Walkoff Walk tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008-02-06://1 2008-07-24T20:29:05Z In which Rob Iracane and Camp Tiger Claw discuss the present state of baseball and the human condition Movable Type Personal 4.1 Tonight's Questions tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.797 2008-07-24T20:30:00Z 2008-07-24T20:29:05Z Hey kids, those aren't sirens. DO you think when the Rays and Royals get together nowadays the Royals are all like "Hey guys, remember when you used to be bad like us?" But the Rays just kind of ignore them... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com night game.jpgHey kids, those aren't sirens.
  • DO you think when the Rays and Royals get together nowadays the Royals are all like "Hey guys, remember when you used to be bad like us?" But the Rays just kind of ignore them and keep playing catch, totally forgetting their roots?

  • CAN the Brewers pull off the 4 game sweep of the Cards? Ben Sheets vs. Todd Wellemeyer.

  • IS it a coincidence that the Cubs and Marlins start their series on the same day Bartman turned down the autograph offer? No, those scumbag promoters planned it that way, I'm sure.

  • HEY you guys wanna play Uno or Scrabble or something? The Padres and Pirates are on.

Then tune in tomorrow for all the answers. Same WoW time, same WoW channel.]]> The Wil Cordero Memorial Linkpunch: Thursday, July 24th tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.796 2008-07-24T19:45:00Z 2008-07-24T19:47:25Z Sometimes people write better than us. Each Tuesday and Thursday WoW gives you our favorite baseball links we've come across. Arizona fans need something fun and cheery to lift their spirits ever since their midseason plummet started well before midseason.... Rob Iracane linkpunch gorillaSometimes people write better than us. Each Tuesday and Thursday WoW gives you our favorite baseball links we've come across.

  • Arizona fans need something fun and cheery to lift their spirits ever since their midseason plummet started well before midseason. Hence, Top Ten Moments in Diamondbacks History. AZ Snakepit.

  • Answer Man David Brown interviews Texas Rangers star Milton Bradley. Hey, it turns out he's never read The Fountainhead! I can go back to being a Milton Bradley fan! Big League Stew.

  • Politicobaseballblogger Nate Silver analyzes the trend towards smaller ballparks and the subsequent decrease in seating capacity. Remember when Municipal Stadium sat 74,000 fans? No? Why? Because they never sold more than 5000 tickets? Baseball Prospectus.

  • The Yankees are having a record number of new alumni attend Old Timers Day this year. Holy shit, Wayne Tolleson is still alive? MLB.com.

  • Jonah Keri loves Mondays, disagrees with Bob Geldof. JonahKeri.com.

  • Roger Ebert reflects on his departure from "At the Movies". RogerEbert.com.
]]> No (Dress) Code tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.795 2008-07-24T19:00:00Z 2008-07-24T19:04:44Z See what I did there? On the left in the clown wig and what appears to be Fred Lynn's old batting helmet is Pearl Jam frontman and current solo touring guy Eddie Vedder. To his right is Red Sox GM... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com vedder.jpgSee what I did there?

On the left in the clown wig and what appears to be Fred Lynn's old batting helmet is Pearl Jam frontman and current solo touring guy Eddie Vedder. To his right is Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Epstein fancies himself something of a rock and roll guy but I've always had my doubts. Apparently he's authentic enough that Vedder wants to hang out with him, so that's something. I've never been a huge PJ fan, and he's not even my favorite rock and roll Eddie but I do respect the guy.

I saw this live the other night and was searching for the screencap for days. Thanks to Mike at Sons of Bill Simmons for getting it out there. Now I can cancel my "eddie vedder theo epstein" Google alert.]]> Orlando Cabrera is a Slick Fielding Misanthrope tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.794 2008-07-24T17:30:00Z 2008-07-24T17:30:57Z Rob Iracane horsesass.jpg

Our pals over at the Stew linked us to an nifty trade rumor today, via Danny Knobler at CBS Sportsline:

   "Hot trade rumor of the day: White Sox send Juan Uribe to the Red Sox, freeing up salary room to deal for Brian Roberts and paving the way to send Orlando Cabrera to the Dodgers."

Wow! That really is some massive trade speculation there, involving four teams, three major players, the Gettys, and the Quebecois rebel factions! The paperwork involved in such a dealing would make even swap-happy Ken Williams cower in fear, unless, of course, the White Sox were desperate to get rid of someone. Could it be...Orlando Cabrera?

According to reports, shortstop Orlando Cabrera is upset with manager Ozzie Guillen over a perceived lack of support. The argument, Cabrera says, is rooted in the fact that Guillen publicly frowned upon two calls that Cabrera made to the official scorer earlier in the season after fielding errors were assigned to him.

Oh, right, that little public tiff back in May. Anyone who has followed Cabrera's career know that he's a good-fielding middle infielder with a serviceable bat. Yet consider the number of teams he's played for in his career: he spent the first few years of his career in Montreal before the Red Sox came calling in 2004. Cabrera came to Boston as part of the trade that sent Nomar to the Cubbies, but was not signed for '05 despite helping the Sox win the World Series. He spent the next three seasons in Anaheim before being sent to Chicago in exchange for starter Jon Garland.

If he's traded now, the Dodgers would become, mind-bogglingly, his fifth team in five years. He's seen the inside of more locker room showers than your sister! I'm just speculatin' here, and please forgive my coarse language, but it sounds like Orlando is a terrible teammate and a real horse's patoot. What gives with this guy?]]> Cut While Shaving: Today's Afternoon Games tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.793 2008-07-24T16:00:00Z 2008-07-24T16:03:08Z

12:10, Phillies at Mets: This series is mercifully coming to an end. How did I get from being so excited about it, to now just wishing it would go away? It was only three games! The Mets will take their... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com omar-vizquel-sister-assumpt.jpg
  • 12:10, Phillies at Mets: This series is mercifully coming to an end. How did I get from being so excited about it, to now just wishing it would go away? It was only three games! The Mets will take their chances on the Oliver Perez of Death and the Phillies counter with Jamie Moyer. Moyer's been pitching well lately, while Perez turns in starts where he looks like Sandy Koufax and Sandy Duncan, alternately. Someone take the rubber and leave me alone until you play again at the end of August.

  • 12:35, Blue Jays at Orioles: It's a Roy Halladay game which makes it an event. I love that guy. If the All-Star game really counted, it would have just been 8 innings from Halladay and one from Rivera. Doc takes on Daniel Cabrera, who is also a pitcher. The Jays have taken 2 games so far in this 4 game series. I love Camden Yards, but it needs more hotel strippers.

  • 3:35, Nats at Giants: For evidence of how much I love baseball please refer to Last Night's Questions. I was absolutely enthralled with the Giants/Nationals game. Big hits, interesting relief work. More Rich Aurilia than you can shake a stick at. There was talk of how well he used to handle fly balls at Candlestick. It was some old school good times. Today the Giants look to complete their first home sweep of the year, which is kind of crazy no matter how bad they are. They're only 19-31 at home this season. Face Of The Franchise Matt Cain takes on Tim Redding. I look forward to more clutch hitting by Omar Vizquel (!!). I hope the nun is there too. I am officially pulling for San Francisco to make a run. This is probably verboten since I'm a Dodgers fan, but screw it. ]]> Gotta Serve Somebody, Shin-Soo Choo tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.792 2008-07-24T15:05:00Z 2008-07-24T15:09:37Z I'd never known it before, but Shin-Soo Choo is a lot like me. You see, he's facing a potentially life altering problem. One that could disrupt his livelihood and possibly result in jail time. As a South Korean, Choo is... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com koreanmilitary-small.jpgI'd never known it before, but Shin-Soo Choo is a lot like me. You see, he's facing a potentially life altering problem. One that could disrupt his livelihood and possibly result in jail time. As a South Korean, Choo is obligated to serve two years in the military. His deadline for service is 2010 but there are a bunch of obstacles standing in his way.

    How is he dealing with this impending doom as it inches closer and closer? The same way I would. He's totally ignoring it until something awful happens.

    Choo, a South Korean, must serve two years in the military. He says the deadline for entering the military is 2010.

    "I try not to think about it," he said before the Indians' 14-11 loss to the Angels on Wednesday.

    Choo says Korean athletes can get excused from military service if they do well in the Olympics.

    "If you win any kind of medal in the Olympics, you might only have to serve four weeks," said Choo.

    Choo's problem is South Korea won't take baseball players for its Olympic team if they're on the 25-man roster of a big-league club.

    "The Indians couldn't send me to the minors [to be on the Korean team] because I'm out of options," said Choo, who added "There's too much stress to worry about it now."

    My god, we're like brothers. Trying to pretend something bad isn't about to happen has been a staple of my emotional wellbeing for over two decades. From school, to work, to relationships, it's a never fail plan. Until it fails.

    Maybe the Indians should have looked into this before signing Choo? I can't believe that front office would have done something dumb in the past couple of years.]]>     Dan Quisenberry Bobblehead Giveaway Prompts Questions tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.791 2008-07-24T13:30:00Z 2008-07-24T13:30:11Z While listening to the Tigers-Royals game yesterday to see if Armando Galarraga could keep his perfect game going (he couldn't), I heard an interesting announcement. Seems the Kansas City Royals have an interesting promotion scheduled for Saturday: Dan Quisenberry... Rob Iracane quiz.jpg

    While listening to the Tigers-Royals game yesterday to see if Armando Galarraga could keep his perfect game going (he couldn't), I heard an interesting announcement. Seems the Kansas City Royals have an interesting promotion scheduled for Saturday: Dan Quisenberry Bobblehead Day.

    Now Dan Quisenberry was one of the best relievers of the 1980s, amassing 244 career saves. Quiz had a wicked submarine delivery that baffled hitters; he didn't have a dominant heater but he fooled batters with his sinker and his bushy moustache. He was a fan favorite and signed a career contract with KC in 1983, only to be released in 1988 after being demoted to mop-up duty (damn you, Steve Farr!). After retiring from baseball, Dan became a poet and published a coupla books of poems.

    So what's the problem? Well, don't you think it's a little...weird...to have a bobblehead day for someone who died of brain cancer?]]> Baseball After Bedtime: Aluminum or Glass tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.790 2008-07-24T12:00:00Z 2008-07-24T12:01:20Z

    Here's what happened in baseball as you understood what a seagull is: Brewers 3, Cardinals 0: So this whole CC Sabathia trade is working out pretty pretty well for Milwaukee. Kid threw his third straight complete game victory, hurling... Rob Iracane bedtimedog.jpg

    Here's what happened in baseball as you understood what a seagull is:

    Brewers 3, Cardinals 0: So this whole CC Sabathia trade is working out pretty pretty well for Milwaukee. Kid threw his third straight complete game victory, hurling a three-hitter over St. Louis and striking out seven. Tony LaRussa's righty-stacked lineup was ineffective; his 3-4-5 hitters (Pujols, Glaus, Molina) combined to go 0-for-10, and only one Card reached scoring position. Hey, sounds like my high school days! Haw haw. Ryan Braun and J.J. Hardy tater-totted for the Brew Crew who have now collected ding-dongs in 19 straight games. FRANCHISE RECORD. Milwaukee remains one game behind the Cubbies but move two games ahead of the Cards for the Wild Card.

    Braves 9, Marlins 4: Is it worth winning the occasional battle when you're losing the bigger war? Yes, Atlanta's roster of walking wounded is worsening as both Chipper Jones (strained hammy) and Tim Hudson (tender elbow) left the game with ouchies. Gregor Blanco and Yunel Escobar each picked up 3 RBI to hassle Florida starter Ricky Nolasco. Nolasco is now 0-3 against the Braves this season and 10-3 against the rest of baseball. Florida's 4-run ninth inning explosion against reliever Buddy Carlyle was too little, too late, not unlike our attempt to buy the Cubs.

    Blue Jays 2, Orioles 1 (susp): Rain ruined the Orioles' 25th anniversary celebration of their last World Championship team AND a night of throwback unis for both teams AND of course a tidy pitchers duel between cyclist Jeremy Guthrie and A.J. Burnett. Screw it, they'll finish today. Twenty-two members of that 1983 O's team showed up for the ceremonies, including that smarmy asshole Jim Palmer. WHAT, NO LENN SAKATA?]]> Tonight's Questions tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.789 2008-07-23T20:45:00Z 2008-07-23T20:42:14Z

    Hey kids, you can't hold the hand of a rock and roll man. WILL Alfonso Soriano's return spur the Cubs to finally score some runs and not get swept by the Snakes? WILL Brett Myers's return be a swinging... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com baby-lobster.jpg Hey kids, you can't hold the hand of a rock and roll man.

    • WILL Alfonso Soriano's return spur the Cubs to finally score some runs and not get swept by the Snakes?

    • WILL Brett Myers's return be a swinging success? The Mets are gonna want this one badly.

    • WHAT would a night of high profile returns be without Lobster Baby!? IT'S ADORABLE.

    • CAN CC lead the Brewers to their third straight victory against the Cards?

    • IS Burnett vs. Guthrie enough to get you to watch the O's and Jays? It is for me.

    • CAN you find the differences between these two different stories about Robert Novak hitting a pedestrian and trying to flee the scene? HInt: the second one is from Fox, contains no eyewitness testimony, stresses "minor injuries," and makes no mention of him trying to flee.

    Then join us tomorrow for all the answers. Same WoW time, same WoW channel.]]>     West Allis Baseball: "Now I Kill Your Car" tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.788 2008-07-23T19:45:00Z 2008-07-23T19:45:53Z Do you see what happens James Jankowski? Do you see what happens James Jankowski? This is what happens James Jankowski when you fuck the West Allis Central High School Baseball team in the ass. According to Greenfield Police, five athletes... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com walter.JPGDo you see what happens James Jankowski? Do you see what happens James Jankowski? This is what happens James Jankowski when you fuck the West Allis Central High School Baseball team in the ass.

    According to Greenfield Police, five athletes along with about a dozen other students damaged cars by breaking windows, slashing tires, and writing obscenities on the vehicles. Some of the suspects include star athletes, and victims don't understand why they'd do something like this.

    "You think they would be fine, upstanding kids if they're into sports," says victim James Jankowski. "They have other things to do than damage other people's property."
    You're totally right James. None of the high school athletes I've ever known were jackasses.

    This being the town of West Allis, WI most of these guys make up the bulk of all the other sports teams. The principal says "their suspension could affect other teams as well." They're not big time like those a-holes over in East Allis with all the specialized, non car destroying athletes.]]>     Our Bid Was Not Accepted: Who Is Going To Buy The Cubs? tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.787 2008-07-23T18:15:00Z 2008-07-23T18:21:55Z Last week was the deadline to submit your bids for the Chicago Cubs. I hope your paperwork was legible. The team is being auctioned off with "related assets" and is expected to fetch around $1B. One of the related assets... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com brewster.jpgLast week was the deadline to submit your bids for the Chicago Cubs. I hope your paperwork was legible. The team is being auctioned off with "related assets" and is expected to fetch around $1B. One of the related assets is ol' Wrigley Field. Bidders are allowed to submit offers for any combination of the assets. Right now there are about 10 formal bids on asset packages that include the team, and over two dozen bids for packages that include the stadium.

    So who is in the running to own the North side squad and adopt their sad sack fans? Let's take a look:

    (Andrew) Murstein, a New York City taxi tycoon, said in a telephone interview that his group, which includes former baseball home run king Henry Aaron and former Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp, submitted a bid for all three assets, as well as one for just the team and TV network stake.

    Also expected to submit bids for the Cubs are John Canning Jr., chairman of Chicago-based private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners; Internet billionaire Mark Cuban, owner of the National Basketball Association Dallas Mavericks; and the family of Joe Ricketts, the founder of Omaha, Nebraska-based TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. Other expected bidders include a group headed by Michael Tokarz, chairman of Purchase, New York-based MVC Capital Inc; Don Levin, owner of the Chicago Wolves minor league hockey team; Rocco Landesman, president of Jujamcyn Theaters, which owns several Broadway theaters; and a group that includes Leo Hindery, who runs private equity firm InterMedia Partners and previously ran Yes Network, the TV channel of the New York Yankees baseball team, and AT&T Broadband.

    Two other groups that have not been identified include hedge fund investors.

    Of course there are pros and cons to all of these bids. If TD Ameritrade wins, the team could be managed by this guy. If a Broadway theatre group wins we could see Carlos Zambrano being played by character actor Mandy Patinkin.

    Most intriguingly and also nevergonnahappen is the bid from Cuban. In a rare move of restraint, Cuban has been quiet about his bid, no doubt in effort to impress baseball's old boy owner's club. Methinks it's a little too late for that, but we can all hope anyway.]]>     La Belle Dame Sans Merci: Today's Afternoon Games tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.786 2008-07-23T16:30:00Z 2008-07-23T16:26:41Z 12:35, Padres at Reds: This is the first of a slate of NINE afternoon games today. Getaway day indeed. It's Greg Maddux vs. Bronson Arroyo. CAN YOU SMELL THE OFFSPEED STUFF? 12:40, Oakland at Tampa Bay: The A's 8-1 victory... Camp Tiger Claw http://www.walkoffwalk.com Nine.jpg
    • 12:35, Padres at Reds: This is the first of a slate of NINE afternoon games today. Getaway day indeed. It's Greg Maddux vs. Bronson Arroyo. CAN YOU SMELL THE OFFSPEED STUFF?

    • 12:40, Oakland at Tampa Bay: The A's 8-1 victory last night briefly stopped their slide back into irrelevance. Hitters are starting to catch up to today's starter Greg Smith. Smith had a solid opening to his rookie campaign but has been getting shelled as of late, giving up 6 runs in 3+ against the Yanks in his last start. Tampa Bay counters with James Shields and Manatee Encounter.


    • 1:05, Twins at Yankees: The Twins try desperately not to get shoved in the broom closet by another AL East team. Robinson Cano and Bobby Abreu have been smacking the ball around, but then again they haven't faced GLEN PERKINS. His name cracks me up. Would you like to hear the most Glen Perkinsest quote ever? How about this gem: "It's just being able to help the team and get the team wins is what I'm trying to do and that's why I've been successful as a starter so far." Oh, Glen you card! Mike Mussina goes for the Yanks.

    • 2:05, Pittsburgh at Houston: LET THE RANDY WOLF ERA BEGIN. Well he's not pitching or anything yet, but maybe he'll be in the clubhouse playing cards. Brian Moehler actually gets the start for the Astros while the Pirates send out Ian Snell with a broom. Snell has been getting murdered on the road this year, so he should enjoy a pitcher's park like Minute Maid. THIS IS UNTRUE.

    • 2:05, Rangers at White Sox: These two have traded blowouts in the series and today's rubber match pits goofball Kevin Millwood against rookie Clayton Richard. Clayton started the future stars game at the ASG (anyone blog that?), and makes his major league debut today. Jermaine Dye is back, jack.

    • 2:10, Tigers at Royals: The Royals have been outscored 26-5 in the first two games of this series. I'm worried that another blowout could result not in a sweep, but a broom handle up Trey Hillman's ass. Weren't the Royals supposed to be better? Who the hell wrote that? Armando Galarraga gets the start for Detroit against Zach Grienke Pants.

    • 3:05, Dodgers at Rockies: I was all excited to watch these two go at it on my Extra Innings free preview last night, but two things conspired against me. They had the Colorado announcers instead of Vin Scully. The FCC needs to take action there. When Scully is doing a game you should show his broadcast. By law. Also, Clayton Kershaw got shelled. Colorado has also scored 26 runs in the first two games of this series. Put that number in your Megabucks ticket tonight. Hiroki Kuroda will try and slow them down as he takes on Glendon Rusch. Remember when he was on the same Mets staff as Shawn T. Estes? Glory days, I tell ya.

    • 3:35, Indians at Angels: LAFFEY VS. LACKEY! Someone call Cousin Larry. The similarites end at their names. Lackey had a strong outing in the first game of last week's Red Sox sweep. Laffey on the other hand, gave up 8 runs in 3.2 against The Mariners. Bwaahhahaha. He sucks. This game is rubbery.

    • 4:40, Red Sox at Mariners: The Sox haven't swept a road series in 11 months, but they've got Seattle's ass in the dustpan. Unfortunately for them, they're tossing out the struggling Clay Buchholz against King Felix. Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka have rolled through the M's lineup this week, so this could be a good confidence boost for Ears. The Mariners: Baby's First Lineup!
    Unfortunately, Mr. Iracane has prior engagements and will not be glogging today. But we can all chip in with free for all updates here in the comments. Make me proud, people. ]]>     Mets Are Slowly Killing Johan Santana's Will to Live, My Fantasy Team tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.785 2008-07-23T15:00:00Z 2008-07-23T14:59:48Z Two major transactions ruled the baseball world this offseason: the Mets wiping their farm system out to acquire superstar pitcher Johan Santana from the Twins and Rob Iracane drafting Johan Santana with his first round pick (sixth overall) in... Rob Iracane mrmet.jpg

    Two major transactions ruled the baseball world this offseason: the Mets wiping their farm system out to acquire superstar pitcher Johan Santana from the Twins and Rob Iracane drafting Johan Santana with his first round pick (sixth overall) in fantasy baseball. Yes, nobody cares about my fantasy team but screw you, this is my blog and I'll force you to read my incontinent whines as long as I want to.

    First, let's look at the real world. Santana has a middling 8-7 record after 21 starts in the Mets' first 100 games, but his numbers are far better: his 3.05 ERA is more than a run below league average and his 120 strikeouts are more than three times his 38 walks allowed. Granted, his numbers are not as good as they were in his last five years with the Twins, and he's giving up an inordinate number of tater tots for playing in such a cavernous pitchers park, but c'mon, Mets offense/defense/bullpen! You're wasting a stud pitcher!

    The team has scored but 12 runs in Johan's seven losses; in only two of those games did Santana allow more than three earned runs (four runs to the Brewers, four runs to the Angels). This dude should have been an All Star with those numbers! This dude should have 12 wins by now! This dude should be carrying my fantasy team!

    No worries, though. I'm in second place in my league thanks to young studs such as Joakim Soria, Jacoby Ellsbury, and...uh...Jason Kendall. Wait a minute...how the heck am I in second place with Jason Kendall? And Huston Street?]]> Neal Huntington is Sitting on His Pirate Booty tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.783 2008-07-23T13:30:00Z 2008-07-23T13:30:33Z

    Former Indians assistant GM and self-confessed sabremetrician Neal Huntington hit the bigtime last year when he took the head GM position of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Woo, Western Pennsylvania! Anyway, the Pirates are stagnating in last place of the NL... Rob Iracane clementebridge.jpg

    Former Indians assistant GM and self-confessed sabremetrician Neal Huntington hit the bigtime last year when he took the head GM position of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Woo, Western Pennsylvania! Anyway, the Pirates are stagnating in last place of the NL Central, a full 13 games behind the Cubbies and going nowhere fast.

    Still, they have a talented outfield, a decent bullpen, and a shortstop who can pat his head and rub his tummy at the same time, so every slightly-above-average team is foaming at their mouths for a chance to make a trade with the Pirates.

    So what is Neal waiting for? Time to blow up this mediocre team and acquire some prospects and start rebuilding for 2010! Wait...the Pirates haven't had a winning season since the early 90s...time to start building for 2012! Here are your candidates for prom queen:

    • Damaso Marte, RP: Allegedly, twelve teams have inquired with Neal about the lefthanded veteran Marte, who sports a decent 3.55 ERA and decent splits against both lefties and righties. Still, he's got a fat 6.52 ERA away from Pittsburgh so any new team should be careful to coddle him on the road with some swank room service and perhaps a teddy bear. My best guess: he'll become a Met, with the Rays lurking as a dark horse.
    • John Grabow, RP: This lefty reliever is seen as a poor man's Marte, who is really just a poor man's Billy Wagner, who's just a poor excuse for a 'closer'. Perhaps the loser in the Damaso Marte sweepstakes will go for Grabow. My best guess: the Rays will nab him, with the Red Sox waiting in the wings.
    • Jack Wilson, SS: The scrappy veteran shortstop wouldn't normally be the belle of the ball, but with shortstop depth in the majors at an all-time low, desperate teams like the Dodgers (currently employing Nomar Garciaparra) and Tigers could really use his meager .688 OPS at the position. My best guess: he'll stay a Pirate because his price is too high (allegedly the Pirates want Matt Kemp in return)
    • Xavier Nady, RF: Nady's tidy .907 OPS could improve nearly any team's corner outfield positions. Sure, he's playing way over his head but he's cheap and he's easy, not unlike a Belgrade hooker on Saint Vitus' Day. He'd make a good seventh slot hitter for one of the contenders and pick up some timely RBI. My best guess: the Mets will welcome him back to fill Moises Alou's crippled shoes.
    • Jason Bay, LF: What're you, nuts? At least give Pirate fans reason to come to the consarn games. Well, he'd fetch a pretty penny...too bad Omar Minaya blew up the Mets farm system last year. My best guess: he'll stay a Pirate because his price is too high
    • Freddy Sanchez, 2B: The team should have pushed this chip to the middle of the table when its value was high, like when he won the batting title in 2006, not now as his OPS sits under .600. Yuck! Ain't nobody want him now. My best guess: he'll stay a Pirate because he can't hit no more.

    Other possible candidates to be traded: Jason Michaels, Roberto Clemente's ashes, and a 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card.]]> Baseball Before Bedtime: Sweet Melissa tag:www.walkoffwalk.com,2008://1.784 2008-07-23T12:00:00Z 2008-07-23T12:01:35Z

    Here's what happened in baseball as you couldn't hide the dead man's ghost: Phillies 8, Mets 6: I see how this works now...let Billy Wagner sit with a close lead in the ninth inning because of a sore shoulder... Rob Iracane bedtimedog.jpg

    Here's what happened in baseball as you couldn't hide the dead man's ghost:

    Phillies 8, Mets 6: I see how this works now...let Billy Wagner sit with a close lead in the ninth inning because of a sore shoulder and let the rest of the bullpen come out, one by one, and shit all over the mound. The New York Mets bullpen tore another page out of the Johan Santana career win book by allowing six ninth-inning runs and ruuuuining a 5-2 Mets lead. So Taguchi and Jimmy Rollins each provided two-run dubbles in that fateful inning and Brad Lidge allowed one meaningless run in the ninth for his 22nd save in 22 chances. HOW DO YOU LIVE LIKE THIS, METS FANS? Oh wait, no Mets fans read this blog.

    Marlins 4, Braves 0: The Braves got VanderHurked, and they got VanderHurked good. Young stud Rick VanderHurk and his three reliever friends allowed but one hit in nine innings. Chipper Jones got the lone Atlanta hit on the night in the sixth inning off reliever Joe Nelson who I hope was reprimanded properly for his transgression. Mike Jacobs' three run ding-dong provided all the necessary offense for the tater tot tallyin' Marlins. Bobby Cox sat this one out because of the naughty things he said on Sunday.

    Brewers 4, Cardinals 3: Kyle Lohse' four perfect innings and seven strikeouts all went into the shitter as Bill Hall's solo ding-dong sailed over the fence in the ninth to put the Brewers ahead. Well really, Lohse had no chance to win after he gave up a run in the seventh and the two tying runs in the eighth. Salomon Torres saved it all in the ninth, delaying the Brewers need for a new reliever somewhat. Ryan Ludwick's first inning tater tot was allegedly the longest homer in New Busch Stadium's history but check here for actual distance.]]>