URBAN SHOCKERS
2007 FNFT CHAMPS
Full wrap up tomorrow night.
The death of Urban Shocker has been highly exaggerated.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Brandon Webb
2 2 0 0 1 1 (4 points) - Arizona leads 2-0.
Webb drove in a run with a single in the bottom of the 2nd. Arizona leads 3-0.
3 3 0 0 1 1 (6 points) - Arizona still leads 3-0.
The D-Backs have tacked on a run with a Mark Reynolds homer. 4-0.
4 3 0 0 1 3 (11 points) - Brandon Webb is butter. 4-0 D-Backs.
5 3 0 0 1 3 (14 points) - Things are looking up for Joe. The D-Backs have taken a 5-0 lead in the game increasing the chance that Webb will pick up 4 extra points for the win, and also increasing the chance that Valverde won't pitch, meaning Joe would get Cordero's 8. Add that all up and he's at 26 added points - 4 more than he needs to win.
6 5 0 0 1 5 (17 points) - Arizona leads 5-0. Webb is due up to bat 3rd in the bottom of the 6th. He'll most likely bat and stay in the game.
***Webb is out of the game after giving up a couple of runs - stay tuned.
6.3 7 2 2 2 5 - (11 points) Plus Webb is still responsible for a baserunner on second. If he scores, it's probably over for Joe.
Two D-Back relievers put out the fire and Webb's 11 points are intact. Arizona still leads the game, now by a score of 5-2. If they hold the lead, Webb will get the win and another 4 points. Add 8 from Cordero, and Joe would win by 1 point However, with the score this close, it now brings Valverde back into play. Once Valverde comes into the game it would erase the 8 from Cordero and Valverde would need 7 for Joe to win. Not an impossible score for a closer but he would still have to pitch pretty decent. A 1-2-3 inning with no strikeouts and a save would be just enough.
Arizona threatens but does not score in the bottom of the 7th. The lead is still three. Valverde last pitched on Wednesday so he is very fresh. He is almost always used from the start of the 9th inning in save situations. I would think it's highly likely that he will get in the game and the FNFT World Series will come down to him.
I see Joe is watching attentively in the Comments section.
The Dodgers go quietly in the top of the 8th. Here's a nightmare scenario for Joe - suppose the D-Backs score exactly one run in the bottom of the 8th. Would Bob Melvin bring Valverde into the game in a non-save situation??? Or would he bring in someone else, keeping Valverde out of the game and handing the win to Joe? If the D-Backs lead by three going into the top of the 9th it would be a save situation - any more than that it wouldn't be.
Arizona has runners on second and third with one out following a Jeff Cirillo double.
They're walking Chris Young to load the bases. If I were Joe, I wouldn't know what to root for. Runs are good if they keep Valverde out of the game but devastating if not.
Jeff Salazar has singled to drive in a run. It's 6-2 D-Backs. Joe must root for more scoring in this inning.
Out of the inning. Still 6-2. We'll know in about a minute if Valverde comes in. I have a bad feeling for Joe. Arizona has too much to play for to not use him. He need 7 points and without a save he can't get it even if he strikes out the side.
Valverde is in the game. Unless I counted something wrong, it's pretty much over. I'll review everything before I make the final call.
The game is over. Five points for Valverde. The nighmare sceario played out. Max can thank a pair of Jeff's - Cirillo and Salazar - for delivering the run that kept Valverde from getting a save and handing him his second FNFT title.
Webb drove in a run with a single in the bottom of the 2nd. Arizona leads 3-0.
3 3 0 0 1 1 (6 points) - Arizona still leads 3-0.
The D-Backs have tacked on a run with a Mark Reynolds homer. 4-0.
4 3 0 0 1 3 (11 points) - Brandon Webb is butter. 4-0 D-Backs.
5 3 0 0 1 3 (14 points) - Things are looking up for Joe. The D-Backs have taken a 5-0 lead in the game increasing the chance that Webb will pick up 4 extra points for the win, and also increasing the chance that Valverde won't pitch, meaning Joe would get Cordero's 8. Add that all up and he's at 26 added points - 4 more than he needs to win.
6 5 0 0 1 5 (17 points) - Arizona leads 5-0. Webb is due up to bat 3rd in the bottom of the 6th. He'll most likely bat and stay in the game.
***Webb is out of the game after giving up a couple of runs - stay tuned.
6.3 7 2 2 2 5 - (11 points) Plus Webb is still responsible for a baserunner on second. If he scores, it's probably over for Joe.
Two D-Back relievers put out the fire and Webb's 11 points are intact. Arizona still leads the game, now by a score of 5-2. If they hold the lead, Webb will get the win and another 4 points. Add 8 from Cordero, and Joe would win by 1 point However, with the score this close, it now brings Valverde back into play. Once Valverde comes into the game it would erase the 8 from Cordero and Valverde would need 7 for Joe to win. Not an impossible score for a closer but he would still have to pitch pretty decent. A 1-2-3 inning with no strikeouts and a save would be just enough.
Arizona threatens but does not score in the bottom of the 7th. The lead is still three. Valverde last pitched on Wednesday so he is very fresh. He is almost always used from the start of the 9th inning in save situations. I would think it's highly likely that he will get in the game and the FNFT World Series will come down to him.
I see Joe is watching attentively in the Comments section.
The Dodgers go quietly in the top of the 8th. Here's a nightmare scenario for Joe - suppose the D-Backs score exactly one run in the bottom of the 8th. Would Bob Melvin bring Valverde into the game in a non-save situation??? Or would he bring in someone else, keeping Valverde out of the game and handing the win to Joe? If the D-Backs lead by three going into the top of the 9th it would be a save situation - any more than that it wouldn't be.
Arizona has runners on second and third with one out following a Jeff Cirillo double.
They're walking Chris Young to load the bases. If I were Joe, I wouldn't know what to root for. Runs are good if they keep Valverde out of the game but devastating if not.
Jeff Salazar has singled to drive in a run. It's 6-2 D-Backs. Joe must root for more scoring in this inning.
Out of the inning. Still 6-2. We'll know in about a minute if Valverde comes in. I have a bad feeling for Joe. Arizona has too much to play for to not use him. He need 7 points and without a save he can't get it even if he strikes out the side.
Valverde is in the game. Unless I counted something wrong, it's pretty much over. I'll review everything before I make the final call.
The game is over. Five points for Valverde. The nighmare sceario played out. Max can thank a pair of Jeff's - Cirillo and Salazar - for delivering the run that kept Valverde from getting a save and handing him his second FNFT title.
For the love of Ned Yost!
For gosh fricking sake! Seth McClung, Matt Wise, Mitch Stetter - these are the pitchers you trot out when you're 1-1/2 games back in your division with games on the line and 8 games left in the season? There is absolutely no excuse for this. Ned Yost has no clue how to manage a pitching staff. He has cost the Brewers the National League Central title.
You pinch hit for your best pitcher...
WITH ANOTHER PITCHER!!!...
SO HE CAN BUNT???
AND THEN BRING IN A GUY WHO'S BEEN IN THE MINORS ALL YEAR AND SUCKS???
OH, THE HUMANITY!!!!
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | GR | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cubs | 82 | 73 | 0.529 | 0.0 | 7 | 89.5% |
| Brewers | 79 | 75 | 0.513 | 2.5 | 8 | 10.5% |
You pinch hit for your best pitcher...
WITH ANOTHER PITCHER!!!...
SO HE CAN BUNT???
AND THEN BRING IN A GUY WHO'S BEEN IN THE MINORS ALL YEAR AND SUCKS???
OH, THE HUMANITY!!!!
The bar has been set
Yo, Yao, Yo. Yovanni Gallardo scores an impressive 19 point outing at Atlanta. Kelly Johnson has added two points with a walk and a run scored, giving Max a 60-38 lead going into tonight's game between Arizona and the Dodgers. The Brewers game against Atlanta is still in extra innings as I type this so it is possible that Johnson will bat again. Atlanta has two on in the bottom of the 11th and I have turned the TV off because I can't stand to watch.
So, Brandon Webb goes to the hill tonight needing to score well to keep Joe alive in the World Series. In addition to Webb, Joe gets a reliever. His #1 RP is Valverde who coincidentally pitches for Arizona. If Webb can pitch well enough to set him up for a save, it would be a bonus for Joe. If Valverde does not pitch, The Bombers would get 8 from Francisco Cordero's game last night.
Joe would win a tiebreaker on Alex Rios' 11 point game, so the magic number for Webb & Co. is 22.
So, Brandon Webb goes to the hill tonight needing to score well to keep Joe alive in the World Series. In addition to Webb, Joe gets a reliever. His #1 RP is Valverde who coincidentally pitches for Arizona. If Webb can pitch well enough to set him up for a save, it would be a bonus for Joe. If Valverde does not pitch, The Bombers would get 8 from Francisco Cordero's game last night.
Joe would win a tiebreaker on Alex Rios' 11 point game, so the magic number for Webb & Co. is 22.
Friday, September 21, 2007
UnCork the Champagne?
The way Max's hitters are hitting and mine are not, it might be time to uncork the champagne. Anybody up for Hart's tomorrow night?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Untangled Webb
Brandon Webb is now listed as the starter for Arizona on Saturday. I assume that means Joe will not be picking up a pitcher.
Meanwhile, Roy Oswalt has apparently been pushed back to Sunday which would leave Max empty handed. Tide turning?
Meanwhile, Roy Oswalt has apparently been pushed back to Sunday which would leave Max empty handed. Tide turning?
Poo-holes out
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3028635
"If I feel like I can play, I'm going to play," Pujols said, according to the Post-Dispatch. "But the way I feel right now, I would say no. But we'll see the next couple of days."
He refused to say he wouldn't play.
"I don't play for numbers. I play to accomplish some goals. And my goal is to win as many World Series as I can and to be in as many playoffs as I can."
Uh, maybe you ought to take a glance at the standings, Al.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
No points for Giambi tonight
From MLB.com:
NEW YORK -- Jason Giambi received some better news regarding his aching right foot on Wednesday. The results of his midafternoon MRI came back negative, revealing just a bone bruise.Giambi, 36, was hit on the top of the foot by a pitch on Monday, against the Orioles. Though he didn't leave the game, he reported to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday unable to start as expected and had his foot heavily wrapped before leaving the park on Wednesday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Game 4 in progress
OK, so I'm early... and we're off...
In the only day game Max's two Colorado hitters fail to produce big points. Only 4 for Matt Holliday, the Series hero so far, and a size 4 collar for Garrett Atkins. Max is up 4-0.
Jason Giambi, Joe's 1B, is not in the starting lineup tonight, however Alex Rios has started with an RBI double. It's 4-4.
Kelly Johnson, Max's 2B is not in the lineup tonight.
The 7:00 games are about to get underway. Both starting pitchers, Harang for Joe and Hamels for Max are on the mound tonight. Joe also has three Reds hitters going tonight - and the Reds play the Cubs. Sorry Max, but tonight I'm rootin' against ya.
Matt Suhey drove in two with a double. 10-4 Max.
Poo-holes is not in the starting lineup. This may not get settled tonight.
The Reds put two runs on the board in the first for Aaron Harang. Phillips and Re-Encarnacion chip in RBI hits, and Adam Dunn a walk. Add a run for Matt Suhey - it's 13-11 Joe.
Harang gets through the first 1-2-3 with a K. 17-11 Joe.
Philly has staked Hamels to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first.
***NEWS ALERT*** The Chicago Cubs may have just won the National League Central. Ben Sheets has left the game in the second inning with a hamstring injury.
Man, that takes a lot of wind out of my sails.
Brian McCann hits a single. One more point for Joe.
1-2-3 for Hamels in the first.
Another 1-2-3 for Harang with another K. Reds are up 3-0 on the Cubs. Joe is up 22-14 on Max.
Hanley Ramirez is on the board with a base hit.
Cole Hamels has given up two runs in the bottom of the 2nd to knock Max back a few pegs. It's now 22-12.
Edgar Renteria has an RBI single - another 3 points for Joe. 25-12.
Cole Hamels is not sharp. He has given up another run in the bottom of the third. Meanwhile Aaron Harang has allowed only one hit through 3-2/3-innings. 26-11 Joe.
GRAND SLAM Johnny Estrada! Brewers go up 5-1. Cubs are losing 3-0.
The Cucking Fubs are making some noise against Harang. They have bases load with two outs in the 4th.
Cubs score two off of Harang helping Max's cause somewhat. 25-11 Joe.
28-17 now as I've missed a few things while I've been watching the Brewers and the Cubs. But the big news is that Cole Hamels is out of the game after three innings (The Commissioner's reputation for selecting starting pitchers is untarnished). He leaves the game with -1 points and could still get the loss if Philly doesn't come back. I don't see anything about an injury. I think it's just a case of Charlie Manuel not wanting to take any chances as Philly is playing for a playoff spot.
RBI single for Matsui - now with 11 points. 28-20 as Max is hanging in there for the time being.
Harang with 10 points through 5-innings. 31-20.
Edwin Encarnacion helps Joe's and the Brewer's cause with a solo homer. 39-21 Joe.
Harang is through six (14 points plus possible win). He might be done for the night as he is due up second in the bottom of the 6th. Joe has stretched the lead to 43-23.
Looking ahead to Game 5 if there is one - Roy Oswalt is scheduled on Saturday for the Astros. Joe it appears will be looking for a pickup as the MLB teams start to shuffle their rotations around late in the season. Should I put the curse of death on? Ian Kennedy (this was the guy with the same first name as a famous writter and the same last name as a famous drunk.)
Harang is coming back out for the 7th.
The Phillies have come back to tie tha Cards, taknig Cole Hamels off the hook. He finishes with -1.
All three of Joe's Reds hitters have reached base in the 8th. Bases load with Bombers.
Aaron Harang is done. Seven innings - 15 points and can still get the win. It's 51-24 Joe.
Bobby Jenks did not pitch tonight in the Sox 3-2 loss to Kansas City.
I'm going to call it a wrap for tonight. I've got Joe leading 57-29. Max still gets Poo-holes and Kelly Johnson; either of whom could take a big bite out of that lead. Joe would still get Jason Giambi. Both teams get their reliever (Borowski has 8 for Max if Jenks doesn't pitch). It ain't over till it's over, but a good chance we'll have a Game 5. More updates tomorrow as I am able.
In the only day game Max's two Colorado hitters fail to produce big points. Only 4 for Matt Holliday, the Series hero so far, and a size 4 collar for Garrett Atkins. Max is up 4-0.
Jason Giambi, Joe's 1B, is not in the starting lineup tonight, however Alex Rios has started with an RBI double. It's 4-4.
Kelly Johnson, Max's 2B is not in the lineup tonight.
The 7:00 games are about to get underway. Both starting pitchers, Harang for Joe and Hamels for Max are on the mound tonight. Joe also has three Reds hitters going tonight - and the Reds play the Cubs. Sorry Max, but tonight I'm rootin' against ya.
Matt Suhey drove in two with a double. 10-4 Max.
Poo-holes is not in the starting lineup. This may not get settled tonight.
The Reds put two runs on the board in the first for Aaron Harang. Phillips and Re-Encarnacion chip in RBI hits, and Adam Dunn a walk. Add a run for Matt Suhey - it's 13-11 Joe.
Harang gets through the first 1-2-3 with a K. 17-11 Joe.
Philly has staked Hamels to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first.
***NEWS ALERT*** The Chicago Cubs may have just won the National League Central. Ben Sheets has left the game in the second inning with a hamstring injury.
Man, that takes a lot of wind out of my sails.
Brian McCann hits a single. One more point for Joe.
1-2-3 for Hamels in the first.
Another 1-2-3 for Harang with another K. Reds are up 3-0 on the Cubs. Joe is up 22-14 on Max.
Hanley Ramirez is on the board with a base hit.
Cole Hamels has given up two runs in the bottom of the 2nd to knock Max back a few pegs. It's now 22-12.
Edgar Renteria has an RBI single - another 3 points for Joe. 25-12.
Cole Hamels is not sharp. He has given up another run in the bottom of the third. Meanwhile Aaron Harang has allowed only one hit through 3-2/3-innings. 26-11 Joe.
GRAND SLAM Johnny Estrada! Brewers go up 5-1. Cubs are losing 3-0.
The Cucking Fubs are making some noise against Harang. They have bases load with two outs in the 4th.
Cubs score two off of Harang helping Max's cause somewhat. 25-11 Joe.
28-17 now as I've missed a few things while I've been watching the Brewers and the Cubs. But the big news is that Cole Hamels is out of the game after three innings (The Commissioner's reputation for selecting starting pitchers is untarnished). He leaves the game with -1 points and could still get the loss if Philly doesn't come back. I don't see anything about an injury. I think it's just a case of Charlie Manuel not wanting to take any chances as Philly is playing for a playoff spot.
RBI single for Matsui - now with 11 points. 28-20 as Max is hanging in there for the time being.
Harang with 10 points through 5-innings. 31-20.
Edwin Encarnacion helps Joe's and the Brewer's cause with a solo homer. 39-21 Joe.
Harang is through six (14 points plus possible win). He might be done for the night as he is due up second in the bottom of the 6th. Joe has stretched the lead to 43-23.
Looking ahead to Game 5 if there is one - Roy Oswalt is scheduled on Saturday for the Astros. Joe it appears will be looking for a pickup as the MLB teams start to shuffle their rotations around late in the season. Should I put the curse of death on? Ian Kennedy (this was the guy with the same first name as a famous writter and the same last name as a famous drunk.)
Harang is coming back out for the 7th.
The Phillies have come back to tie tha Cards, taknig Cole Hamels off the hook. He finishes with -1.
All three of Joe's Reds hitters have reached base in the 8th. Bases load with Bombers.
Aaron Harang is done. Seven innings - 15 points and can still get the win. It's 51-24 Joe.
Bobby Jenks did not pitch tonight in the Sox 3-2 loss to Kansas City.
I'm going to call it a wrap for tonight. I've got Joe leading 57-29. Max still gets Poo-holes and Kelly Johnson; either of whom could take a big bite out of that lead. Joe would still get Jason Giambi. Both teams get their reliever (Borowski has 8 for Max if Jenks doesn't pitch). It ain't over till it's over, but a good chance we'll have a Game 5. More updates tomorrow as I am able.
Game 4 realtime updates
...will be starting around 7:30 tonight. Both team's lineups are in. Max lets his previous lineup ride. He also emailed in Joe's lineup - (perhaps a commentary on how productively each uses their time at work.) Other than moving up Aaron Harang, Joe lets them ride too.
So... (are you ready for this) Stolt stolts; Stolt stolts for Joe.
Back in a couple of hours...
So... (are you ready for this) Stolt stolts; Stolt stolts for Joe.
Back in a couple of hours...
Monday, September 17, 2007
Pushing back
Due to his wife having a baby this week, Roy Oswalt's next start has been pushed back to this weekend. This is good news for Max who may now have Oswalt available for Game 5. (If there is a Game 5.)
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Crappy
With Friday night's game, the Brewers have now lost 20 games in a row in which Chris Capuano has pitched. This after winning the first 7 games he pitched this year.
Capuano has some very different splits throwing to the different Brewer catchers:
D Bush
C Vargas
Sheets and Suppan (who apparently uses Miller as his personal catcher) don't have as noticeable of splits - however neither of them strongly favor Estrada.
Sheets
Capuano has some very different splits throwing to the different Brewer catchers:
I Split G BA OBP SLGAs do a few other on the staff:
+-+------------+---+----+----+---+-
J Estrada 21 .297 .363 .474
D Miller 6 .240 .306 .413
D Bush
I Split G BA OBP SLG
+-+------------+---+----+----+---+-
J Estrada 20 .294 .339 .485
D Miller 10 .278 .335 .465
C Vargas
I Split G BA OBP SLG
+-+------------+---+----+----+---+-
J Estrada 18 .300 .349 .499
D Miller 8 .248 .357 .421
Sheets and Suppan (who apparently uses Miller as his personal catcher) don't have as noticeable of splits - however neither of them strongly favor Estrada.
Sheets
I Split G BA OBP SLGSuppan
+-+------------+---+----+----+---+-
J Estrada 21 .251 .298 .402
D Miller 2 .250 .291 .423
I Split G BA OBP SLG
+-+------------+---+----+----+---+-
D Miller 16 .296 .351 .419
J Estrada 15 .299 .359 .473
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Game 3
The brooms will be out on Tuesday night.Combining a balanced attack on offense and a productive 19 point outing from Roy Oswalt, Max logs his second strait 70+ point game, and beats Joe in Game 3 of the FNFT World Series, taking a commanding 3-0 lead.
[Barring a miracle anyway. Joe is down 30 points, but still gets his reliever, or needs either Harang or Webb to make an emergency start today.]
Following my advice, Joe sent Andy Pettitte to the hill who turned it to a -3 hole. Long-time FNFT vets know full well the value of the Commissioner's advice on pitching. If Ted Lilly throws a 20+ point game today, the ghost of Kent Mercker will haunt Joe for years to come.
Despite finally making the right choice between Adrian Gonzalez and Jason Giambi, and solid games by Brewer killers Adam Dunn and Brandon Phillips, Joe's offense could not overcome the egg laid by Pettitte. Solo home runs by Poo-Holes and Matt Holiday paced a 42-point offensive showing for Max, despite none of his hitters reaching double digits in points. Holliday's home run was his third of the Series, tying him with Adam Dunn for the Series lead.
Joe will presumably have Aaron Harang on the mound Tuesday (@CHC, Trachsel), as he tries to keep some dirt on the FNFT floor. Max may counter with Cole Hamels (@StL, Wells) who will be making his first start since August 16th. Roy Oswalt (v. Mil, Sheets) and Ian Snell (@SD, Young) are both options for Max on Wednesday if Hamel's injury scares him off. If I were him, I would pitch Snamelwalt. In fact, Max's starting rotation is so piled up on itself right now that none of his current starters are slated to pitch Friday or Saturday for a possible Game 5.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, I will be providing play-by-play coverage of Tuesday night's game here in the blog as the FNFT possibly crowns its champion for 2007. There has never been a 4-0 sweep in FNFT World Series history.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
OSWALT UPDATE
Rather be red than dead
A few random notes...
In picking up Edwin (Re-) Encarnacion, Joe now has five Cincinnati Reds on his roster.
It is being reported that Cole Hamels will pitch next Tuesday (our Game 4).
Classic video.
No play-by-play on Friday night. I'm going to the Brewer game.
In picking up Edwin (Re-) Encarnacion, Joe now has five Cincinnati Reds on his roster.
It is being reported that Cole Hamels will pitch next Tuesday (our Game 4).
Classic video.
No play-by-play on Friday night. I'm going to the Brewer game.
Useless information
The Cardinals are toast. It's a two team race and every game is huge.
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | GR | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 75 | 71 | 0.514 | 0.0 | 16 | 55.8% |
| Milwaukee | 74 | 71 | 0.510 | 0.5 | 17 | 42.7% |
| St. Louis | 69 | 75 | 0.479 | 5.0 | 18 | 1.5% |
If you play a baseball game in the middle of a forest...
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Looking ahead to Game 3
Aaron Harang's start for Cincinnati has now been moved up to Thursday meaning Joe will have to go deep into his rotation for a starter. He options are Andy Pettitte who pitches Friday in Boston against Dice-K or Ted Lilly who pitches Saturday in St. Louis. In my pinstriped brain, Pettitte is the clear choice.
Two of Max's starters, Roy Oswalt and Ian Snell, go head-to-head Friday night in Pittsburgh. I have a good guess as to whom he'll choose.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the Phillies expect to have Cole Hamels back for three starts before the end of the regular season. This news, along with his 2-0 start, puts Max squarely in the driver's seat.
Two of Max's starters, Roy Oswalt and Ian Snell, go head-to-head Friday night in Pittsburgh. I have a good guess as to whom he'll choose.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the Phillies expect to have Cole Hamels back for three starts before the end of the regular season. This news, along with his 2-0 start, puts Max squarely in the driver's seat.
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