Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out, a**hole.

 

 

 

lol couldent of said it better

The Ewing Theory is one of the Sports Guy's greatest contributions to the sporting world.

 

From his Ewing Theory 101 Article:

 

What's the Ewing Theory? Where did it come from?

The theory was created in the mid-'90s by Dave Cirilli, a friend of mine who was convinced that Patrick Ewing's teams (both at Georgetown and with New York) inexplicably played better when Ewing was either injured or missing extended stretches because of foul trouble.

 

Curious to see if this phenomenon applied to other stars/teams, Dave noticed people were pencilling in the '94-'95 UConn Huskies for a .500 season because "superstar" Donyell Marshall had departed for the NBA. Dave knew better; a lifelong UConn fan, he thought the Huskies relied too much on Marshall the previous season and could survive without him. Like Ali predicting the first Liston knockout, Dave told friends the Huskies would thrive in Marshall's absence -- and that's exactly what happened. By midseason, UConn was ranked No. 1 in the country for the first time in school history; the Ewing Theory had been hatched.

 

Dave introduced me to the Ewing Theory three years ago, and we've been tinkering with it like Voltaire and Thoreau ever since. Eventually, we decided that two crucial elements needed to be in place for any situation to qualify for "Ewing" status:

 

A star athlete receives an inordinate amount of media attention and fan interest, and yet his teams never win anything substantial with him (other than maybe some early-round playoff series).

 

That same athlete leaves his team (either by injury, trade, graduation, free agency or retirement) -- and both the media and fans immediately write off the team for the following season.

 

When those elements collide, you have the Ewing Theory.

 

 

The Marlins underachieved for about 2 years while AJ was on the team, up until about May 2003, when he went down, at which point the team went on the greatest run in franchise history. Then he came back, and we've been underachieving ever since.

 

Funny how they played well during the stretch that the AJ trade rumors were flying.

 

:mischief2

The Ewing Theory is one of the Sports Guy's greatest contributions to the sporting world.

 

From his Ewing Theory 101 Article:

 

What's the Ewing Theory? Where did it come from?

The theory was created in the mid-'90s by Dave Cirilli, a friend of mine who was convinced that Patrick Ewing's teams (both at Georgetown and with New York) inexplicably played better when Ewing was either injured or missing extended stretches because of foul trouble.

 

Curious to see if this phenomenon applied to other stars/teams, Dave noticed people were pencilling in the '94-'95 UConn Huskies for a .500 season because "superstar" Donyell Marshall had departed for the NBA. Dave knew better; a lifelong UConn fan, he thought the Huskies relied too much on Marshall the previous season and could survive without him. Like Ali predicting the first Liston knockout, Dave told friends the Huskies would thrive in Marshall's absence -- and that's exactly what happened. By midseason, UConn was ranked No. 1 in the country for the first time in school history; the Ewing Theory had been hatched.

 

Dave introduced me to the Ewing Theory three years ago, and we've been tinkering with it like Voltaire and Thoreau ever since. Eventually, we decided that two crucial elements needed to be in place for any situation to qualify for "Ewing" status:

 

A star athlete receives an inordinate amount of media attention and fan interest, and yet his teams never win anything substantial with him (other than maybe some early-round playoff series).

 

That same athlete leaves his team (either by injury, trade, graduation, free agency or retirement) -- and both the media and fans immediately write off the team for the following season.

 

When those elements collide, you have the Ewing Theory.

 

 

The Marlins underachieved for about 2 years while AJ was on the team, up until about May 2003, when he went down, at which point the team went on the greatest run in franchise history. Then he came back, and we've been underachieving ever since.

 

Funny how they played well during the stretch that the AJ trade rumors were flying.

 

:mischief2

 

You know, I too thought about this, but I think to apply this to a baseball team (since the NBA is totally different), it can't include a pitcher, it has to be an offensive player. You know, kind of like when you see we're just hanging around, waiting for Cabrera to hit a 3 run home-run and he lets us down...

I wish they would have traded this career .500 pitcher aparantly one batting 1.00 when it comes to whining. A pat on the back, give him a foot to the a$$. :banghead Good Luck to whoever signs this #3 pitcher for #1 money, my only hope is its the Yankees that get screwed by him next year.

So I guess it's safe to say maybe two other people besides me actually want him to make his start on Friday.

i want him to....i want him to pitch great in front of the 12 people who will be there.

So I guess it's safe to say maybe two other people besides me actually want him to make his start on Friday.

 

yep

i want him to....i want him to pitch great in front of the 12 people who will be there.

 

 

Atleast those 12 people won't be throwing batteries at him.

i want him to....i want him to pitch great in front of the 12 people who will be there.

WTF.....why not just root for the Mets if you're gonna be throwing sh*t comments like that around.

I want AJ to make his last start ,I am sure he will pitch a shut out after all the pressure is gone now that he his choke job has helped seal the marlins fate. I for one would like to see Jack let AJ throw 170-200 pitches in a meaningless game

You know, we're out of the race, he makes these statements...

 

I wouldn't even give him that last start. Send him home.

 

And for the record, the issues with AJ have absolutely nothing to do with statistics and absolutely nothing to do with where he is in the rotation. Yeah, he has good numbers for a #3 starter. Good for him. He's about to get paid like a #1. I don't care what his numbers say, the guy meltsdown whenever something doesn't go his way and nothing is ever his fault.

 

And, for the record, I was happy when he was winning 7 in a row, but I still didn't like him and I can't wait for him to be off this team.

 

 

Amen.

I for one support AJ to an extent when it comes to being a pitcher that wants to play in a more energized environment, but its just part of the game. AJ isnt the only one that has commented on how it sux playing in front of such a dead crowd, but bottom line, they adapted to the environment and did their jobs. Its something AJ cant do here. Our players didnt dwell on the negatives all year. Sure they declined in some aspects, but they did what AJ cant and thats work with what you have.

 

He just isnt a pitcher that deals well with adversity and playing for a franchise that doesnt have alot of money or even a proper field for baseball is something you have to accept when playing for the Marlins or you just wont survive. Its not Loria's fault he didnt invent sliced bread and cant be a big time owner like these Yankees and Red Sox owners that will pretty much change their players' diapers when needed, but he sure has given alot into the organization.

 

He has the skill with great stuff, but he just cant put it together. I mean sure our bullpen and hitting didnt help at times, but is that something he is going to blame his .500 career record on? I mean hes been in the bigs for way longer than the D-Train has and he cant try to adapt? The D-Train had the same offense support and sucky bullpen and hes on his way to a Cy Young. Even Beckett who has had it pretty rough is focusing on his game more than looking at our external problems. I just feel that AJ cant deal with the fact that so many sports analysts agree that its time for him to deliver instead of being Mr. Potential.

 

Its sad to say, but AJs comments not only have frustration in them, which I can understand, but jealousy and plain immaturity. Maturity should be something he should be showing to our younger players and since he cant do that, I cant see how AJ can continue to help out our team when we are probably going to be putting in more youngsters in important roles for a few years to come.

 

He will do fine sucking on a NY or Boston baby bottle. Peace and pork chop grease!

How do you know he feeds off the energy in the ballpark? I've never seen him do it... and certainly in big games with big crowds he choked.

I dont "know" per say, but I think a guy who publicly makes alot of comments about fan support and calls it depressing, obviously wants to pitch in a great atmosphere.

 

I just find it hysterical how a 28 year old with his numbers this season, can catch so much flak.

 

He pitched many nights before 30,000+ cheering fans during his career and he still choked. And as Jack so aptly put it, once in a while you've got to look in the mirror and admit you're the problem, not the fans, not the mangement, not the organization, you.

Link? Stats? Game Recaps?

 

Or should I just go on what you say...

 

And hate to break it to you but 30K in alot of cities isnt sh*t for baseball.

 

And was his start on September 14th not 'big'? You were more in the race then, then you were today. He went 8 innings, 1 earned.

 

He lost to Roger Clemens the start before in the game Roger's mom had died...he only gave up 3, but took the loss...big deal.

 

You do know the 2nd and 3rd runs were courtesy of bases loaded walks to the #8 and #9 hitter right?

Would it be scored any differently if Lance Berkman hit a three run shot?

 

3 runs is 3 runs.

 

But Berkman didn't hit a 3 run shot and that comparison is like apples and oranges. AJ, in a big game situation, walked the 8 and 9 hitter with the bases loaded. That is totally unaccecptable and it is ridiculous to spin it otherwise and counter it was a "what if" scenario.

 

How do you know he feeds off the energy in the ballpark? I've never seen him do it... and certainly in big games with big crowds he choked.

I dont "know" per say, but I think a guy who publicly makes alot of comments about fan support and calls it depressing, obviously wants to pitch in a great atmosphere.

 

I just find it hysterical how a 28 year old with his numbers this season, can catch so much flak.

 

 

He can catch this flak for multiple reasons.

 

1. He openly has bashed the fan base multiple times. While the fan base is not the best, it still does have some fans and when you bash everyone at once, you tend to insult the few that do support you as well. If you are planning to leave when you become a FA, fine. That is his perogative, but he should be more professional.

 

2. When you claim your an "ace" and expect to be paid like an ace , then putting up good numbers for a #3 pitcher is not accecptable. The fact that we have Dontrelle and Josh should not get him off the hook from the bashing for his perfomance. He is lucky we also have 2 other great pitchers to take some of the heat off him and let people then call him a #3. However, another fact is that AJ has the best stuff on the staff and after so many years, he should be a better than .500 pitcher.

 

3. When the money was on the line and the Marlins were in the heat of a chase, he let us down with his performances. He pitched poorly for Marlins down the stretch when we really needed him most. Sure his 3.50 ERA looks good, however, you should take into account that before a few weeks ago, that ERA was in the high 2s. For him to raise his ERA over 6 tenths of a point over such a short time, espeically when he was needed most shows how "clutch" he really is.

i want him to....i want him to pitch great in front of the 12 people who will be there.

huh? are you about to start rooting for the phillies?

How do you know he feeds off the energy in the ballpark? I've never seen him do it... and certainly in big games with big crowds he choked.

I dont "know" per say, but I think a guy who publicly makes alot of comments about fan support and calls it depressing, obviously wants to pitch in a great atmosphere.

 

I just find it hysterical how a 28 year old with his numbers this season, can catch so much flak.

 

He pitched many nights before 30,000+ cheering fans during his career and he still choked. And as Jack so aptly put it, once in a while you've got to look in the mirror and admit you're the problem, not the fans, not the mangement, not the organization, you.

Link? Stats? Game Recaps?

 

Or should I just go on what you say...

 

And hate to break it to you but 30K in alot of cities isnt sh*t for baseball.

 

And was his start on September 14th not 'big'? You were more in the race then, then you were today. He went 8 innings, 1 earned.

 

He lost to Roger Clemens the start before in the game Roger's mom had died...he only gave up 3, but took the loss...big deal.

 

You do know the 2nd and 3rd runs were courtesy of bases loaded walks to the #8 and #9 hitter right?

Would it be scored any differently if Lance Berkman hit a three run shot?

 

3 runs is 3 runs.

 

But Berkman didn't hit a 3 run shot and that comparison is like apples and oranges. AJ, in a big game situation, walked the 8 and 9 hitter with the bases loaded. That is totally unaccecptable and it is ridiculous to spin it otherwise and counter it was a "what if" scenario.

 

How do you know he feeds off the energy in the ballpark? I've never seen him do it... and certainly in big games with big crowds he choked.

I dont "know" per say, but I think a guy who publicly makes alot of comments about fan support and calls it depressing, obviously wants to pitch in a great atmosphere.

 

I just find it hysterical how a 28 year old with his numbers this season, can catch so much flak.

 

 

He can catch this flak for multiple reasons.

 

1. He openly has bashed the fan base multiple times. While the fan base is not the best, it still does have some fans and when you bash everyone at once, you tend to insult the few that do support you as well. If you are planning to leave when you become a FA, fine. That is his perogative, but he should be more professional.

 

2. When you claim your an "ace" and expect to be paid like an ace , then putting up good numbers for a #3 pitcher is not accecptable. The fact that we have Dontrelle and Josh should not get him off the hook from the bashing for his perfomance. He is lucky we also have 2 other great pitchers to take some of the heat off him and let people then call him a #3. However, another fact is that AJ has the best stuff on the staff and after so many years, he should be a better than .500 pitcher.

 

3. When the money was on the line and the Marlins were in the heat of a chase, he let us down with his performances. He pitched poorly for Marlins down the stretch when we really needed him most. Sure his 3.50 ERA looks good, however, you should take into account that before a few weeks ago, that ERA was in the high 2s. For him to raise his ERA over 6 tenths of a point over such a short time, espeically when he was needed most shows how "clutch" he really is.

but and yes, his last 7 or so starts sucked, he did win 7 starts in a row to help us get into contention as well

 

just saying, there is two sides thats all

i want him to....i want him to pitch great in front of the 12 people who will be there.

huh? are you about to start rooting for the phillies?

 

I think he is a closet Philly Phan

Before AJ's original outburst about the attendance, was anyone of the opinion that the lack of crowds was somehow hurting his performance? No? Can we drop that ridiculous line of arguement then? What's the thinking with this? That he can't locate any of his pitches because no one is there cheering him on? That he only wants to throw fastballs because they go faster, and that way he can get out of the empty stadium quicker?

 

AJ has good pitches, but he can't put them where he wants them. This is one reason why he's an underachiever. A second would be his lack of maturity and his tendency to meltdown when things don't go his way. I don't know that either will change when he goes to another place, but as long as he goes to the AL, I hope it does. I don't hate him. I hope he does well. But I am very sick of him, and I don't appreciate the fact that he feels entitled to say whatever he wants about the fans and the organization just because he's leaving. Show some class.

 

I also don't agree with the idea that he's a scapegoat for our problems. He's just pissed a lot of people off. There are so many reasons why we sucked this year, but there's a reason why, for instance, people aren't bitching at Mike Lowell, and that's because besides his performance he hasn't given us any cause to. When he got benched, he didn't blame it on the crowds, he didn't make any excuses. He took it like a man, and he's vowed to do whatever he can to turn his game around in the offseason. It's called taking responsibility, and not shifting the blame to everyone else.

Is there any reason why we as fans should be worried about that dreaded word at the end of the year? F*******

 

 

This is the kind of stuff that bothers me. There has been no mention of a firesale. It was said that "Everyone is available", but that was more than likely just a way of not letting anyone get their hopes up yet. The FO probably has a bunch of savvy and team-improving moves in the works, but it is against rules to contemplate further at this point in the season. The only two people I think are going to be moved are Pierre and Lowell, and the only for sure move is Mikey. But that makes sense with Cabs at 3B and Mikeys expensive contract. Stop trying to ruffle everyones feathers and worry people where there should be none. dude who was trying to ruffle feathers here? thats the last thing i try to do on this board. i was simply posing a viable question to the users on this board. it sounds more and more like something like that could happen. i think i have every right to worry about what my team is going to be doing in the offseason especially after some of the questionable comments made by the front office. im glad you know the moves the FO is going to make in the offseason. go have a drink or something.

 

I wasnt trying to get under your skin, and I'd love to have a drink but I got the flu. But thats neither here nor there. But with the mood swings and propencity to worry about any little thing, like this board does, even mentioning "firesale" will ruffle feathers even if you dont mean it in that context. It's better to just leave to word off the boards, as it seems like everyone here looks for any reason they can to fret about what might happen next...theres way too much negativity as it is, no need to add to it.

 

Listen....this is a message board and he's allowed to mention firesale...not everything on here is positive.

If you were a Marlin fan between 1998-2005, you'd know better to say that word without some damn solid evidence behind your accusations. That word is used by those who seek protect their assets or political agendas (or media writers trying to be controversial) by dividing the Marlins and the fan base. And if you're weren't a Marlin then, well, you should still know better.

Is there any reason why we as fans should be worried about that dreaded word at the end of the year? F*******

 

 

This is the kind of stuff that bothers me. There has been no mention of a firesale. It was said that "Everyone is available", but that was more than likely just a way of not letting anyone get their hopes up yet. The FO probably has a bunch of savvy and team-improving moves in the works, but it is against rules to contemplate further at this point in the season. The only two people I think are going to be moved are Pierre and Lowell, and the only for sure move is Mikey. But that makes sense with Cabs at 3B and Mikeys expensive contract. Stop trying to ruffle everyones feathers and worry people where there should be none. dude who was trying to ruffle feathers here? thats the last thing i try to do on this board. i was simply posing a viable question to the users on this board. it sounds more and more like something like that could happen. i think i have every right to worry about what my team is going to be doing in the offseason especially after some of the questionable comments made by the front office. im glad you know the moves the FO is going to make in the offseason. go have a drink or something.

 

I wasnt trying to get under your skin, and I'd love to have a drink but I got the flu. But thats neither here nor there. But with the mood swings and propencity to worry about any little thing, like this board does, even mentioning "firesale" will ruffle feathers even if you dont mean it in that context. It's better to just leave to word off the boards, as it seems like everyone here looks for any reason they can to fret about what might happen next...theres way too much negativity as it is, no need to add to it.

 

Listen....this is a message board and he's allowed to mention firesale...not everything on here is positive.

If you were a Marlin fan between 1998-2005, you'd know better to say that word without some damn solid evidence behind your accusations. That word is used by those who seek protect their assets or political agendas (or media writers trying to be controversial) by dividing the Marlins and the fan base. And if you're weren't a Marlin then, well, you should still know better. ive been a fan since the first season. i wasnt making an accusation i was simply asking a simple question to cause discussion. relax man its not like me mentioning the word is going to cause the FO to do it. its called discussion. i actually wanted peoples opinions on if it would happen not if you want to hear the word or not.

That's not the point. The front office would have to be on drugs to listen to you any way. It's that you're attacking the one of very bonds that fandom is built on, trust by your merely bringing up the topic unjustly.

That's not the point. The front office would have to be on drugs to listen to you any way. It's that you're attacking the one of very bonds that fandom is built on, trust by your merely bringing up the topic unjustly.

umm yeah right. im not asking the front office to listen to me. are you reading what i wrote? i was posing a damn question for discussion. gimme a break bro with all this crap of bonds of fandom. dont criticize me b/c im trying to expand the conversation of this thread. :hat

 

now if i had made comments claiming that was going to happen then you have the right to flame away. but until then you cant. i do appreciate your opinions tho i just dont agree. :thumbup

Great. So you're spurring a discussion by launching false accusations and questioning why we even bother with this team. Congratulations.

Great. So you're spurring a discussion by launching false accusations and questioning why we even bother with this team. Congratulations.

who is making false accusations? im not accusing anyone of anything. dude step away from the keyboard and take a deep breath. i didnt mean to make your heart skip a beat. geez

 

not once did i ever say why bother with this team. how can you even say something like that? why the hell would i want that to happen?

 

once again go back and reread what i wrote b/c i was not accusing anyone of anything

 

oh and Congrats on freaking out about nothing :thumbup

 

get off it.

Well atleast AJ gives us a first rounder

Well atleast AJ gives us a first rounder

 

 

Earlier I would have welcomed an attempt to retain AJ. But after his attitude and lack of performance this year it appears AJ is a big part of the problem. We need for him to go to improve the overall team attitude.