Showing posts with label Orioles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orioles. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Orioles!
Ostensibly, we run a blog that talks about the O's here, so here are some links.
Orioles Hangout talks about the prospect of signing John Lackey as part of stage 2 of the rebuilding effort.
I'd like to see a veteran pitcher, but I'd much rather see Uehara healthy.
Mr. Jones wins a Gold Glove award, his first.
Just need to outgain the Yankees by 2 next year and the O's have the all-time lead in GGs ever.
Delicious top 10 prospect rankings from Orioles Hangout.
Yup, I'm aware I just lifted links from their main page. You do better.
- Matt
Orioles Hangout talks about the prospect of signing John Lackey as part of stage 2 of the rebuilding effort.
I'd like to see a veteran pitcher, but I'd much rather see Uehara healthy.
Mr. Jones wins a Gold Glove award, his first.
Just need to outgain the Yankees by 2 next year and the O's have the all-time lead in GGs ever.
Delicious top 10 prospect rankings from Orioles Hangout.
Yup, I'm aware I just lifted links from their main page. You do better.
- Matt
Monday, October 5, 2009
Why I Will Never Be Confused With Nostradamus
Back in February, I made predictions about the O's hitters. I'm all about holding people accountable for their predictions, which is why Will won't ever let me forget how I picked Seattle to win the NFC this year.
[Optimism]
At first glance, the only smart thing I did was refrain from predicting pitching stats. Let's see how I did: (Bold stats mean better than predicted)
1. Brian Roberts: 110 R, 179 H, 56 2B, 1 3B, 16 HR, 79 RBI, 74 BB, 112 SO, 30 SB, .283 AVG, .356 OBP
2. Adam Jones: 83 R, 140 H, 22 2B, 3 3B, 19 HR, 70 RBI (exact), 36 BB, 93 SO, 10 SB, .277 AVG, .335 OBP
Note: only played 3/4 of the season, still nearly beat every prediction I had. Beast.
3. Nick Markakis: 94 R, 188 H, 45 2B, 2 3B (exact), 18 HR, 101 RBI, 56 BB, 98 SO, 6 SB, .293 AVG, .347 OBP
Whoops.
4. Aubrey Huff: 59 R, 129 H, 30 2B, 1 3B, 15 HR, 85 RBI, 51 BB, 87 SO, 0 SB, .241 AVG, .309 OBP
Note: Traded mid-season. I blame the Tigers.
5. Melvin Mora: 44 R, 117 H, 20 2B, 0 3B, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 34 BB, 60 SO, 3 SB, .260 AVG, .321 OBP
Note: Missed around 35 games. Still, terrible prediction. See ya, Melmo.
6. Luke Scott: 61 R, 116 H, 26 2B, 1 3B, 25 HR (exact), 77 RBI, 55 BB, 104 SO, 0 SB, .258 AVG, .340 OBP (exact)
Note: By far the closest prediction I managed.
7. Cesar Izturis: 34 R, 99 H, 14 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 18 BB, 38 SO, 12 SB, .256 AVG, .294 OBP
Note: Only played 3/4 of the season.
8. Gregg Zaun: 34 R, 68 H, 17 2B, 0 3B, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 31 BB, 48 SO, 0 SB, .260 AVG, .345 OBP (exact)
Note: Replaced by Wieters. In addition to playing half the season, he was traded to Tampa Bay.
9. Felix Pie: 38 R, 67 H, 10 2B (exact), 3 3B, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 24 BB, 58 SO, 1 SB, .266 AVG, .326 OBP
Note: Only played 101 games this season.
So what can you take away from this? I had reasonably good predictions, if you ignored what I thought Markakis and Mora would accomplish this year. I predicted 75 wins, the O's got 64. Fortunately, I don't get paid to do this.
In the end, I thought it was a fitting cap for the Orioles' season for them to win on back to back walk-off bunts. It's been a truly bizarre year, one that I thought might never end, and at last it has. It coincides perfectly with hockey season as well.
Divisional Playoff pick:
MIN over DET by 5 (10-5)
- Matt
[Optimism]
At first glance, the only smart thing I did was refrain from predicting pitching stats. Let's see how I did: (Bold stats mean better than predicted)
1. Brian Roberts: 110 R, 179 H, 56 2B, 1 3B, 16 HR, 79 RBI, 74 BB, 112 SO, 30 SB, .283 AVG, .356 OBP
2. Adam Jones: 83 R, 140 H, 22 2B, 3 3B, 19 HR, 70 RBI (exact), 36 BB, 93 SO, 10 SB, .277 AVG, .335 OBP
Note: only played 3/4 of the season, still nearly beat every prediction I had. Beast.
3. Nick Markakis: 94 R, 188 H, 45 2B, 2 3B (exact), 18 HR, 101 RBI, 56 BB, 98 SO, 6 SB, .293 AVG, .347 OBP
Whoops.
4. Aubrey Huff: 59 R, 129 H, 30 2B, 1 3B, 15 HR, 85 RBI, 51 BB, 87 SO, 0 SB, .241 AVG, .309 OBP
Note: Traded mid-season. I blame the Tigers.
5. Melvin Mora: 44 R, 117 H, 20 2B, 0 3B, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 34 BB, 60 SO, 3 SB, .260 AVG, .321 OBP
Note: Missed around 35 games. Still, terrible prediction. See ya, Melmo.
6. Luke Scott: 61 R, 116 H, 26 2B, 1 3B, 25 HR (exact), 77 RBI, 55 BB, 104 SO, 0 SB, .258 AVG, .340 OBP (exact)
Note: By far the closest prediction I managed.
7. Cesar Izturis: 34 R, 99 H, 14 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 18 BB, 38 SO, 12 SB, .256 AVG, .294 OBP
Note: Only played 3/4 of the season.
8. Gregg Zaun: 34 R, 68 H, 17 2B, 0 3B, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 31 BB, 48 SO, 0 SB, .260 AVG, .345 OBP (exact)
Note: Replaced by Wieters. In addition to playing half the season, he was traded to Tampa Bay.
9. Felix Pie: 38 R, 67 H, 10 2B (exact), 3 3B, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 24 BB, 58 SO, 1 SB, .266 AVG, .326 OBP
Note: Only played 101 games this season.
So what can you take away from this? I had reasonably good predictions, if you ignored what I thought Markakis and Mora would accomplish this year. I predicted 75 wins, the O's got 64. Fortunately, I don't get paid to do this.
In the end, I thought it was a fitting cap for the Orioles' season for them to win on back to back walk-off bunts. It's been a truly bizarre year, one that I thought might never end, and at last it has. It coincides perfectly with hockey season as well.
Divisional Playoff pick:
MIN over DET by 5 (10-5)
- Matt
Saturday, May 30, 2009
MATT WIETERS. O'S WIN!
In many sports, a single game can swing momentum. Even moments in a game can push you on the way towards a great season. In hockey, a fight can change everything. In football, a crushing hit can lift your team. In baseketball, your star pussing out from a minor injury and acting like he got shot can... I'm bored.
Point is, this was not one of those games, so take your hands off your collective shaft. Matt Wieters will be great, but he's hardly going to turn the O's into contenders simply by being in the majors for the rest of the season. But he will give the entire city a desperately needed reason to hope for the future. That much was evident last night.
Anyway, recap o clock:
Top 1st: First pitch and... BUNT?!? Wieters handles it like a pro, fancy that.
Will: "It doesn't work like that."
Izturis ends the inning as Bergesen allows only one hit. I sound surprised.
Mid 1st: What is up with my favorite teams playing Detroit this weekend? Back to back Pens games for the Finals, and a weekend set against the Tigers. I'm sure the Lions lost to the Chargers this weekend, you have no proof they didn't.
Bot 1st: Wieters batting 7th. So not seeing him this inning is a strong possibility.
B-Rob draws a 5 pitch walk. Looks like the D-Train gives out EZ-PASS. I know that was a stretch.
So's your mom.
Potential double play again thwarted by Willis' inability to throw accurately. Whatchoo talkin bout, Willis? Sorry, it had to be done.
Another potential double play ruined by Jones' quality slide. Two out. Huffrey pops out, but guarantees a Wieters at bat next inning!
Top 2nd: Gary Thorne begrudgingly shills for a stuffed Chik-Fil-A cow toy. How the O's have fallen.
Bergesen gets a K while you grammar check that last paragraph. Two outs. Inning over a second later.
Mid 2nd: Matt Wieters.
Bot 2nd: Walk issued to Mora. Luuuuuuke singles, and Wieters walks out to thunderous applause and Hell's Bells. He flies out to right, and Mora bolts for third. Out.
I like what Mora was trying to do. Why? He's the clubhouse leader, and he's trying to show Wieters what a spark he's giving the rest of the team. If he'd made it to 3rd, Wieters' first AB would have provided a sacrifice play. During that, Reimold somethings, inning over.
Top 3rd: Bergesen locks on and delivers another solid inning.
Bot 3rd: Izzy grounds out, no one cares. B-Rob singles and punches AIDS in the groin. Mr. Jones bats for about 8 months and singles to a gap, moving Roberts to 3rd. Honeybear plates B-Rob and Jones moves to third. 1-0 O's! Unfortunately, Jones is caught in a rundown between 3rd and home, 2 outs. Looks like the O's are going to waste another potential big inning.
But wait, Mora loads the bases. Can Scott get it done?
djkhfkjsdb befdhj. LUUUUUUUUUUKE!!! GRAND SLAM!!! 3rd lefty to EVER homer off of Willis! 5-0 O's!
Wieters again, but he grounds out to the mound. But what an inning.
Top 4th: Before you know it, two outs. Wow, Bergesen has been really sharp tonig- Inning over. 10 batters in a row for Bergesen. I credit Wieters.
Mid 4th: Ooh, look at the pretty rainbow.
Bot 4th: Reimold who is not Matt Wieters, doubles with style. Izzy follows with a single, extending his hit streak to 4 games. B-Rob places his sac in D-Train's mouth and plates Reimold. 6-0 O's!
Mr. Jones... hit! Kakes... not so much. Double play, inning over.
Top 5th: While Roch is jobbing around, Bergesen gets a couple outs. Some douche hits a single, but Iceberg is cool and ends the inning.
Mid 5th: This crowd came for the Wieters, and stayed for the O's fulfilling their offensive potential... so far. Halfway there.
Bot 5th: Willis finally helps his team and retires Mora on a weird chopper. If you're even still watching, I salute you.
LUUUUUUUUKE and the air raid siren! Make that 4 lefty homers off of Willis. 7-0 O's! Some toothless kid celebrates on the balcony. If you can get a picture of him, I owe you big time.
Wieters rises to 0-3, inning over.
Top 6th: Thorne leaks the fact the O's knew Luke Scott would hit two homers tonight. What an announcer!
Bergesen retires the side before you can touch yourself.
Mid 6th: John Harbaugh with a clutch appearance. But last I checked, football season doesn't start for a few months.
Bot 6th: If you're not at least tipsy by this point, you're not trying. Inning goes faster than your erection when you banged that fat chick. Yes, I know about that.
Top 7th: Firefox flips shit, and somehow the Tigers score. I had forgotten they were even playing until that point. 7-1 O's. Inning over? Don't know/care.
Mid 7th: Oh, looks like it's 7-2 O's now.
Bot 7th: 2 outs in a row, then Huffrey notches a hit and pees all over Robertson, who's in the bullpen for some reason.
Blah.
Top 8th: Who's the player of the game? Clearly Matt Wieters.
Quick 1-2-3 for Bergesen. Please leave him in for the CG, Trembley!
Bot 8th: Crowd of 42,700 announced, with 15,000 buying tickets after Wieters' arrival was announced. Another shrewd move by MacPhail.
Speaking of Wieters, he strikes out. Guess his career will begin 0-4. Men on 1st and 2nd, but the O's are unable to capitalize.
Top 9th: And just like that, the Tigers get a double. I'd tell you who it was, but you don't care.
Single, runners at the corners. Bergesen leaves to a standing ovation. Johnson trots out. Quick out and clutch strikeout, with Wieters smothering the ball well. Popout, game, Matt Wieters.
Aftermath:
I'd link to articles and whatever, but I don't have time. I have to get ready to leave for Detroit in less than an hour. Second NHL playoff game ever, first on enemy ice! LET'S GO PENS!
And O's. Let's go O's too.
- Matt
Point is, this was not one of those games, so take your hands off your collective shaft. Matt Wieters will be great, but he's hardly going to turn the O's into contenders simply by being in the majors for the rest of the season. But he will give the entire city a desperately needed reason to hope for the future. That much was evident last night.
Anyway, recap o clock:
Top 1st: First pitch and... BUNT?!? Wieters handles it like a pro, fancy that.
Will: "It doesn't work like that."
Izturis ends the inning as Bergesen allows only one hit. I sound surprised.
Mid 1st: What is up with my favorite teams playing Detroit this weekend? Back to back Pens games for the Finals, and a weekend set against the Tigers. I'm sure the Lions lost to the Chargers this weekend, you have no proof they didn't.
Bot 1st: Wieters batting 7th. So not seeing him this inning is a strong possibility.
B-Rob draws a 5 pitch walk. Looks like the D-Train gives out EZ-PASS. I know that was a stretch.
So's your mom.
Potential double play again thwarted by Willis' inability to throw accurately. Whatchoo talkin bout, Willis? Sorry, it had to be done.
Another potential double play ruined by Jones' quality slide. Two out. Huffrey pops out, but guarantees a Wieters at bat next inning!
Top 2nd: Gary Thorne begrudgingly shills for a stuffed Chik-Fil-A cow toy. How the O's have fallen.
Bergesen gets a K while you grammar check that last paragraph. Two outs. Inning over a second later.
Mid 2nd: Matt Wieters.
Bot 2nd: Walk issued to Mora. Luuuuuuke singles, and Wieters walks out to thunderous applause and Hell's Bells. He flies out to right, and Mora bolts for third. Out.
I like what Mora was trying to do. Why? He's the clubhouse leader, and he's trying to show Wieters what a spark he's giving the rest of the team. If he'd made it to 3rd, Wieters' first AB would have provided a sacrifice play. During that, Reimold somethings, inning over.
Top 3rd: Bergesen locks on and delivers another solid inning.
Bot 3rd: Izzy grounds out, no one cares. B-Rob singles and punches AIDS in the groin. Mr. Jones bats for about 8 months and singles to a gap, moving Roberts to 3rd. Honeybear plates B-Rob and Jones moves to third. 1-0 O's! Unfortunately, Jones is caught in a rundown between 3rd and home, 2 outs. Looks like the O's are going to waste another potential big inning.
But wait, Mora loads the bases. Can Scott get it done?
djkhfkjsdb befdhj. LUUUUUUUUUUKE!!! GRAND SLAM!!! 3rd lefty to EVER homer off of Willis! 5-0 O's!
Wieters again, but he grounds out to the mound. But what an inning.
Top 4th: Before you know it, two outs. Wow, Bergesen has been really sharp tonig- Inning over. 10 batters in a row for Bergesen. I credit Wieters.
Mid 4th: Ooh, look at the pretty rainbow.
Bot 4th: Reimold who is not Matt Wieters, doubles with style. Izzy follows with a single, extending his hit streak to 4 games. B-Rob places his sac in D-Train's mouth and plates Reimold. 6-0 O's!
Mr. Jones... hit! Kakes... not so much. Double play, inning over.
Top 5th: While Roch is jobbing around, Bergesen gets a couple outs. Some douche hits a single, but Iceberg is cool and ends the inning.
Mid 5th: This crowd came for the Wieters, and stayed for the O's fulfilling their offensive potential... so far. Halfway there.
Bot 5th: Willis finally helps his team and retires Mora on a weird chopper. If you're even still watching, I salute you.
LUUUUUUUUKE and the air raid siren! Make that 4 lefty homers off of Willis. 7-0 O's! Some toothless kid celebrates on the balcony. If you can get a picture of him, I owe you big time.
Wieters rises to 0-3, inning over.
Top 6th: Thorne leaks the fact the O's knew Luke Scott would hit two homers tonight. What an announcer!
Bergesen retires the side before you can touch yourself.
Mid 6th: John Harbaugh with a clutch appearance. But last I checked, football season doesn't start for a few months.
Bot 6th: If you're not at least tipsy by this point, you're not trying. Inning goes faster than your erection when you banged that fat chick. Yes, I know about that.
Top 7th: Firefox flips shit, and somehow the Tigers score. I had forgotten they were even playing until that point. 7-1 O's. Inning over? Don't know/care.
Mid 7th: Oh, looks like it's 7-2 O's now.
Bot 7th: 2 outs in a row, then Huffrey notches a hit and pees all over Robertson, who's in the bullpen for some reason.
Blah.
Top 8th: Who's the player of the game? Clearly Matt Wieters.
Quick 1-2-3 for Bergesen. Please leave him in for the CG, Trembley!
Bot 8th: Crowd of 42,700 announced, with 15,000 buying tickets after Wieters' arrival was announced. Another shrewd move by MacPhail.
Speaking of Wieters, he strikes out. Guess his career will begin 0-4. Men on 1st and 2nd, but the O's are unable to capitalize.
Top 9th: And just like that, the Tigers get a double. I'd tell you who it was, but you don't care.
Single, runners at the corners. Bergesen leaves to a standing ovation. Johnson trots out. Quick out and clutch strikeout, with Wieters smothering the ball well. Popout, game, Matt Wieters.
Aftermath:
I'd link to articles and whatever, but I don't have time. I have to get ready to leave for Detroit in less than an hour. Second NHL playoff game ever, first on enemy ice! LET'S GO PENS!
And O's. Let's go O's too.
- Matt
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
ESPN Doesn't Care About Black (and Orange) People
The tears from Monday’s victory over the New York Yankees just keep flooding in.
I already linked the Rosenthal’s article on Fox Sports, where he seems to think booing the Yankees was only popular because of the recession, and that we were taking our frustrations out on our “betters”. But Colin Cowherd demonstrates the big-market arrogance of ESPN once again, blasting O’s fans for daring to boo one of the two teams his network cares about.
Orioles Hangout has an article about these two guys, and includes a quote from Cowherd’s joke of a show. They did a good job criticizing these two hacks, but I feel like more is needed. Let me break it down:
“People who yell out ‘you’re a sellout’, ‘you’re a corporate prostitute’, they never get offered anything by Corporate America. It’s easy to yell that. It’s the garage band that rips U2…”
First, no one still listens to U2. Well, no one with hair. And second, you make it sound like Tex was going to make $30,000 a year if he didn’t take this offer. It was a difference of less than $2.5 million a year, which after taxes is less than $1.5 million a year. If you really cared about a team, you’d take a discount. See: everyone on the Detroit Red Wings. Oh, and real original argument. Self-justification much?
”Bottom line? You don’t get booed unless you matter. Nobody boos the Baltimore Orioles when they’re on the road because nobody cares.”
To ESPN, Baltimore only matters when they’re the Red Sox’s doormat. I don’t know, maybe if the worldwide leader gave us some coverage instead of will-he / won’t-he soap opera bullshit about Terrell Owens (who they profess not to care about then obsess over), people would care. I know Cowherd’s just speaking out of bitterness, but really dude. If you think the same thing wouldn’t have happened if the O’s screwed another team out of their hometown hero in the making, you’re a bigger fool than I thought.
”Oriole fans are a symbol of what’s wrong with America.”
Huh?
”Jealousy, anger, and resentment toward the successful people.”
Oh, right, we’re jealous. Classic Yankee fan argument. And last I checked, the thing that was ruining our economy was the “successful” people making shitloads of money off of harebrained schemes involving a free lunch. Most of which were based in, gasp, New York. Oh, but if we didn’t complain about them fucking us over, everything would be fine. I hope New York falls into a hole in the Earth, I really wouldn’t notice anything but the increased quiet.
”Oriole fans, you may not be sharp enough to get this, but you just validated Teixeira and validated why nobody talks about you on the radio.”
No one in Baltimore listens to the radio because we discovered the Internet years ago. And how did we “validate” Tex? He chose the Yankees because they offered more money, not because he didn’t think we’re classy enough. If the O’s had offered more than the Yankees, he’d be insincerely harping on about how much he idolized Ripken as a kid and how Baltimore is the best city in the world, and how much his wife loves it here and is not sad at all they didn’t end up in New York. But the Yankees fans listening to you in their snuggies while they’re unemployed in your shit waste of a city were probably laughing that you implied we’re dumb. Oh well, at least I still have hair.
”Orioles fan, you may think you won last night, but you came across as small, angry, petty, clueless, and phony.”
Let me fix that sentence for you:
Colin Cowherd, you may think you made a point, but you came across as small, angry, petty, clueless, and phony.
Ah, much better.
Go O’s.
- Matt
I already linked the Rosenthal’s article on Fox Sports, where he seems to think booing the Yankees was only popular because of the recession, and that we were taking our frustrations out on our “betters”. But Colin Cowherd demonstrates the big-market arrogance of ESPN once again, blasting O’s fans for daring to boo one of the two teams his network cares about.
Orioles Hangout has an article about these two guys, and includes a quote from Cowherd’s joke of a show. They did a good job criticizing these two hacks, but I feel like more is needed. Let me break it down:
“People who yell out ‘you’re a sellout’, ‘you’re a corporate prostitute’, they never get offered anything by Corporate America. It’s easy to yell that. It’s the garage band that rips U2…”
First, no one still listens to U2. Well, no one with hair. And second, you make it sound like Tex was going to make $30,000 a year if he didn’t take this offer. It was a difference of less than $2.5 million a year, which after taxes is less than $1.5 million a year. If you really cared about a team, you’d take a discount. See: everyone on the Detroit Red Wings. Oh, and real original argument. Self-justification much?
”Bottom line? You don’t get booed unless you matter. Nobody boos the Baltimore Orioles when they’re on the road because nobody cares.”
To ESPN, Baltimore only matters when they’re the Red Sox’s doormat. I don’t know, maybe if the worldwide leader gave us some coverage instead of will-he / won’t-he soap opera bullshit about Terrell Owens (who they profess not to care about then obsess over), people would care. I know Cowherd’s just speaking out of bitterness, but really dude. If you think the same thing wouldn’t have happened if the O’s screwed another team out of their hometown hero in the making, you’re a bigger fool than I thought.
”Oriole fans are a symbol of what’s wrong with America.”
Huh?
”Jealousy, anger, and resentment toward the successful people.”
Oh, right, we’re jealous. Classic Yankee fan argument. And last I checked, the thing that was ruining our economy was the “successful” people making shitloads of money off of harebrained schemes involving a free lunch. Most of which were based in, gasp, New York. Oh, but if we didn’t complain about them fucking us over, everything would be fine. I hope New York falls into a hole in the Earth, I really wouldn’t notice anything but the increased quiet.
”Oriole fans, you may not be sharp enough to get this, but you just validated Teixeira and validated why nobody talks about you on the radio.”
No one in Baltimore listens to the radio because we discovered the Internet years ago. And how did we “validate” Tex? He chose the Yankees because they offered more money, not because he didn’t think we’re classy enough. If the O’s had offered more than the Yankees, he’d be insincerely harping on about how much he idolized Ripken as a kid and how Baltimore is the best city in the world, and how much his wife loves it here and is not sad at all they didn’t end up in New York. But the Yankees fans listening to you in their snuggies while they’re unemployed in your shit waste of a city were probably laughing that you implied we’re dumb. Oh well, at least I still have hair.
”Orioles fan, you may think you won last night, but you came across as small, angry, petty, clueless, and phony.”
Let me fix that sentence for you:
Colin Cowherd, you may think you made a point, but you came across as small, angry, petty, clueless, and phony.
Ah, much better.
Go O’s.
- Matt
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Opening Day vs. Yankees
A lot has been made of this game. Teixiera returning to Baltimore as a hated figure. Sabathia getting way too much money. A Rod likes men. New Orioles all over the place. Take any main storyline you like. But here's a real one:
Sabathia shit the bed, and badly. Jones and Roberts carried the team in a big way. And the O's pitchers were just good enough to get the win.
Top 1st
Guts out for the O's. He had a billion ERA during Spring Training and the WBC. If you want real numbers, ask your grandmother.
Jeter ruins Guthrie's no-hitter. Yawn. His injured boyfriend must be pleased.
BOOOOOO! You can always count on BMore to bring the hate. I love it.
YEAAAAAAAAH! Tex sees a $20 bill on the ball and pops it up, hoping to knock the money off. No chance.
Bottom 1st
B Rob and Mr. Jones get on base. Honeybear can't take advantage. Melmo swings at ball 4, and B Rob is out at the plate as a result. Somehow B Rob saves 3 lives in the process, simply because he rules. Gary Thorne is bitter about the tag.
Balls.
Top 2nd
Posada bwuises his widdle toe and goes to first. Guts gets some outs. Whatever.
Bottom 2nd
LUUUUUUKE! Did someone yell "fail" on strike 2? Douche.
Sabathia eats a Happy Meal and retires the side.
Top 3rd
Luke Scott throws a single to left into orbit. Huff commands it into his glove. Damon hits a ballsac fly and the Yankees take the lead. 1-0 New York.
Traitor up to bat. The boos cascade. Then wild cheers when he fails to Guthrie. Some shit happens, A Rod touches himself or a little boy, inning over.
Bottom 3rd
Izzy lets loose and gets a single. Where was Teixiera? Sabathia is caught singing "five dollar footlong" to himself and Izturis steals second. Wooo.
B Rob walks, maintaining his perfect season. Mr. Jones sleeps with Sabathia's fat mother and knocks the ball to the deep corner. Izzy and B Rob score, Mr. Jones gets to third base, but out of the bedroom this time. 2-1 O's, sluts.
Honeybear gets it done seconds later. Mr. Jones runs in, 3-1 O's.
Melmo and Huffrey end the inning. It's good anyway.
Top 4th
I'm confused. Sheila Dixon has a heavy New York accent? Bizarre.
Guts flexes his nuts and gets 3 outs. Meh.
Bottom 4th
Wiggity Wack (name pending) gets his first hit as an Oriole.
Scotty doesn't know... how to strike out. Walk city. Looks promising.
Wait. The home plate umpire's name is Randy Marsh? You know what that makes me think of...
[FF to 9:20]
Wiggity tags to third, and Izzy steps up 2 tha streets. This should be-
Barf. Double play... inning over.
Top 5th
Joe Biden contributes to a surreal split screen. What the ass is Biden talking about? Does he look like Bill Maher or is it just me?
Before you know it, some dick gets a triple. Guts is distracted by politicsblog and walks General Benedict. Melmo smiles and the world of some douche ends, as does the inning.
Bottom 5th
B Rob puts the world on his shoulders and hits a ground rule double. Mr. Jones stares down the third baseman and gets a single.
Unreal pic of Markakis as an incredibly orange child. Kakes gets a puny infield hit, key word is hit. Jeter and Mayor McCheese are stunned. 4-1 O's.
Melmo loads the bases. Huffrey up, gets out but also an RBI. 5-1 O's. Intentional walk for Wiggity.
Luuuuuuuke draws a nice walk from an 0-2 hole and gets an inadvertent RBI. 6-1 O's. Sabathia:
4.1 IP, 6 ER, 0 K. The REAL #52:
Not impressed.
Rest of inning's whatever, already up by 5.
Top 6th
Before you can finish cupping your balls, Posada hits a home run. 6-2 O's.
Some joke gets on, and Janie Damon knocks a double... into a fan's hand. No interference, why? 6-3 O's.
Guts recovers though and gets the quality start, as well as a piece of the Aggro Crag.
Middle 6th
O's are 29-14 on Opening Day since 1966. Holy shit.
Also, what was Nady thinking on out 3? That was retarded.
Bottom 6th
Blah.
Top 7th
Jim Palmer has a good feeling about Ray. If you're saying "oh shit" to yourself, you're not alone.
Instant hit. BOOOOOO up to bat. Izzy makes the crowd happy. How solid has Izturis been defensively so far? What a pickup.
And suddenly Matsui makes it 6-5. Jesus balls.
Another hit, Ray yanked. Johnny Walker Orange label to pitch.
Except just kidding. Sarfate time. Mora makes a nice play and suddenly the inning's over.
7th Inning Stretch
Bottom 7th
Roch from the Sun gets interviewed. Female Reporter calls him out on his bad jokes. Gary and Jim agree. You leave to take a piss, and... inning over.
Top 8th
Nick Swisher apparently still plays baseball. According to Gary Thorne, he "celebates", which I'm sure is accurate, because none of the Yankees have ever laid a woman.
Dude on 3rd with one out. Bad news, except Jimmy Johnson cock punches Jeter. Great job by Zaun protecting the plate.
BOOOOOOO! Roberts shows him what a real O's fan would do: ruin the Yankees' lives. In the process, he cures cancer. What a human.
Bottom 8th
Luuuuuuuuke leads off. While he's making dirty calls to Jeter's mother, he strikes out. Gregggggg Zaun doubles for his first hit of the season.
Holy. Fucking. Shit. How goddamn ironic is this?!? Izzy hits the ball to deep left. Fan interference for a home run NOT SEEN BY THE UMPS. I HAVE to check Yankee message boards for their tears later. Words cannot express how this makes me feel. dljghfslkjbfbb ebhfjb. 8-5 O's.
B Rob grounds out. Damon is crying. Mr. Jones spends 2 hours on an at bat and draws a nice walk. You consider buying a Jones jersey.
Kakes gets a nice 2-out single. Wild pitch and the force out is gone like Britney Spears' virginity at age 13.
Bases loaded. Huffrey at bat. Clean double and suddenly it's 10-5 O's. Consider the cushion restored.
The Yankees give up and pitch to Wigginton for some reason. Out anyway.
Top 9th
George Sherill comes out and pees on the Yankees. Game.
Game Notes
* Teixiera was clearly affected by the booing. 0 for 4 and out of position for an Izzy hit.
* Player of the game: Adam Fucking Jones. 3 for 3, 2 BB, Beast.
* Did Jeter play?
* BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
* B Rob saves.
Aftermath
Check out this crybaby:
[Fox Sports]
Waaaaaaaah everyone should like the Yankees. He even has a poll asking why people like to boo the Yankees. Here's an idea:
You're arrogant fucktards who make Godfather-esque offers to players and can somehow afford to overpay every player on your roster. You're a symbol of all that's wrong with the sport, and your fans are pissants to boot. Get real.
And yesterday's game resembling the recession and the country as a whole? Get over yourself, it's fucking sports. Jesus. I can only imagine how bad the YES announcers were...
Go O's. AL East leaders.
- Matt
Sabathia shit the bed, and badly. Jones and Roberts carried the team in a big way. And the O's pitchers were just good enough to get the win.
Top 1st
Guts out for the O's. He had a billion ERA during Spring Training and the WBC. If you want real numbers, ask your grandmother.
Jeter ruins Guthrie's no-hitter. Yawn. His injured boyfriend must be pleased.
BOOOOOO! You can always count on BMore to bring the hate. I love it.
YEAAAAAAAAH! Tex sees a $20 bill on the ball and pops it up, hoping to knock the money off. No chance.
Bottom 1st
B Rob and Mr. Jones get on base. Honeybear can't take advantage. Melmo swings at ball 4, and B Rob is out at the plate as a result. Somehow B Rob saves 3 lives in the process, simply because he rules. Gary Thorne is bitter about the tag.
Balls.
Top 2nd
Posada bwuises his widdle toe and goes to first. Guts gets some outs. Whatever.
Bottom 2nd
LUUUUUUKE! Did someone yell "fail" on strike 2? Douche.
Sabathia eats a Happy Meal and retires the side.
Top 3rd
Luke Scott throws a single to left into orbit. Huff commands it into his glove. Damon hits a ballsac fly and the Yankees take the lead. 1-0 New York.
Traitor up to bat. The boos cascade. Then wild cheers when he fails to Guthrie. Some shit happens, A Rod touches himself or a little boy, inning over.
Bottom 3rd
Izzy lets loose and gets a single. Where was Teixiera? Sabathia is caught singing "five dollar footlong" to himself and Izturis steals second. Wooo.
B Rob walks, maintaining his perfect season. Mr. Jones sleeps with Sabathia's fat mother and knocks the ball to the deep corner. Izzy and B Rob score, Mr. Jones gets to third base, but out of the bedroom this time. 2-1 O's, sluts.
Honeybear gets it done seconds later. Mr. Jones runs in, 3-1 O's.
Melmo and Huffrey end the inning. It's good anyway.
Top 4th
I'm confused. Sheila Dixon has a heavy New York accent? Bizarre.
Guts flexes his nuts and gets 3 outs. Meh.
Bottom 4th
Wiggity Wack (name pending) gets his first hit as an Oriole.
Scotty doesn't know... how to strike out. Walk city. Looks promising.
Wait. The home plate umpire's name is Randy Marsh? You know what that makes me think of...
[FF to 9:20]
Wiggity tags to third, and Izzy steps up 2 tha streets. This should be-
Barf. Double play... inning over.
Top 5th
Joe Biden contributes to a surreal split screen. What the ass is Biden talking about? Does he look like Bill Maher or is it just me?
Before you know it, some dick gets a triple. Guts is distracted by politicsblog and walks General Benedict. Melmo smiles and the world of some douche ends, as does the inning.
Bottom 5th
B Rob puts the world on his shoulders and hits a ground rule double. Mr. Jones stares down the third baseman and gets a single.
Unreal pic of Markakis as an incredibly orange child. Kakes gets a puny infield hit, key word is hit. Jeter and Mayor McCheese are stunned. 4-1 O's.
Melmo loads the bases. Huffrey up, gets out but also an RBI. 5-1 O's. Intentional walk for Wiggity.
Luuuuuuuke draws a nice walk from an 0-2 hole and gets an inadvertent RBI. 6-1 O's. Sabathia:
4.1 IP, 6 ER, 0 K. The REAL #52:
Not impressed.
Rest of inning's whatever, already up by 5.
Top 6th
Before you can finish cupping your balls, Posada hits a home run. 6-2 O's.
Some joke gets on, and Janie Damon knocks a double... into a fan's hand. No interference, why? 6-3 O's.
Guts recovers though and gets the quality start, as well as a piece of the Aggro Crag.
Middle 6th
O's are 29-14 on Opening Day since 1966. Holy shit.
Also, what was Nady thinking on out 3? That was retarded.
Bottom 6th
Blah.
Top 7th
Jim Palmer has a good feeling about Ray. If you're saying "oh shit" to yourself, you're not alone.
Instant hit. BOOOOOO up to bat. Izzy makes the crowd happy. How solid has Izturis been defensively so far? What a pickup.
And suddenly Matsui makes it 6-5. Jesus balls.
Another hit, Ray yanked. Johnny Walker Orange label to pitch.
Except just kidding. Sarfate time. Mora makes a nice play and suddenly the inning's over.
7th Inning Stretch
Bottom 7th
Roch from the Sun gets interviewed. Female Reporter calls him out on his bad jokes. Gary and Jim agree. You leave to take a piss, and... inning over.
Top 8th
Nick Swisher apparently still plays baseball. According to Gary Thorne, he "celebates", which I'm sure is accurate, because none of the Yankees have ever laid a woman.
Dude on 3rd with one out. Bad news, except Jimmy Johnson cock punches Jeter. Great job by Zaun protecting the plate.
BOOOOOOO! Roberts shows him what a real O's fan would do: ruin the Yankees' lives. In the process, he cures cancer. What a human.
Bottom 8th
Luuuuuuuuke leads off. While he's making dirty calls to Jeter's mother, he strikes out. Gregggggg Zaun doubles for his first hit of the season.
Holy. Fucking. Shit. How goddamn ironic is this?!? Izzy hits the ball to deep left. Fan interference for a home run NOT SEEN BY THE UMPS. I HAVE to check Yankee message boards for their tears later. Words cannot express how this makes me feel. dljghfslkjbfbb ebhfjb. 8-5 O's.
B Rob grounds out. Damon is crying. Mr. Jones spends 2 hours on an at bat and draws a nice walk. You consider buying a Jones jersey.
Kakes gets a nice 2-out single. Wild pitch and the force out is gone like Britney Spears' virginity at age 13.
Bases loaded. Huffrey at bat. Clean double and suddenly it's 10-5 O's. Consider the cushion restored.
The Yankees give up and pitch to Wigginton for some reason. Out anyway.
Top 9th
George Sherill comes out and pees on the Yankees. Game.
Game Notes
* Teixiera was clearly affected by the booing. 0 for 4 and out of position for an Izzy hit.
* Player of the game: Adam Fucking Jones. 3 for 3, 2 BB, Beast.
* Did Jeter play?
* BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
* B Rob saves.
Aftermath
Check out this crybaby:
[Fox Sports]
Waaaaaaaah everyone should like the Yankees. He even has a poll asking why people like to boo the Yankees. Here's an idea:
You're arrogant fucktards who make Godfather-esque offers to players and can somehow afford to overpay every player on your roster. You're a symbol of all that's wrong with the sport, and your fans are pissants to boot. Get real.
And yesterday's game resembling the recession and the country as a whole? Get over yourself, it's fucking sports. Jesus. I can only imagine how bad the YES announcers were...
Go O's. AL East leaders.
- Matt
Sunday, April 5, 2009
O say does that star spangled....
Tomorrow is Opening Day. The renewed hatred for the New York Yankees should be in full force tomorrow. Expect pictures of Teixiera chasing a $20 bill, A Rod taking something into his ass (it's not your first guess, it's actually steroids) and C.C. Sabathia fat jokes in my recap.
As for the O's themselves, let's take a look at some spring training stats:
Jolbert (awesome name) Cabrera led the regulars with hitting .457 in 46 AB
Markakis hit .407 in 59 AB with 8 doubles and 3 HR.
Izturis, Jones, Wieters, Montanez, and Moore all hit above .300
Quiroz hit .300
Luke Scott hit 5 doubles, 5 home runs, and bashed in a team-high 15 RBI.
Scott Moore led with 2 triples.
Aubrey Huff had a subpar spring training, but he knocked in 11 RBI despite a .237 average.
Hitting conclusions: Felix Pie needs some time to mature in the minors... MelMo quietly had a good spring, hitting .280 in limited AB... BRob did well in the WBC, not so much in spring training. Let's hope he returns to form tomorrow... If the O's flirt with a winning record, Markakis will be in consideration for MVP. BANK ON IT.
Instead of looking at pitching statistics, I'm going to scream, run around wildly, and flail my arms in the air. It was... pretty universally dreadful. Guthrie couldn't catch a break no matter who he pitched for. Uehara started off dominant, then the league started to catch up to him. Good thing he faced a lot of NL teams. There were, however, encouraging signs:
Chris Ray was lights out, compiling a 0.00 ERA in 13 innings.
Matusz and Arrieta allowed no runs in 5 2/3 innings as well. Prospects represent! They also allowed a combined 2 hits.
Tillman, the third part of the Holy Trinity of Prospects, had a 2.25 ERA in 4 IP. Not bad, guy.
Perez, Castillo, Albers, Bass and Simon all had ERAs of less than 3.00
Of the starters, Albers and Uehara looked the sharpest. Koji was a strikeout fiend, fanning 17 in only 14 2/3 innings of play. Bedard who?
Pitching conclusions: Brace yourself when the O's are on the mound. But don't expect such a consistent shellacking from our opponents this year. As long as the kids on the team maintain confidence, they could be the surprise staff of the season. It's what I have to believe at this point.
Right now, there's no prouder fanbase for me to be a part of than the Orioles' fanbase. We have seen amazing highs (like the Gr8est player to grace the game) and abominable lows (see: Peter Angelos era). But it's pared out the fairweather fans and hangers-on, who will stop rooting for the Ravens once they go 4-12. People who still talk Orioles are knowledgeable about the game, and enthusiastic and optimistic year in and year out with no reason to behave as such. In short, this next portion of the post is for everyone who's stuck with the team in the past decade:
Go O's
- Matt
As for the O's themselves, let's take a look at some spring training stats:
Jolbert (awesome name) Cabrera led the regulars with hitting .457 in 46 AB
Markakis hit .407 in 59 AB with 8 doubles and 3 HR.
Izturis, Jones, Wieters, Montanez, and Moore all hit above .300
Quiroz hit .300
Luke Scott hit 5 doubles, 5 home runs, and bashed in a team-high 15 RBI.
Scott Moore led with 2 triples.
Aubrey Huff had a subpar spring training, but he knocked in 11 RBI despite a .237 average.
Hitting conclusions: Felix Pie needs some time to mature in the minors... MelMo quietly had a good spring, hitting .280 in limited AB... BRob did well in the WBC, not so much in spring training. Let's hope he returns to form tomorrow... If the O's flirt with a winning record, Markakis will be in consideration for MVP. BANK ON IT.
Instead of looking at pitching statistics, I'm going to scream, run around wildly, and flail my arms in the air. It was... pretty universally dreadful. Guthrie couldn't catch a break no matter who he pitched for. Uehara started off dominant, then the league started to catch up to him. Good thing he faced a lot of NL teams. There were, however, encouraging signs:
Chris Ray was lights out, compiling a 0.00 ERA in 13 innings.
Matusz and Arrieta allowed no runs in 5 2/3 innings as well. Prospects represent! They also allowed a combined 2 hits.
Tillman, the third part of the Holy Trinity of Prospects, had a 2.25 ERA in 4 IP. Not bad, guy.
Perez, Castillo, Albers, Bass and Simon all had ERAs of less than 3.00
Of the starters, Albers and Uehara looked the sharpest. Koji was a strikeout fiend, fanning 17 in only 14 2/3 innings of play. Bedard who?
Pitching conclusions: Brace yourself when the O's are on the mound. But don't expect such a consistent shellacking from our opponents this year. As long as the kids on the team maintain confidence, they could be the surprise staff of the season. It's what I have to believe at this point.
Right now, there's no prouder fanbase for me to be a part of than the Orioles' fanbase. We have seen amazing highs (like the Gr8est player to grace the game) and abominable lows (see: Peter Angelos era). But it's pared out the fairweather fans and hangers-on, who will stop rooting for the Ravens once they go 4-12. People who still talk Orioles are knowledgeable about the game, and enthusiastic and optimistic year in and year out with no reason to behave as such. In short, this next portion of the post is for everyone who's stuck with the team in the past decade:
Go O's
- Matt
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Mid-March State of the Blog
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Ok, just gentlemen.
Here's a long-awaited post from me, as I've been slacking a lot, after giving Will a lot of shit earlier. With the Penguins streaking (10 straight games with at least a point earned), I've been spending a ton of time on the Pensblog in a state of maddening joy. But it's time to rap, gents. About the sports.
Baltimore Orioles: Orioles Hangout had a very good post on Brian Matusz's pitching mechanics recently. I recommend reading it, but you may not like what you hear. In short, he needs a lot of work, meaning he probably won't make an impact in the majors until at least 2012. Whatever keeps the arm fresh is good with me though.
And, uh, Orioles will flirt with .500 as late as September. Bank on it.
Baltimore Ravens: It's good that the dirty birds kept Ray Ray. He's one of the most beloved players in Baltimore sports history, no matter what the rest of the country thinks. The only thing to watch is a potential "old guard" versus new D coordinator situation, much like the Steelers experienced with Alan Faneca in their offensive line. Which reminds me, Steelers suck.
San Diego Chargers: Good move restructuring LT's deal without trying to rip him off. He's still a top 5 back in the league, he just needs to get healthy. Cutting down on the money while including guarantees for the roughest position in all of sports is a fair compromise. It's even better that this got resolved early in the offseason, rather than creating a boiler pressure situation after the draft. I'm feeling good about the Bolts next season.
Indianapolis Colts: are gay.
Maryland Terrapins: WOOOOOOOO! I like the first round matchup with Cal. It's a rematch of the football game last fall when the Terps surprised the Bears. MD has a good chance, I'm penciling them in the W column. They're starting to play well on neutral courts, which will be very useful in the very near future.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Streaking! Suddenly, the Pens find themselves in the 5 seed position with 82 points. With 11 games left to play, one figures the Pens need to go 6-5 the rest of the season to be assured a playoff spot. That would be 43 wins and 94 points, which is enough in the post-lockout landscape. Depending on their first round matchup, they could be doing a lot of damage. The first line is looking very good these days, Guerin, Kunitz and Crosby all had 3 points in this afternoon's game. It was good enough to make the scoring race a 1-2 Penguins punch, which is the first time since Lemieux-Jagr that it's happened this late in the season.
Washington Capitals: Whaaa?!? Considering a third of our readership is Caps fans, I'm giving legitimate space to reporting about them without calling them names. Given their stellar track record at home (despite recent struggles), their recent road power show speaks volumes. On the other hand, their first round opponent will come out swinging in the first two games, knowing that the Caps can clean up in another team's arena. Ovechkin in particular has picked up his game away from home, but bank on him creating more points at home in the postseason. The worry spot for fans has to be Green; teams are starting to pick up on his reluctance to take the body. The playoffs are a grind, and dirty goals are a must. The Ovechkin Play (TM) on the power play may not work, so the Caps have to find a way to adjust.
NHL: Red Wings have taken the points lead. Who's surprised? ...Columbus is the lovable underdog in the West, they're in good position to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. ...Philly may make a push for the Atlantic division title if Brodeur stops owning the league soon. They have several games in hand on most Eastern teams. ...It seems only one of the Sabres, Canes and Panthers will make the playoffs. I'm banking on the Hurricanes to finally snap their drought.
Totally wrong NCAA tourney predictions later this week.
- Matt
Here's a long-awaited post from me, as I've been slacking a lot, after giving Will a lot of shit earlier. With the Penguins streaking (10 straight games with at least a point earned), I've been spending a ton of time on the Pensblog in a state of maddening joy. But it's time to rap, gents. About the sports.
Baltimore Orioles: Orioles Hangout had a very good post on Brian Matusz's pitching mechanics recently. I recommend reading it, but you may not like what you hear. In short, he needs a lot of work, meaning he probably won't make an impact in the majors until at least 2012. Whatever keeps the arm fresh is good with me though.
And, uh, Orioles will flirt with .500 as late as September. Bank on it.
Baltimore Ravens: It's good that the dirty birds kept Ray Ray. He's one of the most beloved players in Baltimore sports history, no matter what the rest of the country thinks. The only thing to watch is a potential "old guard" versus new D coordinator situation, much like the Steelers experienced with Alan Faneca in their offensive line. Which reminds me, Steelers suck.
San Diego Chargers: Good move restructuring LT's deal without trying to rip him off. He's still a top 5 back in the league, he just needs to get healthy. Cutting down on the money while including guarantees for the roughest position in all of sports is a fair compromise. It's even better that this got resolved early in the offseason, rather than creating a boiler pressure situation after the draft. I'm feeling good about the Bolts next season.
Indianapolis Colts: are gay.
Maryland Terrapins: WOOOOOOOO! I like the first round matchup with Cal. It's a rematch of the football game last fall when the Terps surprised the Bears. MD has a good chance, I'm penciling them in the W column. They're starting to play well on neutral courts, which will be very useful in the very near future.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Streaking! Suddenly, the Pens find themselves in the 5 seed position with 82 points. With 11 games left to play, one figures the Pens need to go 6-5 the rest of the season to be assured a playoff spot. That would be 43 wins and 94 points, which is enough in the post-lockout landscape. Depending on their first round matchup, they could be doing a lot of damage. The first line is looking very good these days, Guerin, Kunitz and Crosby all had 3 points in this afternoon's game. It was good enough to make the scoring race a 1-2 Penguins punch, which is the first time since Lemieux-Jagr that it's happened this late in the season.
Washington Capitals: Whaaa?!? Considering a third of our readership is Caps fans, I'm giving legitimate space to reporting about them without calling them names. Given their stellar track record at home (despite recent struggles), their recent road power show speaks volumes. On the other hand, their first round opponent will come out swinging in the first two games, knowing that the Caps can clean up in another team's arena. Ovechkin in particular has picked up his game away from home, but bank on him creating more points at home in the postseason. The worry spot for fans has to be Green; teams are starting to pick up on his reluctance to take the body. The playoffs are a grind, and dirty goals are a must. The Ovechkin Play (TM) on the power play may not work, so the Caps have to find a way to adjust.
NHL: Red Wings have taken the points lead. Who's surprised? ...Columbus is the lovable underdog in the West, they're in good position to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. ...Philly may make a push for the Atlantic division title if Brodeur stops owning the league soon. They have several games in hand on most Eastern teams. ...It seems only one of the Sabres, Canes and Panthers will make the playoffs. I'm banking on the Hurricanes to finally snap their drought.
Totally wrong NCAA tourney predictions later this week.
- Matt
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Condensed Thoughts
Damn it Will, make a post!
Anyway, here are some thoughts about the first half of this weekend:
As mentioned yesterday, Ty Wigginton is a fucking beast
[MASN, again]
Brian Roberts signed a 4 year, $40 million extension, meaning he'll get to see a winning Orioles season! Also, it means he could be the first lifetime Oriole since Cal. Who does that nowadays? Class acts, that's who. I'm buying a Roberts player-tee first chance I get.
Penguins win over Philly in the City of Brotherly Filth. If you play for the Flyers, you probably hate yourself. Their fans have confused being assholes with being enthusiastic. Every time the prompt is "Let's Go Flyers" they shout "Crosby Sucks". Yeah, because the 2nd best points scorer in the NHL who just dropped 4 points on your team, including the game-winning goal, sucks. Retards.
[NHL.com]
It'll be interesting to see if the fairweather Caps fans who've sprung up recently will emulate their cousins 2 hours northeast. I hope so, nothing motivates Sid like a bunch of retards saying he sucks.
Resign Ruslan ("ROOOOOOSE") Fedotenko. The guy is 100% heart and looks good on Crosby's line. The first line of Dupuis-Crosby-Fedotenko was absolutely dominant this game. Enough of amateur GM.
Has Maryland done enough to get into the NCAA tourney? Not yet. A win over Duke and an overall 2-2 finish would be enough I should think, especially on the heels of beating the... Heels.
But losing to Duke, and winning out the rest of the season would put the Terps at 20-10 (9-7), which in my opinion should be enough to get them into the NCAA bracket. If you let any PAC-10 or Big Ten or (your God forbid) a Big XII team in before them, there's something seriously wrong with your judgment. 3 of 7 losses against two of the top 10 in the country? Nothing to sneeze at.
It's going to take some falls by Arizona, Michigan, and other bubble teams to make this more of a reality. Two or three wins in the ACC tourney would be crucial as well. If Morgan State wins their conference, MD looks better as a result. Michigan State winning out would also help the Terps a ton. In short, it's one of those iffy situations that never seem to favor the Terps. I'm not expecting them to make the big 65, but they at least deserve consideration this year.
If you don't like Pitt's basketball team, there's something seriously wrong with you. In recent years, they've tried a lock-down, defensive style that only their mothers could love. This would be successful in the regular season, but kill them in the tourney. This year, after Blair was in foul trouble early for a few games, they decided to open up their play. The result was big wins, including in Hartford against UConn. Fields is a great quarterback for the offense. Blair is THE rebound machine. Dixon is Juan Dixon's brother. Young is also great. I sincerely hope these guys win the whole tournament, they're the most likable team since Curry appeared at Davidson. Plus I get to riot.
Tomorrow: even if the Pens leave Washington with no points, this weekend can't by any means be considered a loss. Going up against the 2nd and 4th seeds on their turf, would you have believed they could split? I'd hoped, but it seemed unrealistic. Now, the Pens have met their 2 point total.
2 games ago, someone brought up the point that 92 points, 43 wins should be enough for the playoffs. This required the Pens to go at least 16-8-0. So far, it's 2-0-0. The difference between 64 points and 60 points seems astronomical nowadays. Even if the Penguins miss the playoffs, they're putting on a hell of a show late in the season. I'm feeling every game like I'm rooting for a playoff club, and the atmosphere in Pittsburgh is frenetic, amazing. Camaraderie between true Pens fans is huge, and you can see the hope on everyone's faces. It's the stuff I usually sneer at when it comes from Steelers fans, but I've softened up a ton about that.
Being a sports fan in Pittsburgh is honestly better than being a sports fan everywhere else. This city suffered such a slow burn in the late 60s and 70s, and the population had to get their minds to something happy. This explains the slavish Steeler devotion. Think about what Detroit's going through now, and magnify that. If only the Lions were any good...
Anyway, that's my take on the early weekend. It's good to feel so good about all three of my favorite teams. Chargers will win Super Bowl 44, fact.
- Matt
Anyway, here are some thoughts about the first half of this weekend:
As mentioned yesterday, Ty Wigginton is a fucking beast
[MASN, again]
Brian Roberts signed a 4 year, $40 million extension, meaning he'll get to see a winning Orioles season! Also, it means he could be the first lifetime Oriole since Cal. Who does that nowadays? Class acts, that's who. I'm buying a Roberts player-tee first chance I get.
Penguins win over Philly in the City of Brotherly Filth. If you play for the Flyers, you probably hate yourself. Their fans have confused being assholes with being enthusiastic. Every time the prompt is "Let's Go Flyers" they shout "Crosby Sucks". Yeah, because the 2nd best points scorer in the NHL who just dropped 4 points on your team, including the game-winning goal, sucks. Retards.
[NHL.com]
It'll be interesting to see if the fairweather Caps fans who've sprung up recently will emulate their cousins 2 hours northeast. I hope so, nothing motivates Sid like a bunch of retards saying he sucks.
Resign Ruslan ("ROOOOOOSE") Fedotenko. The guy is 100% heart and looks good on Crosby's line. The first line of Dupuis-Crosby-Fedotenko was absolutely dominant this game. Enough of amateur GM.
Has Maryland done enough to get into the NCAA tourney? Not yet. A win over Duke and an overall 2-2 finish would be enough I should think, especially on the heels of beating the... Heels.
But losing to Duke, and winning out the rest of the season would put the Terps at 20-10 (9-7), which in my opinion should be enough to get them into the NCAA bracket. If you let any PAC-10 or Big Ten or (your God forbid) a Big XII team in before them, there's something seriously wrong with your judgment. 3 of 7 losses against two of the top 10 in the country? Nothing to sneeze at.
It's going to take some falls by Arizona, Michigan, and other bubble teams to make this more of a reality. Two or three wins in the ACC tourney would be crucial as well. If Morgan State wins their conference, MD looks better as a result. Michigan State winning out would also help the Terps a ton. In short, it's one of those iffy situations that never seem to favor the Terps. I'm not expecting them to make the big 65, but they at least deserve consideration this year.
If you don't like Pitt's basketball team, there's something seriously wrong with you. In recent years, they've tried a lock-down, defensive style that only their mothers could love. This would be successful in the regular season, but kill them in the tourney. This year, after Blair was in foul trouble early for a few games, they decided to open up their play. The result was big wins, including in Hartford against UConn. Fields is a great quarterback for the offense. Blair is THE rebound machine. Dixon is Juan Dixon's brother. Young is also great. I sincerely hope these guys win the whole tournament, they're the most likable team since Curry appeared at Davidson. Plus I get to riot.
Tomorrow: even if the Pens leave Washington with no points, this weekend can't by any means be considered a loss. Going up against the 2nd and 4th seeds on their turf, would you have believed they could split? I'd hoped, but it seemed unrealistic. Now, the Pens have met their 2 point total.
2 games ago, someone brought up the point that 92 points, 43 wins should be enough for the playoffs. This required the Pens to go at least 16-8-0. So far, it's 2-0-0. The difference between 64 points and 60 points seems astronomical nowadays. Even if the Penguins miss the playoffs, they're putting on a hell of a show late in the season. I'm feeling every game like I'm rooting for a playoff club, and the atmosphere in Pittsburgh is frenetic, amazing. Camaraderie between true Pens fans is huge, and you can see the hope on everyone's faces. It's the stuff I usually sneer at when it comes from Steelers fans, but I've softened up a ton about that.
Being a sports fan in Pittsburgh is honestly better than being a sports fan everywhere else. This city suffered such a slow burn in the late 60s and 70s, and the population had to get their minds to something happy. This explains the slavish Steeler devotion. Think about what Detroit's going through now, and magnify that. If only the Lions were any good...
Anyway, that's my take on the early weekend. It's good to feel so good about all three of my favorite teams. Chargers will win Super Bowl 44, fact.
- Matt
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Farewell to Arm. Mussina Retires.
Reading ESPN today, came across this story.
Mussina is the first pitcher in over 40 years to retired after a 20-win season. The question of whether he's a HoF'er has been thrown around on ESPN. I voted "no", but then I remembered no one good has retired recently.
Where does Mussina fit in for the Orioles history? No denying he was a very skilled pitcher, and most certainly the best one the O's had during the 90's. 1997 was an amazing year for the dude, there's no denying that. And the reason he didn't stay was because Angelos refused to dish out the cash. Whether that was a good move or not is debatable.
So here's my proposition: Michael Mussina is actually the Orioles' Michael Jackson. Early in his career, he was really likable, produced on a high level, and was a big star. Then later, he was just another dude and not likable in the least. And they both probably molested children.
1997 was Moose's "Beat It". The music from Jackson during his skin peel phase was still quality, but not as good and honestly disgusting. You can continue with the comparisons as you see fit.
In conclusion, there's "black" (and orange) Mussina, and "white" (and blue) Mussina. I prefer to think of them as different players, just like I do with MJ. But black Moose will always hold a special place with me, and for that I hope he enjoys his time off.
- Matt
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Dark Times
First update in a week. Good thing no one reads this blog.
Can't say much positive about the Chargers, other than statistically. So I'll talk about how much I like Drew Brees. It's no secret he's my favorite player in the NFL. If you look at his career quarterback rating, you might not think he's very good. Fortunately, that's a meaningless statistic. He's only had more interceptions than touchdowns one year (2003), and you can count on him to get at least 4000 yards in recent years. If he had better people to throw to, there'd be no stopping him.
Anyway, the Penguins are still doing well. Shootouts are kind of a crap shoot in terms of final result, so it's not a backbreaking loss. Still, to lose out on 2 points by blowing another 3rd period lead is disconcerting. The Rags will come back down to Earth sooner than later, and at any rate it's early in the season.
Lastly, while I'm glad the Devil Rays are in the world series, it sucks for the Orioles. A lot. 4 of the top 10 teams in the league sit in the AL East, which doesn't bode well for the O's. Fortunately, the Yankees might be on a downturn, and the Blue Jays can as easily be bad as good. And of course time will tell with the Rays.
No real substance to this entry. It's like I write for CNN or something...
- Matt
Monday, September 15, 2008
Intoxicated With Madness
So yeah. You'd expect me to be pretty mad about sports right now. Chargers got reamed by a call the ref himself said was terrible, Orioles clinched losing season #11, and the Penguins STILL aren't playing yet. But frankly, life rocks too much right now to really care. So I guess it's down to some minor observations about the two major sports going on right now:
1. The Ravens should be considered a legitimate dark horse for the AFC North. Did anyone see how terrible both the Steelers and Browns looked last night? I know there was wind, but neither offense seemed to click, and the defenses looked stupid (see: Polamalu knocking a tipped pass into a Browns player's hands). I know the Ravens played only the horrible war crime known as the Bengals, and they have 15 straight weeks of football ahead, but they could win the division at 10-6 easy, and 9-7 maybe. Not out of the question.
2. The Chargers' loss is a lot less disheartening this week. Don't feel like going into detail, but this is the best I've ever felt about an 0-2 team. They play the Jets, Raiders, then Dolphins. If they aren't 3-2 by the end of that stretch, I'll be surprised.
3. The Penguins' prospects have been destroying other teams. This bodes well for the regular season, as injuries (see: Ryan Whitney) happen all the time. I have high expectations, since the East is less than competitive.
4. The Pensblog is making posts again! Also, they disabled comments so a lot of the douchebags can't be stupid anymore. Hooray!
5. Speaking of the Pensblog, they have a video of the 82-0 thrashing by the Slovakian "women" against Bulgaria. It's actually painful to watch, everyone is just awful in it. If you told me the oldest player was 5, it would make more sense.
6. No one still cares about baseball. And I found out yesterday that the MLS season has in fact been going on for a long time. I'm sure Will can make a post soon, I don't actually feel like looking any news up on it.
7. Also, in soccer in the Congo, a riot erupted because the goalie started using witchcraft. Wow.
Next week the Chargers play on national television. If I'm not at water polo I can do a real recap of it.
- Matt
Friday, August 22, 2008
Streak Over
Well that didn't last long.
Anyway, much more importantly, the US men's team is playing for gold on Sunday morning. They face Hungary, the best offense in the tournament. The USA is by far the best defense in the games, but they'll have their work cut out for them this time.
I'd analyze this more but I have a lot to cover.
First, Shawne Merriman is out indefinitely. This is very bad for the Chargers, especially with both Gates and LT on the mend. Healthy, the Chargers are serious contenders in the AFC for not only the conference championship but the Super Bowl. Without these guys, they almost won't win the AFC West.
Second, the O's took a game from the Red Sox. This was huge to me, because I fear the worst when the Red Sox come to town. However, they have not yet swept the O's this year (knock on wood), whereas the O's have a (2-game) sweep of Boston. I was going to give up on my earlier predictions if the Orioles had been swept. But now, they are within realistic striking distance of .500 still. Only 3 games against the Sox, but 6 against the Yankees (who they've dominated) and the Blue Jays (who they've... not dominated), as well as 7 against the (Devil) Rays. It will take a hell of an effort to meet my optimistic prediction of 82-80. They face the Twins, White Sox and Indians as well as their divisional foes.
Cutting this one short, whatever.
- Matt
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Water Polo in the Olympics
In case you're part of the vast majority of the American population, you probably haven't been paying attention to the US Water Polo team, either men's or women's. Allow me to enlighten you.
First, the women. They went undefeated in group play (2-0-1) and beat Australia (who beat them for gold in 2000) 9-8 early this morning. The Aussies tied it up at 8 after trailing by 3 going into the fourth quarter. Brenda Villa fired off a man-up shot from about 5 m out to give the Americans the lead they wouldn't lose for the remaining minute. Now, the US women face the Netherlands in the finals, and they are heavily favored to win. Hopefully the girls can get the elusive Olympic gold.
Speaking of elusive gold, guess how long the US men's team has gone without winning the gold? 104 years, when they won all three medals (weird). This year, they have the group B number one seed, and will be playing for a medal regardless of how the first game against Spain/Serbia goes. Hungary will play the winner of Croatia/Montenegro, both of which are probably still considered more likely to win the gold than the US. However, the US men have the number one defense in the Olympics, even though they gave up 11 goals to Italy. Of the other two teams to advance into medal play, the US has only let up 9 goals combined (even though they scored the same total amount). Seems like the 9th best team in the world might be a tad underrated.
Anyway, here's hoping the USA can sweep the water polo medals and be the undisputed aquatic masters of the world. A few quick thoughts:
- Why can't the Orioles beat the Red Sox? Fuck.
- How could the Chargers only score 6 points total against the goddamn St. Louis Rams? Fuck.
- Whits is out until possibly 2009. Fuck. Oh wait, Letang and Goligoski. Cool. Ish.
- Matt
Monday, August 18, 2008
Guthrie Watch 2
Looks like Guts had another solid night. Too bad the offense couldn't give him the W. He'll be leaving the game with 7 IP, 5 H, 5 BB, 4 K, and 2 ER on 2 HR. His ERA is still under Lester's, meaning the entire Red Sox team is worse than he is. Even though it's not over yet, I have little faith on matters of beating the Red Sox nowadays.
Lengthier post tomorrow, I'm fucking tired tonight.
- Matt
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Guthrie Watch 1
Right, almost forgot about my promised new feature.
Last night, Jeremy Guthrie gave the kind of performance that might land him on the front page of ESPN, were he only on the Red Sox or Yankees. Hell, if he were on the Cubs he would at least land atop the Brett Favre story of the day (his arm was fatigued? Are you serious?). Let's look at his stats:
7.0 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 4 K, 0 HR
And the win. He lowered his ERA to 3.18, which is 7th in the AL. Still 2nd in IP, and 8th in WHIP. Still not considered an ace, somehow.
Clearly, Crasnick does not know or talk to any Pirates fans. He claims that Buccos fans are "warming up" to rebuilding. Now, I don't live in Pittsburgh or anything (I do), but I'm pretty sure people are still sick of it.
- Matt
Monday, August 11, 2008
At Least They Didn't Shit-Talk the German Swim Team
Today's post is dedicated to the epic comeback by US swimming in the 400 Freelay last night. I learned through playing collegiate sports that it's not wise to shit-talk a driven opponent. And there might not be any swimmers more driven than Phelps and his teammates. Everyone knows how much his record potentially means. To say you're going to smash them? That leads to something like this:
They should call Tom Brady and ask how it feels several months after being humiliated on worldwide broadcasts. Fools.
The French coach's response pretty much sums it up:
About the prediction: "Well... I think he got it wrong."
Live and learn, French dude.
New Orioles links today. I'm trying to get enough sources of information so I can make a real post one of these days. Go O's.
- Matt
Sunday, August 10, 2008
O's and Chargers, Chargers and O's...
Not much to say today. O's got drubbed by some jokes from Texas, Chargers beat some jokes from Texas last night. Sundays are pretty much dead zones for sports until the NFL starts up.
GaySPN is talking some bullcrap about a billion people watching USA vs China basketball. Whatever, I'm sure they can suck LeBron's balls when the NBA season starts in mid-March or whenever. What a bunch of babies and divers. It makes soccer look hardcore. If it were college basketball, we could get stuff like this at least:
Nice.
In real sports news, men's Olympic water polo team beat China 8-4. I didn't get to watch it because I was at the zoo, but I'm sure the US pulled its starters relatively quickly. I wasn't aware China had a water polo team until I looked up the schedule. Chumps. At least under the pool water there isn't any pollution... yet.
I need hockey. I'm already circling preseason game dates on my calendar. Time to job basketball somewhere else. Go O's.
- Matt
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