departed the stadium on a star-search course.

Estimates placed touch down at more than 500 feet and it is another 200 feet to water’s edge. A stadium HOK architect was told where the ball landed and he said it was 535 feet. The ball was lifted off the driftwood by event electrician Tom Tuerck.
Click to expand...
Adam Dunn the best player ever? Yes.
 
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