12/03/24
October 16, 2006
Piniella finds a wallet in Chicago.: Cubs bypass Joe Girardi and Bruce Bochy, grabbing Piniella for the bargain rate of $3 mil/season for 3 years.
posted by BullpenPro to baseball at 03:38 PM - 71 comments
Speaking of managers, Ken Mancha of the A's was just fired.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 03:46 PM on October 16, 2006
I think Lou will turn the Cubs around. He mainly has to acquire some talent and encourage those free swingers not to be such!
posted by sports1 at 03:49 PM on October 16, 2006
He is no longer "the Man of L'A's" Mancha. (Or, you know, Macha. Whatever.)
posted by BullpenPro at 03:55 PM on October 16, 2006
Thank God the Giants lost in that race. They couldn't afford another AARP platinum member manager who has less than a 100 more wins than losses.
posted by irunfromclones at 04:16 PM on October 16, 2006
Oh, and I think we should fire BullpenPro for that racist wallet remark.
posted by irunfromclones at 04:18 PM on October 16, 2006
I think Lou will turn the Cubs around. He mainly has to acquire some talent and encourage those free swingers not to be such! There's also a culture of mediocrity he's going to have to clean out of the locker room like a lingering stench. If he can do that, the whole reining-in-the-bats thing will be a rooftop matinée in comparison.
posted by chicobangs at 04:42 PM on October 16, 2006
I think Lou will turn the Cubs around. He mainly has to acquire some talent and encourage those free swingers not to be such! There's also a culture of mediocrity he's going to have to clean out of the locker room like a lingering stench. so let me get this straight. Lou needs to 1) aquire some talent 2) get current talent to perform better 3) change climate of the lockerroom that's all he has to do? Sounds easy enough :-)
posted by bdaddy at 05:12 PM on October 16, 2006
Tilting at windmills, Bullpen?
posted by tommybiden at 05:20 PM on October 16, 2006
With Macha, we need to wait eight days to be sure Billy Beane doesn't change his mind again ;)
posted by billsaysthis at 05:24 PM on October 16, 2006
Macha had two years left on his contract. The A's went 368-280 in his four seasons as manager, but have frustrated management and their fans by failing to get into the World Series. You would think that the A's management would realize that if they kept half of the talent that they let leave, they would definitely win a few World Series'. True they tend to prefer to have a lower payroll, but somebody has to realize that the formula they are using works up until the end of the regular season or the playoffs. Imagine if the Athletic's had kept a few of the players that they have let get away. A rotation of Barry Zito, Rich Harden, Danny Haren, Mark Mulder, and Tim Hudson would be impressive indeed. That's a combined 388- 231 record and a 3.75 ERA. That equates to a .627 winning percentage which could theoretically equal about 102 wins in the regular season*. Not only that, but if the A's had kept Miguel Tejada, their poor offense would be much more potent. A lineup featuring Nick Swisher, Tejada, Eric Chavez, and Frank Thomas would be tough to pitch against. *Injury problems aside.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:20 PM on October 16, 2006
You would think that the A's management would realize that if they kept half of the talent that they let leave Not every team can spend their way into yearly contention. In fact, only one team seems to do it (and even they came up short against the Tigers). I don't think the problem is Beane's management, and I don't think the problem is Ken Macha either.
posted by rocketman at 07:27 PM on October 16, 2006
if they kept half of the talent that they let leave, they would definitely win a few World Series If this is so, why wouldn't the Yankees pay for all those players? Nothing is for sure. I'm interested in a scenario where the A's could have gotten Danny Haren without trading Mulder to the Cards. Your proposal basically consists of "If the A's had done the things they got right, plus kept the players they let go who are still playing well and had the money to do so, things might be different." Why not magically uninjure Bobby Crosby while you're at it? Billy Beane has a philosophy and he is pursuing it, for good or for ill. To say he should do otherwise because he's not batting 1.000 is holding him to an unfair standard. Worse still, you're applying Mulder and Hudson's NL performances as though they would have been the same against 9 man lineups in the AL.
posted by yerfatma at 07:28 PM on October 16, 2006
Also, as a Brewers fan, let me say how sad I was to see Dusty Baker get fired. Dunno how I feel about Piniella, he's still got a lot of obstacles in his path to bring this team to success.
posted by rocketman at 07:30 PM on October 16, 2006
funny how things work out. steve lyons lost his wallet and his job while piniella found a wallet and a job. i've been looking for a wallet all weekend
posted by rollfastbyu at 07:39 PM on October 16, 2006
As a life long Cubs fan, any change for the positive, if he gets the cooperation. is cause for a kegger. He has a lot to change and is going to need people believing he can take them from the bottom of the barrel. Not to the top of course, but better then they have been for a long time.
posted by Psycho at 08:21 PM on October 16, 2006
A rotation of Barry Zito, Rich Harden, Danny Haren, Mark Mulder, and Tim Hudson would be impressive indeed. Do you really think Mark "7.14 ERA" Mulder and Tim "4.86 ERA" Hudson would have helped the A's this year? Beane has been VERY smart in ditching his pitchers just before they go in the tank. Remember, it's always better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late.
posted by grum@work at 09:08 PM on October 16, 2006
A lineup featuring Nick Swisher, Tejada, Eric Chavez, and Frank Thomas would be tough to pitch against. Especially if you threw in ex A's Jason Giambi, Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon, Ramon Hernandez and Eric Byrnes. Worse still, you're applying Mulder and Hudson's NL performances as though they would have been the same against 9 man lineups in the AL. A quick look at either's career stats will show that neither has been as good since moving to the NL as they were against AL lineups. Lou isn't the worst choice the Cubs could have mad, but I'm not sure he's the best, either.
posted by mjkredliner at 09:28 PM on October 16, 2006
I'm really disappointed the Cubs didn't snag Joe Girardi. The opinion I'm seeing coming out of Cubs blogs and which I agree with is that we're getting another version of Dusty, this time with a temper. I'm forseeing bad, bad times for the Cubs for the next few years.
posted by ursus_comiter at 09:45 PM on October 16, 2006
I Lou will turn the Cubs around. BWAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Now that's funny.
posted by budman13 at 09:47 PM on October 16, 2006
Remember, it's always better to trade a player a year too early than a year too late. Pfft. Branch Rickey. What did he know about ballplayers. Imagine if the A's had held onto Gil Heredia, Jimmy Haynes, Tom Candiotti, Omar Olivares, and Eric Hiljus. Boy, they would be... well, just terrible right now. On the other hand, if they still had Aaron Harang, Jeremy Bonderman, Ted Lilly, Kenny Rogers, and Aaron Small... well, they'd be okay, I guess. Hard to say. If they still had Lefty Grove, though, they would put a whoopin' on those AL'ers. Yep.
posted by BullpenPro at 10:12 PM on October 16, 2006
I don't know who was out there for potential managers, but Lou Piniella, I don't think was that bad of choice. One thing for sure,if they were looking to put some fire under the asses of the whole Chicago team, I think Piniell can and will do it. Have to see what they do in the offseason to get him some players that they need. How long has it been, 1913, I think since they won a World Series? Cub fans have been waiting a long time. Not that Piniella will do it in his first year,or maybe not at all matter of factly. But give him a few years ,and try to get them to the playoffs first. All in all, not a bad choice.
posted by Ghastly1 at 10:18 PM on October 16, 2006
Being a Giants fan, I'm happy he didn't end up here. I think that Girardi's a better fit. He did a lot, with very little, down Florida-way this past year and SF is long overdue for some new blood (management and players).
posted by slackerman at 11:45 PM on October 16, 2006
timmerex: Welcome to SpoFi. You seem to be flailing a bit. So hey, do yourself (and us) a favor and read this. Read it, understand it and apply it and I'm pretty sure this will stop all your comments from getting deleted.
posted by jerseygirl at 05:04 AM on October 17, 2006
I'm forseeing bad, bad times for the Cubs for the next few years. And this differs from the past century or so how?
posted by dyams at 07:11 AM on October 17, 2006
Isn't Piniella awful with pitchers? And now he's going to a team that has two of its three top starters perpetually on the shelf? This won't be good.
posted by ajaffe at 08:01 AM on October 17, 2006
so let me get this straight. Lou needs to 1) aquire some talent 2) get current talent to perform better 3) change climate of the lockerroom Isn't that what most managers have to do when they get hired?
posted by dbt302 at 08:07 AM on October 17, 2006
And this differs from the past century or so how? Now, that's funny.
posted by mjkredliner at 08:15 AM on October 17, 2006
Especially if you threw in ex A's Jason Giambi, Jermaine Dye, Johnny Damon, Ramon Hernandez and Eric Byrnes. Your hindsight has excellent vision. Dye had one good half-year with Oakland before his leg made him a very expensive mistake for not one, but two more years. Giambi, well, he's decent now, but his best days were clearly in Oakland. And as for Damon...well, he flat-out smelled money. That's something the A's don't have. So he left. I still can't get over Macha pinch-hitting Melhuse for Dye in playoffs a few years back. But my hindsight has fantastic vision as well...
posted by diastematic at 09:21 AM on October 17, 2006
I may be the only Cubs fan left who thinks Dusty Baker was the right guy for the job. He proved in '03 that if you give him the talent, he can take it places. He can't be blamed for Alex Gonzalez muffing that ball after the Bartman incident, and he can't be blamed for these crazy injuries (most specifically, Derrek Lee, not so much Prior and Woody because we knew they would be hurt). He might not have gotten to the World Series, but he certainly deserves a shot. Hopefully he will get it wherever he lands. Good luck to you Dusty, we'll regret this decision in a few mediocre years.
posted by sublime4390116 at 09:36 AM on October 17, 2006
If they haven't already, it's time for Cubs fans to understand Prior and Wood will never, ever be healthy again for an entire season. As talented and dominating as both those guys either were or have/had the potential to be, the Cubs should move on without holding onto those dreams of ever building a winner around them. Lee will be fine next season, and Rich Hill looks like the real deal. As for Pinella, I wouldn't have minded the Yankees getting him, because I think they're a team who needs to be more fired up and aggressive on the field. I honestly feel Pinella brings that to the table for the Cubs. If anyone can help bring the Cubs a championship and finally get the Kong-sized gorilla off their backs, I hope it's Sweet Lou.
posted by dyams at 10:10 AM on October 17, 2006
Isn't Piniella awful with pitchers? He handled Rob Dibble pretty well! I will forever love Lou Piniella for the 1990 campaign. Anyone that can simultaneously make Tim McCarver and Tony La Russa look like idiots, is my hero.
posted by tselson at 10:34 AM on October 17, 2006
Tim McCarver does his fair share of making himself look like an idiot though, to be fair.
posted by jerseygirl at 10:47 AM on October 17, 2006
I didn't mean handling them like that! :-)
posted by ajaffe at 10:50 AM on October 17, 2006
Okay, Lou is good. I still would prefer Girardi. He managed to almost take the team witht the lowest payroll in the majors to the playoffs. He is an ex-Cub, and he managed a team last year. Where was Lou all year(by the looks of him working on his tan)? Could end up being good because Lou is what we need. He will get in the players faces unlike Dusty. He will also argue with the umpires keeping his players in the game. Dusty would go out and have an emotional talk with them and then later have some tea. Not enough emotion to manage a struggling team like the Cubs.
posted by kidrayter2005 at 11:33 AM on October 17, 2006
I'm disappointed! I think the Cubs should have hired a manager 98 years old, then both of them could celebrate 100 years of futility.
posted by americanleague at 01:48 PM on October 17, 2006
Americanleague, that's funny. I love Lou as a manager, but I think that Chicago pulled the plug on Baker too soon. It took Lou awhile to turn around Seattle from stinkdom and they had to get Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Junior, A-rod, Jay Buhner, and Tino Martinez to help pull them out. And it never quite got done. But, hey, good luck, Cubbies.
posted by THX-1138 at 03:38 PM on October 17, 2006
A rumor was floating around that Lou is interested in bringing his prodigal son A-Rod to Chicago on ESPN radio today....
posted by mjkredliner at 05:05 PM on October 17, 2006
And if he can get the aforementioned players from my previous post, they too will have a chance to lose in the Championship series.
posted by THX-1138 at 05:25 PM on October 17, 2006
The only possible motivation the Yankees might have for trading A-Rod right now is if they got a really, really good pitcher who would be ready to go on Opening Day. And I don't think they're getting that from the Cubs, unless they're willing to part with Zambrano. Otherwise, the Yanks have to hold onto A-Rod, let him win some games in April, May and June, then dump him at the trade deadline. It makes very little sense to move him now because he's proven he can help the team win in any month that doesn't start with an "O".
posted by BullpenPro at 05:41 PM on October 17, 2006
I for one hope A-Rod gets traded, simply because I think he will be a much better player outside of New York. Some players cannot handle New York and the immense pressure it believes, and I think A-Rod is one of them. Furthermore, I think a large amount of his playoff struggles also stem from his enviornment, and if he makes the playoffs with another team he should play much better.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:20 PM on October 17, 2006
Some players cannot handle New York and the immense pressure it believes, and I think A-Rod is one of them. Imagine if he COULD handle the pressure!
posted by grum@work at 07:36 PM on October 17, 2006
Good point grum, of course I think the pressure becomes greater in the postseason, thus the .133 batting average and no RBI's in the 2005 playoffs.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:27 PM on October 17, 2006
.241 AVG, 13 R, 3 HRs, 8 RBIs, 3 SBs in 20 post-season games as a Yankee. Stretched out to a full season of 162 games, that's (roughly) .241, 104 runs, 24 HRs, 64 RBIs, 24 SBs. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you a $25 million Mike Cameron. And here I thought he was supposed to be so much better than this guy (.314, 116 runs, 23 HRs, 65 RBIs, 22 SBs per 162 games in the post-season with the Yankees).
posted by BullpenPro at 09:01 PM on October 17, 2006
This is interesting: So, it seems like A-Rod's reputation as a postseason failure basically stems from 3 straight bad series. Here's his line from those series: 16 games, .183/.300/.333, 10 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0.81 RC*/G I decided to see who else from baseball history has had a similar or worse 3-series stretch. I found somebody from each position just for fun. C Yogi Berra, 47WS-50WS ... 14 G, .140/.204/.260, 6 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 0.64 RC/G 1B Jeff Bagwell, 97NLDS-99NLDS ... 11 G, .128/.261/.128, 3 R, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 0.64 RC/G 2B Jackie Robinson, 47WS-52WS ... 19 G, .212/.342/.303, 9 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 0.79 RC/G SS Derek Jeter**, 01ALDS-01WS ... 17 G, .226/.262/.290, 5 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 0.47 RC/G 3B Mike Schmidt, 77NLCS-80NLCS ... 13 G, .164/.233/.218, 4 R, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0.54 RC/G OF Babe Ruth, 18WS-22WS ... 14 G, .211/.333/.368, 4 R, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 0.71 RC/G OF Mickey Mantle, 61WS-63WS ... 13 G, .130/.216/.217, 3 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 0.23 RC/G OF Ted Williams***, 46WS ... 7 G, .200/.333/.200, 2 R, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0.43 RC/G DH David Ortiz, 02ALDS-03ALDS ... 14 G, .200/.231/.280, 0 R, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 0.43 RC/G I think we can all agree that this team of chokers could never make it out of the first round. * runs created (R+RBI-HR) ** Jeter also had a pretty crappy 98ALDS-98WS ... 13 G, .235/.328/.294, 7 R, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 0.77 RC/G *** OK, Ted only had 1 postseason series, but I figured in the spirit of judging players off of small sample sizes, I'd include him
posted by justgary at 09:47 PM on October 17, 2006
Alright, the local yocal on the local news just said, "TWENTY-SIX years ago Lou Piniella led the Reds to the World Series." It was SIXTEEN years ago. It's actually been eleven years since we tasted the playoffs. For those of you who reak of "driven," can you please quit arguing about how one of the best players in baseball completely sucks, simply because they suck in the post season? I guess when you've been to the playoffs the last ten years in a row you have to argue about something. For cryin' out loud though, can you at least look for sympathy amongst yourselves? Yeah, it sucks having Jeter and A-Rod on your team, I get that. Uhm, no actually I don't. I don't really get that at all. Signed: Jealous, small market, wonderful baseball history team. AKA Cincinnati Reds Fan. /Making sure I mentioned jealous...yeah...like, really jealous but whatever...ok, post.
posted by tselson at 11:06 PM on October 17, 2006
You know what's funny about A-Rod's recent postseason performance, if the Yanks had won one ring in this stretch, nobody would give a damn. People aren't pissed because he's having trouble hitting, they're pissed because they think paying some $25 mil a year should guarentee a ring.
posted by apoch at 04:19 AM on October 18, 2006
20 post-season games as a Yankee. Stretched out to a full season of 162 games If my mother had balls, she'd be my father.
posted by yerfatma at 06:22 AM on October 18, 2006
People aren't pissed because he's having trouble hitting, they're pissed because they think paying some $25 mil a year should guarentee a ring. The Hardball Times has a good consideration of that.
posted by ursus_comiter at 08:13 AM on October 18, 2006
A rumor was floating around that Lou is interested in bringing his prodigal son A-Rod to Chicago on ESPN radio today.... Forgot that part. Sorry. Got caught up comparing Jeter's numerous post season stats to Barry Larkin's few. Do stupid and jealous always together?
posted by tselson at 09:34 AM on October 18, 2006
Actually, A-Rod as a Cub would probably work out well, because the Cubs probably need another person in line to blame their continued futility on.
posted by dyams at 11:12 AM on October 18, 2006
If the Cubs where able to trade for A-Rod and give up some of our injury prone players we could be good. Wood and Prior are awsome pitchers with awsome stuff but too many injuries. If the Yankees would be willing to take a chance on them that could be perfect. The Cubs could even throw in a player such as SS Cesar Izturis. The Cubs do have the prospects to make it. Also, Imagine the Cubs with this kinda lineup C Michael Barrett 1B Derek Lee 2B Ronny Cedeno 3B Aramis Ramirez SS Alex Rodriguez CF Juan Pierre RF Jaque Jones LF Matt Murton
posted by kidrayter2005 at 11:41 AM on October 18, 2006
The Yankees, as bad as they need pitching, don't need more 'awsome' pitchers with injury problems. They already have Carl Pavano filling that role. Also, they already have some SS guy. He seems like he does an okay job.
posted by jerseygirl at 11:43 AM on October 18, 2006
If my mother had balls, she'd be my father. Not if she could help it, I imagine. I guess when you've been to the playoffs the last ten years in a row you have to argue about something. tselson, I don't care too much for this "What, the Yankees haven't won enough for you?" philosophy, as though it were the same argument as "Players who earn $10 mil a year shouldn't be crying about not getting paid enough." Winning isn't something you get to put in the bank and withdraw on the days you lose. You can waste your time on jealousy if you want, but neither one of us is watching our team play right now. I don't care what team you root for or what their cumulative salary is, when it's your team and they lose, it's much worse than winning. Kind of the point to fandom, isn't it... wanting your team to win? Driven? I'm not kidnapping A-Rod or anything. (Hmm.) /looks for To Do list And I never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever said that it sucks having Jeter on my team. Ever.
posted by BullpenPro at 11:50 AM on October 18, 2006
People aren't pissed because he's having trouble hitting, they're pissed because they think paying some $25 mil a year should guarentee a ring. In actuality, the Yankees are only paying ARod abou $16million a year, since Texas is on the hook for $9million. Jeter, Giambi and Mussina cost the Yankees more in 2006 than ARod. Side note: I'm still flabbergasted how Giambi continues to get a free ride from the Yankee faithful. - He's been a Yankee longer than ARod, and hasn't won anything. - He's costing them more per year than ARod. - His contributions to the team in the regular season have been less than ARod's. - He has the BALCO stench all over him.
posted by grum@work at 12:01 PM on October 18, 2006
According to this, A-Rod's contract had him making less than $22 mil this year, which seems weird... maybe they're not including payments not yet made? I dunno. Maybe he's a bargain this year (or maybe he didn't reach his incentive for making fewer than 50 errors). Giambi had 2 home runs in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, almost single-handedly keeping the Yankees in the game until Grady's fateful decision. A-Rod doesn't really have anything like that on his resume yet. That said, if there was a thread dedicated to Giambi's value to the Yankees, I would be happy to go off on how that boat anchor is hurting the Yanks' roster flexibility. Watching day to day, my impression is that G's bat has had more big hits and won more close games than A-Rod's, but the club has been a little heavy recently in good bats who are considered defensive liabilities.
posted by BullpenPro at 12:28 PM on October 18, 2006
Should also point out that Giambi's OPS was over 50 points higher than A-Rod's.
posted by BullpenPro at 12:42 PM on October 18, 2006
I know BP. When I was looking at Jeter's stats, I couldn't help but think, "Damn, Yankees' fans have it good." Believe me I understand that it hurts for you when the Yankees lose. But apathy sets in around the All Star break for most teams. Be thankful you don't have apathy. I still go to the emotional memory bank and cash in a little warm and fuzzy from 1990; however, I think that the account is dwindling. Sorry BP, I was confused about why we were talking A-rod and Jeter on this thread. I was out of line. Just to make sure though, I meant "Driven." ;)
posted by tselson at 01:01 PM on October 18, 2006
I'm still flabbergasted how Giambi continues to get a free ride from the Yankee faithful. It's all that freakin' grease in his hair. He's slippery.
posted by justgary at 01:06 PM on October 18, 2006
Isn't this suppose to be about Lou Piniella?
posted by americanleague at 01:12 PM on October 18, 2006
If my mother had balls, she'd be my father. Not if she could help it, I imagine. You lost me.
posted by yerfatma at 02:12 PM on October 18, 2006
I am not saying that Izturis would take Jeters spot. He could be moved to third. And the awsome comments I understand are not needed. They aren't awsome yet. Awsome should be reserved for guys like Clemens and Maddux. But Wood and Prior do have the stuff to get them to the awsome point. And comparing them to Pavano isn't fair. Pavano got injured for getting in a car wreck and not telling anyone. Wood and Prior get injuries for real baseball realate injuries. Prior got hit with a ball this year and Wood doesn't have proper mechanics but is working on them and has been conditioning to stay in shape. I am not saying this is exactaly what will happen but it is something I am sure that the Yankees would take a look at.
posted by kidrayter2005 at 02:13 PM on October 18, 2006
But Wood and Prior do have the stuff to get them to the awsome point. So did Nick Neugebauer. But - whoops! - Dave Stewart was convinced the kid needed to "toughen up" and pitch through pain. That worked really well. Mark my words: Prior/Wood are worth as much as exactly that, an erection that happened two days ago. Somebody will overpay for one or both of them based on their "stuff", but neither will accomplish much from here on out. I blame Dusty Baker
posted by rocketman at 02:33 PM on October 18, 2006
I think you're wearing your Cubbies goggles, kidrayter. Izturis is a career .250 hitter. Certainly, there's something on the free agent market comprable? Wood at 29 has a good chance of being 30, but all indications don't point to "upswing of his career" at this point. He's young-ish at 29 and has time... perhaps. However, for Wood I wouldn't say the best days of his career are ahead of him as it stands today. Not to mention he's had knee surgery, arthroscopic surgery, a torn rotator cuff. He's been inable to stay healthy. Plus? he's a free agent now and not Cubs property to trade for ARod or anyone. No one is going to sign him to anything less than an incentive laden contract. Pavano was injured way before the car accident. Like last year. Back strain, bone chips in his elbow. Not car accident related. Not that it matters -- injured is injured.
posted by jerseygirl at 03:05 PM on October 18, 2006
Giambi had 2 home runs in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, almost single-handedly keeping the Yankees in the game until Grady's fateful decision. A-Rod doesn't really have anything like that on his resume yet. Except, of course, his work during games 1-4 of the 2004 ALCS. Like I've said before, if Rivera doesn't blow the save in game 4, ARod wins the ALCS MVP award and he ascends to "true Yankee" status and the whole brouhaha doesn't happen. According to this, A-Rod's contract had him making less than $22 mil this year, which seems weird... maybe they're not including payments not yet made? It's possible that as part of the deal with the Rangers, ARod agreed to deferred money starting with 2006? I know that the trade was set up so that the Yankees pay his full salary and Texas sends a lump sum of cash each season. Interestingly enough, even if the Yankees deal ARod, Texas is still on the hook to send the Yankees cash until the end of the contract.
posted by grum@work at 04:12 PM on October 18, 2006
Except, of course, his work during games 1-4 of the 2004 ALCS. A-Rod did very well in Games 1, 3 & 4. He went 1-4 in Game 2 with no runs or RBIs. He had a tremendous Game 3 (5 runs scored, more important than RBIs from the #2 hitter in the order), but of course the Yanks won that one by plenty, and lots of people chipped in. A-Rod hasn't had a game where he really carried the offense on his back alone at any point like Giambi had done in that 2003 game. Agreed, Game 4 would have been that game for him if Rivera had done his job, and yes, he likely would have been the MVP and the toast of the town. But that didn't happen. And he's been dreadful since in October. Hard to watch. Kidrayter, you warm the cockels of my heart. I really thought that only the New York fans who call in to sports radio were the sort who thought that their team should be able to unload all their dead weight in exchange for a valuable piece that fit perfectly, without giving any consideration whatsoever to the needs of the team on the other side. That's awesome. Boy, there's nothing like hot cockels. I am not saying that Izturis would take Jeters spot. He could be moved to third. You just made me love A-Rod all over again. Thanks for that.
posted by BullpenPro at 08:17 PM on October 18, 2006
Isn't this suppose to be about Lou Piniella? If you go strictly by the FPP subject matter, then yeah, actually it is. If you've got something interesting to say about him, feel free. Since you're relatively new to these parts, you may not be aware of just how free-wheeling our discussions can get. If it upsets you that we're veering off the subject, then find some relevant content and drop it in, or learn to just let it go.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:01 PM on October 19, 2006
-- If my mother had balls, she'd be my father. -- Not if she could help it, I imagine. -- You lost me. And you me. (I thought I had included this comment in my last post... did I get edited, or did I just lose my mind?)
posted by BullpenPro at 03:36 PM on October 19, 2006
Kidrayter, you warm the cockels of my heart Happy I could do that for ya.
posted by kidrayter2005 at 03:56 PM on October 19, 2006
66 comments before you stuck your nose in, and the only relevant comment you have is that you don't like my comment - not bad!
posted by americanleague at 07:33 PM on October 19, 2006
americanleague, his was as nice a pointer as you can ask for, perhaps you misread it?
posted by mjkredliner at 11:40 PM on October 19, 2006
The Cubs and Lou Piniella have come to terms on a three-year deal worth an estimated $9 million, major-league sources told the Tribune. We just want to inform you that you are hiring Lou Piniella. The Tribune's response was to stare at the major league sources like they were speaking a foreign language.