Thursday, May 26, 2011

SweetSpot Roundup 5/26

In today's roundup, the Orioles are gearing up for the draft, Dice-K disappears, Joakim Soria might be hurt, Kevin Slowey is not wanted, Joe Girardi just can't help himself, Carlos Gomez gets hot, and Todd Frazier leaves before he can even get unpacked.

It's Pronounced Laj-a-way (Indians): We are disappointed, but somehow not surprised
Susan should have seen this coming: "Combine a lack of scoring with Josh Beckett’s miniscule ERA, and you  have a potential problem."

Camden Depot (Orioles): 2011 Draft Depot Preview
Nick looks at the candidates for the Orioles at #4 in great depth.

Baseball Time in Arlington (Rangers): And the Beat Goes On
Joey points out that a better MLB rainout policy may have helped alleviate some of the danger at the Rangers' ballpark last night.

The Ray Area: October or not
The Rays have been great.  But are they really playoff material?

Fire Brand of the American League (Red Sox): Reacting to the Dice-K News
Chip unburdens his soul: "While I don’t wish injury on anyone (especially someone on the Red Sox), the thought of not having to watch any more Dice-K torture-fests for the foreseeable future is too good to be true.  Watching him pitch is like going to a long-form Catholic wedding."  Speaking as a mackerel-snapper, those long-form dealies are the worst.

Royals Authority: Joakim Soria is broken
"It’s time for me to throw my hat into the ring, joining those who are worried about Joakim Soria.  After Tuesday’s debacle, I’m not just worried… I’m frightened."

Nick's Twins Blog: The Slowey Saga 
"Is Slowey putting himself before the team? Yes, but then again, it's a really bad team and an organization that hasn't exactly shown much fondness toward him."

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): Girardi makes it hard to trust his judgment
"For all the hoopla over Girardi’s binder and fondness for numbers, he’s suddenly managing a lot like a crusty old National League guy. Or Dusty Baker."

Austin's Astros 290 Blog: Expect the Worst From Here On Out
So Jeff Keppinger's back, which will give the Astros 7 infielders.  What will they do?  New writer Trace Levos says it's not what you think.

Disciples of Uecker (Brewers): Tuesday's Victory Shows Why Milwaukee Can Contend
"One of the mantras of sport is that a team needs to beat “the teams they’re supposed to beat,” and, really, isn’t that all last night’s 7-6 victory over the Nationals was? The Milwaukee Brewers just beat a team they are supposed to beat. No big deal, on to the next one?"

View From the Bleachers (Cubs): Sports Bucket List
Joe's got his list, invites you to share yours.

Dodger Thoughts: So, have you started wondering about 2012 yet?
"So, let's say, just hypothetically ... just hypothetically, mind you ... that the Dodgers don't reverse their ugly 2011 start and reach the playoffs.  I mean, I know it's crazy, but what if an injury-riddled team with almost no offense keeps losing?  What might happen with this roster?"

Nationals Baseball: Did anyone think it would be anything else?
" I hope everyone had learned their lessons from the previous Nationals that had minor, potentially playable through injuries that ended up needing major surgery. Once happens. Twice is a pattern. Forty-two times is malpractice. I think that's how the saying goes."

Ducksnorts (Padres): How Far Is Forever?
Geoff's on the road, the Padres stink and, somehow, Bruce Hurst is involved.

Crashburn Alley (Phillies): On Trade Rumors
What makes a trade rumor?  What makes a good trade rumor?

Redleg Nation: So long, Todd Frazier.  We hardly knew ye.
"Yep, that’s right. After one at-bat, four pitches in all, Frazier was sent back to the minors (Carlos Fisher was promoted). Down goes Frazier!"

Blake Street Bulletin (Rockies): Hello CarGo! Carlos Gonzalez's bat returns
"Perhaps he was feeling the pressure of that contract early on this year, no one can say for sure but Gonzalez himself. But one thing is for sure, CarGo of 2010 has shown up in 2011, Rockies fans hope he’s back for good."

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