Kevin Millwood didn't pitch for the Indians last year.
Or the year before that. Or the year before that. Or the year before....
Nice focus.
Regards,
Dempsey's Army
Monday, January 31, 2011
So Who Was That Guy Pitching for the Orioles with "Millwood" on His Back?
Dear ESPN,
Kevin Millwood didn't pitch for the Indians last year.
Kevin Millwood didn't pitch for the Indians last year.
Around the Oriole Blog-O-Sphere: Post Fan Fest Edition
James Baker recaps the 2011 Oriole Fan Fest here with more pictures here.
Dan at Camden Crazies likes the Justin Duchscherer signing.
Chris of Baltimore Sports and Life is fine with the Duchscherer signing, as long as the competition for rotation spots in Spring Training is legitimate.
Speaking of BS&L, Chris also canvased four national baseball writers for their thoughts on the 2011 Orioles.
Camden Depot takes an ingenious new angle on Oriole attendance...but it's not a pretty picture at all.
Has The Wayward O been delivered a sign that Felix Pie should remain the starting left fielder?
The Eutaw Street Hooligans don't like the idea of Vlad in Black & Orange either and I couldn't have put it any better myself.
Mark Hendrickson has been signed to a minor league deal. I like that signing. Hendrickson pitched better than his numbers last season, is just fine out of the bullpen and capable of being an emergency starter. Nice addition.
The Frederick Keys are up for sale. To complicate matters, the city of Frederick has put the lease on Harry Grove Stadium out for bid. (According to the article, the Bowie Baysox are up for sale as well...)
Want to see a baby eagle being hatched? Cool, right? What's the Oriole connection? The egg was removed from Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota to save it from noise and construction that was threatening the nest.
Dan at Camden Crazies likes the Justin Duchscherer signing.
Chris of Baltimore Sports and Life is fine with the Duchscherer signing, as long as the competition for rotation spots in Spring Training is legitimate.
Speaking of BS&L, Chris also canvased four national baseball writers for their thoughts on the 2011 Orioles.
Camden Depot takes an ingenious new angle on Oriole attendance...but it's not a pretty picture at all.
Has The Wayward O been delivered a sign that Felix Pie should remain the starting left fielder?
The Eutaw Street Hooligans don't like the idea of Vlad in Black & Orange either and I couldn't have put it any better myself.
Mark Hendrickson has been signed to a minor league deal. I like that signing. Hendrickson pitched better than his numbers last season, is just fine out of the bullpen and capable of being an emergency starter. Nice addition.
The Frederick Keys are up for sale. To complicate matters, the city of Frederick has put the lease on Harry Grove Stadium out for bid. (According to the article, the Bowie Baysox are up for sale as well...)
Want to see a baby eagle being hatched? Cool, right? What's the Oriole connection? The egg was removed from Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota to save it from noise and construction that was threatening the nest.
A Real New York Hamptons Wedding | Long Island Wedding Inspiration at Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club
Here is a Real New York Wedding for your Inspiration!
This wedding was held on the ocean in Bridgehampton Long Island. It is one of the most exclusive towns in the Hamptons and the U.S. It was catered by the famous Robbins Wolfe caterers.
Details:
Photographer: Photography by Verdi
Caterer: Robbins Wolfe Eventuers
Reception Venue: Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club
Enjoy!
This wedding was held on the ocean in Bridgehampton Long Island. It is one of the most exclusive towns in the Hamptons and the U.S. It was catered by the famous Robbins Wolfe caterers.
Details:
Photographer: Photography by Verdi
Caterer: Robbins Wolfe Eventuers
Reception Venue: Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club
Enjoy!
Orioles Sign Justin Duchscherer
The Orioles have signed RHP Justin Duchscherer to a one-year contract providing the team with some starting pitching depth as their young arms continue to develop.
(Great. Now I have to learn how to spell his name...)
I've always liked Duchscherer. He struck out his fair share and never walked a lot of guys. He gets his fair share of ground balls and doesn't give up a lot of home runs. Basically, he has been a guy who is not spectacular at any one thing but does a lot of things pretty well.
At least he was. Elbow, hip and back injuries, as well as a bout with depression has prevented him from pitching significant innings since 2008. Really, he hasn't had a fully healthy season since 2005.
But he's a depth signing that is low risk and comes with some potential upside. The base salary is reportedly just $700,000 and goes up to $1.1 million if he makes the Opening Day roster. If he's healthy, Duchscherer will only make $4.5 million.
Pitching is volatile. Signing Duchscherer adds a (potential) quality arm at a low price and will hopefully allow the team to not rush Zach Britton to Baltimore due to injury or ineffectiveness in the rotation. It's a good move.
On the flip side, where does this leave Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta? Barring injury, one of them is going to end up back in Norfolk. Is that the right thing for their development? I'm undecided. Arrieta has 28 AAA starts under his belt. Tillman has 39. What else do they have to prove at that level? I suppose it will come down to which pitcher looks better this spring. Which needs more polishing to their game in Norfolk?
All of this could be a moot point come April. After all, it's rare that you start the season with too many healthy starters.
Anyway, a good low cost move by the Orioles. If he's healthy (granted, a big if), Duchscherer could be quite a steal.
(Great. Now I have to learn how to spell his name...)
I've always liked Duchscherer. He struck out his fair share and never walked a lot of guys. He gets his fair share of ground balls and doesn't give up a lot of home runs. Basically, he has been a guy who is not spectacular at any one thing but does a lot of things pretty well.
At least he was. Elbow, hip and back injuries, as well as a bout with depression has prevented him from pitching significant innings since 2008. Really, he hasn't had a fully healthy season since 2005.
But he's a depth signing that is low risk and comes with some potential upside. The base salary is reportedly just $700,000 and goes up to $1.1 million if he makes the Opening Day roster. If he's healthy, Duchscherer will only make $4.5 million.
Pitching is volatile. Signing Duchscherer adds a (potential) quality arm at a low price and will hopefully allow the team to not rush Zach Britton to Baltimore due to injury or ineffectiveness in the rotation. It's a good move.
On the flip side, where does this leave Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta? Barring injury, one of them is going to end up back in Norfolk. Is that the right thing for their development? I'm undecided. Arrieta has 28 AAA starts under his belt. Tillman has 39. What else do they have to prove at that level? I suppose it will come down to which pitcher looks better this spring. Which needs more polishing to their game in Norfolk?
All of this could be a moot point come April. After all, it's rare that you start the season with too many healthy starters.
Anyway, a good low cost move by the Orioles. If he's healthy (granted, a big if), Duchscherer could be quite a steal.
Transsexual Triumph
Ripped from the headlines:Brazilian transsexual model Lea T. stole the show Sunday at Sao Paulo Fashion Week as critics applauded her presentation and paparazzi mobbed her entourage.If only Brazil had a law like the one proposed in Havertown, Lea would never have had to leave for Italy, which is experiencing an economic boon thanks to an influx of transsexual super models.
The model, previously known as Leandro Cerezo and the son of famed Brazilian footballer Toninho Cerezo, received roaring applause as she took to the catwalk modeling a new collection by Alexandre Herchcovitch.
She wore pale makeup and was accompanied by somber music as she helped present a collection of black, gray, beige and green gowns with long sleeves.
The paparazzi swarmed her entourage as she left the venue accompanied by friends, agents and bodyguards, with one photographer kicking one of her managers before she was spirited away.
The runway star, who has also modeled for the French brand Givenchy, has become a fashion sensation following high-profile appearances on the European market in recent months, including a magazine cover in which she appears kissing British supermodel Kate Moss.
The Brazil-born model left for Italy when embarking on her career, citing ill treatment and questions over her sexual orientation.
Zipped details
Gianfranco Ferrè 2004
Zipped jacket
YSL zipper clutch
Kate Cusack zipped jewelry
large cape made of zippers
Zippers used as necklaces
Zipped shirt crafted by Brassy Apple
From jewelry to clothing and accessories as you can see zippers can be very versitile.
Here's for you some other pics for inspiration.
First we have a Couture example,the jacket from Gianfranco Ferrè: there zippers are fully functional and change the appearance of the jacket once closed,an example of fine art and creativity.
Then a jacket with soft ruffles emphasized by zippers. I love the look on the back, there's a "fake" cleavage on the back and 2 zippers on shoulders.
The clutch you see is from YSL,here zippers make ruffles,this is one project that can be done at home!
Have you seen the zipped collar?Fun and easy to replicate!
large cape made of zippers
Zippers used as necklaces
Zipped shirt crafted by Brassy Apple
From jewelry to clothing and accessories as you can see zippers can be very versitile.
Here's for you some other pics for inspiration.
First we have a Couture example,the jacket from Gianfranco Ferrè: there zippers are fully functional and change the appearance of the jacket once closed,an example of fine art and creativity.
Then a jacket with soft ruffles emphasized by zippers. I love the look on the back, there's a "fake" cleavage on the back and 2 zippers on shoulders.
The clutch you see is from YSL,here zippers make ruffles,this is one project that can be done at home!
Have you seen the zipped collar?Fun and easy to replicate!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Will Haverford's New Anti-Discrimination Law Cover Pedophiles?
The Haverford Township Board of Supervisors is boldly moving to create a law and a board that will protect people based on their "sexual orientation." Or rather, some people's "sexual orientation." It will ignore the sexual orientation of people who suffer from pedophilia. The board will not protect their "right" to housing, employment, or public accommodation.
Havertown will protect the rights of a man who chooses to wear women's clothes to work. That's called transgenderism. But if you are sexually attracted to children and anyone finds out, you're on your own. That is, unless a discriminated-against pedophile sues the township for refusing to enforce its own ordinance fairly and consistently across the board. Or unless the upcoming Haverford Human Relations Board slips its leash and decides that pedophiles have to be covered under the new law. At which time, the board would be dissolved because of public outrage. Residents of Havertown would not tolerate a law that banned them from being intolerant of pedophiles.
There was never a real need for Haverford to pass this law. Gays face no significant discrimination in the township when it comes to housing, employment or public accommodation. The worst the law's promoters have been able to suggest is that a guy man was whispered about 15 years ago. Today, some "gay" kids are bullied in the high school. I bet some ugly kids are bullied too. That's a problem for school administrators, teachers, and parents to deal with. Not local lawmakers.
This whole process reeks of moralistic showboating. It is local government busybodyism at its most simple-minded. If put to a township vote, I have no doubt the setting up and empowering of a township Human Relations Board board would be rejected.
This is the pet project of only a handful of people devoted to the idea that gay people continue to be the benighted victims of an ignorant and superstitious society, desperately in need of their saintly protection.
Of course, probably the dumbest thing said during the public hearings on this question was the claim made by the mayor of Lansdowne that's its new anti-discrimination law has been a "boon" to the local economy. Is there a person in the county that actually believes that ridiculous claim?
Anyway, if I were a pedophile, I'd be gearing up to challenge the soon-to-be formed HHRC to stick up for my rights.
My print column is up.
UPDATE: From the comments section a mixed reaction:
sassychick wrote on Jan 30, 2011 8:34 AM:
" LOL!!! Points out perfectly how ridiculous this ordinance is. But it's easier for the commissioners to sit around and blow hot air about something stupid like writing an ordinance that's already covered by multiple laws on the books than it is to look at the Township and see how to fix the real problems. "
joe clark wrote on Jan 30, 2011 11:37 AM:
" Even for Spencer, this has to be one of a doozie of "Stupidity senerios" of the day? Always reaching for crap that will never happen to scare people and try in a lame way to make an idiot point. It is the lack of intelligence and believing that people who can read, will actually believe your fantasy comments of the day. Personally, I don't live there and what does this have to do with anyone who doesn't live there. That is what juries are for if there is a further dispute. The "Needing some work" is a tatic that was used to delay rights to African Americans, but eventually it happened and this is going to happen to. The world changes, you either change with it in a positive way or be left behind. "
Havertown will protect the rights of a man who chooses to wear women's clothes to work. That's called transgenderism. But if you are sexually attracted to children and anyone finds out, you're on your own. That is, unless a discriminated-against pedophile sues the township for refusing to enforce its own ordinance fairly and consistently across the board. Or unless the upcoming Haverford Human Relations Board slips its leash and decides that pedophiles have to be covered under the new law. At which time, the board would be dissolved because of public outrage. Residents of Havertown would not tolerate a law that banned them from being intolerant of pedophiles.
There was never a real need for Haverford to pass this law. Gays face no significant discrimination in the township when it comes to housing, employment or public accommodation. The worst the law's promoters have been able to suggest is that a guy man was whispered about 15 years ago. Today, some "gay" kids are bullied in the high school. I bet some ugly kids are bullied too. That's a problem for school administrators, teachers, and parents to deal with. Not local lawmakers.
This whole process reeks of moralistic showboating. It is local government busybodyism at its most simple-minded. If put to a township vote, I have no doubt the setting up and empowering of a township Human Relations Board board would be rejected.
This is the pet project of only a handful of people devoted to the idea that gay people continue to be the benighted victims of an ignorant and superstitious society, desperately in need of their saintly protection.
Of course, probably the dumbest thing said during the public hearings on this question was the claim made by the mayor of Lansdowne that's its new anti-discrimination law has been a "boon" to the local economy. Is there a person in the county that actually believes that ridiculous claim?
Anyway, if I were a pedophile, I'd be gearing up to challenge the soon-to-be formed HHRC to stick up for my rights.
My print column is up.
UPDATE: From the comments section a mixed reaction:
sassychick wrote on Jan 30, 2011 8:34 AM:
" LOL!!! Points out perfectly how ridiculous this ordinance is. But it's easier for the commissioners to sit around and blow hot air about something stupid like writing an ordinance that's already covered by multiple laws on the books than it is to look at the Township and see how to fix the real problems. "
joe clark wrote on Jan 30, 2011 11:37 AM:
" Even for Spencer, this has to be one of a doozie of "Stupidity senerios" of the day? Always reaching for crap that will never happen to scare people and try in a lame way to make an idiot point. It is the lack of intelligence and believing that people who can read, will actually believe your fantasy comments of the day. Personally, I don't live there and what does this have to do with anyone who doesn't live there. That is what juries are for if there is a further dispute. The "Needing some work" is a tatic that was used to delay rights to African Americans, but eventually it happened and this is going to happen to. The world changes, you either change with it in a positive way or be left behind. "
DIY inspirations:zippers
Zippers are such a good DIY inspiration,they are easy to handle and when you put more together the wow effect is assured.
I want to share with you some jewelry made with zippers.You can either diy them or buy them clicking on the image.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Killer Plea Deal
Alleged hit and run killer turns down plea deal (12.5 to 25 years) that would have treated him like a kiddie porn freak.
My prediction: He'll do 25.
My prediction: He'll do 25.
Bang bang...my bag shot me down
James Piatt Persuader bag
doudoupop coin purse
Carolien Vlieger
Women's fashion is becoming more and more aggressive.We wear studs,leather we became like the metalheads we have been said not to talk to in high school.
Then we've loved the knuckle rings too so now it's time to wear weapons.It's not a celebration of violence i think more a tribute to spy stories,we all under the spell of James Bond and other similar films.
This way a gun becomes a cult item by which designers can have fun creating bags and other objects.When they are taken out of their context the result is really funny like these handpainted porcelain guns between the teacups!
La moda femminile diventa ogni giorno più aggressiva.Indossiamo borchie e pelle come i metallari che ci avevano consigliato di evitare al liceo.
Poi abbiamo cominciato a indossare i knuckle rings,ora è tempo di indossare accessori che ricordano le armi.Aspettate,non è un tributo alla violenza,è più una citazione delle storie di spie da James Bond in poi che hanno creato il fascino della pistola al cinema.
Così l'arma diventa un oggetto culto che i creativi possono utilizzare per creare accessori e altri oggetti.Quando poi sono estrapolate dal loro contesto il risultato è alquanto divertente come queste pistole di porcellana dipinta a mano che fanno capolino nel servizio da tè!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Breaking Down the Oriole Prospect Talk
MLB.com and ESPN have released top prospect lists this week so I thought I would sift through them today and filter it through the Oriole prism.
MLB.com put out their Top 50 Prospect list on Tuesday with Norfolk sinkerball pitcher Zach Britton (video) coming in at #19 and 2010 1st Round pick SS Manny Machado (video) ranked #24.
MLB.com's prospect expert Jonathan Mayo did not elaborate much beyond the video scouting reports in his chat, probably due to a lack of Oriole questions submitted, but did say that Manny Machado was one of the players outside of the top 20 that had the biggest upside. I may have to track him down again to remedy that.
ESPN's Keith Law put out a ranking of the Major League farm systems (subscription). The Orioles came in #24:
This group was probably the most surprising ranking to me as I went through the process. The O's have produced a ton of potential impact players who no longer qualify here -- including Brian Matusz, Matt Wieters, Nolan Reimold, and Chris Tillman -- but the system at this moment is two Top 30 prospects and no one else I'd put in my Top 150. The lack of international talent in the system stands out.
Law's Top 100 includes, you guessed it, Manny Machado (#26) and Zach Britton (#11). Some comments from Law, first on Britton:
Britton is a true sinker/slider guy -- meaning his fastball actually sinks -- and at 91-94 it's very hard for hitters to elevate successfully. His low-80s slider is very sharp with great tilt and gives him a swing-and-miss weapon, especially against left-handed hitters...
...His command is fair, and he doesn't have a pitch that moves away from right-handed hitters, so he's had some trouble with walks in those situations for which he compensates by getting groundballs.
There's at least strong No. 2 starter potential here, but better command would give him more ceiling than that.
(I love the analysis on Britton from and emotional standpoint, if not a logical one. I don't think Britton's potential is that good but I love to hear other people do...)
And about Machado:
He has strong, quick wrists, good rotation and excellent extension through his swing, clearing a slight bat wrap quickly once he gets his hands started. It's line-drive power now, but he's going to have more power down the road as he gets stronger.
Machado has a 70 arm and good hands at shortstop, but his frame is so big that he might outgrow the position in a few years, although I think he has the raw ability to stay there if his body cooperates.
Law's top ten for Baltimore:
1. Zach Britton, LHP
2. Manny Machado, SS
3. Xavier Avery, CF
4. L.J. Hoes, 2B
5. Dan Klein, RHP
6. Jonathan Schoop, SS
7. Mychal Givens, SS
8. Joe Mahoney, 1B
9. Ryan Berry, RHP
10. Trent Mummey, CF
Quick comment of this list: The Oriole farm system is weak at this point, I'll grant you. But I don't get Joe Mahoney. His numbers at Frederick were nice but the Bowie numbers just seem fluky. Talent wise, I just don't think there is that much to separate him from the likes of Jacob Julius. Not sure why he's considered a prospect based on season's performance anymore than Matt Hobgood losing his status based on one poor season. I want to see more of him at Bowie before I'm a believer.
On the plus side, nice to see some middle infield talent even if most of it is raw a far away from the majors.
One Oriole question in his chat about Machado:
Wade (VA)
Have you seen Manny Machado play? Are the A-Rod comparisons at all viable or too aggressive?
Klaw (1:52 PM)
I have and I may have inadvertently started the A-Rod thing - but I called him "A-Rod Lite" and pointed out that some reasons were demographic rather than baseball. I do like him but he's not A-Rod.
And Law selected one sleeper for the Orioles too:
Curacao native Jonathan Schoop played the 2010 season at age 18, but the shortstop hit well in the advanced Appalachian League and earned a brief call-up to high-A Frederick. He's getting stronger with projected above-average power, a good arm and the feet and hands to play somewhere in the infield, probably third base.
MLB.com put out their Top 50 Prospect list on Tuesday with Norfolk sinkerball pitcher Zach Britton (video) coming in at #19 and 2010 1st Round pick SS Manny Machado (video) ranked #24.
MLB.com's prospect expert Jonathan Mayo did not elaborate much beyond the video scouting reports in his chat, probably due to a lack of Oriole questions submitted, but did say that Manny Machado was one of the players outside of the top 20 that had the biggest upside. I may have to track him down again to remedy that.
ESPN's Keith Law put out a ranking of the Major League farm systems (subscription). The Orioles came in #24:
This group was probably the most surprising ranking to me as I went through the process. The O's have produced a ton of potential impact players who no longer qualify here -- including Brian Matusz, Matt Wieters, Nolan Reimold, and Chris Tillman -- but the system at this moment is two Top 30 prospects and no one else I'd put in my Top 150. The lack of international talent in the system stands out.
Law's Top 100 includes, you guessed it, Manny Machado (#26) and Zach Britton (#11). Some comments from Law, first on Britton:
Britton is a true sinker/slider guy -- meaning his fastball actually sinks -- and at 91-94 it's very hard for hitters to elevate successfully. His low-80s slider is very sharp with great tilt and gives him a swing-and-miss weapon, especially against left-handed hitters...
...His command is fair, and he doesn't have a pitch that moves away from right-handed hitters, so he's had some trouble with walks in those situations for which he compensates by getting groundballs.
There's at least strong No. 2 starter potential here, but better command would give him more ceiling than that.
(I love the analysis on Britton from and emotional standpoint, if not a logical one. I don't think Britton's potential is that good but I love to hear other people do...)
And about Machado:
He has strong, quick wrists, good rotation and excellent extension through his swing, clearing a slight bat wrap quickly once he gets his hands started. It's line-drive power now, but he's going to have more power down the road as he gets stronger.
Machado has a 70 arm and good hands at shortstop, but his frame is so big that he might outgrow the position in a few years, although I think he has the raw ability to stay there if his body cooperates.
Law's top ten for Baltimore:
1. Zach Britton, LHP
2. Manny Machado, SS
3. Xavier Avery, CF
4. L.J. Hoes, 2B
5. Dan Klein, RHP
6. Jonathan Schoop, SS
7. Mychal Givens, SS
8. Joe Mahoney, 1B
9. Ryan Berry, RHP
10. Trent Mummey, CF
Quick comment of this list: The Oriole farm system is weak at this point, I'll grant you. But I don't get Joe Mahoney. His numbers at Frederick were nice but the Bowie numbers just seem fluky. Talent wise, I just don't think there is that much to separate him from the likes of Jacob Julius. Not sure why he's considered a prospect based on season's performance anymore than Matt Hobgood losing his status based on one poor season. I want to see more of him at Bowie before I'm a believer.
On the plus side, nice to see some middle infield talent even if most of it is raw a far away from the majors.
One Oriole question in his chat about Machado:
Wade (VA)
Have you seen Manny Machado play? Are the A-Rod comparisons at all viable or too aggressive?
Klaw (1:52 PM)
I have and I may have inadvertently started the A-Rod thing - but I called him "A-Rod Lite" and pointed out that some reasons were demographic rather than baseball. I do like him but he's not A-Rod.
And Law selected one sleeper for the Orioles too:
Curacao native Jonathan Schoop played the 2010 season at age 18, but the shortstop hit well in the advanced Appalachian League and earned a brief call-up to high-A Frederick. He's getting stronger with projected above-average power, a good arm and the feet and hands to play somewhere in the infield, probably third base.
Dedicated Post | WHITE by Vera Wang | Soon you can get Vera Wang's Wedding Dresses in David's Bridal
Ok, so I just died a little when I saw the preview of the new WHITE by Vera Wang Bridal Collection that will be available at David's Bridal February 11th.
Being a Vera Bride myself, I am so excited about her collection of bridal gowns! They are really Vera and the look of these wedding dresses is couture and truly stunning!
Check out the "White by Vera Wang: Behind the Scenes" in the YouTube Video
xo
Being a Vera Bride myself, I am so excited about her collection of bridal gowns! They are really Vera and the look of these wedding dresses is couture and truly stunning!
Check out the "White by Vera Wang: Behind the Scenes" in the YouTube Video
xo
Why Signing Vlad Guerrero is a Bad Idea
As much as I hate commenting on hypothetical moves, it seems I'm already arguing about them on Twitter. So now I will elaborate as to why I am not thrilled with the idea of Vladimir Guerrero coming to Baltimore next season.
1. Vlad Guererro isn't Vlad Guerrero Anymore
From 1996 to 2007, Vlad was a monster. He hit .325/.391/.591 with 365 home runs and an OPS+ of 148. However, for the last 3 seasons he has hit .300/.350/.496 with 71 homers and an OPS+ of 121. That's a good hitter but not a great one. In addition, he can no longer play the field anymore. So given that he is no longer a monster at the plate...
2. Vlad Won't Help This Team That Much
If I believed the Orioles were going to contend this year, loading up on veteran help would make a lot of sense and would be banging the drum loudly for this signing. But this team is not a contender. Not this year. I figured that if everything goes perfectly and Vlad repeats his performance from last year, he might be worth a couple extra wins. Dan at Camden Crazies broke it down some more and figures Vlad would only be worth one win, maybe. So will it make that big a difference if this team wins 73 games instead of 71 or 72? I don't see how. Besides...
3. We Already Have A DH Who Hits Like Vlad
Over the past three seasons, Vlad has an .845 OPS. Luke Scott also has an .845 OPS over that span. In addition, he can still play the outfield or first base making him a versatile and valuable player. But why couldn't the team move Scott back out to left field and let Vlad DH full time? Well they could but...
4. Vlad Robs Young Hitters of At Bats
Vlad's signing would push Scot to left field, Felix Pie to the bench and Nolan Reimold to Norfolk. And that's fine. But what if Reimold goes to AAA and starts tearing it up for a couple months like he did in 2009? Assuming health for all the OF/1B/DH's involved, there is nowhere for him to play. Or by some chance, Brandon Snyder puts it together and tears up the International League. Without Vlad, Snyder could come up and DH with Scott moving to left. Not possible with Vlad on the roster. Ditto for Josh Bell.
At this point, it's more important for Pie and Reimold to get the at bats so the team can see if they will be useful nuggets going forward and to have flexibility to call up hitters from Norfolk who are deserving of promotion.
This team isn't going to win or lose because of Vlad Guerrero. Its fortune ride on the offensive development of Matt Wieters, Adam Jones, Felix Pie and Nolan Reimold and on the advances Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta and (possibly) Zach Britton make on the mound. An aging DH isn't going to make or break this team. So leave him alone and let the guys who are a decade younger play ball.
1. Vlad Guererro isn't Vlad Guerrero Anymore
From 1996 to 2007, Vlad was a monster. He hit .325/.391/.591 with 365 home runs and an OPS+ of 148. However, for the last 3 seasons he has hit .300/.350/.496 with 71 homers and an OPS+ of 121. That's a good hitter but not a great one. In addition, he can no longer play the field anymore. So given that he is no longer a monster at the plate...
2. Vlad Won't Help This Team That Much
If I believed the Orioles were going to contend this year, loading up on veteran help would make a lot of sense and would be banging the drum loudly for this signing. But this team is not a contender. Not this year. I figured that if everything goes perfectly and Vlad repeats his performance from last year, he might be worth a couple extra wins. Dan at Camden Crazies broke it down some more and figures Vlad would only be worth one win, maybe. So will it make that big a difference if this team wins 73 games instead of 71 or 72? I don't see how. Besides...
3. We Already Have A DH Who Hits Like Vlad
Over the past three seasons, Vlad has an .845 OPS. Luke Scott also has an .845 OPS over that span. In addition, he can still play the outfield or first base making him a versatile and valuable player. But why couldn't the team move Scott back out to left field and let Vlad DH full time? Well they could but...
4. Vlad Robs Young Hitters of At Bats
Vlad's signing would push Scot to left field, Felix Pie to the bench and Nolan Reimold to Norfolk. And that's fine. But what if Reimold goes to AAA and starts tearing it up for a couple months like he did in 2009? Assuming health for all the OF/1B/DH's involved, there is nowhere for him to play. Or by some chance, Brandon Snyder puts it together and tears up the International League. Without Vlad, Snyder could come up and DH with Scott moving to left. Not possible with Vlad on the roster. Ditto for Josh Bell.
At this point, it's more important for Pie and Reimold to get the at bats so the team can see if they will be useful nuggets going forward and to have flexibility to call up hitters from Norfolk who are deserving of promotion.
This team isn't going to win or lose because of Vlad Guerrero. Its fortune ride on the offensive development of Matt Wieters, Adam Jones, Felix Pie and Nolan Reimold and on the advances Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta and (possibly) Zach Britton make on the mound. An aging DH isn't going to make or break this team. So leave him alone and let the guys who are a decade younger play ball.
Neon
This year we've seen neon coloured hair.If you're not so brave to dye your hair you can anyway color up your style with a neon colored dress or accessory. These energetic colors will improve our mood.We'll be like a splash of color onto a grey background (it's still winter by the way).
Quest'anno abbiamo visto per strada,nei fashion lookbooks capelli tinti di colori neon.Ma se non siamo così coraggiose da tingerci i capelli possiamo sempre sottolineare il nostro stile con un vestito o un accessorio neon.Anche se il tempo è ancora uggioso un look colorato ci tirerà su il morale e ci metterà in evidenza.Saremo come macchie di colore in una città ancora grigia.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Broken Tooth Fairy/Litigant
Congressman Dennis Kusinich (D-Ranged) files suit against the House cafeteria for selling him a veggie wrap containing an olive pit. He broke a tooth. Good to know that dental work is one thing we don't cover health-wise for our esteemed representatives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)