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2009 MLB Thread

#91
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4/19/09 at 8:17am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattCR
Zach Grienke..

20 IP.. ZERO runs.

Going back to last season it is 34 innings with no runs for Zack Greinke. With Meche and Grienke 1 and 2, Kyle Davies in the 3 slot starting the season well (up to today anyway), and the Mexicutioner (Joakim Soria) closing out the games the Royals may actually have a chance to make some noise in the relatively weak Central Division this year.

After 11 games the Royals pitchers have the fewest runs allowed in the Major Leagues (32). All that could easily change in one game, but I can enjoy it while it lasts.

How about Cubs vs. Royals in the world series. As a life long die-hard Cubs fan and a KC area resident for most of my adult life, I am not sure who I would cheer for. Of course the chances of either the Cubs or the Royals making the world series is probably 1,000,000:1. Well, the Cubs probably have a better chance than that.....
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#92
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4/19/09 at 9:17am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

I think the advantage the Royals have is that the central right now sucks. But yeah, watching Meche and Grienke is a treat. While he can't use it often, it's awesome watching him go from a 94 fastball to that goofball 61MPH curve.. he rarely throws it, but he threw it twice last night and it's just baffling; you see batters go all the way around before the ball hits the plate. Classic stuff.

The Royals biggest problem is that the hitting sucks. It's good that Grienke is holding a 0.00 ERA, because he has to.. they won last night 2-0. The Royals need some bat production. But if they can get some bats going, they could at least not be totally in the doghouse by middle of May.. here in KC, we're used to being nearly statistically eliminated by June 1
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#93
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4/19/09 at 4:41pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
Huh? The Indians scored fifteen (15) runs on the Yankees in the top of the second inning before there were any outs. Okay, now ESPN shows that fourteen runs were scored in the top of the second, with one run home in the third. I know what I saw -- something must have been corrected. What is going on in this game?
It was definitely 14 in the 2nd - most runs ever in the 2nd inning of a game. Watching the CLE-NYY game on FOX yesterday, they showed a clip of a Cardinals player, who was miked up for the Cards-Cubs game, asking his teammates in the dugout if Cleveland scored 14 in the inning or if the scoreboard operator at Wrigley ran out of 5s. Thought that was kind of funny. A 33.00 ERA for Wang in 3 starts - ouch.

Being a non-Yankee fan, I also liked Pavano pitching well against the Yanks today (6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER) after being booed multiple times this weekend. It's just a shame the bullpen blew it and he couldn't get the W.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
And how about those Marlins? They're 10-1!
1997: Marlins make the playoffs, win the World Series
<6 years go by>
2003: Marlins make the playoffs, win the World Series
<6 more years later>
2009: Marlins off to a (now) 11-1 start - could it be? Their pitching has looked awesome so far this year.
Does anyone even click on these "My Collection" links?
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#94
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4/19/09 at 6:41pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

^^^

Scott,

Yes, I know it was fourteen runs. I was curious why it read fifteen in the top of the second yesterday. It was just an error, which was quickly corrected.

Well, the BoSox got back to .500 with a win today. I'm pleased Lester got his first win of the year. I'd like to see them string together ten or so consecutive victories. That would be nice, especially since the Yankees are coming to town next weekend.

Speaking of the Yankees, that right field wind-tunnel sure is interesting. I read today that there may be need for the stadium to undergo structural changes somewhat during the off season. There sure were a ton of home runs hit there in the past six or seven games. And one witness said that several of the fly balls would have been routine outs in any other ball park.
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#95
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4/20/09 at 8:05am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Nationals bench Dukes after Little League-related tardy note - Big League S... - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

The Nats are an embarrasment, not just to me as a Nats fan, but to all of baseball.

Philip Hamm
Moderator Emeritus

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#96
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4/20/09 at 11:40am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Philip Hamm
Nationals bench Dukes after Little League-related tardy note - Big League S... - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

The Nats are an embarrasment, not just to me as a Nats fan, but to all of baseball.
Yeah, I saw this. And I watched their game yesterday. The announcers were really down on the Nationals. Goodness, when they tried to hold the Marlins in the top of the ninth, something I'd never heard a baseball announcer say before surprised me. The announcer said that they (the Nationals) ought to have someone warming up in the bullpen -- even before the first pitch had been thrown by Rivera.

The manager seems like he's quite serious about a complete overhaul:

"After watching the Florida Marlins again shred his relievers in a 7-4 victory Sunday, the Washington Nationals manager promised -- and then swiftly delivered -- an in-season overhaul.

"I think it's embarrassing. I think it's unacceptable. I think our fans have every right to be mad like we are right now," Acta said. "We're going to have a brand-new bullpen tomorrow, and if those guys who come in don't get it done, we're going to continue getting guys out of here."

Florida Marlins vs. Washington Nationals - Recap - April 19, 2009 - ESPN

The BoSox swept the Orioles (four games) by winning 12-1 on Patriot's Day. Pedroia went 4-6, and Varitek (!) had another home run. There is no doubt in my mind that 'Tech' will have at least eighty (80) home runs this year. And Mike Frezon agrees with me on this.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox - Recap - April 20, 2009 - ESPN

The Rays were crushed by almost the same score (12-2) by the ChiSox (yesterday). Chicago has played the Rays very well during this series -- heck, they even got to Garza yesterday, which kind of surprised me as he was quite good in his first two starts.
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#97
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4/20/09 at 12:23pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

I'm so psyched for Tek. What a great way to start the new season after what happened to him during the playoffs (and after).
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#98
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4/20/09 at 1:35pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
There is no doubt in my mind that 'Tech' will have at least eighty (80) home runs this year. And Mike Frezon agrees with me on this.

"I'm Mike Frezon...and I approve this message."

Sorry I haven't had much time to talka bout the trip to Fenway. But, my son and I had a great time.

But, it's a long day. We left the Albany-area about Noon. Drove to Riverside station in Newton and took the "T" the rest of the way in to Fenway. About 2 1/2 hour drive and then another 30 or 40 minutes on the "T." Walk around the park, Landsdowne Street, Yawkey Way, etc for a couple of hours and head into the park @ 5pm when the gates open. Since there was no BP because of a light drizzle that afternoon, we just got some food and took a good walk around the interior of the park...took some pix, etc. Game started at 7:10pm. Beckett pitched well aside from the fourth inning. Youkilis had an outstanding night (but that'll happen when you're batting about .500). He had two doubles, a single and a homer over the Monstah.

The crowd of 37,559 (I remember when you were lucky to sell out the place at 33,000) was rocking the joint the entire night...almost bringing the ol' place down during Sweet Caroline and Shipping Up to Boston. The game ended at 10:21 (with a 6-4 Boston win). Dropped son back off at college in Troy and home by 2:15am. A long, but absolutely terrific, day.

More to come.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#99
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4/20/09 at 2:11pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Oh. I don't know what anyone else thinks...but I'm not sure that instant replay really worked on that Posada homerun in Sunday's game against the Indians.

I'm left to wonder, because of the event, if the umpiring crew is also allowed to rule on whether the ball/player is interfered-with on the play? Or...are they just ruling they believe the ball cleared the fence? I didn't think interference was reviewable...only fair/foul and HRs.

For the record, I was not watching the game on TV...but I turned the game on the radio just before the umpires made their announcement and the Yankee announcers (Sterling and Waldman) both seemed to think the hit would be ruled a double. They seemed genuinely surprised that it was ruled a homer.

Maybe the umpires ruled they didn't see any evidence to overturn the ruling on the field (ala the NFL's rules)? It would be nice if Jerry Crawford would have explained something on a postgame interview. Silence in such a situation is really pretty lame. It is certainly no way to build confidence in the new system.

Jim Caple on the play...and Jeffrey Maier.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#100
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4/20/09 at 2:21pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon
Maybe the umpires ruled they didn't see any evidence to overturn the ruling on the field (ala the NFL's rules)?
It did look like the ball cleared the wall 'plane' before fan interference, which would uphold the home run ruling.
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#101
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4/20/09 at 2:30pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkHastings
I'm so psyched for Tek. What a great way to start the new season after what happened to him during the playoffs (and after).
Mark,

I am too. What he does with the pitching staff is worth having him around for as long as we can afford him. And from what I read, being the Captain is something the players vote on, not the coach. If that is true, then think of the respect 'Tek' commands.
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#102
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4/20/09 at 2:36pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon
"I'm Mike Frezon...and I approve this message."

Sorry I haven't had much time to talka bout the trip to Fenway. But, my son and I had a great time.

But, it's a long day. We left the Albany-area about Noon. Drove to Riverside station in Newton and took the "T" the rest of the way in to Fenway. About 2 1/2 hour drive and then another 30 or 40 minutes on the "T." Walk around the park, Landsdowne Street, Yawkey Way, etc for a couple of hours and head into the park @ 5pm when the gates open. Since there was no BP because of a light drizzle that afternoon, we just got some food and took a good walk around the interior of the park...took some pix, etc. Game started at 7:10pm. Beckett pitched well aside from the fourth inning. Youkilis had an outstanding night (but that'll happen when you're batting about .500). He had two doubles, a single and a homer over the Monstah.

The crowd of 37,559 (I remember when you were lucky to sell out the place at 33,000) was rocking the joint the entire night...almost bringing the ol' place down during Sweet Caroline and Shipping Up to Boston. The game ended at 10:21 (with a 6-4 Boston win). Dropped son back off at college in Troy and home by 2:15am. A long, but absolutely terrific, day.

More to come.
Mike,

I'm glad you and your son had a great time.

Whenever my family sees Fenway Park on television, I tell them I've been there several times, and they are pretty much in awe. Having moved to Michigan sixteen years ago, I don't get back to New England all that much. But it would be fun to take them there one day.

I'll never forget the first time I saw Fenway Park. I came up the runway, and could not believe that grass could be that green -- it gave me chills on that day.

BTW, I took the T for years (Green, Red, and Orange lines, mostly). I was a graduate student in Boston in the late 1980s. If you don't know the city well, it is easy to get lost! Reading of Landsdowne Street and Yawkey Way in your post brings back a lot of pleasant memories.

Go BoSox!
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#103
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4/21/09 at 9:41am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
I took the T for years (Green, Red, and Orange lines, mostly). I was a graduate student in Boston in the late 1980s. If you don't know the city well, it is easy to get lost!
On the T? It's got to be one of the simplest, most straightforward subway systems in America!

(Of course, I've also observed that everyone thinks their city's public transportation stinks... until they attempt to use a system they're not familiar with, at which point they yearn for the simplicity and convenience of the one back home!)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkHastings
I'm so psyched for Tek. What a great way to start the new season after what happened to him during the playoffs (and after).
"What happened to him" sort if implies that his misfortune was the result of some outside force, rather than his own stinking/vastly overestimating his value. I'm glad to see Tek improving, but I also hope Kottaras winds up looking like the real deal, because Varitek has been sinking too long for me to believe this will last.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
And from what I read, being the Captain is something the players vote on, not the coach. If that is true, then think of the respect 'Tek' commands.
In Varitek's case, it was conferred by the front office as part of his post-04 contract. Of course, his being voted to the All-Star team last year probably says something about what the players around the league think of him (and how much they must truly despise A.J. Pierzinski).

Going to my third game in four days tonight - it's weird, I didn't mean for these games to cluster when I was buying tickets, and didn't realize they had until I got them in the mail.
Jay's Movie Blog - A movie-viewing diary.
Transplanted Life: Sci-fi soap opera about a man placed in a new body, updated two or three times a week.
Trading Post Inn - Another gender-bending soap, with different collaborators writing different points of view.

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#104
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4/21/09 at 9:52am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

The Marlins may be off to a great start, but they will be truly tested when they have upcoming games against the Phillies, Mets, and Cubs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Philip Hamm
The Nats are an embarrasment, not just to me as a Nats fan, but to all of baseball.

I wonder how much longer until they relocate or get contracted. They aren't doing much better than their days as the Expos.
TV Episodes Watched 2009 - November

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#105
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4/21/09 at 1:34pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter C
I guess as long as an ex-Red Sox is not a Yankee, they won't be booed.

Don't forget the Dodger Exception.

IMO Tek should be a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, even if he only hits 79 dingers this season.

"How wonderful it will be to have a leader unburdened by the twin horrors of knowledge and experience." -- Mr. Wick

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#106
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4/21/09 at 1:44pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Seaver
"What happened to him" sort if implies that his misfortune was the result of some outside force, rather than his own stinking/vastly overestimating his value.
Actually, when I said "what happened to him", I was referring to how the fans treated him.

IMO, he's a pretty valuable guy and I hated to see the backlash due to his not-so-stellar performance in the playoffs.

Perhaps I was going a little easier on him because of the whole Manny thing and didn't want to see him leave either, but I still think he brings a lot to the team if his bat doesn't.
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#107
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4/21/09 at 9:41pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

For Yankee fans and observers:

As I read about the new launching pad known as Yankee Stadium, I started reading more about Monument Park. I think it is really cool how the great Yankee players have been immortalized via the monuments and plaques. There are only five monuments, distinguishing the true giants (Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and manager Huggins) from the merely great -- and they are only given posthumously.

My question: which players do you think will eventually be honored in Monument Park and do any have a chance to be given a monument? My guess is no to any more monuments, with Rivera and Jeter getting plaques.
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#108
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4/22/09 at 4:42am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkHastings
IMO, he's a pretty valuable guy and I hated to see the backlash due to his not-so-stellar performance in the playoffs.
Hey, the fans were on him for his cruddy performance during the regular season. Even for a catcher, a 73 OPS+ isn't pretty, and there were long stretches when he just looked lost at the plate.

That said, I don't think there was ever much backlash against Tek - say what you will about Boras, but he is excellent at serving as a lightning rod to deflect that sort of feeling to the player - just a realization that he had already gotten the contract that rewarded him for his prior service.
Jay's Movie Blog - A movie-viewing diary.
Transplanted Life: Sci-fi soap opera about a man placed in a new body, updated two or three times a week.
Trading Post Inn - Another gender-bending soap, with different collaborators writing different points of view.

"What? Since when was this an energy ball...
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#109
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4/22/09 at 5:25am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Perry
For Yankee fans and observers:

As I read about the new launching pad known as Yankee Stadium, I started reading more about Monument Park. I think it is really cool how the great Yankee players have been immortalized via the monuments and plaques. There are only five monuments, distinguishing the true giants (Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and manager Huggins) from the merely great -- and they are only given posthumously.

My question: which players do you think will eventually be honored in Monument Park and do any have a chance to be given a monument? My guess is no to any more monuments, with Rivera and Jeter getting plaques.
Jeter will deserve a monument IMO. He's one of the best shortstops ever in the AL. He's right there with Cal Ripken, and that's saying A LOT.

If the Yankees fans had their say, Bernie Williams would deserve a plaque. Yankees fans LOVE Bernie Williams.

Philip Hamm
Moderator Emeritus

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#110
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4/22/09 at 6:06am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

I would suspect Jeter will receive a monument.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#111
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4/22/09 at 6:17am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Perry
For Yankee fans and observers:

As I read about the new launching pad known as Yankee Stadium, I started reading more about Monument Park. I think it is really cool how the great Yankee players have been immortalized via the monuments and plaques. There are only five monuments, distinguishing the true giants (Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, and manager Huggins) from the merely great -- and they are only given posthumously.

My question: which players do you think will eventually be honored in Monument Park and do any have a chance to be given a monument? My guess is no to any more monuments, with Rivera and Jeter getting plaques.

I agree on the monuments, I think there are also monuments for 9/11 and Pope JP II's visit.
Number 2 (Jeter) and 42 (Rivera) are locks. Rivera is a 1st ballot HOF'er. Most Yankee fans would take a bullet for Jeter. You could have a good debate about him and the HOF right now. He could lock up entry if/when he gets 3K hits. I think O'Neill's number 21 would be a fan selection if a vote were taken. I'd also put up a plaque for George Steinbrenner. Love him or hate him, he turned the franchise into a money printing machine and brought back aura and mystique. Unfortunately his sons don't seem to share his business acumen as witnessed by the overpriced tickets in the new Yankee Stadium.

Lew
My DVDs

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#112
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4/22/09 at 7:17am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon
I would suspect Jeter will receive a monument.
Hey, given how much range he's got, he IS a monument!

(Sorry... It was just sitting there, and I couldn't pass it up!)
Jay's Movie Blog - A movie-viewing diary.
Transplanted Life: Sci-fi soap opera about a man placed in a new body, updated two or three times a week.
Trading Post Inn - Another gender-bending soap, with different collaborators writing different points of view.

"What? Since when was this an energy ball...
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#113
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4/22/09 at 8:51am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Well, the Marlins have lost a couple of games, and the Nationals won while the Dodgers lost. Things are looking better in the world.
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#114
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4/22/09 at 9:18am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Seaver
Hey, given how much range he's got, he IS a monument!
So true, it's always good to start the day with a good laugh even if it is true.
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#115
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4/22/09 at 11:01am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

No monument for A-Rod?
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#116
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4/22/09 at 11:07am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Or Bucky Dent?

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#117
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4/22/09 at 1:54pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Graham
No monument for A-Rod?
Not until he breaks the home run record (a few years out barring injury) and/or wins a world series with the Yanks.

Philip Hamm
Moderator Emeritus

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#118
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4/22/09 at 2:46pm
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Hey, they could just stick Jeter's monument on the basepath between 2nd and 3rd and it'd be like keeping him on the team forever!

"How wonderful it will be to have a leader unburdened by the twin horrors of knowledge and experience." -- Mr. Wick

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#119
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4/23/09 at 6:39am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

And those calm eyes would stare eternal.

There's Jessie the yodeling cowgirl. Bullseye, he's Woody's horse. Pete the old prospector. And, Woody, the man himself. Of course, it's time for Woody's RoundUp. He's the very best! He's the rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west!

Top Ten Ways to Find Good Deals on DVDs and Blu-ray...
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#120
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4/23/09 at 7:48am
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Re: 2009 MLB Thread

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ockeghem
Or Bucky Dent?

That was cold, Scott. Cold!
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