Friday, August 27, 2010

SweetSpot Roundup 8/27

By The Common Man and Bill

Austin’s Astros Blog: Wandy’s magic completes sweep
“There are moments when a team begins to feel like its post-season dreams are gone….This very well may be that kind of moment for the Phillies….How good can it feel when you get swept in a four-game series at home by the fifth-worst team in the league?”

Disciples of Uecker (Brewers): Capuano to the Rotation
“I’m not terribly excited that Parra has been removed from the starting rotation, as I would’ve liked to see what he could do in the last month and a half. That said, the bullpen may be the long term solution to Parra.”

Fungoes (Cardinals): Did Oquendo make the right call?
Oquendo held Randy Wynn at 3B in the ninth on Wednesday, and the Cards lost by a run. Pip breaks down the decision to see whether it was the right one at the time.

View from the Bleachers (Cubs): Cubs Win! Boo!
“The remainder of the 2010 season is going to play out as its going to play out. Yeah, there would be a benefit to being the worst of the worst, but there’s really no realistic way of competing in that arena. So let it go, let the team play and let’s hope the young players get as much good experience as possible.”

Dodger Thoughts: You think I’m licked? [ed. Note: um…]
The Dodgers are suddenly just 5 back in the Wild Card hunt, and may not trade Manny after all. Jon Weisman is delighted: “Cynicism be damned, the Dodgers are still playing meaningful games.”

Mets Today: Should the Mets Claim Manny Ramirez?
“If the Wilpons and Omar Minaya are absolutely serious about their conviction that the Mets are still in the playoff hunt, how could they NOT put in a claim for Manny Ramirez?”

Nationals Baseball: At least the pitching is shaping up…
Since wins and losses don’t matter, NB says to keep your eye on the mound, Nats fans.

Ducksnorts (Padres): Like Tom Browning and Kirk Gibson, but not really
Amongst other things, Geoff looks at Wade LeBlanc and sees Tom Browing, minus the whole not paying any child support thing.

Weaver's Tantrum (Orioles): Pie Steals Signs; Blog Shrugs
"If the White Sox don't like Pie's activities once he is on base, they can keep him off base. It is nobody's fault but their own if Pie goes 5-7 with a walk in two games." Well put.

Fire Brand of the AL (Red Sox): Josh Beckett: Home Runs, Endurance, and the Stretch
Some eye-opening numbers on the desperately struggling Josh Beckett. Most interesting is to me how the renowned workhorse is suddenly falling apart in innings 4-6. That can't be good.

Sox Machine (White Sox): Following Up: Bunting Pierre Over
Great stuff by Jim on how Ozzie Guillen doesn't trust stolen bases when one base is important. This has always fascinated me. If you've got a guy who is there in large part to steal bases (or entirely, like Pierre), what on earth are you doing bunting him from first to second with the game on the line?

The Daily Fungo (Tigers): Tigers Today: August 26, 2010
Tigers news and historical notes. Chad Kreuter turned 46 yesterday? Cripes. But my flannel shirts and hacky sack skills are still cool and relevant, right?

Royals Authority: See You in September
A look at all the extra Royals we might be treated to when rosters inexplicably expand from 25 to 40 in a few days here.

Nick's Twins Blog: Lee and Liriano
Always fun to read posts like this after you know how it all ends. Really, just the fact that one of these featured pitchers did well seems like news. Haven't all the other marquee matchups this year ended up looking like Astros at Rockies ca. 1999?

It's About the Money, Stupid (Yankees): Game 127: Yankees 3, Blue Jays 6
Recap of a really bad day for Phil Hughes and Javy's bullpen debut.

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