Wednesday, September 15, 2010

SweetSpot Roundup 9/15

By The Common Man and Bill

The B-List Indians Blog: B-List Lite
Mitch Talbot's dead cat bounce.

Pro Ball NW (Mariners): October 4th can't get here soon enough
What does hopelessness sound like?  "This season has been so bad that I can’t even be upset.  It’s been a big, sick joke.  This team is playing so terribly that watching the games is more like a chore than a recreational activity, and I haven’t been doing my chores.  I’m just ready for it to be over."

Baseball Tonight in Arlington (Rangers):  Vladamir Guererro and win value
With the Rangers committed to a $90-100 million payroll next year, Joey wonders whether Vlad will be good money spent.

The Ray Area: The Experience to Stay the Course
The newest member of the SweetSpot Network reminds us that, because of the club's excellent farm system, several Rays have playoff experience...in the minors.

Fire Brand of the American League (Red Sox): State of the Pen
Charlie doesn't see a lot of upside in the BoSox pen in 2011, aside from Daniel Bard.

Royals Authority: Willie Bloomquist is History
Isn't it nice when both sides are happy that a player was traded: "It is the understatement of the year to say that the Royals are no longer playing meaningful games, so getting rid of a guy who is going to be a free agent in the offseason and was taking playing time from younger developing players is an obvious move."

Nick's Twins Blog: Chicago's Last Chance at Big Dance
"Without a sweep, their season is essentially over."  Well, so much for 2010, right Sox fans?

Sox Machine (White Sox): It's Sweep Season for White Sox...or Else
Right:  "Winning two of three means the Sox have to win 13 of their last 16 to even have a shot. And when you think it through chronologically, it means the Sox have to win something like five of their first six to both put a scare into the Twins, and maintain the same intensity in the dugout."

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): The Cy Young Debate, the Stats Debate, and the Lazy MSM
Brien piles on Jon Paul Morosi and his idiotic claim that Felix Hernandez has not been the best pitcher in the American League.  The money quote: "So if I’m not trying to argue Felix’s case, what is my point? Well, it’s simple: by and large, the writers who make arguments like Morosi is making are downright, absurdly, offensively, lazy."  Here, here.

The View from the Bleachers (Cubs): In the News: We've Got Aramis!
Maybe Jeff Samardzija isn't as much a lost cause as fans learning to spell his name, A-Ram is definitely coming back, and other thoughts.

Redleg Nation: How We Got Here--Pitching
Part 2 of a series breaking down the performances of your NL Central champion Reds.

Ausin's Astros 290 Blog: The Case Against Brad Mills
Poking holes in Mills' Manager of the Year case. I have no idea what the standards of that award are, or what most managers do and don't do, so I like stuff like this.

Dodger Thoughts: McDonaldmania in Pittsburgh
"The fact remains, the Dodgers parted with their two-time minor league pitcher of the year and an effective member of their 2009 bullpen, earning a minimum salary, in order to acquire Octavio Dotel. They nurtured McDonald through eight years in the organization, and then gave up too soon."

Mets Today: Mets Game 145: Win Over Pirates
R.A. Dickey's ERA drops to 2.80 after a complete-game win. Even if he's not quite that good, he's been very, very good. Afraid it's still going to be a while before I can actually think of him as a good pitcher.

Crashburn Alley (Phillies): With Age, Phillies' Baserunning Aggression Fades
The Phillies are running a lot less often, but are successful at the same rate. Bill breaks it down.

Fungoes (Cardinals): Are they live or are they dead?
"The Cardinal loss, which puts them seven games behind the Reds again, included much of what has characterized the team’s demise this year: Some strong individual performances punctuated by hapless team play, like erratic fielding and syncopated hitting, as well as some old-fashioned bad luck."

Nationals Baseball: It's All in the Batting Average
Bemoaning the young Nationals' lack of patience and/or power.

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