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Saturday, July 12, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
Geoff Baker with this post gives a good breakdown of Seattle Mariners latest struggles
Food for thought as the Mariners face another challenge these final four games before all-star break. From May 31-July 2, the Mariners went on an unbelievable 31-game run where pitchers held opponents to 2.5 runs per game. Seattle went 21-10 over that stretch, vaulting into contention. The last 6 games, the pitching regressed to a still-impressive 3.33 runs per game, but the team is only 2-4 over that stretch and would be 1-5 if not for 9th inning comeback heroics in Chicago.... For the season, the Mariners are allowing 3.4 runs per game. So, what's more realistic going forward the next 2 1/2 months? For the Mariners to keep up that winning pace of 2.5 runs allowed? Or that 3.3-3.4 runs per game pace that is now losing them two of every 3? I'll suggest the latter, especially when you factor in Roenis Elias wearing down and likely regression for Chris Young at some point. In fact, the Mariners will likely need to add an arm just to maintain that season-long 3.4 runs per game allowed pace. And then, in addition to that, they will need to improve the offense (either by adding or counting on in-house improvements) just so they don't lose 2 of every 3 the rest of the way like they are doing now. It's a tall order, yes. This isn't meant to say the Mariners can't make the playoffs, just showing you that the folks claiming the team needs an arm AND bats aren't crazy. At least, not based upon what these numbers suggest. What is crazy is counting on any pitching staff to allow 2.5 runs per game over any prolonged stretch. That's about what the record-setting 1968 Cardinals were doing with Bob Gibson and company. Would a David Price addition by the M's allow them to stay that low? Probably not. Even keeping things to under 3.0 runs per game is unfair to ask any team. Price would certainly help, yes. But bats are mandatory here. Without them, chances are, this team will not contend. This isn't meant to suggest it's Mission Impossible for the Mariners. A lot can happen in sports, as the Orioles showed us two years ago and the Indians did last year. But at that point, you're crossing your fingers and hoping for luck rather than taking pro-active steps. The Mariners can't hope to win every game 3-2 and 2-1 going forward. They need to consistently score four runs or more. And they need to see their pitchers maintain this very good pace, if not the surreal pace of the prior five weeks. That's what this approaching trade deadline suggests to me. If they can achieve the playoffs in spite of this challenge, my hat will be off to them.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
NBA Free agency The Breeze Vol 2 Number 4 The official Column of WWS
Four years to the day when Lebron James announced his decision to go to Miami it appears he has the NBA and Miami in a vice. that is to say 55 million dollars has been technically saved by these actions. The opt out has led to a toe dance by GMs around the country that would make Barishnikov proud. With the New CBA and a hard salary cap in place. that limits teams in terms of contract years and maximum money they can offer plus the mid level exception the Big 3 led by James can essentially call his own shot 4 years later we are still waiting. The problem is other free agents are being held hostage by his non decision.. I put a portion of the blame on ownership are you listening Mickey Aronson. For 2 years he has had a contending team with no bench. This time around no pay cuts and calls for max money are loudly proclaimed. Owners who do not wish to pay the graduated luxury tax for Cap reasons. can extend payouts over a set number of years but that would require compromise on the part of players who have collectively bargained to have as many max 5 year contracts and the money that comes with them but it is possible for other cornerstone and franchise players to collude with each other prior to July 10th 2014. The 1st day new signings can become Official. The Wednesday meeting between Mr. Showtime coach and James might go something like this James demands max money and enough cap space to get a bench for a change. If GM is smart he will not suggest a pay cut. James may say Bosch to Houston for max money and Cap space to bring Carmelo to Miami. Lebron will still be holding Miami in a vice that would make Don Johnson Proud. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQDU-2qMre0
Mark A Janisch Founder and Senior writer for wws
join me on twitter @wideworldofspor
Mark A Janisch Founder and Senior writer for wws
join me on twitter @wideworldofspor
Monday, July 7, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
2014 MLB All-Star Rosters
All-Star Game 2014: Here are the AL and NL rosters
- July 6, 2014 8:07pm EDT
The rosters for the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game were unveiled Sunday evening.
Here's a list of who made the squads of the Midsummer Classic.:
Jose Bautista (AP Photo)
MORE: Worst All-Star selection ever for all 30 teams!
C: Matt Wieters, Orioles (injured, Salvador Perez of Royals will start)
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B: Robinson Cano, Mariners
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees
3B: Josh Donaldson, A's
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays (leading overall vote getter)
OF: Mike Trout, Angels
OF: Adam Jones, Orioles
DH: Nelson Cruz, Orioles
Pitchers
Yu Darvish, Rangers; Max Scherzer, Tigers; Felix Hernandez, Mariners; Yasahiro Tanaka, Yankees; Jon Lester, Red Sox; David Price, Rays; Scott Kazmir. A's; Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays; Sean Doolittle, A's; Greg Holland. Royals; Glen Perkins, Twins; Dellin Betances, Yankees.
Reserves
Catchers: Derek Norris, A's; Kurt Suzuki, Twins.
Infielders: Jose Abreu, White Sox; Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays; Jose Altuve, Astros; Adrian Beltre, Rangers; Alexei Ramirez, White Sox; Brandon Moss, A's.
Outfielders: Yoenis Cespedes, A's; Alex Gordon, Royals; Michael Brantley, Indians.
DH: Victor Marinez, Tigers
Final Vote”candidates*: Chris Sale, White Sox; Corey Kluber, Indians; Rick Porcello, Tigers; Dallas Kuechel, Astros.
C: Yasier Molina, Cardinals
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
2B: Chase Utley, Phillies
SS: Troy Tulowitizki, Rockies (leading NL vote getter)
3B: Aramis Ramirez, Brewers
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
OF: Carlos Gomez, Brewers
OF: Yasiel Puig, Dodgers
Pitchers
Johnny Cueto, Reds; Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers; Zack Greinke, Dodgers; Madison Bumgarner, Giants; Adam Wainwright, Cardinals; Tyson Ross, Padres; Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals; Julio Teheran, Braves; Craig Kimbrel, Braves; Aroldis Chapman, Reds; Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers; Tony Watson, Pirates; Pat Nechek, Cardinals.
Reserves
Catchers: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers; Devin Mesoraco, Reds.
Infielders: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins; Dee Gordon, Dodgers; Freddie Freeman, Braves; Starlin Castro, Cubs; Todd Frazier, Reds; Daniel Murphy, Mets; Matt Carpenter, Cardinals.
Outfielders: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies; Hunter Pence, Giants.
Utility: Josh Harrison, Pirates.
"Final Vote”candidates*: Justin Morneau, Rockies; Anthony Rizzo, Cubs; Anthony Rendon, Nationals; Casey McGehee, Marlins; Justin Upton, Braves.
* Only 33 of the 34 roster spots in each league were announced Sunday, with the final spot in each league determined by online voting.
This year’s All-Star Game will be played July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis.
Here's a list of who made the squads of the Midsummer Classic.:
Jose Bautista (AP Photo)American League
Starting lineup (voted on by fans)C: Matt Wieters, Orioles (injured, Salvador Perez of Royals will start)
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B: Robinson Cano, Mariners
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees
3B: Josh Donaldson, A's
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays (leading overall vote getter)
OF: Mike Trout, Angels
OF: Adam Jones, Orioles
DH: Nelson Cruz, Orioles
Pitchers
Yu Darvish, Rangers; Max Scherzer, Tigers; Felix Hernandez, Mariners; Yasahiro Tanaka, Yankees; Jon Lester, Red Sox; David Price, Rays; Scott Kazmir. A's; Mark Buehrle, Blue Jays; Sean Doolittle, A's; Greg Holland. Royals; Glen Perkins, Twins; Dellin Betances, Yankees.
Reserves
Catchers: Derek Norris, A's; Kurt Suzuki, Twins.
Infielders: Jose Abreu, White Sox; Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays; Jose Altuve, Astros; Adrian Beltre, Rangers; Alexei Ramirez, White Sox; Brandon Moss, A's.
Outfielders: Yoenis Cespedes, A's; Alex Gordon, Royals; Michael Brantley, Indians.
DH: Victor Marinez, Tigers
Final Vote”candidates*: Chris Sale, White Sox; Corey Kluber, Indians; Rick Porcello, Tigers; Dallas Kuechel, Astros.
National League
Starting lineup (voted on by fans)C: Yasier Molina, Cardinals
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
2B: Chase Utley, Phillies
SS: Troy Tulowitizki, Rockies (leading NL vote getter)
3B: Aramis Ramirez, Brewers
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
OF: Carlos Gomez, Brewers
OF: Yasiel Puig, Dodgers
Pitchers
Johnny Cueto, Reds; Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers; Zack Greinke, Dodgers; Madison Bumgarner, Giants; Adam Wainwright, Cardinals; Tyson Ross, Padres; Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals; Julio Teheran, Braves; Craig Kimbrel, Braves; Aroldis Chapman, Reds; Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers; Tony Watson, Pirates; Pat Nechek, Cardinals.
Reserves
Catchers: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers; Devin Mesoraco, Reds.
Infielders: Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins; Dee Gordon, Dodgers; Freddie Freeman, Braves; Starlin Castro, Cubs; Todd Frazier, Reds; Daniel Murphy, Mets; Matt Carpenter, Cardinals.
Outfielders: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies; Hunter Pence, Giants.
Utility: Josh Harrison, Pirates.
"Final Vote”candidates*: Justin Morneau, Rockies; Anthony Rizzo, Cubs; Anthony Rendon, Nationals; Casey McGehee, Marlins; Justin Upton, Braves.
* Only 33 of the 34 roster spots in each league were announced Sunday, with the final spot in each league determined by online voting.
This year’s All-Star Game will be played July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis.
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