Out of the Past

Keep the same number of teams as it is but I would make the first round best of 7 and would give the team with the better record 5 home games (2-2-3). I would take one of the off days out so a 7 game series would be played over 8 days (unless there are rainouts) to make the schedule more like the regular season. As it is right now you can have a guy start 3 games over 7 games and that would never happen in the regular season.

I got 33/1 on the Marlins winning the wild card just 3 weeks ago. On wsex.com....And it's an interactive bet, which means you can buy and sell it anytime. I've recently sold enough of it so I've already doubled my money and I'm still in with house money to win over a grand if the Marlins win the Wild Card. Then if I want I can bet on the NLDS, NLCS, and WC. If the Marlins win it all then I can parlay the original bet and wind up getting about 750/1. And this was on a bet made just 3 weeks ago. Do you know the Marlins odds to win the WC on wsex.com right now?

Derek Jeter does not deserve the MVP. I don't see how you can possibly make a case that Derek Jeter absolutely DOES NOT deserve the MVP. I feel 4-5 players are plenty deserving, and I could make a pretty rich case for any of them. I think a guy who goes an entire season without an extra base hit in "close and late" situations does not deserve the MVP. He's a good player having a good season but he's no MVP. http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...amp;compare.y=8

Marlins' whiz kids trying to execute unprecedented, low-budget run to playoffs Updated 9/12/2006 3:17 AM ET By Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY MIAMI Florida Marlins manager Joe Girardi is looking on in disbelief. With rookie pitcher Anibal Sanchez in the middle of a no-hitter last week, his teammates are actually talking to him, oblivious to baseball superstition. Girardi looks to Miguel Olivo, 28, one of the veterans on his young team. Olivo has no idea until the eighth inning that the 22-year-old Sanchez is even throwing a no-hitter, and Olivo is catching him. Girardi desperately looks for staff ace Dontrelle Willis, the old man in the starting rotation at 24. "I know he's the one guy who pays attention all of the time," Girardi says. But there's Willis, chewing gum and jabbering away, acting as if it's a spring-training game. Sanchez completes the no-hitter against Arizona, the first in the majors in two years, and Willis can't understand why Sanchez is sobbing and everyone is so jubilant. "I'm telling you the truth, I had no idea he had a no-hitter," Willis says. "I ran onto the field ... and when a lot of guys beat me out there, I asked what was going on. Good thing I didn't know. I would have been a nervous wreck." Such is life with the Marlins, where youthful ignorance in the midst of a playoff run and woeful attendance can be so blissful. The Marlins (average age: 25.5) are just three weeks shy of pulling off one of baseball's biggest upsets. With an opening-day payroll of $14.6 million, by far the lowest in baseball, with four rookies in their starting rotation and five rookies in their starting lineup, the Marlins refuse to go away. They entered Monday at 72-71, tied for second in the National League wild-card race with Philadelphia, 2 games behind San Diego. "If we win the wild card," says 36-year-old reliever Matt Herges, playing for his sixth team, "this will go down as maybe the greatest feat in the history of baseball. Maybe in all of sports. We not only think we can win the wild card, but we still think we can win the World Series. Maybe we're too young to know any better." The Marlins' rise is defying all baseball odds, given the team-wide fire sale last November and December to slash operating costs. Six All-Stars were among those let go. It helps explain why they were 1,000-to-1 underdogs in Las Vegas to make the playoffs. They are batting only .264, 10th best in the NL. "We have a very, very resilient ball club," says Willis, who won a World Series ring in his 2003 rookie season. "We may not be earning the same paychecks as everyone else, but we don't think anyone's better than us. And I know nobody's having more fun than us. "People talk about how we're supposed to feel the pressure. What pressure? We're not supposed to be here in the first place. Come on, we got guys nobody even heard of. Look at our starting rotation. It took a while for us to even know everyone's names." Expectations 'exceeded' Florida's rotation, outside of Willis, is more anonymous in town than the club's broadcast crew. The pitchers hail from Venezuela to Oklahoma to California to Illinois, from 6-7 (Josh Johnson) to 6 feet (Sanchez). Three were acquired in trades; two are homegrown. The rotation leads the NL with a 4.16 earned-run average. Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco had never pitched above Class AA until this year. Scott Olsen and Johnson, the homegrown players drafted in 2002, had 55 days of big-league service combined. Willis, earning $4.35 million, is the only starter making more than the minimum $327,000. "People may not know 'em now, but that will change in a hurry," says Herges, who began his professional career when most of his teammates were in elementary school. "These guys are going to be just like the guys in Atlanta with (Greg) Maddux, (John) Smoltz and Tom (Glavine). But they'll be better because they're younger. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like facing those guys three, four years from now." Girardi, the rookie manager whose fiery demeanor led to a blowup last month with owner Jeffrey Loria, says that he hopes to be around to see it. He was nearly fired, several South Florida newspapers reported, for yelling at Loria. They seem to have resolved their differences, with Loria stopping by Girardi's office Sunday. "I like their potential as much as anyone," Girardi says of his young staff, "but let's not compare them to (Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine). Those guys are all Hall of Famers. These guys are just kids. "But, hey, I love what I see." Considering what they have done with no experience, the Marlins' rotation could indeed become the nastiest in the land. Florida is only the third team since 1900 to have three rookies win at least 11 games Olsen (12-8), Johnson (12-7) and Nolasco (11-9). (The others were the '52 Brooklyn Dodgers and the '34 Philadelphia A's.) "It's fair to say they've exceeded everybody's expectations, including yours truly," says Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest. "You don't want to put any expectations or pressure on a young group like that, but it's hard not to get excited when you think about their future." Starting pitching for the ages? This starting quintet might no longer need name tags, but their personalities still are unknown outside the 33056 ZIP code. Olsen, 22, says that perhaps one of his emotional outbursts made him at least partly responsible for the Marlins' turnaround, the first team in baseball history to climb above .500 after being 20 games below on May 21 (at 11-31). Olsen, frustrated with the team's play, got into a tiff with reliever Randy Messenger and came away with a black eye. Messenger came away with a mock "World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion" belt that hangs from his locker. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera threatened to punch Olsen in the other eye in July when Olsen questioned Cabrera's defense. Girardi even grabbed Olsen by the uniform collar in the dugout one night. Yep, apparently Olsen has a little A.J. Pierzynski in him, baseball's version of attitude. "That's me," says Olsen, an aggressive lefty who throws 93-94 mph with a slider and changeup. "I'm the crazy one of the group, I guess. I just get a little emotional at times. That's just the competitive fire in me." Go figure that Olsen's best friend on the team happens to be rookie starter Johnson, who has an ego smaller than the team batboy's. "I thought he was a mute for a while," Herges says. "The guy just never talked." There's no real need to talk, says Johnson, 22. He lets his pitching and 95 mph fastball speak for him. He has a 3.20 ERA, fourth in the league. "I've been with the guy since 2002," Olsen says, "and I never thought he'd be in the top (four) guys in ERA. I just never thought of him that way. I'm not saying we have it all figured out, but he showed that he's not scared. And trust me, I'm never scared." Says Johnson: "I don't know what it was, but I know when I started the year in the bullpen, I didn't really like it. So when they gave me a chance to start, I ran with it. I don't want to go back." Nolasco, 23, who missed his last two starts because of soreness behind his right knee, also opened the year in the bullpen. He entered the rotation May 17. One start later, with a 91 mph fastball and a knee-buckling curve, he was dominating the Chicago Cubs, his former organization, yielding just four hits and one run in seven innings. "I was extremely excited when I got traded over here," says Nolasco, a self-professed computer nerd, who was acquired with relievers Sergio Mitre and Renyel Pinto for center fielder Juan Pierre. "I understand it's a business. But I also knew it would be a quicker road to the big leagues." Sanchez was pitching at Class AA Carolina when he was called up June 25 and began displaying his repertoire: 91 mph fastball, with a curveball, slider and changeup. He's considered by his teammates as the nicest guy on the Marlins. He acts like a rookie and idolizes Cabrera, who is from his hometown of Maracay, Venezuela. When Sanchez completed his no-hitter, he broke down in tears, with most of his teammates crying right with him. "It was the greatest moment of my life," says Sanchez, 7-2, 2.89 ERA (not enough starts to qualify for NL lead). "I still can't believe it. I will remember that night forever." Says Marlins first-year pitching coach Rick Kranitz. "His reaction was so genuine. We didn't know a lot about him before he got here, but we found out in a hurry what kind of competitor he is." And, of course, there's Willis, engaged to be married this winter (as is Johnson). Willis, 10-11 with a 3.75 ERA, has been the calming influence for the rookies. He demonstrated his brilliance Sunday, pitching a three-hit shutout against the Phillies. "What he does is immeasurable for us," Beinfest says. "He may be about the same age as the others, but he's the guy they lean on." Willis shrugs off the accolades. He wasn't even supposed to be here all season, expected to be part of the fire sale. Who knows, he could be staying longer than anyone envisioned. "I've just been myself all year, that's it," Willis says. "I don't know how much I could teach those guys, anyway, 'cause I'm still learning, too. But you saw that raw potential from those guys in spring training. You knew if they stayed healthy, anything could happen. That's what's happening now. We're here to stay." http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl...ver-story_x.htm

Overall I like Rich. I like his sense of humor and think he has improved from last year by cutting down on mistakes. I don't like the way he repeats the same stories over and over. I don't like Tommy at all. I think he's too much of a homer and his constant complaining about the umps and attendance annoys me. His scouting reports are a joke. He should spend 10 minutes and write something meaningful.

In that survey of managers he came in 3rd and I think the GG is voted on by managers and coaches so the answer is yes.

I would platoon Aguila and Alfredo in CF.

A lot of times I don't agree with Le Batard and he doesn't come across as a likeable guy, to me anyway, but I think he's a great writer. Berardino is the best of the local baseball writers.

Is Resop eligible for post season play? He was up with the big club earlier in the year, right? There'd be a loop-hole for him in the event of injury, or "injury" *cough* Andino *cough* It would have to be an injury to a pitcher, though, right? For instance, if Randy Messenger were walking along a busy causeway with his cap pulled low over his eyes, he might not see the surge of oncoming traffic. The resulting injury would open up a space for our boy Resop. Anyone on the 25 as of August 31st. Remember, Messenger was demoted momentarily for Andino because of the Miggy injury. Ahh. Well I guess we don't NEED Messenger to walk into oncoming traffic... But wouldn't Andino have to be replaced with another position player? I remember reading somewhere that in event of an injury to the roster for post-season play, a position player must be replaced with a position player and a pitcher with a pitcher. I think you're correct.

*Bob Sheppard's Voice* Your 2006 American League MVP, numba two, shortstop, Derek Jeter... shortstop oooooooor Jason Giambi If Jeter wins the MVP I'll bet he'll be the MVP with the worst "close and late" numbers in the history of the game. http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...amp;compare.y=5 interesting.... but espn has his numbers in 73 at bats: .301/.427/.384/.811 I noticed the differences a while back between ESPN and MLB's official site. I guess MLB and ESPN use different definitions of close and late. I use the MLB numbers. Check Jeter's numbers with RISP. That is all. His RISP numbers are good, top 20 in MLB, but his close and late numbers are a couple of notches below pathetic. Then check his VORP (quite possibly the best general value statistic) which is the 2nd highest in baseball. That is one notch below the best, for the record. And, just so we're clear, the ESPN defintion of close and late is much better than the MLB standard definition. ESPN's is actually a more accurate "clutch" statistic since it is based on later innings. Just for the record.. VORP is a useless stat when comparing players across different positions because it grades different positions on different curves. Also, the MLB "close and late" definition is more restrictive than the ESPN definition as to what is classified as "close and late" and not the other way around as you said in you post.

I can't decide what was worse between letting Alfredo hit in the 7th or pinch hitting Jacobs for Helms in the 9th.

I'll be there.

*Bob Sheppard's Voice* Your 2006 American League MVP, numba two, shortstop, Derek Jeter... shortstop oooooooor Jason Giambi If Jeter wins the MVP I'll bet he'll be the MVP with the worst "close and late" numbers in the history of the game. http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...amp;compare.y=5 interesting.... but espn has his numbers in 73 at bats: .301/.427/.384/.811 I noticed the differences a while back between ESPN and MLB's official site. I guess MLB and ESPN use different definitions of close and late. I use the MLB numbers. Check Jeter's numbers with RISP. That is all. His RISP numbers are good, top 20 in MLB, but his close and late numbers are a couple of notches below pathetic.

*Bob Sheppard's Voice* Your 2006 American League MVP, numba two, shortstop, Derek Jeter... shortstop oooooooor Jason Giambi If Jeter wins the MVP I'll bet he'll be the MVP with the worst "close and late" numbers in the history of the game. http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...amp;compare.y=5

[Here] The first phase of balloting for the Hank Aaron Award was conducted from Aug. 2-31, allowing fans to vote for the most outstanding offensive performer in each league. One nominee from each club was among the choices, and that fan vote reduced the field to the top six vote-getters per league. The final phase now will be conducted on MLB.com through Sept. 30, and again fans will choose one player from each league. Those two players with the most votes will be announced at a presentation ceremony during the World Series. Wright shouldn't even be the Mets nominee.

Yeah, he's been jumped by Hanley and Uggla now, dangerously close to falling behind Scottie and perhaps Anibal. Olsen and Anibal have no shot at ROY. Anibal could have had a shot had Moehler injured his toe a few weeks earlier. Anibal's probably going to get 4 more starts by the end of the season. If he gets to 10 wins and keeps his ERA below 3, to go along with a no-no, he's almost a lock for the rookie of the year based on the Ryan Howard standard set last season. This year's rookie class is far better than last year's and that makes it that much tougher on a guy who only played a partial season. Last year Taveras came in 2nd (I think) but this year a player with his numbers wouldn;t break the top 10. This is not a knock on Anibal who has been fantastic but I don't think he'll have enough innings (120 or so) to win it against such tough competition.

None of the 4 major candidates for Governor have responded to my requests for their stances on the Marlins Ballpark issue. I voted for Randy Johnson over Tom Lee for CFO and encourage those in the party primary to do the same. I actually spoke with Jim Davis regarding the "stadium" issue. While he favors the use of the sales tax rebate for stadiums (and voted for the rebate when the Bucs asked for it), he is concerned that the use of sales tax dollars for a stadium should not come before other pressing needs facing the state, especially in light of the tax cuts this Bush administration imposed during their eight years in office. Isn't the state projected to have a multi-billion dollar surplus over the next several years? $2 million a year in tax rebates over the next 30 years isn't much to ask. We aren't Alabama or Mississippi. I thought the exact same thing. I think the last surplus was about $5 billion or something like which is huge on a $70 billion budget so his dancing around a $30 million question is weak.

Yeah, he's been jumped by Hanley and Uggla now, dangerously close to falling behind Scottie and perhaps Anibal. Olsen and Anibal have no shot at ROY. Anibal could have had a shot had Moehler injured his toe a few weeks earlier. Olsens stats are skewed by a few bad starts early in the year. That may be so, I don't know, but even if it is I don't think a valid case can be made on why Olsen deserves the ROY over JJ.

Josh Johnson went from potential Cy Young winner and/or ROY to middling-ish in just a few starts...to me, at least. Up until a couple of weeks ago JJ and Ethier were ahead of the ROY pack but Ethier has cooled-off and JJ has two poor starts in a row. Hanley and Willingham have jumped right into the middle of the race. Ethier continues to lead in OPS (*) but Willingham is now 2nd and I'm sure Hanley's 44 steals will draw the attention of many voters. There's abpout 8 guys that can still win it. I hope Willingham wins it. (*) He's about 15 PAs short but should make them up before the end of the season. Yeah, he's been jumped by Hanley and Uggla now, dangerously close to falling behind Scottie and perhaps Anibal. Olsen and Anibal have no shot at ROY. Anibal could have had a shot had Moehler injured his toe a few weeks earlier.

Didn't work. In October '03 I was dead set against Beckett going on 3 days rest until I read a baseballprospectus article on the subject. If this article is that old then I'm guessing it's probably the same article I read back then.

I'm about 11-6 or something like that with a no-hitter.

First off, 1.5 is nothing ito any other team but ours... and what did we really expect out of him? If Moehler can be effective out of the pen like he has been lately, he has value to this team. Out of the pen, okay. But why is he starting Saturday night (Sept 9) vs. the Phils? To spot them a 4-run lead in the 1st inning? Ricky's still out--who else do you want? Moehler bounced back well after the tough first in his last start to eat some innings. A rookie in the same situation probably doesn't do that. Maybe it's time to go with a 4-man rotation until Nolasco returns (one cycle?). It's not like it's never been done. not that great of an idea with young arms In April, most people thought this whole Marlin's season was not that great of an idea. Think outside the box, damn it! I think your suggestion jeopardizes their long-term future so I would pass on it. Read the article. There's no difference and a 4-man might even be better. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/200...doctoring.shtml Plus remember, this team was built to win THIS YEAR. Stop living in 2007, 2008 or whenever you think they're "ready" to win it all. Sound like a damn BoSox or Cubs fan with their "just wait til next year" sh*t. The link didn't work but I've read stuff on the 4-man rotation and in most cases I'm not opposed to. In our case I think going with the 4-man rotation at this point in the season would jeopardize their long-term future because they would exceed their highs in innings pitched by more than the norm. I would hate for these guys to end up like Pryor and Wood. Rather than going with a 4-man rotation I would give Pinto or Petit a shot.

Everything seems to be going right for the Marlins, but now they have a tough break to face. Jeremy Hermida finally has an answer to why his ankle injury has lingered for much of the season: a stress fracture. He could be done for the season, but is definitely out at least two weeks. bp.com this explains a lot for me. This is from the Herald (9/3/06). His dissapointing play this season is not due to an ankle he injured in late August. This injury probably affected his play in late august but not before that. Hermida said he injured his ankle area during the last homestand. ''It's been bothering me awhile,'' Hermida said. ``I played on it and played on it, and it just wasn't getting any better. ``It started hurting one day and I didn't think much of it, and the next day it was worse, and the next day it was real worse.'' http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/15429595.htm

I am not sure if you know that the Dodgers are 1 game ahead of the Padres. They are playing 4 games against the Mets in New York. What I have heard recently is that they have been struggling. I want both teams to fall but the way the Padres are playing I dont see them slowing down. So you want us to try to catch the second hottest team in the West, and arguably the more complete team than the streaking Padres? Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooook. :whistle Why cant I hope both teams lose? If we can get in the playoffs with the Padres winning the west, I'll be happy. Who freakn cares how we get in. I'm with Holly. I view it as if we're competing against both of them so I want them both to lose. Step one is to get in. Once you're in then worry about who you play.

First off, 1.5 is nothing ito any other team but ours... and what did we really expect out of him? If Moehler can be effective out of the pen like he has been lately, he has value to this team. Out of the pen, okay. But why is he starting Saturday night (Sept 9) vs. the Phils? To spot them a 4-run lead in the 1st inning? Ricky's still out--who else do you want? Moehler bounced back well after the tough first in his last start to eat some innings. A rookie in the same situation probably doesn't do that. Maybe it's time to go with a 4-man rotation until Nolasco returns (one cycle?). It's not like it's never been done. not that great of an idea with young arms In April, most people thought this whole Marlin's season was not that great of an idea. Think outside the box, damn it! I think your suggestion jeopardizes their long-term future so I would pass on it.