tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90484434487024102392012-02-16T01:00:36.349-06:00Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.comBlogger181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-20720472914780423822009-05-09T00:06:00.003-05:002009-05-09T00:08:13.975-05:00Thursday evening, the three of us got together to discuss two things: the Manny suspension and the return of A-Rod to New York. This is our extensive conversation about Manny's suspension and its effects on baseball.<br /><br />[22:24] Shaun Parent: Where do we start first?<br />[22:24] Coryhouser: Manny's the biggest news<br />[22:24] Coryhouser: Let's start there<br />[22:24] Gentleman Jim: Ok then.<br />[22:24] Shaun Parent: Fair enough.<br />[22:24] Gentleman Jim: Knee jerk reaction?<br />[22:27] Shaun Parent: ah jeez<br />[22:28] Coryhouser: Shit<br />[22:28] Shaun Parent: Your laptop sucks, Jim.<br />[22:28] Coryhouser: I can't re...JUAN PIERRE<br />[22:28] Shaun Parent: Juan Pierre?<br />[22:28] Coryhouser: Yes<br />[22:28] Gentleman Jim: Sorry about that, Gentlemen.<br />[22:28] Coryhouser: He's been sitting in the shadows<br />[22:29] Shaun Parent: Let me tell you something.<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: Waiting for his chance<br />[22:29] Gentleman Jim: He has been.<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: He's a good baseball player<br />[22:29] Shaun Parent: And this coming from a fan of a team who had him.<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: Now he'll have a chance to step up for his team<br />[22:29] Shaun Parent: He's certainly no knight in shining armor.<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: Well duh<br />[22:29] Gentleman Jim: Gotta be honest, I never really liked him with us.<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: There have been people out there<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: The two best right handed hitters maybe of all-time, are active right now<br />[22:29] Coryhouser: Manny and Pujols<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: I like Joe Torre as their manager<br />[22:30] Shaun Parent: One's suspended and the other plays for a shitty St. Louis team.<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Fuck off<br />[22:30] Shaun Parent: rofl<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Juan Pierre used to be a Cub<br />[22:30] Shaun Parent: I keed.<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Fuck you<br />[22:30] Shaun Parent: I SAID THAT<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Just like that uhh<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Grudzelanek<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: (sp?)<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: That plays for the Royals<br />[22:30] Shaun Parent: Close enough.<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Was a Cub<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Then was a Cardinal for a season (05?)<br />[22:30] Gentleman Jim: yep<br />[22:30] Coryhouser: Then moved to KC<br />[22:31] Gentleman Jim: Grudzelanek was here with Walker<br />[22:31] Shaun Parent: WE'RE GETTING OFF TOPIC.<br />[22:31] Gentleman Jim: um<br />[22:31] Gentleman Jim: yeah<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: Sorry<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: I still don't think it'll hurt the Dodgers that much<br />[22:31] Gentleman Jim: What kind of effect do we think this will have on the Dodgers?<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: Their pitching needs to get the fuck into gear<br />[22:31] Shaun Parent: Well see.<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: But other than that<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: Who the fuck is going to step up to challenge them in that shitty division<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: THE GIANTS?<br />[22:31] Shaun Parent: The bats are whats keeping this team afloat with such shitty pitching.<br />[22:31] Coryhouser: Pffff<br />[22:32] Coryhouser: It's not just Manny's bat though<br />[22:32] Coryhouser: That's why I think they'll be ok<br />[22:32] Shaun Parent: And now you just lost a big one.<br />[22:32] Shaun Parent: And with Ethier batting behind Manny, he was getting a lot of good pitches.<br />[22:32] Coryhouser: Yeah<br />[22:32] Shaun Parent: Now Ethier moves into that "avoid and don't do anything stupid" pitcher deal.<br />[22:32] Gentleman Jim: Who's any good pitching for them?<br />[22:32] Gentleman Jim: Besides Billingsley?<br />[22:33] Shaun Parent: Nobody comes to mind for me.<br />[22:33] Shaun Parent: And none of us are buying the prescription excuse, are we?<br />[22:34] Coryhouser: I kinda do<br />[22:34] Coryhouser: He didn't test positive with his previous tests<br />[22:35] Shaun Parent: Neither did Rafael Palmero<br />[22:35] Shaun Parent: Then oooooop<br />[22:35] Coryhouser: lol<br />[22:35] Coryhouser: Yeah<br />[22:36] Coryhouser: The drug boosted testosterone<br />[22:36] Shaun Parent: Listen, if you're going to make the money you get offered and are a vital part to the team, you make the hell sure on what you're getting.<br />[22:36] Coryhouser: Yeah<br />[22:36] Coryhouser: That's absolutely true<br />[22:36] Shaun Parent: ANYTIME JIM<br />[22:38] Gentleman Jim: sorry doods<br />[22:38] Shaun Parent: Wow.<br />[22:39] Coryhouser: Wow<br /> [22:39] Coryhouser: Yahoo Sports Columnist Jeff Passan wants MLB to completely ban Manny and every steroid user<br />[22:39] Coryhouser: He wants lifetime bans for offenses<br />[22:39] Gentleman Jim: That is nuts.<br />[22:39] Gentleman Jim: There wouldn't be anyone left.<br />[22:39] Shaun Parent: I want lifetime bans for players that bang supermodels.<br />[22:39] Shaun Parent: Purely out of jealousy.<br />[22:39] Gentleman Jim: That's more appropriate.<br />[22:40] Coryhouser: lol<br />[22:40] Gentleman Jim: That begs the question, what's an appropriate penalty for players who break the drug policy?<br />[22:40] Shaun Parent: I think it's fine the way it is.<br />[22:41] Gentleman Jim: Cory?<br />[22:41] Coryhouser: I like the lifetime bans<br />[22:41] Coryhouser: Scare the shit out of them<br />[22:41] Coryhouser: That's the only fucking way<br />[22:41] Shaun Parent: Well, you can't.<br />[22:41] Coryhouser: "Oooh I'll boost myself up once, and only get suspended 50 days, but I'll already be beefed up enough to further my career"<br />[22:41] Gentleman Jim: But that's not how steroids work.<br />[22:41] Shaun Parent: Wanna know why you can't do that?<br />[22:41] Gentleman Jim: Its not just a one time thing.<br />[22:41] Coryhouser: ?????????????????<br />[22:41] Shaun Parent: Knock knock.<br />[22:42] Coryhouser: Who's there<br />[22:42] Shaun Parent: The MLB Players Union.<br />[22:42] Coryhouser: lol<br />[22:42] Gentleman Jim: go on<br />[22:42] Gentleman Jim: The MLB Players Union who?<br />[22:42] Shaun Parent: No, that was it.<br />[22:42] Gentleman Jim: oh<br />[22:42] Shaun Parent: rofl<br />[22:42] Gentleman Jim: Orange you glad I didn't say Congress.<br />[22:42] Shaun Parent: THAT'S the reason why the league doesn't have a one-time and banned rule.<br />[22:43] Shaun Parent: The Player's Union would take an immediate shit on it and probably do whatever they could to keep it from being that way.<br />[22:43] Gentleman Jim: And if you do that, you have to deal with what to do with contracts.<br />[22:43] Shaun Parent: And then that snowballs.<br />[22:44] Shaun Parent: So, with a few outspoken LA fans and media personalities calling for Manny's head.<br />[22:44] Shaun Parent: Would it make sense to trade or release him?<br />[22:44] Gentleman Jim: no<br />[22:44] Gentleman Jim: Well, trade maybe.<br />[22:45] Shaun Parent: Really?<br />[22:45] Gentleman Jim: Release, no.<br />[22:45] Gentleman Jim: The Dodgers are gonna find out exactly what they've got in the outfield with Manny out.<br />[22:45] Shaun Parent: By the time he gets back, July 3rd, there's at least three weeks until the trade deadline, yes?<br />[22:45] Gentleman Jim: Yeah<br />[22:46] Shaun Parent: Hmmm.<br />[22:46] Gentleman Jim: If Kemp and Ethier and (Pierre and prospects) do a good job in the outfield, while he's away, they're gonna have options.<br />[22:46] Coryhouser: I know they're just playing the Nationals<br />[22:46] Coryhouser: But the Dodgers are up 6 - 0 right now<br />[22:46] Shaun Parent: Wow.<br />[22:46] Shaun Parent: So, the fans are wanting blood.<br />[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Some.<br />[22:47] Gentleman Jim: The ones that care want blood.<br />[22:47] Shaun Parent: But what team in their right mind wants to be on the hook for the remainder of Manny's contract?<br />[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Anyone in the American League that needs to sell tickets.<br />[22:47] Shaun Parent: Should LA decide to trade.<br />[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Texas?<br />[22:47] Shaun Parent: Manny would want to go to Texas?<br />[22:47] Gentleman Jim: Really anyone that has a DH slot open.<br />[22:47] Shaun Parent: Wait, does he have a veto clause?<br />[22:48] Gentleman Jim: It's not up to Manny, he doesn't have a no trade clause.<br />[22:48] Shaun Parent: Oh, nevermind then.<br />[22:48] Shaun Parent: I thought he had one.<br />[22:48] Gentleman Jim: Texas, Cleveland, Detroit<br />[22:48] Gentleman Jim: Cleveland could be really good, homecoming.<br />[22:48] Shaun Parent: Manny back to where it all began, perhaps?<br />[22:49] Coryhouser: No way<br />[22:49] Shaun Parent: But no matter where he is come August, the fans are gonna take a shit on him from this point out.<br />[22:49] Gentleman Jim: Why not><br />[22:49] Coryhouser: There's no way they would take him back<br />[22:49] Gentleman Jim: Why not?<br />[22:49] Coryhouser: The fuck do you think<br />[22:49] Gentleman Jim: Its the Jason Giambi Corollary.<br />[22:50] Gentleman Jim: He admits he was wrong. He goes on a little cold streak, while doing all the little things right.<br />[22:50] Gentleman Jim: Then he gets more fans on his side, then he starts playing well.<br />[22:50] Coryhouser: eh<br />[22:50] Shaun Parent: How is he doing with Oakland right now?<br />[22:50] Gentleman Jim: Its exactly what happened with Giambi in New York.<br />[22:50] Coryhouser: Uhh<br />[22:50] Coryhouser: Not good<br />[22:50] Coryhouser: He went 1 for 3 today<br />[22:51] Coryhouser: Bringing his average up to a whopping Derrek Lee-Esque total<br />[22:51] Shaun Parent: Giambi also grew a wicked mustache at the time, too.<br />[22:51] Coryhouser: of .209<br />[22:51] Shaun Parent: Hey fuck you we're winning.<br />[22:51] Gentleman Jim: That's not fair, Derrek Lee is hurt.<br />[22:51] Shaun Parent: We're on a hot streak.<br />[22:51] Coryhouser: Derrek Lee's been hurt the last fucking 3 seasons<br />[22:51] Gentleman Jim: I'm just talking about what happened in New York with Giambi.<br />[22:51] Coryhouser: Put some dirt on it and stfu<br />[22:51] Shaun Parent: AND SO HAS CHRIS CARPENTER<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: yeah but he's not playing hurting his team's chances<br />[22:52] Shaun Parent: Back on topic.<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: Lou keeps playing Lee for some reason<br />[22:52] Gentleman Jim: Yeah.<br />[22:52] Shaun Parent: And speaking of New York.<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: AND BATTING HIM IN THE CLEAN UP SPOT<br />[22:52] Gentleman Jim: Would New York trade for Manny?<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: They need him<br />[22:52] Shaun Parent: Well shit.<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: New York needs something right now<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: Jesus christ<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: Pitching<br />[22:52] Shaun Parent: Money is no issue to New York.<br />[22:52] Coryhouser: They need pitching<br />[22:52] Gentleman Jim: A package around Hughes?<br />[22:53] Shaun Parent: Meeeh.<br />[22:53] Shaun Parent: Don't know about Hughes.<br />[22:53] Gentleman Jim: You're not gonna get pitching from the Yankees, not anyone you like at least. (Joba)<br />[22:53] Shaun Parent: Joba the Hut.<br />[22:53] Shaun Parent: That's a beefy motherfucker right there.<br />[22:54] Shaun Parent: Needs to lay off the New York style pizzas.<br />[22:54] Gentleman Jim: So maybe, the Yankees would take him, but the Dodgers wouldn't get rid of him for what the Yanks offer?<br />[22:54] Shaun Parent: I think the Yanks would throw some fish food out the way.<br />[22:54] Shaun Parent: Maybe prospects.<br />[22:54] Shaun Parent: Perhaps a bullpen guy.<br />[22:55] Gentleman Jim: But I don't think it would be enough for the Dodgers. The Yanks bullpen kinda sucks too.<br />[22:55] Shaun Parent: Well hang on.<br />[22:55] Shaun Parent: Let's not count out the possibility of a three-way trade with another team.<br />[22:56] Shaun Parent: Odds are a third party would be interested in getting some nickel and dime players and be the middleman in the whole deal.<br />[22:56] Gentleman Jim: ok, so it would probably need to be a three-way.<br />[22:56] Gentleman Jim: A sexy party.<br />[22:56] Shaun Parent: A beefy sexy party.<br />[22:56] Shaun Parent: I think if Manny were to be traded, a third team would be mandatory.<br />[22:56] Gentleman Jim: ok<br />[22:56] Gentleman Jim: Cory, any thoughts?<br />[22:57] Coryhouser: I like steak<br />[22:57] Shaun Parent: rofl<br />[22:57] Shaun Parent: Jesus.<br />[22:57] Shaun Parent: And see.<br />[22:57] Shaun Parent: I predicted Manny would be out a some point during the season in my preseason predicitions.<br />[22:58] Shaun Parent: It's not a DL, but damnit I was close.<br />[22:58] Gentleman Jim: lol<br />[22:58] Shaun Parent: And my Yankees finishing behind the Blue Jays predicition is good.<br />[22:58] Shaun Parent: Although they're 3rd and not 4th.<br />[22:59] Gentleman Jim: Should we move on or are there any other thoughts about Manny at this point?<br />[22:59] Shaun Parent: Manny was dumb. Let the fallout begin.<br />[22:59] Shaun Parent: Get the popcorn, odds are it's going to be fun.<br />[22:59] Gentleman Jim: Cory?<br />[22:59] Shaun Parent: CORY WAKE UP<br />[22:59] Coryhouser: I like popcorn<br />[23:00] Shaun Parent: God you are a fat fuck.<br /><br />[23:19] Shaun Parent: Hey hang on.<br />[23:19] Shaun Parent: I just ran across this.<br />[23:19] Shaun Parent: Back to ManRam for a second.<br />[23:19] Gentleman Jim: ok<br />[23:20] Shaun Parent: A person familiar with the details of the suspension said Ramirez used the female fertility drug HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin.<br />[23:20] Gentleman Jim: Yep.<br />[23:20] Shaun Parent: Seriously.<br />[23:20] Shaun Parent: What. The. Fuck.<br />[23:20] Gentleman Jim: It helps with the creation of testosterone.<br />[23:21] Coryhouser: I have a lesbian friend who recognized the drug he took<br />[23:21] Gentleman Jim: lol<br />[23:21] Shaun Parent: ROFL<br />[23:21] Gentleman Jim: How does she know the drug?<br />[23:21] Coryhouser: *shrug*<br />[23:21] Coryhouser: Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to<br />[23:21] Gentleman Jim: I totally want to know the answer to that.<br />[23:21] Gentleman Jim: Wait.<br />[23:21] Gentleman Jim: Maybe not.<br />[23:21] Shaun Parent: rofl<br />[23:22] Coryhouser: I used to go to school with her<br />[23:22] Coryhouser: Huge tits<br />[23:22] Shaun Parent: Huge or<br />[23:22] Shaun Parent: Huuuuuuuuuuuuuge?<br />[23:22] Gentleman Jim: Probably somewhere between those two.<br />[23:23] Coryhouser: Huge<br />[23:23] Coryhouser: Like DD<br />[23:23] Gentleman Jim: Shit, too bad.<br />[23:23] Shaun Parent: I demand pictures.<br />[23:23] Gentleman Jim: Me too.<br />[23:24] Coryhouser: Are we done?<br />[23:24] Shaun Parent: Jim?<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Anything else people?<br />[23:25] Coryhouser: I have nothing else<br />[23:25] Shaun Parent: I think I hit on everything I wanted to.<br />[23:25] Coryhouser: Carpenter's said to be back by next week<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Dont care.<br />[23:25] Shaun Parent: rofl<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Anything important.<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: ?<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Going once?<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Going twice?<br />[23:25] Gentleman Jim: Ok we're done.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-2072047291478042382?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-47854016549396208352009-05-09T00:05:00.000-05:002009-05-09T00:05:41.984-05:00Thursday evening, the three of us got together to discuss two things: the Manny suspension and the return of A-Rod to New York. This is our conversation about A-Rod.<br /><br />[23:00] Coryhouser: Come on, next item<br />[23:00] Gentleman Jim: Ok.<br />[23:00] Gentleman Jim: A-Rod is going to be coming back tomorrow night against the Orioles.<br />[23:00] Gentleman Jim: Knee jerk?<br />[23:00] Shaun Parent: Speaking of fallout.<br />[23:01] Shaun Parent: I cannot wait to hear the reaction from the fans on this one.<br />[23:01] Coryhouser: Ehhhhhhh<br />[23:01] Coryhouser: I really don't know what to expect out of this<br />[23:01] Coryhouser: Honest to god<br />[23:01] Shaun Parent: Now, let's get one thing straight.<br />[23:01] Shaun Parent: If the Yankees were not in desperation mode right now.<br />[23:01] Shaun Parent: A-Rod would be given some extra time.<br />[23:01] Gentleman Jim: I agree.<br />[23:02] Shaun Parent: A-Rod would probably not be playing for another two or three more weeks.<br />[23:02] Gentleman Jim: The best thing they got going for them is Nick Swisher.<br />[23:02] Shaun Parent: And that's not saying much.<br />[23:02] Shaun Parent: I was waiting to say this in a post...<br />[23:03] Shaun Parent: But I feel bad for Joe Girardi.<br />[23:03] Coryhouser: me too<br />[23:03] Gentleman Jim: Would like a whole post to get into that?<br />[23:03] Shaun Parent: Because the dude is gonna get canned here soon if this team remains the way it does.<br />[23:03] Shaun Parent: And it's not his fault.<br />[23:03] Shaun Parent: And I'll leave it as that so I can post about it later.<br />[23:03] Gentleman Jim: That's what we call in this business a teaser.<br />[23:03] Shaun Parent: I got more things I want to say, but I'll wait to do it.<br />[23:04] Shaun Parent: And I didn't even have to wear my g-string.<br />[23:04] Coryhouser: God damn it<br />[23:04] Gentleman Jim: lol<br />[23:04] Gentleman Jim: I want to take some bets on A-Rod the rest of the year.<br />[23:04] Shaun Parent: Bring it.<br />[23:05] Gentleman Jim: Give me one sec.<br />[23:05] Shaun Parent: One.<br />[23:05] Gentleman Jim: Ok, the rest of the year.<br />[23:06] Gentleman Jim: Over or under, .305 BA<br />[23:06] Shaun Parent: UNDER.<br />[23:06] Shaun Parent: Ballpark? .210-230.<br />[23:06] Gentleman Jim: Cory?<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: For A-Rod?<br />[23:06] Gentleman Jim: Yeah.<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: *sigh*<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: Fuck it<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: Over<br />[23:06] Shaun Parent: WHAT?!<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: I'm taking a chance<br />[23:06] Gentleman Jim: I kinda like the over too.<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: See, yeah fuck you<br />[23:06] Coryhouser: Eat some fries<br />[23:07] Shaun Parent: I'mma kick your ass.<br />[23:07] Gentleman Jim: It's definitely going out on a limb<br />[23:07] Gentleman Jim: Home runs.<br />[23:07] Shaun Parent: You're basically making A-Rod a savior for this team.<br />[23:07] Gentleman Jim: Over or under.<br />[23:07] Coryhouser: Home runs?<br />[23:07] Gentleman Jim: Over or under 28.<br />[23:07] Coryhouser: Eek<br />[23:07] Shaun Parent: Mmm..<br />[23:08] Coryhouser: I'll say under<br />[23:08] Shaun Parent: I say SLIGHTLY under.<br />[23:08] Gentleman Jim: I think I set a good line there.<br />[23:08] Coryhouser: Yeah you're a dick<br />[23:08] Shaun Parent: 20-25 homers.<br />[23:08] Gentleman Jim: I think its just slightly under too.<br />[23:08] Shaun Parent: LOTS of strikeouts, methinks.<br />[23:08] Gentleman Jim: Ok<br />[23:08] Coryhouser: Sounds a lot like Boriano<br />[23:08] Gentleman Jim: Over or under 95 Ks.<br />[23:08] Coryhouser: Under<br />[23:08] Shaun Parent: Over.<br />[23:09] Gentleman Jim: I want under.<br />[23:09] Gentleman Jim: One last one.<br />[23:09] Gentleman Jim: RBIs<br />[23:09] Gentleman Jim: Over or under 100.<br />[23:09] Shaun Parent: Oh god under.<br />[23:09] Coryhouser: Under<br />[23:09] Shaun Parent: No more than 85.<br />[23:09] Gentleman Jim: I want over 100<br />[23:10] Shaun Parent: You uh<br />[23:10] Shaun Parent: Have him on your fantasy team, don't you?<br />[23:10] Gentleman Jim: No.<br />[23:10] Shaun Parent: LIAR.<br />[23:10] Gentleman Jim: I have 6 fantasy teams.<br />[23:10] Gentleman Jim: I have him on one.<br />[23:10] Shaun Parent: See.<br />[23:10] Gentleman Jim: And that team is in dead last.<br />[23:10] Shaun Parent: Called you out, buddy.<br />[23:11] Shaun Parent: Ow.<br />[23:11] Gentleman Jim: That's a whole nother story.<br />[23:11] Gentleman Jim: I think he's 25-100-.310<br />[23:11] Shaun Parent: You're a dreamer.<br />[23:12] Gentleman Jim: Perhaps.<br />[23:12] Gentleman Jim: What kind of line tomorrow night?<br />[23:12] Shaun Parent: Ask Betsy McBetterson over there.<br />[23:13] Gentleman Jim: I'll go with 2-5, 2 RBI<br />[23:14] Gentleman Jim: Cory?<br />[23:14] Shaun Parent: 1 for 3, BB<br />[23:14] Coryhouser: What who<br />[23:14] Coryhouser: Uhh<br />[23:14] Coryhouser: Who is he facing<br />[23:14] Shaun Parent: A pitcher.<br />[23:14] Gentleman Jim: Orioles<br />[23:14] Gentleman Jim: hang on.<br />[23:14] Coryhouser: Well pfffffff<br />[23:15] Gentleman Jim: Jeremy Guthrie<br />[23:15] Coryhouser: Hmmmmmmm<br />[23:15] Coryhouser: 2 for 4<br />[23:15] Coryhouser: 1 K<br />[23:16] Coryhouser: 1 HR<br />[23:16] Gentleman Jim: oh<br />[23:16] Gentleman Jim: alone on an island<br />[23:16] Coryhouser: ?<br />[23:17] Gentleman Jim: nobody else thinks a HR<br />[23:17] Shaun Parent: If he hits a home run<br />[23:17] Shaun Parent: I'll buy you a steak dinner<br />[23:17] Gentleman Jim: OH<br />[23:17] Coryhouser: He's a career .200 hitter against Guthrie<br />[23:17] Coryhouser: 3 for 15<br />[23:17] Coryhouser: 1 double<br />[23:17] Coryhouser: 2 RBIs<br />[23:17] Coryhouser: Excuse me<br />[23:17] Coryhouser: 1 RBI<br />[23:18] Gentleman Jim: That's a stretch, him getting a HR.<br />[23:18] Shaun Parent: More of a stretch than calling my t-shirts 2XL<br />[23:18] Coryhouser: LOL<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-4785401654939620835?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-83381060481885572052009-05-07T11:00:00.002-05:002009-05-07T11:04:25.519-05:00ESPN is reporting right now that Los Angeles Dodgers star Manny Ramirez has been suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.<br /><br />Stay tuned here to the Daily Balk for further information.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-8338106048188557205?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Shaun Parenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095793600008813870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-50055545913133589162009-05-02T22:41:00.003-05:002009-05-02T23:35:09.625-05:00Well, we're one month into the MLB season now. While some fans' teams are sitting rather pretty right now, some fans are about ready to hit the panic button. I'm here to help some of you relax and ride the storm out.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1. Tampa Bay Rays (10-15):<br /></span></span>Last year's American League Champions find themselves five games under the .500 mark. Lowest starter ERA stands at 3.74, with two starters over the 5 mark and a team ERA that ranks 17th in the league. The bats have been rather decent to this point. but the Rays need to get that pitching staff back in line if they want a shot to repeat as AL East champs. These guys have to pull at least five games above .500 by the end of May, or don't expect these guys to be in the running for the division again this year. Time to panic? Very close.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (10-13):<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>It was a tough start for the Angels both physically and emotionally last month. Things just aren't getting much better for last year's AL West champs. The team ERA of 5.06 is 23rd in the league and surely isn't balancing the fact the the Angels have the 2nd best team batting average in the Majors. How can this team only be 10-13? Because while they are getting plenty of hits, most of them aren't doing the job of getting runners in. They're 11th in the Majors in runs. Something has to balance out here in order for this team to get back on track. Panic? Not in the least bit. The AL West doesn't even have a dominant team yet, with Seattle only 14-10 and only has a 3.5 game cushion between them and last place. We all know that won't last long, though.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Chicago Cubs (12-11):<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>April is a month best to be forgotten by the Cubs right now. Injuries have plagued<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span> </span>the team for the last few weeks. Milton Bradley, Aramis Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Carlos Marmol among the few who have had injury scares in the last few weeks. This has left Lou Pinella to basically play human Tetris with the lineups in order to find SOMETHING to build on. Lackluster pitching hasn't helped out much, aside from Ted Lilly's recent outings. Lilly has a 3.13 ERA and in three of his last four outings has been incredible for the Cubs. The bats, however, are a different story. 21st in the Majors in team average with a miserable .252. The team known for early offensive surges is nowhere to be seen this season. But is it time to panic? The Cubs are tied for 2nd in the NL Central, four games behind the Cards. With a lot of baseball to be played right now, it's not panic time yet. But the Cubs need to pull it together in a LOT of ways if they want to go for their third consecutive division title. Don't panic...yet.<br /><br />That's it for this one. Is there anyone I'm missing the panic button for? Comment below and maybe I'll sum up whether the panic button should be in reach for your favorite team next time!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-5005554591313358916?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Shaun Parenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095793600008813870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-29710877579338096982009-04-23T16:18:00.002-05:002009-04-23T16:45:35.691-05:00Well, I figured since I have absolutely nothing to do in this class, I'd post my first blog for "The Daily Balk."<div><br /></div><div>To be honest, folks, after Motte blew our lead in the 9th inning on Opening Day, I seriously said to myself, "Hoooooo boy. Here we go again." I had wore my St. Louis Cardinals hat, tie, and even my white Reebok shoes with the logo embroidered on the side to work that day. Grr.</div><div><br /></div><div>But since then, our starting pitching has a combined ERA (I believe) of less than 3. It has just been our relief that has been bonkers.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was going to post today and say that Pujols really hasn't found his stride, but then he goes and hits 3 for 4 with a pair of homers and 3 RBIs to raise his average to .347 and leaving him 2 RBIs shy of 1,000 for his career. Most Ribbies and most Homers in the National League so far. Paging Ryan Howard...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">MOST SURPRISING TEAMS:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>By far the Florida Marlins top my list. Their pitching staff consists of nobody with more than 6 years experience in the majors (Most have only 3 or 4 years experience). They have Dan Ugly, Handy Ramirez, Jorge Cantu, and Jeremy Hermida (the four names that I recognize on their roster).  Though they did just lose a 3-game sweep to the Pirates, their opponents so far have been: 3 games against the Nats (Sweep), Won 2 out of 3 against the Mets, Swept the Braves, Swept the Nats again, and now have lost to the Pirates. They haven't really played any big teams yet, so we'll see how they hold up against the Phillies and the Cubs (Who they play at the end of the month).</div><div><br /></div><div>Also joining that list are the Mariners, Blue Jays, and the Padres, though the Mars and the Pads have trailed off (both 9 - 6 now, but started better than anyone originally thought). I'm happy for the Mariners. Ken Griffey, Jr. is a guy you can't really root against. Great guy, has always been consistent, and a future hall-0f-famer. </div><div><br /></div><div>And what the hell...the ROYALS??</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>The Rays. Son of a bitch. They were my pick for the AL East. Sitting at 6 - 9, they're looking towards the top of the standings right now. (Just an editorial note: Yes, I know we're only 15, 16 games into the season, so please, no comments :-D) Indians and the Twins have been big let downs so far. Cubs, too. Zambrano just lost today against the Reds. I really want to go on and on in this section about how happy I am, but I won't. You're welcome, Jim and Shaun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Angels need to step it up. They took 2 out of 3 against Boston, then lost 5 out of 6 against the Mariners and the Twins (salvaged a win against the Mariners). Next three series for them: At home against the Mariners, two game set in Baltimore, then they make their first trip to the new Yankee Stadium for a 4 game set there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I'll end this shorter-than-I-would-like post with some Cardinals stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had the lead in the last two games against the Cubs, but we couldn't hold onto it. Our bullpen really needs to step it the hell up if we want to give the Cubbies a run for their money. Ankiel finally stepped it up today, hitting his first homer and getting a couple RBIs to his credit, lifting his batting average to .227 or so. Ludwick is also proving that last year wasn't a fluke. He has the 2nd most RBIs and Home Runs next to Pujols, and he's batting over .333! But like I said, bullpen needs to pull their heads out of their asses if they want to give the Cardinals a shot to win the Central. And with Carpenter injured and out until maybe/probably June, our starting pitching really needs to step up, too. (How did I know this was coming????????)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll post later, folks. So take care until then.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Cory</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-2971087757933809698?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>coryhouserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653405225880598194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-103663933086718222009-04-21T12:01:00.001-05:002009-04-21T14:04:25.878-05:00This season every once in a while, hopefully every week, I’m gonna put together a links column. I love finding little links to other blogs, ESPN, and some other non-baseball links that I find interesting and worth reading. I know it’s a worn out idea, and everyone’s doing it, but I see it as an opportunity to share knowledge from around the web and give others the appropriate credit. We’ve made it through about two weeks of baseball now, so this seemslike a good time for our first links post. I’m going to split this up into three parts: legit baseball news, opinions from around the web, and non-baseball stuff.<br /><br /><b>Baseball News</b><br /><br />- Yankees embarassed themselves against Indians, final score 22-4. 24 left on base as well for the Indians. Unfortunately, no pitching appearance by Nick Swisher. [<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290418110">ESPN</a>]<br /><br />- Speaking of the Yankees, it looks like their new stadium isn’t exactly a pitcher’s park. [<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4080195">ESPN</a>]<br /><br />- Pedro Feliciano balks in the winning run against Padres in the Citi Field opener. That may spoil the house warming party. [<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/04/13/2009-04-13_feliciano_balks_in_goahead_run.html">NY Daily News</a>]<br /><br /><b>Other Baseball Tidbits and Opinions</b><br /><br />- The Natinals recently lost to the Mets. And yes, I did spell that correctly. [<a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/04/nationals_uniform_fail.html">DC Sports Bog</a>]<br /><br />- Carl Pavano sucks and everyone in Yankees Stadium knows it. [<a href="http://deadspin.com/5216238/the-dislike-for-carl-pavano-was-closed+captioned-for-the-hearing-impaired">Deadspin</a>]<br /><br />- A high school senior has thrown 4 no-hitters in a row. He’s totally getting laid after prom. [<a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/apr/20/201422/wake--call-mitchells-schuster-hurling-history/">Tampa Bay Online</a> via <a href="http://deadspin.com/5221189/four-no+hitters-in-a-row-ok-thats-impressive">Deadspin</a>]<br /><br /><b>Other Non-Baseball Interesting Shit</b><br /><br />- Sportscenter has started a new feature on its live morning show called Blog Buzz. According to Awful Announcing, it’s not about blogs. I’m confused. [<a href="http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2009/04/espn-surprisingly-takes-blog-buzz.html">Awful Announcing</a> via <a href="http://deadspin.com/5216686/espn-is-coming-to-you-live-from-your-parents-basement">Deadspin</a>]<br /><br />- Jason Giambi interview with GQ. It could go up there with the baseball stuff, but there’s not much to it. [<a href="http://men.style.com/gq/blogs/gqeditors/2009/04/qa-with-jason-g.html">GQ</a>]<br /><br />- Southern Miss had their spring game this last weekend, and the internet broadcast was not what people were expecting. The best quote: “Shit, give me a blowjob. I do the weather in the morning.” [<a href="http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2009/04/20/southern-miss-had-a-fun-spring-game/">Every Day Should Be Saturday</a>]<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-10366393308671822?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-59727480158311075162009-04-14T21:35:00.001-05:002009-04-14T21:35:53.534-05:00Gentleman Jim: Ok gentlemen.<br />Gentleman Jim: AL East.<br />Shaun Parent: Yeeeesh.<br />Coryhouser: I'm going to say this outright<br />Coryhouser: Not the Yankees<br />Shaun Parent: I hate all these motherf*ckers.<br />Shaun Parent: Let's eliminate.<br />Coryhouser: Orioles, no<br />Shaun Parent: Right.<br />Gentleman Jim: Blue Jays, no.<br />Coryhouser: Blue Jays? No<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: I don't count out the Blue Jays, really.<br />Gentleman Jim: I do.<br />Coryhouser: Because they have Rolen?<br />Coryhouser: *ducks*<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Shaun Parent: No.<br />Shaun Parent: I'm not saying they're in a tight race.<br />Shaun Parent: But will be 3rd in the division this year.<br />Shaun Parent: And better than the Yankees.<br />Gentleman Jim: No way.<br />Shaun Parent: Way.<br />Gentleman Jim: I'll bet anything in the world.<br />Shaun Parent: Bet me your brown cherry.<br />Shaun Parent: The Rays? I don't think they repeat.<br />Shaun Parent: I hate to say it, but I'll go with Boston.<br />Shaun Parent: ...<br />Shaun Parent: Is this thing on?<br />Gentleman Jim: One of my roommates was a fan of two teams.<br />Shaun Parent: Flip-flopper.<br />Gentleman Jim: He claimed to be a Cubs fan and a Yankees fan.<br />Gentleman Jim: Now, I don't mind having a team in each league, as long as you know which one you like bestest.<br />Gentleman Jim: But there just seems to be something morally wrong with liking those two both.<br />Shaun Parent: Oh there is.<br />Shaun Parent: And you should've drowned him and buried him in the park.<br />Gentleman Jim: I think it goes Yanks, Sox, Rays<br />Coryhouser: The order?<br />Gentleman Jim: yeah<br />Shaun Parent: Yanks gonna choke again.<br />Coryhouser: So you're picking the Yankees?<br />Gentleman Jim: no<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Coryhouser: Alllllllllright<br />Gentleman Jim: I hate them too much to pick them.<br />Gentleman Jim: I'd rather be wrong and pick someone else than pick them and be right<br />Coryhouser: ow<br />Gentleman Jim: Boston.<br />Coryhouser: Ooooookay<br />Coryhouser: Well, I'm picking the Rays<br />Coryhouser: They're hungry<br />Shaun Parent: Hungry for casserole?<br />Gentleman Jim: They're something<br />Coryhouser: Want to avenge themselves for the disappointing series against the Phillies fuck you<br />Coryhouser: I say they repeat<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-5972748015831107516?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-85741873378959829292009-04-14T21:33:00.000-05:002009-04-14T21:33:19.243-05:00Gentleman Jim: NL East<br />Shaun Parent: I pick the Mets.<br />Gentleman Jim: Can we write off the Nats and the Marlins?<br />Shaun Parent: Nats yes.<br />Shaun Parent: Marlins?<br />Coryhouser: Marlins ehhhhhhhhhhhh<br />Shaun Parent: Well...<br />Coryhouser: Probably<br />Shaun Parent: I say no<br />Gentleman Jim: What do they have?<br />Shaun Parent: I say there's going to be a fierce battle between them and the Phillies for the 2nd horse in that division.<br />Gentleman Jim: You think they're better than the Braves?<br />Shaun Parent: They can be.<br />Gentleman Jim: Interesting.<br />Shaun Parent: Honestly, even with tonight's win, the Braves don't seem that scary to me.<br />Gentleman Jim: I kinda like the Braves offense, but not as much as the Mets or the Phils<br />Coryhouser: Agreed<br />Shaun Parent: The Mets will finally break the September curse this year and win the division.<br />Gentleman Jim: I think the Phils are gonna regret letting Pat Burrell go.<br />Coryhouser: Yeah, bad idea<br />Shaun Parent: Who'd they replace him with?<br />Gentleman Jim: Raul Ibanez<br />Gentleman Jim: Good young guy<br />Shaun Parent: Yeeeeeeeeeeah.<br />Shaun Parent: We'll find out.<br />Gentleman Jim: Ibanez was solid last year in Seattle.<br />Shaun Parent: Not hard to be the standout in Seattle when your teammates are sh*t.<br />Coryhouser: Minus Ichiro<br />Coryhouser: J.J. was good for them<br />Gentleman Jim: I want to take the Phils but I just can't<br />Coryhouser: Ibanez is batting 6th for them<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok.<br />Shaun Parent: I'm not impressed.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah, ok I regretfully take the Mets.<br />Shaun Parent: And Cory?<br />Coryhouser: You took the Mets, Shaun?<br />Shaun Parent: Yessir.<br />Coryhouser: As much as I hate the Phillies, I'm going to take them<br />Gentleman Jim: Oh ok<br />Coryhouser: ?<br />Gentleman Jim: I wanted to, but I just couldn't do it<br />Shaun Parent: Good man.<br />Coryhouser: J.J.'s washed up<br />Coryhouser: K-Rod always seemed to give up at least a hit or a walk when he would close with the Angles<br />Coryhouser: *Angels<br />Coryhouser: It's a good one-two punch<br />Coryhouser: If J.J. pitches in the 8th and K-Rod in the 9th<br />Gentleman Jim: yeah they'll be ok<br />Coryhouser: Eh<br />Gentleman Jim: Any other East comments?<br />Coryhouser: Nats suck<br />Coryhouser: move on<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-8574187337895982929?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-32209487340446495712009-04-10T15:27:00.000-05:002009-04-10T15:27:20.951-05:00Gentleman Jim: um NL Central?<br />Shaun Parent: Cubs.<br />Gentleman Jim: Cubs.<br />Gentleman Jim: It's really just between Brewers, Cubs and Cards.<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah<br />Shaun Parent: When your team loses to a community college in Spring Training, that's never a good sign.<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah<br />Shaun Parent: I'm looking at you, Pittsburgh.<br />Shaun Parent: I mean seriously.<br />Gentleman Jim: Cory's quiet because he's trying to talk himself into his Cardinals.<br />Shaun Parent: I know colleges play MLB teams once in a blue moon.<br />Shaun Parent: But COMMUNITY COLLEGES?<br />Shaun Parent: AND LOSING?<br />Shaun Parent: The Astros have no shot<br />Gentleman Jim: Just not enough of anything there.<br />Shaun Parent: And I pity anyone who plays for the Reds.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah, but they've got some good young talent.<br />Coryhouser: No, I'm waiting for you guys to dry your cum off your overrated Cubs<br />Shaun Parent: The Reds and the Pirates are going to have a good old-fashioned suck-off.<br />Gentleman Jim: Hey come on now.<br />Gentleman Jim: PG-13<br />Coryhouser: I agree with Shaun on that<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah, its not gonna be pretty.<br />Shaun Parent: Cory's just pissed that Albert Pujols has yet to grace the cover of Manhole Weekly.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Coryhouser: Shaun's issue with D. Lee in it is all wite-out now<br />Coryhouser: *cough*<br />Coryhouser: Well then<br />Gentleman Jim: Um what?<br />Shaun Parent: Wite-out?<br />Coryhouser: ........<br />Coryhouser: You guys seriously can't be that dense<br />Gentleman Jim: I just don't understand that sentence you just wrote.<br />Coryhouser: "Wite-out"<br />Coryhouser: The product<br />Coryhouser: Get it<br />Coryhouser: White liquid<br />Gentleman Jim: Struggle<br />Coryhouser: All over the page<br />Shaun Parent: Not only are Cardinals fans not funny, they have grammar skills a Special Olympics softball player would admire.<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Coryhouser: WITE-OUT IS A PRODUCT YOU FAT PIG<br />Shaun Parent: HEY GO FUCK YOURSELF<br />Coryhouser: GO TO KFC AND ORDER ALL OF THEIR LEGS YOU PIECE OF SHIT<br />Gentleman Jim: Gentlemen.<br />Coryhouser: lmao<br />Shaun Parent: I WILL FUCK YOU.<br />Coryhouser: roflmao<br />Shaun Parent: ...UP.<br />Coryhouser: Okay fine<br />Coryhouser: Back on topic<br />Coryhouser: I can see the Cubs winning 100 games this season<br />Gentleman Jim: What do we think about the Brewers<br />Coryhouser: They are hungry<br />Coryhouser: CAN I TALK<br />Shaun Parent: I think the Brewers are my pick for the Wild Card.<br />Coryhouser: god<br />Gentleman Jim: Really?<br />Gentleman Jim: I'm not sure they have enough pitching.<br />Shaun Parent: Well yeah, that's the killer.<br />Shaun Parent: But the offense on that team gives me a hard on.<br />Shaun Parent: I'm not even kidding.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah gonna be a lot of 9-8 games.<br />Shaun Parent: Watching Prince Fielder devour a cheesy beef burrito as he rounds the bases.<br />Gentleman Jim: No he can't.<br />Gentleman Jim: He's a vegetarian now.<br />Shaun Parent: WHAT?!<br />Gentleman Jim: Swear to God<br />Shaun Parent: Then f*ck him. Brewers lose the Wild Card.<br />Coryhouser: Yeah, he can stand to lose a few 15 pounds now<br />Coryhouser: So maybe he won't be out of breath by the time he reaches 1st base on a ground ball<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Coryhouser: LEG IT OUT PRINCE<br />Coryhouser: LEG IT OUT<br />Coryhouser: AH F*CK IT<br />Coryhouser: Just, jog<br />Coryhouser: yeah there ya go<br />Coryhouser: good boy<br />Shaun Parent: See, Cory. Only Mo Vaughn could hit a line drive down the first base line and get thrown out.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Coryhouser: Yes<br />Coryhouser: Uhh<br />Coryhouser: The Wild Card, I think<br />Coryhouser: Is going to be who finishes second in the NL Central again<br />Coryhouser: Definitely not 2nd in the NL West<br />Gentleman Jim: hmmm<br />Coryhouser: That's for damn sure<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah.<br />Coryhouser: Maybe the Mets/Phillies<br />Coryhouser: But with how the Braves played today<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah<br />Coryhouser: I dunno<br />Coryhouser: They might be in the mix too<br />Coryhouser: And again<br />Coryhouser: The Astros<br />Gentleman Jim: NO<br />Coryhouser: "Hi, we'll suck the first 100 games"<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Coryhouser: "But then actually START playing the last 62"<br />Coryhouser: It's happened the last 5 years now<br />Coryhouser: well 4<br />Coryhouser: 2004, 05, 06, 07, and in 08 too<br />Coryhouser: Somehow got 3rd<br />Gentleman Jim: Cory, pitch the case for the Cardinals.<br />Shaun Parent: This is where I'll file my fingernails.<br />Coryhouser: Even though I'm awarding third place to the Cardinals because the Astros didn't get to play one last game<br />Coryhouser: Pansies<br />Coryhouser: Uhh<br />Coryhouser: Well Shaun just listen<br />Gentleman Jim: The floor is yours.<br />Coryhouser: As most of you have read from my blog<br />Coryhouser: *Cough*<br />Shaun Parent: Sucks.<br />Coryhouser: What it's going to boil down to<br />Coryhouser: Is really 3 things:<br />Coryhouser: 1) Can Schumaker play 2nd base, or were we screwed from the beginning by not going after a second baseman?<br />Coryhouser: 2) Can our middle relief/closers not blow 32 saves, and umpteen more games this season when we have a decent sized lead?<br />Coryhouser: And 3)<br />Coryhouser: Can Pujols and Carpenter stay healthy enough this season to contribute their usual big numbers?<br />Coryhouser: If the answer to all 3 of those questions is yes<br />Coryhouser: I'd say the Cardinals have the Wild Card locked, and MIGHT<br />Coryhouser: MIGHT<br />Coryhouser: MIGHT<br />Coryhouser: Might contend for the Central title<br />Shaun Parent: See, I picked Carpenter up in my Fantasy Baseball draft. <br />Shaun Parent: So that jerk needs to do something. <br />Coryhouser: Thoughts, guys?<br />Coryhouser: Does that sum it up pretty well?<br />Gentleman Jim: Sure.<br />Shaun Parent: Sucks.<br />Coryhouser: Whatever<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Gentleman Jim: I really want to start the Chris Carpenter argument again.<br />Coryhouser: Don't<br />Shaun Parent: Uh oh.<br />*** Coryhouser has left the chat.<br />Shaun Parent: oh wtf<br />Gentleman Jim: And there he goes.<br />*** Coryhouser has joined the chat.<br />Coryhouser: fafafafafafafafa<br />Shaun Parent: He got lagged.<br />Gentleman Jim: Or his casserole is done.<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok the Cardinals.<br />Gentleman Jim: I think its gonna hurt you not keeping Aaron Miles<br />Shaun Parent: Who is now a Cub.<br />Gentleman Jim: Inconsequential.<br />Gentleman Jim: But still.<br />Gentleman Jim: And I don't know about your bullpen.<br />Coryhouser: Ok<br />Shaun Parent: Who's the closer now?<br />Coryhouser: Motte<br />Gentleman Jim: Motte<br />Coryhouser: Jason Motte<br />Coryhouser: Almost unhittable Pre-season<br />Shaun Parent: Isringhausen got the boot, right?<br />Coryhouser: I think it's a good choice<br />Coryhouser: Yes<br />Coryhouser: He's with<br />Coryhouser: The<br />Coryhouser: Uhh<br />Shaun Parent: He's pitching for...?<br />Gentleman Jim: preseason means nothing<br />Coryhouser: .....<br />Shaun Parent: Blue Jays?<br />Gentleman Jim: Blue Jays<br />Gentleman Jim: (I'm guessing)<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah, have fun in Canada.<br />Coryhouser: Whatever Jim<br />Shaun Parent: Where they don't give two sh*ts about baseball.<br />Gentleman Jim: Presseason doesn't mean much.<br />Coryhouser: Whatever you say<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok then.<br />Coryhouser: Why have it then<br />Coryhouser: If it doesn't mean anything<br />Coryhouser: Why not have them jerk around at their own stadium<br />Gentleman Jim: It's warmup.<br />Coryhouser: Uh huh<br />Shaun Parent: Why have NFL, NHL, NBA preseason?<br />Gentleman Jim: It's nothing real.<br />Shaun Parent: SKO<br />Coryhouser: Alright then<br />Coryhouser: I'm not going to get into this<br />Gentleman Jim: Fine, another day.<br />Shaun Parent: Indeed.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-3220948734044649571?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-35463365327995891902009-04-10T15:16:00.001-05:002009-04-10T15:16:46.167-05:00Gentleman Jim: AL Central.<br />Coryhouser: AL Central, Shaun?<br />Shaun Parent: Uh.<br />Shaun Parent: Well, the Twins aren't starting off the season well.<br />Shaun Parent: Two big guys hurt.<br />Shaun Parent: Mauer and Morneau.<br />Shaun Parent: That's HUGE. Especially at the start of the season.<br />Shaun Parent: The Twins can ill-afford these guys to be out for a chunk of time.<br />Gentleman Jim: And Scott Baker too.<br />Shaun Parent: Whereas the White Sox have lost a bit on their end, too.<br />Shaun Parent: However, the one team who made the epic snag this offseason?<br />Shaun Parent: The Indians.<br />Gentleman Jim: Mark DeRosa?<br />Shaun Parent: Mark DeRosa is going to be money for these guys.<br />Gentleman Jim: Oh, you were serious.<br />Shaun Parent: Absolutely.<br />Gentleman Jim: I fuckin hate Mark DeRosa.<br />Shaun Parent: You know what DeRosa can do.<br />Gentleman Jim: Suck.<br />Shaun Parent: Now wait a minute.<br />Coryhouser: lmao<br />Shaun Parent: You'd pick Miles over DeRosa?<br />Coryhouser: Duh<br />Coryhouser: Miles bats a consistent .300<br />Coryhouser: And is a good glove<br />Gentleman Jim: I'd pick Fontenot over DeRosa<br />Shaun Parent: Really?<br />Gentleman Jim: Youth and upside.<br />Gentleman Jim: I like Fontenot.<br />Shaun Parent: As do I.<br />Shaun Parent: But I liked DeRosa, too.<br />Gentleman Jim: I really never liked DeRosa.<br />Shaun Parent: A dumb move by the Cubs for trading him.<br />Gentleman Jim: Who did we get back?<br />Shaun Parent: Pitchers.<br />Gentleman Jim: Bleh<br />Shaun Parent: And the Royals?<br />Shaun Parent: Don't make me laugh.<br />Gentleman Jim: You know what?<br />Gentleman Jim: I think the Royals are gonna be frisky this year.<br />Coryhouser: As do I<br />Gentleman Jim: Good pitching staff<br />Coryhouser: And<br />Coryhouser: And<br />Coryhouser: Coco Crisp<br />Coryhouser: The best name EVER<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: Milton Bradley?<br />Coryhouser: dork<br />Gentleman Jim: I like Dick Ankiel better.<br />Shaun Parent: C'mon, dude's named for BOARD GAMES.<br />Coryhouser: SHUT UP<br />Gentleman Jim: Did you ever see that Shaun?<br />Shaun Parent: I don't think I have.<br />Gentleman Jim: Mr. Ankiel is reportedly thinking about changing his name from Rick to Dick.<br />Shaun Parent: He's the man.<br />Gentleman Jim: Creating the best porn name in baseball.<br />Shaun Parent: Let him do it.<br />Gentleman Jim: Here's the Royals real quick.<br />Shaun Parent: What, is he going to be in Big Bat Bonanza #7 with Lexington Steele?<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: The Royals<br />Gentleman Jim: Greinke, Meche, Juan Cruz (former Cub), Horacio Ramirez<br />Gentleman Jim: Joakim Soria, really good last year<br />Shaun Parent: Sh*t, sh*t, sucks and sh*t.<br />Gentleman Jim: Greinke?<br />Shaun Parent: Not impressed.<br />Shaun Parent: Put him over all you want, not impressed.<br />Coryhouser: Don't forget they picked up a big ace from the Cardinals:<br />Coryhouser: Sidney Ponson<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: OH MAN LOOKOUT<br />Coryhouser: Yep<br />Coryhouser: Look out everyone<br />Coryhouser: Here come the Roy.....als.....<br />Gentleman Jim: Not on the team anymore<br />Coryhouser: What???<br />Gentleman Jim: He's not on the Royals.<br />Coryhouser: Ah<br />Coryhouser: That must have happened lately<br />Coryhouser: Never mind then<br />Gentleman Jim: I'm just saying they got a lot of young talent, and some veterans<br />Coryhouser: Yes<br />Gentleman Jim: Um, Tigers?<br />Coryhouser: Noop<br />Shaun Parent: Sucks.<br />Coryhouser: Had their chance, blew it<br />Shaun Parent: What's up with Dontrelle Willis?<br />Gentleman Jim: Anxiety attacks.<br />Shaun Parent: Lies.<br />Gentleman Jim: Really.<br />Gentleman Jim: He went on the DL with anxiety issues.<br />Shaun Parent: Other than the anxiety on putting on a Tigers uniform, that's all I'm going to give him credit for.<br />Shaun Parent: Otherwise, man the f*ck up and throw some heat.<br />Gentleman Jim: There are rumors of Miguel Cabrera getting traded.<br />Shaun Parent: To who?<br />Coryhouser: uh huh<br />Gentleman Jim: Right now, the rumor is if they suck early, he could go to the Red Sox<br />Coryhouser: Great<br />Shaun Parent: Do they REALLY need him?<br />Shaun Parent: I mean, seriously.<br />Coryhouser: No, they don't<br />Gentleman Jim: Would you rather have him or Mike Lowell?<br />Shaun Parent: Lowell has a mustache I would lick soup out of.<br />Gentleman Jim: If they got him, Youk would go to 3rd, and Lowell would go to the bench.<br />Shaun Parent: That's a man's mustache there.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: Um, White Sux?<br />Coryhouser: I heard that Lowells' mustache is playing short stop<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Shaun Parent: White Sox? No.<br />Coryhouser: Their average age on that team is 62<br />Coryhouser: Jesus<br />Shaun Parent: AARP is buying ad space in center field.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Coryhouser: Which really boils it down to two:<br />Coryhouser: The Indians and the Twinnies<br />Shaun Parent: I take the Indians.<br />Gentleman Jim: Twins.<br />Coryhouser: Twins here<br />Gentleman Jim: I don't know why.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-3546336532799589190?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-1947644252433465542009-04-09T10:40:00.000-05:002009-04-09T10:44:32.420-05:00We here at The Daily Balk would like to send our condolences to the family of Nick Adenhart and the Los Angeles Angels fanbase today. Pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in an automobile accident earlier this morning.<br /><br />Adenhart was a top Angels prospect, pitching only in his fourth Major League start just last night against the Oakland Athletics. He was 22 years old.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-194764425243346554?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Shaun Parenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095793600008813870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-37084281029638868412009-04-07T22:22:00.002-05:002009-04-07T22:25:21.458-05:00These were done Sunday evening between the three of us. We sat down to break down each of the divisions and talk about which teams we liked and disliked. It was a lot of fun having the three of us sit down and talk baseball. Tonight we have the AL and NL West previews below here, followed by the AL and NL Central tomorrow morning, and AL and NL East previews tomorrow evening. Enjoy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-3708428102963886841?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-40743686601435696232009-04-07T22:22:00.001-05:002009-04-10T15:03:26.372-05:00Gentleman Jim: Ok where should we start?<br />Coryhouser: So who should start<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Shaun Parent: Madness, I say.<br />Gentleman Jim: Chaos.<br />Shaun Parent: Well, let's start off easy.<br />Shaun Parent: The NL West.<br />Coryhouser: LOL<br />Gentleman Jim: NL West it is.<br />Coryhouser: I'm picking the Rockies<br />Coryhouser: (joke)<br />Shaun Parent: You're hungover, it's a good start.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah, I'm going a little slower today.<br />Shaun Parent: Look, let's look at the NL West teams today.<br />Shaun Parent: None of them strike fear in me.<br />Coryhouser: The Padres damn it<br />Shaun Parent: The Padres?<br />Coryhouser: The Padres have what<br />Coryhouser: Uhh<br />Shaun Parent: Jack sh*t.<br />Coryhouser: Oh yeah, that's it<br />Gentleman Jim: This is where preparation steps in Cory.<br />Coryhouser: Yeah I know<br />Shaun Parent: Look, the Dodgers are going to win the NL West.<br />Shaun Parent: Simple.<br />Coryhouser: Sorry I was up late writing a BLOG THAT ONLY I DID<br />Gentleman Jim: I agree.<br />Shaun Parent: AND<br />Shaun Parent: Bold prediction here.<br />Coryhouser: STILL WAITING ON THE CUBS BLOG JIM<br />Coryhouser: NEVER GOT IT<br />Gentleman Jim: Bitch.<br />Shaun Parent: They will be no more than 15 games over .500<br />Gentleman Jim: I told you it'd be up today.<br />Coryhouser: I disagree with that<br />Shaun Parent: How so, CoHo?<br />Coryhouser: I think the DOdgers will go 92 - 70<br />Coryhouser: At least 90 wins<br />Shaun Parent: Well, I'd be willing to agree.<br />Shaun Parent: BUT<br />Shaun Parent: There's one certain dreadlocked freak that will be a habitual DL offender this year.<br />Gentleman Jim: Really?<br />Coryhouser: Manny's not going to be on the DL<br />Coryhouser: Shit, I should have joked right there<br />Coryhouser: Fuck<br />Shaun Parent: Well, look at his track record for spring training thus far.<br />Coryhouser: Here it is:<br />Shaun Parent: He's been nursing some bullsh*t injury.<br />Coryhouser: Now wait<br />Coryhouser: I think it's just a lame excuse for "Blah I don't need Spring Training"<br />Coryhouser: He'll be fine on Monday<br />Coryhouser: Watch<br />Coryhouser: here's his Spring Training track record:<br />Coryhouser: "Waaah more money......."<br />Coryhouser: Week later<br />Coryhouser: "Waaaaaaaaaah reject that offer......"<br />Coryhouser: Another week<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Coryhouser: "Oh, okay $2000 Million a year is good"<br />Coryhouser: Next week:<br />Coryhouser: "Oh, my toe is sore, you guys do your thing while I watch Bob Marley and stroke my dreadlocks to his beat"<br />Shaun Parent: Just don't be shocked if you see him hit the 15-day DL at LEAST twice this season.<br />Coryhouser: Eh, okay<br />Coryhouser: And I have to poop, so we'll be back after this!<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Shaun Parent: And uh<br />Shaun Parent: Hi.<br />Shaun Parent: I'm here.<br />Shaun Parent: Got my bidness done beforehand<br />Shaun Parent: Unlike these two f*ckwits.<br />Gentleman Jim: lol<br />Shaun Parent: God.<br />Shaun Parent: Do a power shit, CoHo.<br />Gentleman Jim: I think he could go on the DL but I think he'll still be good old Manny.<br />Shaun Parent: What, a clubhouse cancer in hiding?<br />Coryhouser: Sorry<br />Shaun Parent: Because we know what's going to happen.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah, maybe.<br />Coryhouser: Let's hurry<br />Coryhouser: I have to work at 1<br />Shaun Parent: WELL CHRIST CORY<br />Shaun Parent: IF YOU DIDN'T SPEND 50 MINUTES SHITTING<br />Coryhouser: WELL IF SOMEONE HAD WOKEN UP FUCKIN 2 HOURS AGO<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok well hell we'll do as much as we can before he works, and then we'll do the rest later.<br />Shaun Parent: k<br />Shaun Parent: Let's get the NL done first, I suppose.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah<br />Gentleman Jim: Back to the NL West.<br />Gentleman Jim: I like the Dodgers.<br />Shaun Parent: Ditto.<br />Coryhouser: I wouldn't be surprised if the Giants finished in 2nd<br />Gentleman Jim: Mainly because I don't like anyone else.<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah.<br />Gentleman Jim: The Giants could be a Dark Horse (TM)<br />Coryhouser: yes<br />Shaun Parent: Oh yeah.<br />Coryhouser: Great pitching<br />Shaun Parent: Mediocre pitching.<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah, great. You added Randy Johnson to your lineup.<br />Shaun Parent: Same effect could be made if you signed the Cryptkeeper to a one-year deal.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: But he'll be the Randy of now.<br />Shaun Parent: He'll be 11-10 with a 5 ERA.<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok starters for them<br />Gentleman Jim: Lincecum, Cain, Johnson, Sanchez, and either Noah Lowry or Barry Zito<br />Shaun Parent: Lincecum, by default, is the ace of that squad.<br />Shaun Parent: Don't get me wrong, I think he's going to have a great year.<br />Shaun Parent: At least 15 wins.<br />Coryhouser: Well don't forget, guys<br />Coryhouser: The Giants have Keenan Ivory Molina<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Coryhouser: batting clean-up<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah.<br />Coryhouser: So anything can happen<br />Shaun Parent: How old is he now?<br />Shaun Parent: Older than dirt, younger than Stonehenge?<br />Gentleman Jim: What who?<br />Gentleman Jim: Bengie<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah.<br />Coryhouser: Yes<br />Gentleman Jim: Molina is 34<br />Coryhouser: Giants were the only team in the NL to have fewer than 100 home runs in the season<br />Gentleman Jim: and Randy Johnson is 45<br />Shaun Parent: Christ.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah.<br />Shaun Parent: Randy Johnson, we get you love the game.<br />Shaun Parent: But it's time to retire, dude.<br />Gentleman Jim: Go away.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: Like I said, wasted money on him.<br />Gentleman Jim: Last year, 11-10, 3.91 ERA, 1.24 WHIP<br />Shaun Parent: And he'll be the same record.<br />Coryhouser: He looks like a fucked up and really skinny version of Jeff Foxworthy<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Gentleman Jim: And taller<br />Gentleman Jim: Much taller<br />Coryhouser: That too<br />Shaun Parent: Except intentionally funnier.<br />Gentleman Jim: 6-10<br />Coryhouser: rofl<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok so Dodgers?<br />Coryhouser: Still the same greasy 'stache too<br />Coryhouser: Yes<br />Coryhouser: Hands down<br />Shaun Parent: Division winner.<br />Gentleman Jim: Yeah<br />Shaun Parent: But won't be more than 15 games over .500<br />Shaun Parent: Sure, the offense is there.<br />Shaun Parent: But what about the pitching?<br />Coryhouser: Their rotation:<br />Coryhouser: Kuroda, Wolf, Billingsley, Kershaw, McDonald<br />Coryhouser: Alternating Rightie, Leftie<br />Coryhouser: And they don't even have a reliable closer<br />Shaun Parent: And I haven't seen any of those motherf*ckers on a Top 5 sheet.<br />Coryhouser: (Broxton)<br />Gentleman Jim: Wait a second.<br />Shaun Parent: Damnit.<br />Coryhouser: What Jim<br />Gentleman Jim: Isn't Billingsley starting tomorrow?<br />Coryhouser: Doesn't say<br />Gentleman Jim: Kuroda's starting<br />Coryhouser: Yes<br />Gentleman Jim: Where are you looking for these?<br />Coryhouser: Kuroda is starting, yes<br />Coryhouser: Against Peavey<br />Coryhouser: Peavy**********<br />Shaun Parent: I'm on MLB.com<br />Coryhouser: I'm on Yahoo<br />Shaun Parent: Dodgers site.<br />Gentleman Jim: and I'm on ESPN<br />Gentleman Jim: Great.<br />Shaun Parent: I smell a sitcom.<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok anything else or shall we move on?<br />Shaun Parent: I want a Dodger Dog.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-4074368660143569623?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-2624978020751366362009-04-07T22:21:00.001-05:002009-04-10T14:52:11.772-05:00Gentleman Jim: Ok AL West<br />Shaun Parent: This is a toughie.<br />Coryhouser: Yeah<br />Coryhouser: Angels didn't resign Teixeira<br />Coryhouser: Bad move on their part, I think<br />Shaun Parent: DUMB.<br />Gentleman Jim: Couldn't afford him.<br />Coryhouser: Still<br />Coryhouser: Dumb<br />Coryhouser: A's have Matt Holliday<br />Coryhouser: That's a big boost for them<br />Gentleman Jim: I kinda like Texas<br />Coryhouser: I don't<br />Shaun Parent: And they got Jason Giambi. Which is a big boost in putting needles in other dude's asses.<br />Coryhouser: Uhh<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah uh.<br />Shaun Parent: Shit.<br />Coryhouser: I really don't like Texas<br />Shaun Parent: Dare I say that perhaps Oakland wins the division?<br />Gentleman Jim: I like their offense.<br />Coryhouser: I think the A's have a good choice<br />Coryhouser: chance****************<br />Gentleman Jim: Their closer is hurt<br />Shaun Parent: I can't see Texas winning.<br />Shaun Parent: I can't.<br />Gentleman Jim: I don't think they'll win either.<br />Gentleman Jim: I just like their offense.<br />Shaun Parent: Angels took too many big hits.<br />Shaun Parent: And Seattle? Please.<br />Coryhouser: HEY<br />Coryhouser: HEY<br />Coryhouser: They got Griffey back<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: Yeah.<br />Gentleman Jim: To sell tickets.<br />Coryhouser: Oh wait<br />Coryhouser: Guys<br />Coryhouser: This just in:<br />Shaun Parent: That's like the Red Wings signing Gordie Howe to be a enforcer.<br />Coryhouser: Griffey dropped a bucket of paint on his toe painting his living room tonight, he's out for two months<br />Coryhouser: Man<br />Gentleman Jim: Shut up.<br />Coryhouser: lol<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Gentleman Jim: Ok.<br />Gentleman Jim: I would have believed it though.<br />Shaun Parent: Or he could've pulled a Sosa.<br />Shaun Parent: Sneezed his back out.<br />Coryhouser: Hey Jim if you say "Pizza" 3 times fast it sounds like Gullible<br />Shaun Parent: rofl<br />Coryhouser: So who are you picking<br />Coryhouser: Shaun or Jim<br />Coryhouser: Doesn't matter<br />Shaun Parent: Oakland.<br />Coryhouser: Jim?<br />Gentleman Jim: Anaheim<br />Coryhouser: I am picking the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim<br />Gentleman Jim: Of California<br />Gentleman Jim: Of the USA<br />Gentleman Jim: Of North America<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-262497802075136636?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-32909304309165923702009-04-05T18:13:00.000-05:002009-04-05T19:05:18.259-05:00I sure hope so because I'm getting tired of crapping the bed in the playoffs.<br /><br />Last year we came into the playoffs riding high with the most wins in a season since 1945. We had every right to believe that our Cubbies were in for a big showing; the eight times in history that the Cubs had more wins, they made it to the World Series 7 of those times. I like those odds. We all liked those odds. There was just too much going for us to fail, right?<br /><br />And then we crapped the bed. Again.<br /><br />This year we come in with basically the same team with a few additions and just as high expectations. The team adds a couple of right handed pitchers, Aaron Heilman from the Mariners and newly-anointed closer Kevin Gregg who we swiped away from the Marlins. The biggest addition is Milton Bradley moving into right field, displacing Fukudome in the outfield. Let's take a little deeper look at the 2009 team.<br /><br />Infield: The infield is the same for the most part this year. Geovany Soto comes off his rookie of the year campaign looking to hold off any sophomore slump. Mike Fontenot joins his fellow LSU alum Ryan Theriot in the starting lineup, moving into the second base slot. Fontenot and Theriot were both .300 hitters last year and we're looking for more of the same from them this year. Lee and Ramirez at the corners gives you about 50 HR and 200 RBI combined, much needed power numbers in this lineup. Micah Hoffpauir and Aaron Miles will be important pieces of the bench as well.<br /><br />Outfield: We have two starters set with Soriano in left and Bradley in right. Centerfield, however, is somewhat garbled. Reed Johnson and Kosuke Fukudome will seemingly be platooning based on opposing starters at the beginning of the year. Speedster Joey Gathright makes the short drive northeast from Kansas City to make the picture a little more murky. We'll just have to wait to see who comes out of the pack.<br /><br />Starters: Our top four are the same as last year, with Big Z getting the start Monday night. We need a full year out of Rich Harden which could be a stretch as injury prone as he's been. Sean Marshall won the fifth starter job, keeping Aaron Heilman in long relief. Samardzija was expected to make a contribution, but he'll begin the season in the minors.<br /><br />Bullpen: Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmol were in the running for the closer job this year after Kerry Wood left town for Cleveland. Gregg came out spring training with the job, putting Marmol back in the setup job. He did a good job last year in the setup role, with a 2.68 ERA in 82 appearances and even 7 saves.<br /><br />I don't think I have to say that I think we have a great chance this year to win it all. But that's how it is every year, hopefully we can go all the way.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-3290930430916592370?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-62952493785388507672009-04-05T01:14:00.000-05:002009-04-05T02:25:26.326-05:00That's right, I said it.<br /><br />It's like a 200-to-1 shot, but I'm taking it.<br /><br />Before I get to the Cardinals season preview, I will tell a little bit about myself.<br /><br />My name is Cory Houser and I am currently attending the University of Northern Iowa for a degree in Electronic Media (Broadcasting) with a minor in Journalism. I have a beautiful girlfriend named Ashley, who is also going to UNI in the same fields as I am in. I will graduate in May, she will graduate in May of 2010. For my major, I'm the host of a "hit" on-campus game show entitled "Panther Shout Out," which is basically a variation on the board game "Outburst." It's fun, and it's on YouTube, so check it out. I am also employed at a major Midwest grocery chain called Hy-Vee. I work in the meat department and work pretty much full-time hours for a part-time pay. Yippie-fucking-skippy.<br /><br />I am a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, a Chicago Bulls fan, and a Dallas Cowboys fan.<br /><br />Speaking of the Cardinals......<br /><br />Let's get to a preview of their upcoming season.<br /><br />Somehow, Tony LaRussa (THE BASEBALL GENIUS, :-P) and company managed to finish 10 games above .500 last season with their somewhat shoddy line-up of wannabe pitchers and a surprising season out of Ryan Ludwick, and a not-so-out-of-the-ordinary MVP Caliber season out of the best hitter in the major leagues, Albert Pujols. It wasn't really so much the starting pitching (Lohse was outstanding, and so was Wainy while he was healthy...Looper didn't really pitch like I thought he would, only finishing at .500 [12-12 iirc])...it was the middle relief that kicked our ass. We would have won 10-15 more games had we not blown leads because of pitching. Not only that, our relief had a total of <strong>31</strong> blown saves. THIRTY one.<br /><br />This year, however, is a different story.<br /><br />Here is our current starting rotation...note that they are all right-handed:::<br /><br />1. RHP Adam Wainwright<br />2. RHP Kyle Lohse<br />3. RHP Todd Wellemeyer<br />4. RHP Chris Carpenter<br />5. RHP Joel Pineiro<br /><br />It looks pretty solid. If Carpenter can stay healthy, I think this line-up looks really good. Wainwright started 20 games last year and went 12 - 3. Lohse had a great stretch and might have won a Cy Young had he won some games down the stretch. He finished 15 - 6 with a 3.78 ERA. Wellemeyer went 13 - 9 for us and had a 3.71 ERA. Pineiro had a sub-par year, only went 7 - 7 with an ERA over 5 in 25 games he started.<br /><br />And of course, we really didn't pick up any pitchers in the off-season. We love to not be aggressive and just say, "Eh, this'll work" when the pre-season starts up in March. Now see, this was fine when we had Edmonds, Eckstein and Rolen to help out Pujols. But now we have Schumaker at SECOND BASE (!?!?!?!?!?!). Argh. I'll get to our fielders here in a bit. Now onto our bullpen:<br /><br />RHP Jason Motte (closer)<br />RHP Ryan Franklin<br /><span style="color:#000000;">RHP Josh Kinney</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">RHP </span><span style="color:#000000;">Kyle McClellan</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">RHP </span><span style="color:#000000;">Brad Thompson</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">LHP Dennys Reyes</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">LHP </span><span style="color:#000000;">Trever Miller</span><br /><br />Motte looked pretty sharp pre-season, hopefully he can bring some of that momentum with him in the regular season. Hopefully we won't have to see him until after the Pirates series is over (if a fucking community college can beat the Pirates, we can fucking beat them). Only two lefties, argh. Again, from the looks of it, we seem to be better than last season, but it's early.<br /><br />Okay, here's our tentative starting line-up:<br /><br />1. 2B Skip Schumaker<br />2. CF Rick Ankiel<br />3. 1B Albert Pujols<br />4. LF Chris Duncan<br />5. RF Ryan Ludwick<br />6. SS Khalil Greene<br />7. C Yadier Molina<br />8. 3B David Freese<br />9. Pitcher<br /><br />Yeah, that's right, it says PITCHER in the NINTH spot. Goooooooo Drunkie.<br /><br />Freese has the third base position for now while Glaus gets better. Which sucks, because Glaus was the leading fielder at his position in ALL of Major League Baseball last season. Wow. And he was good with the bat, too. We'll be hopefully getting him back early June. I hope so.<br /><br />Now, onto my rant.<br /><br />Mother fucking.....why didn't we go after a second baseman? Seriously? Or re-sign Aaron Miles, who batted over .300 last year? What the fuck?? No, let's convert ol' Skippy. And I love this quote from LaRusa: "We're looking for Schumaker just to be average at the position." Yeah, just 'Average' wins championships. *sigh* I have a bad feeling we're going to quickly regret this. He's a really good lead-off hitter, I'll give him that. And a decent outfielder. But a converted second baseman last second? Thaaaaaat'll take some time.<br /><br />Khalil Greene is going to have a coming out season....he batted ove .400 in the pre-season...I'm excited. Our line-up goes pretty deep...I like Ludwick in the 5th spot with Duncan 4th...Duncan looks like he'll be as good as he was in '07. Pujols will be as good as always...maybe a couple more dingers this year...??? We'll see. Ankiel batting second is really good, too. Schumaker-Ankiel-Pujols. Love it.<br /><br />I won't get to our bench, because, well, I'm tired and I just really don't care right now, lol. But here's my prediction for our season ending record:<br /><br /><strong>90 - 72</strong>.<br /><br />I think we have a decent shot at the wild card, if not the division. Our interleague schedule seems pretty easy, and we only play the Cubs 15 times again this year (more at home than at Wrigley). I think we play the Pirates a good number of times...which is a big plus.<br /><br />Well then, I think that'll do it for now...I'll post something, eh, tomorrow. Good night everyone, I hope you enjoy reading these. This will be a great season! Welcome back, baseball!<br /><br />-Cory<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-6295249378538850767?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>coryhouserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653405225880598194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-14495778580667376742009-04-05T00:05:00.000-05:002009-04-05T00:20:16.435-05:00Hello everyone!<br /><br />My name is Shaun Parent. I live in Valparaiso, IN and currenty go to college for Communications, primarily journalism. I was invited to contribute here along with Jim and my "friend" Cory. I use that term loosely for the fact that he is a filthy, rotten Cardinals fan. If you guessed, I am indeed a Chicago Cubs fan.<br /><br />Last year? One of the worst ways to finish a season. An embarrassment. For a team given such high expectations in the playoffs, the ending to it all was just too rough. I remember being livid on how poorly they played against the Dodgers for about the next week. It was a terrible feeling.<br /><br />So, here we are now. I write this on the eve of the 2009 MLB season. I'm pumped, I'm excited, I'm ready to do it all over again for the next few months. Get the hot dogs on the grill, pop the popcorn and put mayo on the pizza! Sit me down in front of the television (or in cases where I'm working, near a radio or a cell phone) and let me watch America's Past-time in all its splendor.<br /><br />I'll be writing about whatever comes to mind during this season. Whether it be the rules, off-field shenanigans, crybaby players or whatever comes around baseball related: Expect me to get my digs and points in. <br /><br />Also, since I'm an avid gamer, I'll be keeping you cyberathletes up to date with my reviews and comments on MLB video games throughout the season. In fact, I'm playing Major League Baseball 2K9 right now for the Xbox 360. I'll be giving you folks a review later on.<br /><br />Other than that, I hope you readers will enjoy the content with this new blog. We're certainly looking to add that little something that you don't get with other blogs. Hell, I'd be flattered to get some hate mail every once in a while! Well, not really...<br /><br />I look forward to writing and entertaining all you readers this season!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-1449577858066737674?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Shaun Parenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03095793600008813870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9048443448702410239.post-73951046955650298612009-04-04T13:22:00.000-05:002009-04-04T13:22:06.391-05:00I've had this idea in my head for a while to attempt to join the world of sports blogging after many other reading and being a big fan of many other sports blogs. Blogs like Fire Joe Morgan (RIP), Deadspin, and Awful Announcing have been a big part of my daily reading regiment for quite some time now. I love thinking and talking sports with all my friends, and like nothing more than a good debate.<br /><br />I've always wanted to do a baseball blog to have some fun with and to get myself and some friends of mine out there. These friends of mine are some of the funniest and best writers I know. I've been a Cubs fan for my whole life, and while I may still be young, it still hurts missing golden chances both last year and the Bartman year.<br /><br />At the beginning of this, my friend Cory will be writing here too. He's a Cardinals fan and we've known each other for many years. Somehow we still get along, despite him thinking Chris Carpenter is a better pitcher than Carlo Zambrano. (You're wrong, Cory.) We'll be adding writers in the coming weeks, all bringing different looks at the world of baseball.<br /><br />We will have Cubs and Cardinals previews up before tomorrow night's game begins. Like the name implies, we're going to try to post something everyday, but it might be slow in the outgoing. We are looking for someone to write a West Coast point of view maybe so if any of the literally zeroes of fans are interested, send me an email and we'll talk.<br /><br />Baseball season starts tomorrow night with Braves and Phillies. Almost every other team is in action on Monday. Enjoy it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9048443448702410239-7395104695565029861?l=dailybalk.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Gentleman Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18106925495482151761noreply@blogger.com0