SB Nation - Koji Uehara

Interview with Derek Carty from The Hardball Times-Part 4

raygu — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:00:19 -0000

Here is the last part of the 4 part interview with Derek Carty from The Hardball Times. Derek provides some insight into his top 5 rankings and some early sleepers for 2010:

Fake Teams: Are there any statistics that you use to evaluate hitters or pitchers that aren't mainstream yet?

Derek Carty: Absolutely. As I've talked about a little bit already, there are some that aren't even super well-known in the sabermetric community because, well, I invented them myself and they aren't really readily available yet. I absolutely love CAPS, David Gassko's LIPS ERA is great, and True Home Runs for hitters is a favorite of mine as well. Chris Dutton and Peter Bendix's xBABIP is great too. And of course, things like BABIP and HR/FB and LOB% aren't really mainstream, but they are pretty well-known in the sabermetric community and are certainly important to look at.

More after the jump:

Fake Teams: Do you prefer auction leagues or straight draft leagues? Mixed or NL/AL-only leagues?

Derek Carty: Auction, without a doubt. It gives everyone a chance at every player and, I feel, allows you to be more creative with how you construct your team and with how you plan your strategy. I used to be a 100% in favor of mixed leagues over AL/NL-only (in theory), although LABR has swayed my opinion a bit (it was the first AL/NL-only league I ever played in). Still, I would have to lean towards something like a 14 or 15-team mixed league, given my druthers. I just feel that one or two big injuries to an AL or NL-only team can derail any hope of a championship, in some instances, and we really are in the infantile stages of trying to predict injuries, so it's not as if some of us can even gain much of a competitive advantage in the area. I was actually quite lucky in LABR this year when it came to the health of my players, which has surely colored my opinion of this league setup a bit. Aside from losing Ramon Hernandez for most of the year and Raul Ibanez, Rich Harden, and Carlos Ruiz for a few weeks, my team stayed pretty healthy. In other leagues, I wasn't as lucky. In the FSIC, for instance, Jose Reyes killed us (although we did manage to finish in second despite a Reyes/Garrett Atkins combo for our first two picks). I think a 15-team mixed league is a pretty good depth and minimizes the amount of luck involved.

Fake Teams: An early look at 2010-who is your top 5 players in NL-only leagues? AL-only leagues? Mixed?

Derek Carty: This'll have to be very early since I haven't completed my projections yet or really tried to make any 2010 predictions, but here's how I'm currently feeling (completely subjectively and without seeing some of the more in-depth numbers I like to look at).
NL: 1) Albert Pujols, 2) Hanley Ramirez, 3) Chase Utley, 4) Ryan Braun, 5) Matt Kemp
AL: 1) A-Rod, 2) Mark Teixeira, 3) Miguel Cabrera, 4)Evan Longoria, 5) Joe Mauer
Mixed: 1) Albert Pujols, 2) Hanley Ramirez, 3) Chase Utley, 4) A-Rod, 5) Ryan Braun

Fake Teams: If you have done this analysis, who are a few sleepers for 2010?

Derek Carty: I haven't really done this analysis yet, so I'll probably have some very different names when asked in a month or two. For now, let's go with Ian Stewart, Julio Borbon, Eric Young Jr., Dallas McPherson (consider him the next Russell Branyan if he finds playing time), Koji Uehara (potential Baltimore closer, though he could succeed as a SP as well), Brett Andersen, and Jorge de la Rosa. And, of course, whether someone is truly a sleeper or a value pick is entirely dependent on context. He'll only derive value if you take him in a round later than where you believe he truly belongs.

Fake Teams thanks Derek for taking the time to answer these questions for our readers.

Guest Post: Minding the Hot Stove-Scouting Hisanori Takahashi

raygu — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:00:17 -0000

Today we have a guest post from Steve Sheridan from MLB Fantasy Prospects on Japanese pitcher Hisanori Takahashi. You can read more of Steve's work over at www.mlbfantasyprospects.com.

Last week, Bobbie Dittmeier of MLB.com broke the story on possible Japanese import, Hisanori Takahashi. The 34-year-old lefty has spent his entire 10-year career with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball, or NPB, the highest level of baseball in Japan. While coming off one of his best seasons, Takahashi has been pretty inconsistent for most of his career (stats courtesy of JapaneseBallplayers.com):

Year	ERA	G	IP	SO
2000	3.18	24	135.2	102
2001	3.94	30	134.2	99
2002	3.09	24	163.1	145
2003	3.84	13	86.2	78
2004	5.44	16	91.0	61
2005	4.47	27	163.0	135
2006	4.94	35	62.0	51
2007	2.75	28	186.2	141
2008	4.13	23	122.0	94
2009	2.94	25	144.0	126

More after the jump:

Dittmeier reported what were probably the juiciest tidbits from the soon-to-be-former Yomiuri Giant’s press conference. The most interesting quote was the following:

"I decided I wanted to try out for the Majors three days ago," Takahashi said, according to sponichi.co.jp. "If I didn't have confidence in myself, I wouldn't have made the decision. I want to go to a team that needs me. I'd be extremely happy if I'm used as a starter."

MLBFP knows our readers are always looking for the inside track on any potential sleepers…especially starting pitchers. So yours truly dug deep and reached out to Brandon Siefken, who runs a site called Japan Baseball News, along with his partner, Bob Bavasi. If the Bavasi name sounds familiar, it should. The Bavasi family has strong ties to MLB:

E.J. Buzzie Bavasi (1915-2008) served as general manager of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, founding president and part-owner of the San Diego Padres, and general manager of the California Angels.
Peter Bavasi was general manager of the San Diego Padres, founding president of the Toronto Blue Jays, and president of the Cleveland Indians.
Bill Bavasi is vice president of scouting, player development and international operations for the Cincinnati Reds and formerly executive vice president and general manager of both the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, where he spent 20 years, first as farm director and then as general manager.

Siefken has been a resident of Japan since 1991 and extensively follows Japanese amateur and pro baseball. He currently serves as a scout intern for a MLB team. His take on Takahashi was not inspiring:

Hisanori is a slight, undersized pitcher who had his best year in 2009. He is peaking right now. He does not overpower people…relies on more off-speed stuff and pitch selection to get his outs. He logs many innings, and can give up bad innings, but not terrible innings. I do not believe he would be dominant at the MLB level, but he could be a good middle reliever if he is not asked to go too many innings…could be very similar to Hideki Okajima, but with a more orthodox delivery.

Siefken’s opinion is very similar to a scouting report Rotoworld recently cited from Patrick Newman, founder of the blog, NPB Tracker:

Takahashi has said he wants to continue in a starting role after he crosses the Pacific, but putting everything together he seems better suited for the bullpen. That said, assuming his screwball doesn’t get lost in translation, I don’t see why he can’t be an effective reliever in the Okajima mold.

If you’re looking for more in-depth info on this potential Japanese import, I strongly urge you to read the rest of Newman’s recent blog post on Takahashi, linked-to above.

MLBFP’s take? A pitcher like Okajima isn’t going to hurt your roto-team’s ERA or sim-league squad's chances, but he’s not going to win you a championship, either. Hey, this guy could just as easily be the 2010 version of Koji Uehara. If a pitching-needy MLB team signs Takahashi with plans to use him as a starter, let some other owner in your league take the risk.

Monday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:28:03 -0000

More photos » by Jim Prisching - AP

Ryan Sadowski is the fourth pitcher in 2009 to lead his team to victory over the Brewers in his major league debut.

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Some things to read while trying out new games with your cats.

So, with yesterday's loss to the debuting Ryan Sadowski, the Brewers dropped to 0-4 when facing a pitcher making his major league debut. As if that wasn't enough, Sadowski was the first Giant to win his major league debut since Joe Nathan did it in 1999. Afterwards, he received a pie to the face.

Was Sadowski aided by the sun? Ryan Braun has some suggestions for improving the environment for hitters during day games at Miller Park. Prince Fielder, as you may recall, also complained about the glare through the outfield panels last week. The glare wasn't strong enough to prevent the Giants from going to town on Jeff Suppan, though.

Elsewhere in the Brewer rotation:

Seth McClung will get another shot to prove he belongs in the rotation full time. He'll start against the Cubs this weekend.
Keep Turning Up The Heat worries the Brewers are putting too much strain on Yovani Gallardo, who exceeded 110 pitches in his outing Saturday, the fifth time this season he's reached that mark.
Tyler Maas of Bugs & Cranks prefers the Brewers' internal options for the starting rotation.

Now that the Giants are out of town, the Mets will stop by today to open a three game series. Some Mets, though, don't want to stay in the Pfister Hotel, fearing paranormal activity. Sounds like we're going to have a story about the Pfister during every homestand for the rest of the season.

Of course, not all unusual activity in Milwaukee happens at the Pfister: Bengie Molina nearly had a close encounter of the sausage kind during his visit.

Craig Counsell is hoping to be back in the lineup for tonight's game with the Mets. Counsell sat out yesterday's game with a mild hamstring strain, but was available to pinch hit.

If Counsell isn't ready to go today, it'll probably mean more playing time for Casey McGehee, who has almost certainly been the most pleasant surprise of the first half of the season. Miller Park Drunk says McGehee has something in common with Pauly Shore and Kirk Cameron.

The Brewers appear to have gotten a pretty good deal on Trevor Hoffman, who Jon Heyman ranks as the second best free agent signing of the offseason. If the season ended right now Hoffman would be a Type A free agent, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Elias Rankings. The Brewers would also have three Type B free agents: Jason Kendall, Braden Looper and Mike Cameron.

Tom H. laments the Brewers lack of upper-level pitching prospects this morning, and lists the organization's top ten arms, with quick profiles and projected major league debuts. With the recent suspension of Jeremy Jeffress the ranks have become thinner than ever. Elsewhere in the minors:

Around 1 o'clock this morning, Eric Arnett tweeted that he'll be making his first big league start "tomorrow." I'm assuming he means tonight, but covering my bases in case he really meant tomorrow.
Alex Periard, who has missed most of the season after suffering shoulder soreness in spring training, has been promoted from Wisconsin to Brevard County. He was expected to spend 2009 in Huntsville, and could be there soon.
Taylor Green, meanwhile, is back on the DL, most likely with some kind of ribcage issue. Green is having a pretty forgettable 2009: He's been hitting very well when he's played (1.138 OPS in A, .833 in AA), but has appeared in just 39 games between Wisconsin and Huntsville.
John Sickels of Minor League Ball listed Cody Scarpetta as a potential sleeper before the season, and continues to project a bright future for him.
19th round pick Scott Krieger got his pro career off to a nice start, hitting three home runs last night in Helena's 15-10 win over Missoula.
Perhaps we already knew this, but it's new info to me: Brock Kjeldgaard's 113 strikeouts in 75 Pioneer League games last season set a new league record.

It's widely acknowledged that J.J. Hardy's early season struggles can be at least partially attributed to bad luck, but is it possible his skills are also declining at the plate? Brewed Sports noticed that Hardy's line drive percentage has decreased in each of the last four seasons, and a much smaller percentage of his fly balls are becoming home runs.

On power rankings:

The Hardball Times' Dartboard has the Brewers at #14.
Beyond the Box Score's Poor Man's Projected Standings have the Brewers finishing second in the Central.

Also, I'm not sure how the Racing Sausages missed the cut, but Bernie Brewer gets an early chapter in 30 Year Old Cardboard's latest book idea.

Around the majors:

Astros: Designated Brandon Backe for assignment.
Blue Jays: Placed catcher Rod Barajas on the DL with a hamstring strain.
Cardinals: Acquired Mark DeRosa from the Indians for pitcher Chris Perez and a PTBNL, and are expected to place Khalil Greene on the DL as he continues to deal with anxiety issues.
Mariners: Designated catcher Jamie Burke for assignment for the third time this season, and acquired Ryan Langerhans from the Nationals for infielder Mike Morse.
Orioles: Placed Koji Uehara on the DL with elbow tendinitis.
Rangers: Placed pitcher Matt Harrison on the DL with shoulder soreness.
Rays: Designated reliever Winston Abreu for assignment.
Tigers: Placed Nate Robertson on the DL with a mass in his left elbow.

Manny Parra had a rough outing in AAA last night, allowing seven runs (six earned) on five hits and five walks in just 4.2 innings. Meanwhile, Pirates starter Ian Snell reacted to his demotion the way we'd hoped Parra would react to his. Snell struck out 17 in his AAA debut, including 13 in a row at one point.

Not everyone was having a hard time making contact, though: in the California League, Lake Elsinore defeated (former Brewer affiliate) High Desert 33-18.

Oh, and happy birthday to Hernan Iribarren (25) and Cutter Dykstra (20).

Drink up.

Phillies vs Orioles: June 19-21

Matt Swartz — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:00:13 -0000

More photos » by Tom Mihalek - AP

Cole Hamels will pitch Sunday for the Phillies. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

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After a disappointing sweep at the hands of the Blue Jays, the Philadelphia Phillies (36-28) still maintain a three-game lead over the Mets thanks to this weekend's opponent, the Baltimore Orioles (29-37), who took two out of three from the Mets. The Phillies have three games this weekend against the O's, who have a lot of promising young stars, but still struggle to compete in a tough division. The Orioles really do fall short with their pitching, although their young hitters are dangerous. In addition to reliable veterans Brain Roberts, and Aubrey Huff, the Orioles have Nick Markakis, who is quietly turning into one of the better hitters in the American League, Adam Jones, the steal of the Erik Bedard trade who his mashing this year, and the Orioles very own Messiah to combat ours, Matt Wieters. Wieters finally hit his first homerun this week against the Mets, though reports are that if he does not get the day off Sunday against Cole Hamels, the planet might explode. Either that or at least one of the websites linked in the previous sentence will be at least an exaggeration.

The Phillies send Antonio Bastardo out Friday night, looking to bounce back after his first poor start of the season. Bastardo allowed five runs in the first inning before a rain delay ended his night against the Red Sox. The Orioles reply with Rich Hill, who has been the victim of control problems, and if it were not for some luck on flyballs landing on the correct side of the fence, Hill's ERA would be in worse shape. Hill does not have a huge split , being mostly a fastball/curveball pitcher, so the Phillies should not have too much trouble with him.

The Orioles will send out RHP Brad Bergeson in Saturday night's game. Bergeson is a contact pitcher who gets a good number of groundballs. Taking good swings against him will be the key. The Phillies send J.A. Happ to the mound against him. Happ looked a little better than what he is after initially joining the rotation, though his last two starts have left something to be desired.

The Orioles send RHP Jeremy Guthrie to the mound on Sunday afternoon. Guthrie has had some bad luck this year, but is pretty much an average pitcher overall, in terms of control, command, and groundball tendencies. The Phillies send ace Cole Hamels to the mound on Sunday. American League teams have done their best with him this year by fouling off pitches and building up his pitch counts, and getting a shot against the bullpen. He'll try to go deeper into Sunday's game than he has in recent starts.

MATCHUPS

Friday, 7:05-- Antonio Bastardo (L) vs. Rich Hill (L)

Saturday, 7:05-- J.A. Happ (L) vs. Brad Bergeson (R)

Sunday, 1:35-- Cole Hamels (L) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (R)

After the jump, I preview the players, their splits, and the matchups.

ORIOLES

LINE UP

1) 2B Brian Roberts (S): .287/.352/.445

projection average (proj): .285/.365/.425
projected BB/PA (bb): 11%
projected K/AB (k): 16%
career gb% (gb): 38%
career infield flies/flyball (iff): 7%
career infield hits/groundball (ifh): 5%
batting average on balls in play tendencies (babip): projected around .325; i have him .318
swing/contact/zone facts (s/c/z): good eye, good patience, good contact, sees a decent amount of strikes
righty/lefty (r/l): .802 vs .705 ops; 1.3 vs 1.4 k/bb
home/away (h/a): .759 vs .786 ops; 1.2 vs 1.3 k/bb
pull/opposite (p/o): slight pull hitter from both sides
anything else (other): better against groundball pitchers

2) RF Nick Markakis (L): .293/.356/.464

proj: .300/.380/.485
bb: 11%
k: 18%
gb: 46%
iff: 6%
ifh: 6%
babip: projected around .335; i have him at .329.
s/c/z: okay eye, good patience, above average contact
r/l: .888 vs .753 ops; 1.3 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: .867 vs .827 ops; 1.6 vs 1.4 k/bb
p/o: spreads ball around pretty evenly
other: much better against finesse pitcher

3) CF Adam Jones (R): .312/.368/.540

proj: .275/.325/.445
bb: 6%
k: 23%
gb: 46%
iff: 12%
ifh: 9%
babip: projected around .325, but i have him at .306; my system is probably conservative since there isn't much data on him
s/c/z: impatient, bad eye, below average contact
r/l: .768 vs .729 ops; 6.1 vs 2.7 k/bb
h/a: .760 vs .754 ops; 5.6 vs 3.7 k/bb
p/o: somewhat of a pull hitter
other: none

4) 1B Aubrey Huff (L): .272/.335/.451

proj: .280/.345/.470
bb: 8.5%
k: 15%
gb: 45%
iff: 11%
ifh: 4%
babip: projected around .295; i have him around .299.
s/c/z: decent eye, decent contact
r/l: .856 vs .745 ops; 1.5 vs 2.2 k/bb
h/a: .839 vs .808 ops; 1.6 vs 1.8 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

5) 3B Melvin Mora (R): .277/.333/.339

proj: .270/.330/.425
bb: 8%
k: 17%
gb: 39%
iff: 11%
ifh: 7%
babip: i have him at .298 which is about where other systems have him.
s/c/z: some patience and okay eye, pretty good contact
r/l: .786 vs .816 ops; 2.0 vs 1.3 k/bb
h/a: .806 vs .782 ops; 1.6 vs 2.0 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

6) DH Luke Scott (L): .306/.389/.594

proj: .260/.345/.480
bb: 10%
k: 22%
gb: 39%
iff: 11%
ifh: 5%
babip: most systems have him around .295; i have him at .286
s/c/z: okay eye but impatient, mediocre contact, sees a lot of strikes
r/l: .874 vs .850 ops; 1.7 vs 2.2 k/bb
h/a: .896 vs .841 ops; 1.5 vs 2.2 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

7) C Matt Wieters (S): .259/.298/.407

proj: .295/.365/.485
bb: 11%
k: 19%
gb: 47% in minors
iff: 7% in minors
ifh: ?
babip: projected around .320
s/c/z: good eye, somewhat patient, below average contact
r/l: seems pretty good both ways in minors, but better babip vs lhp
h/a: not enough info
p/o: ?
other: none

8) LF Nolan Riemold (R): .283/.372/.525

proj: .250/.320/.430
bb: 9%
k: 21%
gb: 51%
iff: 20%
ifh: ?
babip: projected around .290
s/c/z: somewhat patient, average contact, pretty good eye
r/l: .870 vs 1.010 in minors
h/a: not enough info
p/o: ?
other: none

9) SS Robert Andino (R): .252/.292/.313

proj: .240/.295/.360
bb: 6%
k: 23%
gb: 54%
iff: 12%
ifh: 5%
babip: projected all over the place, about .300 overall
s/c/z: not a great eye, not particularly patient, below average contact
r/l: .533 vs .594 ops; 3.4 vs 8.5 k/bb
h/a: .614 vs .488 ops; 4.5 vs 3.7 k/bb
p/o: opposite field hitter
other: none

BENCH

C Greg Zaun (S): .209/.315/.295

proj: .250/.340/.390
bb: 12%
k: 16%
gb: 43%
iff: 14%
ifh: 4%
babip: projected around .265
s/c/z: patient with a good eye, above average contact
r/l: .722 vs .733 ops; 1.2 vs 0.9 k/bb
h/a: .734 vs .715 ops; 1.1 vs 1.1 k/bb
p/o: slight pull hitter as righty, pull hitter as lefty
other: none

OF Felix Pie (L): .202/.279/.319

proj: .260/.315/.400
bb: 6.5%
k: 21%
gb: 46%
iff: 15%
ifh: 6%
babip: projected around .315
s/c/z: somewhat patient without a great eye, pretty good contact
r/l: .675 vs .278 ops; 3.2 vs 3.4 k/bb
h/a: .609 vs .610 ops; 2.8 vs 3.6 k/bb
p/o: pull hitter
other: none

DH Ty Wigginton (R): .241/.280/.380

proj: .270/.335/.470
bb: 7.5%
k: 20%
gb: 44%
iff: 9%
ifh: 7%
babip: i project him at .304, which is about where other systems have him
s/c/z: impatient, okay eye, decent contact
r/l: .749 vs .858 ops; 3.0 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: .809 vs .751 ops; 2.5 vs 2.6 k/bb
p/o: definite pull hitter
other: none

IF Oscar Salazar (R): .300/.300/.300

proj: .270/.330/.445
bb: 7%
k: 16%
gb: 42%
iff: 14%
ifh: 11%
babip: projected around .300
s/c/z: good eye, patient, slightly above average contact
r/l: .959 vs .596 ops; 1.0 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: not enough info
p/o: slight pull hitter
other: none

ROTATION

FRIDAY OPPONENT: Rich Hill (L): 5.81 ERA, 6.5 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, 0.3 HR/9, 4.09 FIP, 33%

proj avg: 5.00 ERA, 4.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 35%
pitches: 59% fb, 35% cb, 6% ch
r/l: .728 vs .651; 2.3 vs 1.9 k/bb
h/a: .713 vs .713; 2.2 vs 2.1 k/bb

Hill vs Phillies:

Feliz: 3/14, 2 HR, 1 BB, 4 K
Rollins: 3/8, 1 2B, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Bruntlett: 1/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 2 K
Howard: 1/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 4 K
Utley: 2/4, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HBP
Victorino: 0/5, 1 BB, 1 K
Coste: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Ibanez: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Ruiz: 0/2, 1 BB, 0 K

SATURDAY OPPONENT: Brad Bergesen (R): 3.79 ERA, 2.1 BB/9, 4.2 K/9, 1.1 HR/9, 4.62 FIP, 55% GB

proj avg: 5.70 ERA, 2.6 BB/9, 3.7 K/9, 1.5 HR/9
gb: 56%
pitches: 67% fb, 23% sl, 9% ch, 0.4% cb
r/l: .775 vs .736 ops; 4.2 vs 1.2 k/bb
h/a: .777 vs .726 ops; 4.4 vs 0.8 k/bb

Bergesen: has not played any Phillies

SUNDAY OPPONENT: Jeremy Guthrie (R): 5.42 ERA, 2.6 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 1.8 HR/9, 5.45 FIP, 38% GB

proj avg: 4.30 ERA, 3.0 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 43%
pitches: 64% fb, 18% sl, 11% ch, 6% cb
r/l: .733 vs .761 ops; 2.3 vs 2.0 k/bb
h/a: .788 vs .696 ops; 2.4 vs 1.8 k/bb

Guthrie vs Phillies:

Stairs: 3/18, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 K
Ibanez: 3/13, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB (2 IBB), 2 K, 1 HBP
Bako: 0/3, 0 BB, 2 K

NOT FACING US: Koji Uehara (R): 4.30 ERA, 1.8 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9, 3.43 FIP, 29% GB

proj avg: 4.60 ERA, 1.7 BB/9, 6.1 K/9, 1.6 HR/9
gb: 30%
pitches: 57% fb, 32% sf, 6% ct, 3% ch, 2% ct
r/l: .715 vs .760 ops; 2.6 vs 5.0 k/bb
h/a: not enough info

Uehara: has not faced any Phillies

NOT FACING US: Jason Berken (R): 6.84 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 0.7 HR/9, 4.21 FIP, 32% GB

proj avg: 5.35 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 5.3 K/9, 1.3 HR/9
gb: 49% in minors
pitches: 60% fb, 17% ch, 14% sl, 9% cb
r/l: slightly better at avoiding contact against rhb but wilder too
h/a: not enough info

Berken: has not played any Phillies:

BULLPEN

CL George Sherrill (L): 2.45 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 8.1 K/9, 1.0 HR/9, 3.73 FIP, 26% GB

proj avg: 3.90 ERA, 4.6 BB/9, 9.5 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 32%
pitches: 72% fb, 27% sl, 1% ch
r/l: .773 vs .506 ops; 1.1 vs 4.7 k/bb
h/a: .672 vs .627 ops; 2.3 vs 2.1 k/bb

Sherrill vs Phillies:

Stairs: 1/3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Ibanez; 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Jim Johnson (R): 2.87 ERA, 3.2 BB/9, 6.3 K/9, 0.6 HR/9, 3.64 FIp, 54% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 3.6 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 56%
pitches: 79% fb, 12% cb, 9% ch
r/l: .662 vs .612 ops; 2.1 vs 0.9 k/bb
h/a: .663 vs .615 ops; 1.2 vs 1.5 k/bb

Johnson vs Phillies:

Stairs: 0/1, 1 BB (IBB), 0 K

Danys Baez (R): 3.03 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 0.8 HR/9, 61% GB, 4.22 FIP

proj avg: 4.70 ERA, 3.6 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 44%
pitches: 60% fb, 31% sf, 8% cb, 1% ct, 0.2% sl
r/l: .648 vs .759 ops; 2.1 vs 1.6 k/bb
h/a: .701 vs .705 ops; 2.0 vs 1.6 k/bb

Baez vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 0/4, 2 BB, 2 K
Feliz: 0/5, 0 BB, 2 K
Rollins: 3/5, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Stairs: 0/4, 0 BB, 0 K
Howard: 0/1, 2 BB, 1 K
Dobbs: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K
Utley: 2 BB
Victorino: 0/1, 1 BB, 1 K
Werth: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Alberto Castillo (L): 3.86 ERA, 7.7 BB/9, 3.9 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 6.07 FIP, 33% GB

proj avg: 4.60 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 44%
pitches: 58% fb, 36% sl, 6% ch, 1% cb
r/l: .723 vs .762 ops; 2.1 vs 1.8 k/bb
h/a: .564 vs .908 ops; 2.8 vs 1.4 k/bb

Castillo vs Phillies:

Stairs: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K

Mark Hendrickson (L): 5.61 ERA, 4.0 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 1.9 HR/9, 5.86 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 5.00 ERA, 3.1 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 60% fb, 12% ch, 23% cb, 4% ct
r/l: .826 vs .692 ops; 1.8 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: .811 vs .777 ops; 1.9 vs 1.8 k/bb

Hendrickson vs Phillies:

Feliz: 4/18, 0 BB, 1 K
Rollins: 3/9, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 HBP
Utley: 4/9, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Howard: 1/8, 1 BB, 5 K
Ibanez: 1/7, 1 BB, 1 K
Victorino: 4/8, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 BB, 0 K
Coste: 2/6, 1 2B, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Stairs: 2/4, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Werth: 1/4, 0 BB, 1 K
Bruntlett: 1/2, 1 BB (IBB), 0 K
Bako: 1/1, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Dobbs: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Ruiz: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K

Brian Bass (R): 3.92 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 1.6 HR/9, 5.29 FIP, 66% GB

proj avg: 4.80 ERA, 3.2 BB/9, 5.1 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 60%
pitches: 66% fb, 18% sl, 11% cb, 5% ch, 0.1% sf
r/l: .862 vs .717 ops; 2.0 vs 1.4 k/bb
h/a: .755 vs .859 ops; 1.8 vs 1.4 k/bb

Bass vs Phillies:

Ibanez: 1/1, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K

Matt Albers (R): 3.86 ERA, 4.2 BB/9, 5.3 K/9, 0.4 HR/9, 3.93 FIP, 35% GB

proj avg: 4.70 ERA, 4.2 BB/9, 6.0 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 47%
pitches: 72% fb, 26% cb, 2% ch
r/l: .812 vs .763 ops; 1.9 vs 1.0 k/bb
h/a: .721 vs .860 ops; 1.8 vs 1.1 k/bb

Albers vs Phillies:

Feliz: 0/2, 1 BB, 1 K
Stairs: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Howard: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Rollins: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Ruiz: 1 BB (IBB)
Utley: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Victorino: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K

PHILLIES

LINEUP

1) SS Jimmy Rollins (S): .225/.263/.350

projection average (proj): .285/.350/.460
projected BB/PA (bb): 8%
projected K/AB (k): 11%
career gb% (gb): 42%
career infield flies/flyball (iff): 10%
career infield hits/groundball (ifh): 5%
batting average on balls in play tendencies (babip): about average overall, though a little bit high popup rate so slightly below average
swing/contact/zone facts (s/c/z): good eye, pretty selective, but very high contact rate so low walk rate
righty/lefty (r/l): 1.7 vs 1.3 k/bb, mostly because of higher k-rate as lhb. otherwise similar on contact
home/away (h/a): 1.5 vs 1.7 k/bb; .805 vs .739 ops
pull/opposite (p/o): definite pull hitter
anything else (other): stole 47 bases in 50 attempts last year.

2) CF Shane Victorino (S): .295/.351/.451

proj: .285/.345/.430
bb: 7.5%
k: 13%
gb: 46%
iff: 15%
ifh: 8%
babip: slightly above average due to high babip on groundballs-- partly because infield plays in for him and he spreads the ball around well; not that high due to high infield fly rate
s/c/z: pretety bad eye but high contact rate
r/l: much more power righthanded (1.6% to 3.8% HR rate), but much better k/bb as lefty: 1.65 vs 1.88; higher babip lefty also (.316 vs .286)
h/a: far fewer walks on road but nearly exactly the same strikeout rate, same power, same babip
p/o: pull hitter both ways
other: stole 36 of 47 bases last year

3) 2B Chase Utley (L): .308/.441/.567

proj: .295/.380/.525
bb: 9.5%
k: 18%
gb: 37%
iff: 10%
ifh: 6%
babip: distinctly above average historically and for projections too; seemingly strong power leads to high line drive babip rate and reasonably high groundball babip especially for pull hitting lefty; high on flyballs despite high infield fly rate since he hits deep flyballs
s/c/z: pretty good eye, somewhat selective, somewhat high contact rate
r/l: not significant-- only 1.7 vs 2.0 k/bb; .919 vs .865 ops
h/a: similar k/bb home & away; better hr at home-- probably park factors; higher babip at home too
p/o: pull hitter
other: much better against power pitchers relative to other hitters

4) 1B Ryan Howard (L): .257/.331/.552

proj: .275/.375/580
bb: 14%
k: 33%
gb: 40%
iff: 2%
ifh: 4%
babip: low on groundballs over time as he pulls the vast majority of them; very very high on flyballs because he almost never pops out in the infield at all and many of his flyballs are very deep. also since so few of his flyballs stay in the park (only 2/3 or so), a higher percentage of his balls in play are line drives-- which he does well on like many power hitters-- his low contact rate means he sometimes make poor contact though. probably above average overall
s/c/z: swings a lot especially for someone who doesn't see many strikes. however, he is pretty good at distinguishing pulls from strikes despite the consensus on him. he makes terrible contact overall though
r/l: 1.064 vs .786 ops: say it with me "that means he's good against righties, not bad against lefties!" in fact, he's the best hitter against righties in baseball right now probably. his k/bb vs lhp is 3.7 vs 1.6 vs rhp. he has a lot of power against lefties however, but a lower babip. i don't have split data on pull% vs lhp/rhp but observationally i'm pretty sure that's the difference in his babip: .338 vs .309.
h/a: much higher babip on road. very similar hr numbers. 2.0 vs 3.2 k/bb.
p/o: pull hitter, especially on groundballs-- hits more homeruns the opposite way though
other: struggles mightily against power pitchers and groundball pitchers, dominate flyball pitchers (since he almost never pops out, and has 10.3% hr rate) and smashes finesse pitchers (11.8% hr rate); he also does much better on babip with runners on base as defenders can't shift against him-- especially with runners in scoring position

5) RF Jayson Werth (R): .261/.350/.466

proj: .270/.360/.460
bb: 12.5%
k: 29%
gb: 38%
iff: 8%
ifh: 8%
babip: high on groundballs due to high infield hit rate, high on line drives due to power, and hits pretty deep flyballs too; has been historically probably higher than it should be since he's faced more lhp than normal rhb do; overall still seems to be very above average
s/c/z: very selective and pretty good eye; somewhat low contact rate
r/l: .762 vs .919 ops; 2.4 vs 2.0 k/bb; hr rate of 6.7% vs 2.9%
h/a: not much of a split at all
p/o: spreads ball around well for power hitter, but still a pull hitter
other: stole 20 bases in 21 attempts last year

6) RF Greg Dobbs (L): .186/.258/.373

proj: .285/.335/.445
bb: 7%
k: 17%
gb: 36%
iff: 13.5%
ifh: 3%
babip: has been high but probably should not be projected as high-- success derives from impossibly high line drive babip which doesn't typically happen for non-extreme power hitters. given his popup rate, he probably isn't a .320 babip guy and there isn't a .285 hitter
s/c/z: poor eye but very high swing rate; average contact rate
r/l: .761 vs .579 ops despite impossible .481 babip against lhp. in reality, he strikes out in 48% of at-bats against lhp. he should never see them. absolutely no power against lefties also.
h/a: virtually no split at all
p/o: pull hitter
other: much better against finesse pitchers

7) 3B Pedro Feliz (R): .308/.354/.429

proj: .250/.300/.420
bb: 6%
k: 15.5%
gb: 44%
iff: 15%
ifh: 5%
babip: very low-- pops up a lot, hits groundballs predictably to left side and is slow so they can play shaded over and deep; not all that much power so not terrific on line drives either, makes a lot of weak contact as he isn't good at making contact so he chops a lot of balls
s/c/z: high swing rate and not terribly good at distinguishing balls from strikes. swung significantly less in 2008, but it was as much of a decrease in balls as strikes, makes average contact
r/l: 3.3 vs 2.3 k/bb; .708 vs .755 ops, more babip and a little more power agaisnt lefties
h/a: much higher k rate on road, similar bb rate; more power on road, higher babip at home. likely not much difference (.725 vs .716 overall ops)
p/o: definite pull hitter
other: defensive numbers dipped last year, had offseason surgery for back, perhaps these are related

8) C Carlos Ruiz (R): .270/.391/.435

proj: .255/.335/.390
bb: 10%
k: 14%
gb: 50% (but rose in 2008 to 54% from 46%)
iff: 9.5%
ifh: 4%
babip: was extraordinarily low in 2008, but that seems to be rather flukey. his high groundball rate and solid contact rate and pitch selection indicate he should be a good babip guy, but he does very poorly on groundball as he chops the ball a lots/c/z: very good eye and excellent contact skill, extremely patient
r/l: bizarre reverse split despite 0.5 k/bb vs lhp and 1.2 vs rhp; impossibly low .204 babip against lhp, probably flukey and probably much better vs lhp in reality
h/a: similar k/bb, worse babip but higher power at home (park factors)
p/o: slight pull hitter
other: better against power pitchers, currently on DL with strained rib cage, probably longer than 15 days as originally thought

BENCH:

C Chris Coste (R): .253/.354/.422

proj: .265/.315/.405
bb: 5.5%
k: 17.5%
gb: 40%
iff: 10%
ifh: 6%
babip: slightly below average, seemingly due to poor eye and swinging and hitting bad pitches
s/c/z: high swing rate, pretty poor eye, average contact
r/l: .747 vs .855; same k/bb rate, much better babip against lhp, similar power but slightly more vs lhp
h/a: .886 vs .679; 5.4% vs 1.5% hr rate
p/o: pull hitter
other: struggles with power pitchers somewhat

IF/OF Eric Bruntlett (R): .163/.259/.245

proj: .240/.325/.335
bb: 10%
k: 18%
gb: 41%
iff: 14%
ifh: 5%
babip: high popup rate leads to low babip, but not that low; also doesn't do all that well on line drives due to lack of power
s/c/z: somewhat above average eye and doesn't swing much; makes very good contact, sees a lot of strikes
r/l: .592 vs .764 ops; 2.5 vs 1.2 k/bb; 5.7% vs 8.8% xbh/ab-- he's actually average if not above average against lhp; he just is terrible against rhb. he should be used as a counterswitch to loogy use against lefty pinch hitters
h/a: more power at home and more walks at home; similar strikeout rate and babip
p/o: opposite field hitter
other: none

OF Matt Stairs (L): .282/.451/.538

proj: .255/.340/.440
bb: 11%
k: 22%
gb: 42%
iff: 11.5%
ifh: 5%
babip: average all around
s/c/z: very good eye and slightly below average contact
r/l: .862 vs .748; much more power against rhp; 1.4 vs 2.1 k/bb
h/a: not much of a split at all
p/o: slight pull hitter but not much for a power hitter
other: use stairs in case of emergency

IF Paul Bako (L): .000/.000/.000

proj: .220/.290/.295
bb: 9%
k: 30%
gb: 53%
iff: 7%
ifh: 6%
babip: projcted around .285
s/c/z: average eye, average patience, below average contact
r/l: .637 vs .522 ops; 2.2 vs 6.1 k/bb
h/a: .621 vs .621 ops; 2.5 vs 2.6 k/bb
p/o: very slight pull hitter, but spreads ball around pretty well
other: none

OF John Mayberry (R): .286/.286/.786

proj: .235/.290/.415
bb: 6.5%
k: 27%
iff: around 15-20% in minors
ifh: ?
babip: hits ball hard but pops up a lot; probably a bit average but tough to know; projected below average
s/c/z: not enough info
r/l: batter against lefties, particularly at making contact, in minors
h/a: not enough info
p/o: not enough info
other: none

DISABLED LIST: LF Raul Ibanez (L): .312/.371/.656

proj: .285/.350/.480
bb: 9%
k: 17%
gb: 42%
iff: 11%
ifh: 5%
babip: above average, probably because he spreads the ball around pretty well for a power hitter; much better babip with men on-- probably hooks ball in hole well or maybe he was shifted against more so beforehand
s/c/z: definitely a good eye though it's getting worse, slightly above average contact
r/l: .850 vs .733; 1.5 vs 2.8 k/bb
h/a: better k/bb (1.6 vs 1.9) but worse power probably park factors, and probably likely to be better at home
p/o: slight pull hitter but not much for a power hitter
other: none

ROTATION

FRIDAY STARTER: Antonio Bastardo (L): 5.25 ERA, 3.8 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 1.5 HR/9, 5.07 FIP, 28% GB

proj avg: 5.60 ERA, 4.8 BB/9, 7.0 K/9, 1.9 HR/9
gb: 40% in minors
pitches: ?
r/l: 2.1 vs 4.1 k/bb in minor league career
h/a: much better control at home in minor league control

Bastardo: has not played any Orioles

SATURDAY STARTER: J.A. Happ (L): 3.53 ERA, 4.2 BB/9, 6.5 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.24 FIP, 34% GB

proj avg: 4.40 ERA, 3.8 BB/9, 7.7 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 29% in majors thus far; 42% in AAA in 2008
pitches: 64% fb, 18% ch, 14% sl, 2% ct, 2% cb
r/l: 1.7 vs 3.0 k/bb in majors thus far; 2.7 vs 3.5 k/bb in AAA in 2008
h/a: not enough info

Happ: has not played any Orioles

SUNDAY STARTER: Cole Hamels (L): 4.48 ERA, 1.8 BB/9, 8.2 K/9, 1.4 HR/9, 4.00 FIP, 42% GB

proj avg: 3.45 ERA, 2.3 BB/9, 8.4 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 40%
pitches: 55% fb, 32% ch, 14% cb
r/l: .680 vs .748, but same 3.6 k/bb both ways; slightly more power vs lhb-- this is probably selection bias as managers withhold all but the best lefties against him (explaining 20% of hitters faced are lefties only)
h/a: 3.85 vs 3.4 k/bb; .676 vs .709 ops-- less of a difference due to higher HR rate at home
other: much higher k-rate at night: 25% vs 20%, which is statistically significant. ERA difference (4.71 vs 3.01 exaggerated by babip difference), as HR rate and XBH rate very similar. most likely he strikes out more at night.

Hamels vs Orioles:

Huff: 1/4, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 K
Wigginton: 1/3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Mora: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Roberts: 2/2, 1 HR, 1 BB, 0 K
Hill: 0/2, 0 BB, 1 K

NOT STARTING THIS SERIES: Jamie Moyer (L): 6.35 ERA, 2.2 BB/9, 5.2 K/9, 2.0 HR/9, 5.78 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 4.80 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 5.5 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 39%
pitches: 41% fb, 30% ct, 24% ch, 6% cb
r/l: virtually no split but that seems to be selection as he sees 24% lefties only compared with 32% league average for lhp
h/a: 2.3 vs 1.9 k/bb; not much difference on contact; slightly better babip at home but not more so than the average starter gets

Moyer vs Orioles:

Mora: 10/40, 2 HR, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 Sac
Roberts: 3/10, 0 BB, 4 K
Huff: 8/20, 2 HR, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 2/8, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K
Markakis: 1/6, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 0/6, 0 BB, 1 K
Andino: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K

NOT STARTING THIS SERIES: Joe Blanton (R): 5.28 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 7.9 K/9, 1.9 HR/9, 5.05 FIP, 40% GB

proj avg: 4.25 ERA, 2.5 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 56% fb, 16% ch, 15% sl, 12% cb
r/l: 2.3 vs 1.8 k/bb; .750 vs .719 ops
h/a: 2.2 vs 2.0 k/bb; .698 vs .776 ops; much worse babip away (.313 vs .282), more power surrendered on road
other: extraordinarily good against leadoff hitters, especially the first hitter of games

Blanton vs Orioles:

Huff: 3/17, 2 2B, 1 BB, 1 K
Mora: 5/14, 1 2B, 2 HR, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 Sac
Roberts: 3/13, 2 2B, 1 BB, 3 K
Markakis: 6/12, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Zaun: 2/11, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 K
Wigginton: 3/6, 1 BB, 2 K
Scott: 1/2, 1 2B, 1 BB, 0 K
Jones: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K

BULLPEN

Ryan Madson (R): 2.36 ERA, 3.2 BB/9, 10.0 K/9, 0.3 HR/9, 2.37 FIP, 43% GB

proj avg: 3.80 ERA, 2.9 BB/9, 7.2 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 48%
pitches: 58% fb, 24% ch, 15% ct, 4% cb
r/l: 3.65 vs 1.8 k/bb; .714 vs .786 ops
h/a: no major split at all

Madson vs Orioles:

Roberts: 2/6, 0 BB, 0 K
Mora: 1/5, 0 BB, 2 K
Wigginton: 1/5, 0 BB, 0 K
Huff: 0/4, 0 BB, 2 K
Scott: 1/4, 0 BB, 2 K
Markakis: 0/3, 0 BB, 1 K

Jack Taschner (L): 4.56 ERA, 6.5 BB/9, 4.9 K/9, 0.8 HR/9, 5.48 FIP, 36% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.0 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 35%
pitches: 57% fb, 30% sl, 13% ch
r/l: 1.45 vs 2.2 k/bb; .754 vs .747-- large selection bias where he faces only very good lefties and not very good righties
h/a: .698 vs .797 ops; 2.1 vs 1.5 k/bb

Taschner vs Orioles:

Scott: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Chad Durbin (R): 3.89 ERA, 5.4 BB/9, 8.3 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.45 FIP, 34% GB

proj avg: 4.10 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 6.5 K/9, 1.0 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 47% fb, 38% sl, 8% ch, 7% cb, 1% ct
r/l: virtually no split
h/a: somewhat of a reverse split but probably just noise

Durbin vs Orioles:

Mora: 5/13, 1 2B, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Roberts: 2/7, 2 BB, 1 K
Huff: 4/8, 0 BB, 2 K
Zaun: 1/5, 1 BB, 1 K
Markakis: 0/4, 1 BB, 1 K
Wigginton: 2/3, 1 BB, 1 K

Clay Condrey (R): 3.71 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 5.8 K/9, 1.1 HR/9, 4.54 FIP, 52% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 2.8 BB/9, 4.9 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 50%
pitches: 59% fb, 17% ct, 15% sl, 9% ch
r/l: 2.1 vs 1.3 k/bb; .761 vs .842 ops
h/a: .703 vs .898 ops; 2.2 vs 1.3 k/bb

Condrey vs Orioles:

Mora: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Andino: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Roberts: 1 BB

Chan Ho Park (R): 4.50 ERA, 4.5 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 0.9 HR/9, 6.14 FIP, 42% GB

proj avg: 4.50 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, 7.3 K/9, 1.2 HR/9
gb: 45%
pitches: 51% FB, 29% SL, 12% cb, 5% ch, 4% ct
r/l: .666 vs .820 ops; 2.6 vs 1.3 k/bb; .280 vs .301 babip; 2.6% vs 3.6% HR rate-- much better against righties
h/a: 2.0 vs 1.7 k/bb; .708 vs .780 ops

Park vs Orioles:

Huff: 4/11, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
Zaun: 4/10, 1 3B, 0 BB, 1 K
Mora: 3/8, 1 2B, 0 BB, 3 K
Roberts: 0/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Scott: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 1/3, 0 BB, 0 K

J.C. Romero (L): 1.00 ERA, 10.0 BB/9, 7.0 K/9, 1.0 HR/9, 6.29 FIP, 52% GB

proj avg: 4.00 ERA, 5.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9, 0.7 HR/9
gb: 55%
pitches: 58% fb, 25% sl, 17% ch, 0.1% cb
r/l: 1.2 vs 2.2 k/bb; .814 vs. 591 ops
h/a: 1.6 vs 1.3 k/bb; .697 vs .768 ops

Romero vs Orioles:

Roberts: 3/8, 1 2B, 2 BB, 1 K
Huff: 1/8, 0 BB, 2 K
Mora: 1/5, 2 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 1/5, 1 2B, 0 BB, 1 K
Zaun: 2/4, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 BB, 0 K
Scott: 0/1, 0 BB, 1 K
Wigginton: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

Tyler Walker (R): 0.00 ERA, 3.4 BB/9, 6.8 K/9, 0.0 HR/9, 2.69 FIP, 43%

proj avg: 4.30 ERA, 3.7 BB/9, 7.4 K/9, 1.1 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 59% fb, 27% sl, 10% ch, 3% cb
r/l: .721 vs .838 ops; 2.1 vs 1.9 k/bb
h/a: .838 vs .712 ops; 1.8 vs 2.2 k/bb

Walker vs Orioles:

Mora: 1/4, 0 BB, 0 K
ROberts: 0/3, 0 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 0/2, 1 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 1/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 Sac

DISABLED LIST: Brad Lidge (R): 7.27 ERA, 4.8 BB/9, 9.7 K/9, 2.4 HR/9, 6.15 FIP, 38% GB

proj avg: 3.50 ERA, 4.1 BB?9, 11.0 K/9, 0.8 HR/9
gb: 41% (though this went up to 46% with increased slider use in 2008)
pitches: 56% sl, 43% fb, 0.4% ch in 2008 (historically 54% fb, 42% sl)
r/l: 3.6 vs 2.8 k/bb; .601 vs .686 ops (tough to tell if that tendency became more or less extreme in 2008 due to limited sample size)
h/a: 3.6 vs 2.9 k/bb; .666 vs .614 ops though due to higher babip away
other: HR/Flyball plummeted in 2008-- probably unsustainably low and his ERA should rise; still rumors of him tipping pitches explain the HR/Flyball spike in 2006 & 2007

Lidge vs Orioles:

Wigginton: 0/2, 0 BB, 1 K
Huff: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Mora: 1 BB
Roberts: 1/1, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 0/1, 0 BB, 0 K

DISABLED LIST: Scott Eyre (L): 2.57 ERA, 5.8 BB/9, 6.4 K/9, 1.3 HR/9, 5.64 FIP, 32% GB

proj avg: 4.20 ERA, 4.1 BB/9, 8.8 K/9, 0.9 HR/9
gb: 41%
pitches: 59% fb, 35% sl, 6% ch, 0.2% cb
r/l: 1.5 vs 1.9 k/bb; .815 vs .720 ops
h/a: not much of a split

Eyre vs Orioles:

Huff: 3/11, 1 2B, 0 BB, 0 K
Scott: 2/2, 2 BB, 0 K
Wigginton: 1/3, 0 BB, 1 K
Roberts: 0/2, 0 BB, 0 K
Zaun: 1/1, 1 BB, 0 K
Markakis: 1 BB
Mora: 1 BB

Orioles 6, Mets 4: Now that's more like it!

duck — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:39:53 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

6 months ago: Baltimore Orioles' Matt Wieters, right, is congratulated by Nolan Reimold after Wieters' two-run home run against the New York Mets in the second inning of a baseball game Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/ Gail Burton)

Browse more photos »

This was a tale of two homeruns. One barely cleared the fence but marked a milestone for Matt Wieters. The second landed on Eutaw Street and will have a marker of its own for Aubrey Huff. Those two blows, along with some good defense, just enough pitching, and a suddenly red-hot Nick Markakis, added up to an Orioles win Wednesday over the Mets.

Or, in the (slightly edited) words of the wayward o...

koji adequate

matt wieters hit a home run

i am a blogger

Koji Uehara was indeed adequate tonight. He pitched 5.0 innings, allowed 7 hits, 2 earned runs, walked no one and struck out 5. If we could just get 7 innings of those performances instead of 5, we'd really be onto something here. But we don't. We get 5. And I guess we'll learn to live with it.

Brian Bass disappointed tonight, but he was due for a bad outing. In the last 28 days, he's had a WHIP under 1.00 and allowed just 3 earned runs. Nights like tonight happen from time to time, and luckily, we still won.

Mark Hendrickson gave up an ill-advised base-loaded walk (as opposed to a well-advised one, I guess) but then did he best Jim Johnson impersonation and got a double play grounder. Jim Johnson then came in and did a pretty good Jim Johnson impersonation, and then George Sherrill impersonated a competent relief pitcher and closed the door.

The offense did just enough to win this game. Aside from Matt Wieters' first home run (which was returned, by the way), and Aubrey Huff's blast onto Eutaw, Nick Markakis was a one-man wrecking crew. He has a 4-for-4 night with 2 runs scored, and has his average back to almost .300 again.

It was Adam Jones bobblehead night as well, and while the Good Doctor went just 1-for-4 at the plate, he did close his glove on the final out. More concerning is his renewed penchant for swinging at bad pitches.

All in all, the team left itself with a decent chance of gaining a series win tomorrow, and showed more signs that the awful offensive slump of the last 2+ weeks may be at an end. The Orioles and Mets will meet again tomorrow. Be there or .. well, not. But I'd suggest being there.

Poll

Who was the Most Birdland Player of Wednesday, June 17, 2009?

Koji Uehara (5.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5K, 0 BB)

5 votes

Jim Johnson (2.0 IP, W, 1 H, 2 Ks, 0 BB)

5 votes

Nick Markakis (4-4, 2 R)

117 votes

Matt Wieters (First HR, 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 BB)

134 votes

Aubrey Huff (2-3, HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB)

90 votes

351 votes | Poll has closed

Series Preview: Seattle Mariners @ Baltimore Orioles

Matthew — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:20 -0000

Seattle: 28-29
Baltimore: 24-33

SUMMARY

	MARINERS	ORIOLES	EDGE
HITTING (wOBA)	-40.4 (27th)	-7.6 (18th)	BAL
FIELDING (UZR)	7.1 (10th)	-16.1 (25th)	SEA
ROTATION (pRAA)	15.4 (7th)	-21.2 (27th)	SEA
BULLPEN (pRAA)	-12.2 (25th)	-1.6 (17th)	BAL
OVERALL(RAA)	-33.1	-46.5	Seattle

I love playing a team that we just played because I always have new and fresh things to say about them! It has been awhile since we played a team that we rated better than though. That is exciting and new.

It was a tough week for our defense which fell over three runs and three places down to 10th in the league. Our defense manages to combine the fourth best Range and best double play rate with the league's worst error rate. Stop committing stupid errors and this defense goes back to being top five. I'm looking at you, infielders except for Russell Branyan.

Honestly though, this entire series is going to be dominated by the three days of the draft and there is a non-zero chance that most of us will have commited varying levels of ritualistic suicide at approximately 3:30pm pacific time anyways. I hope Jason Vargas does not take that personally.

GAMES

Game 1: Jason Vargas* vs. Brad Bergesen
Game 2: Felix Hernandez vs. Jeremy Guthrie
Game 3: Garrett Olson* (?) vs. Koji Uehera

Ryan Rowland-Smith was expected to start Thursday, but that plan was shelved after Rowland was shelled in Tacoma. We threw three lefties at the Orioles last time to great success, especially from Garrett Olson, so I would not mind seeing him step in here in the series finale.

Speaking of lefties, the Orioles can stack them in the line up so oh man, this could be a frustrating Felix outing if he does not flash good command of his fastball and remains too stupid to realize how good his changeup is. Please learn, Felix. Please learn.

Brad Bergesen is a 23-year-old righty probably from Sweden or Denmark that we faced last time around. Hold on, let me check. No, he's from California. What a let down. Anyways, he has not pitched since he faced us and was shallacked to the tune of two runs allowed over seven innings while inducing 17 ground balls. Wait a minute...

Jeremy Guthrie is the sort-of-not-quite-league-average pitcher that populates the back end of rotations on successful teams and $12 million rotation slots on teams run by GMs who would lose a chess match to Deep Blue if Deep Blue was made of legos instead of computer processors. At least, he was until this season when he took 7% of his balls in play and sprinkled suck dust on them, turning them from ground balls to fly balls. Predictably, his tRA rose a bunch and now he looks on paper like any one of our random left-handers if you looked at them in a mirror.

Koji Uehara has come into the Major Leagues and thrown a ridiculous amount of strikes and missed bats as well. Among starting pitchers with at least 50 expected innings to date, Uehara's 68.6% strike rate ranks 5th and his 11.2% swinging strike rate ranks 11th. That's really, really good and a big reason why his strikeout to walk ratio is pushing 4. There is a minor issue on Koji's batted ball profile, which is fly ball heavy, but hey, nobody is perfect. There is a major issue on Koji's endurance however so far. He's topped out at 105 pitches and exceeded 94 just twice all season. Seven innings is the longest he's gone. If the Mariners line up can take some pitches and work his pitch coun... right, nevermind. Come on, rain delay!

THIS SERIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Double Dog Double Pale Ale
Flying Dog Brewery. Frederick, MA

This pale ale pours with a slightly orange body and a head just a few shades off white. The head was thin, but left some minor lacing suggesting the hops involved. If the visual doesn't clue you in, the aroma certainly does with a big hop nose. Taste is bitter, but not powerfully so and it is well balanced. It also turns out to be around 11%, so be advised because it can be hard to tell just from the taste.

Matt Wieters And The ROY Competition

faketeams — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:00:19 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

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Merry Wieters-mas Day! The Baltimore Orioles have recalled uber-prospect Matt Wieters. Despite missing the first two months of the season, Wieters is currently the favorite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award.

Currently, there is just one rookie hitter who qualifies for the batting title - Texas Rangers SS Elvis Andrus. He has an impressive slash stat line given his AA production. His lack of plate discipline will keep his OBP in the very low .300s, and the value of Andrus' defense at shortstop will be negated by Wieters' value as a catcher.

After Andrus, the rookie hitter with the 2^nd most ABs in the AL is New York Yankees utilityman Ramiro Pena. He isn't a serious contender to be the top rookie utility man much less the overall ROY. 5^th in ABs is Cleveland Indians' OF Trevor Crowe. He possesses the prospect pedigree to avoid the snark Pena received, but his lack of power and full-time opportunity eliminate any chance he can go Pat Listach and win the award.

The only serious competition right now comes from Wieters' former Norfolk teammate, OF Nolan Reimold. Reimold possesses the skills to fill the counting stats, but may struggle with full-time ABs with the return of Luke Scott and the presence of Ty Wigginton, five HRs notwithstanding.

As for rookie pitchers bringing serious competition to the table, Wieters' new teammate Koji Uehara and the 20-year-old Rick Porcello of the Detroit Tigers offer the most competition. Pocello has the best ERA of the two and offers a sexier choice than a 34-year-old veteran of the Japanese leagues.

After Porcello and Uehara, the Oakland A's pair of rookie starters, Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill, sit with ERAs near 5.00 and ugly peripherals - 23 Ks in 43.1 innings and a 1.8 K:BB for Anderson and 24 Ks in 54.2 with a 1.0 K:BB for Cahill!

There are some interesting rookies who haven't pitched a lot of innings including relievers Andrew Bailey of the Oakland A's and Ryan Perry of the Detroit Tigers. Both have the stats to intrigue (Bailey with 37 Ks and Perry with a 100 MPH fastball), but neither would surpass Andrus or Reimold, much less Wieters, unless they became reliable closers.

Amongst the low innings rookie starters, Tampa Bay Rays' LHP David Price intrigues the most followed by fellow lefty, flame thrower Derek Holland in Texas. Until either puts together a string of starts that gets them looking better than Uehara, I will reserve further judgment. Just keep in mind; it is not easy to dominate as a rookie starter in these days of pitch counts and Verducci Effects.

Merry Wieters-mas Day!

Thursday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:19:25 -0000

More photos » by Morry Gash - AP

Zombie Corey Hart (1) tosses his bat to Frank Catalanotto, who used it to pick up two hits yesterday.

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Some things to read while making your BBQ more piratey.

So, after yesterday's game Ken Macha was asked about the decision to not to bunt with pinch hitter Jody Gerut, down 3-2 with a runner on first in the ninth, and Macha suggested he doubted Gerut's ability to get a bunt down. This raises questions for me on three independent levels:

How does one hang around in the big leagues until one is 31 without developing the ability to bunt?
How does Ken Macha, who didn't know things like "Bill Hall has never played left field," and "Todd Coffey throws hard," know that Gerut can't bunt?
Is the "bunt" question really more relevant than the decision to use Gerut instead of Bill Hall? Hall is 5-for-11 in his career against Franklin, with two doubles and two home runs.

Corey Hart got the day off yesterday as a "mental health" break and was replaced by Frank Catalanotto, who had two hits, including a two run triple. Hart seems to understand his current struggle, and it sounds like Dale Sveum is the perfect candidate to help him work his way out of it. Hart is hitting .205/.255/.295 in May, and his 2009 OPS has fallen all the way to .708.

So Corey Hart is working to remedy his problems and help the team win. Ryan Braun, meanwhile, is making plans to host a party Friday night for the official launch of his "Remetee" clothing line. Seriously? This couldn't wait until the offseason? Thanks for keeping your priorities in line, Ryan: When the Brewers aren't winning I could not possibly care less about the success of your t-shirt line. Also, you have a sore wrist and your OPS has dropped almost 130 points in the last 17 days. Maybe you should get some rest?

Todd Coffey is hot again, allowing just one earned run in his last eight outings (over nine innings). On top of that, his sprint in from the bullpen drew the notice of the NY Times. (h/t BF.net). Coffey, Hoffman, DiFelice and McClung give the Brewers four relievers with at least 13 innings pitched and an ERA below 3.10.

Tony Gwynn is off to a 3-for-12 start with the Padres, and has already scored five runs. Paul DePodesta sums up the Padres reasons for making the move to acquire him, which seem to be a lot more about money and youth and a lot less about Gwynn actually adding much value to the team. (Noted in FanShot)

On the subject of trades, here's another interesting rumor, but this one has no known tie to reality: Fire Brand of the American League suggests the Red Sox could trade Brad Penny to the Brewers for Angel Salome.

While Salome isn't exactly hitting the cover off the ball in 2009, he's part of a Brewer farm system with the second best combined record in baseball.

Beyond the Box Score has done the math and discovered the Brewers have the least negative team WAR over the last five seasons. That's pretty impressive, seeing as those five seasons include games caught by Damian Miller, Chad Moeller, Johnny Estrada and Jason Kendall.

On power rankings:

MLB FanHouse moved the Brewers up from fourth to third.
Beyond the Box Score has the Brewers 16th in their inaugural rankings.

Around the league:

A's: Placed Nomar Garciaparra back on the DL with stiffness in his calf.
Cubs: Placed Aaron Miles on the DL with a shoulder strain.
Orioles: Placed Koji Uehara on the DL with a hamstring strain.

By now, you've probably seen the video of Carlos Zambrano getting ejected from yesterday's Cubs-Pirates game, bumping an umpire, throwing the ball into left field and destroying a Gatorade dispenser. Obviously, Zambrano will face a suspension, which will prolong his run as the active player with the most plate appearances without being hit by a pitch. UPDATE: I can't believe I forgot to mention THE SPAZZOSAURUS!

Here's the best season you haven't heard about: Adrian Gonzalez, who plays his home games at Petco Park, already has 18 home runs, putting him on pace for 62.

Oh, and if you're a Ferris Bueller fan with $3.2 million lying around, you need this house.

Drink up.

No "O" Natinals Lose Another To O's, Orioles 2 Nationals 1.

Ed Chigliak — Sun, 24 May 2009 02:12:44 -0000

More photos » by Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP

6 months ago: Washington Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman, top, circles the bases after hitting a solo home run against Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brian Bass (25) to tie it up in the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 23, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

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HEADLINE:

It's Either/Or With DC's Weapons...

The Washington Nationals are either scoring five a game and getting no pitching, or throwing quality starts where the bats go cold. The injury bug is back and it's making a difference. The Orioles takes two-straight in Nationals Park.

As ESPN.com's Tim Kurkjian noted in yesterday's front page piece about the Washington Nationals entitled, "It's not all doom and gloom in D.C.", the Washington Nationals, just last week, "...tied a major league record by losing six straight games while scoring at least five runs in each game," and in the next four games, the Nationals have won one, and dropped two one-run games and one two-run game in which they've gotten three quality starts from John Lannan (7.0 IP, 1 ER), Jordan Zimmermann (7.0 IP, 2 ER) and now tonight Ross Detwiler, (6.0 IP, 1 ER) and one close-to-quality outing, from Craig Stammen, (6.1 IP, 4 ER) in the one game they actually managed to win.

Adam Dunn's Gone Cold Donkey.

Since Elijah Dukes left the lineup after May 17th, Adam Dunn's 5 for 21, with 1 2B, 1 HR and 5 RBI's. On the current homestand, which ends with tomorrow's 1:35 pm EST finale against the O's, Dunn's just 6 for 35, for a .171 AVG, which has dropped his '09 AVG to .278 from .310 when the Nationnals returned from their left coast trip. Is it possible that having Dukes hitting behind Dunn actually helped? Austin Kearns, who hit behind Dunn tonight in Dukes' stead, went 1 for 4 and stranded 5, and he's hitting .212 so far, with a .350 OBP, .394 SLG, and a .744 OPS...When Dukes left the lineup, he was hitting .277 with a .347 OBP, a .473 SLG and an .820 OPS...

Maybe the anonymous "National" ESPN.com's Kurkjian quoted in yesterday's article saying the Nationals' locker room would be better off without Dukes should worry more about what's happening on the field...

Detwiler Earns Another Start?

No Anderson Hernandez again tonight. No Jesus Flores. No Dukes as we mentioned. DC lefty Ross Detwiler allows 1 hit and 1 ER in 6.0 IP, walks 4 and K's 4 in his 2nd MLB start, which he leaves with the score tied at 1-1. Julian Tavarez gives up a one-out double to Gregg Zaun in the seventh, and gets lucky when Zaun makes an ill-advised break for third on a ground ball to short from Cesar Itzuris, and is tagged out by Zimmerman...So, with a runner on first and two down, DC Manager Manny Acta does the right thing, bringing in Ron Vill0.00ne to face the lefty pinch hitter Aubrey Huff, who promptly triples in a run with a fly ball off the center field wall that scores Izturis for a 2-1 O's lead. Jason Bergmann and "Wild" Joel Hanrahan contribute scoreless frames, but the Nationals can't manage more than the HR Cristian Guzman hits in the fifth, as they come up empty again and again when they have their chances...

(ed. note - "Hey, but at least Justin Maxwell's HR-ruining catch got tonight's #1 Web Gem on Baseball Tonight!!!!")

Orioles win, 2-1 final.

Miss Tonight's Game? The DC Faithful were watching.

For The Completists, Full Game Report After The Jump...

Nationals now 12-30.

Baltimore Orioles at Washington Nationals. Game 42 of 162.

Brian Roberts is down 0-2 early and he flies to center on a 1-2 fastball up high from DC lefty Ross Detwiler. Adam Jones sends a screaming line drive to center and high enough to go - - Justin Maxwell tracks it to the wall, leaps, and brings it back, Maxwell with a spectacular play to rob A. Jones!!!! CF of the Future!! Nick Johnson backsteps and handles Nick Markakis’ grounder to first...Koji Uehara gets help from Cesar Izturis who dives to catch a low liner before it becomes a single for Cristian Guzman. Nick Johnson swings and misses at a fastball outside. Ryan Zimmerman hits a two-out single through short. Ty Wigginton takes a single away from Adam Dunn as he stabs a low liner and steps on first to end the opening frame.

94 mph 1-2 fastball low and inside from Ross Detwiler and Melvin Mora lines out to Austin Kearns in right. Ty Wiggington shoots a grounder to first, Nick Johnson tosses softly to Detwiler covering. Nolan Reimold’s grounder sneaks up on Ryan Zimmerman but he handles it, throws to first, two scoreless for Detwiler...Austin Kearns gets an 0-2 pitch up high and over the plate from Uehara, and he rips it through short. Willie Harris’ sac bunt moves Kearns to second. Josh Bard’s weak grounder moves Kearns to third. Full-count splitter from Uehara, and Justin Maxwell can’t help offering, rung up, no score after two.

Detwiler gets squeezed on a “low” 3-1 fastball to Gregg Zaun. Cesar Izturis grounds to first, Nick Johnson’s there. A one-out walk to the opposing pitcher. Brian Roberts walks to load the bases for Adam Jones. Detwiler gets Jones swinging at a 93 mph fastball outside and low immediately after a change in the exact same spot. Detwiler gets a grounder from Nick Markakis toward short, Zimmerman cuts and thro...no one’s covering second, Zimmerman holds it, one run scores. 1-0 Baltimore. Melvin Mora flies out to right to end the top of the third, 1-0 O’s...Ross Detwiler’s rudely dismissed by Uehara. Nolan Reimold charges in to collect Guzman’s spinning fly. Nick Johnson uses his Discerning Eye to draw a two-out walk. Ryan Zimmerman walks as well. Adam Dunn bounces a low liner off the first base bag, fair ball, Uehara doesn’t cover first, everyone safe. Austin Kearns rips the first pitch to third, Mora knocks it down and throws Kearns out.

Two-strike change outside and Ty Wigginton chases, and Detwiler pops up Reimold and Zaun for a quick scoreless frame...Uehara out for Brian Bass, Willie Harris makes the first out easy, grounding weakly to first. Josh Bard chops a grounder to first, Bass covers, two down. Justin Maxwell grounds sharply to short to end the fourth...Justin Maxwell glides in to catch the first out off Cesar Itzuris’ bat. Detwiler drops an 0-2 bender on the opposing pitcher. Brian Roberts flies out to Maxwell, another quick from Detwiler...Detwiler grounds back to Bass for the first out of DC’s fifth. Cristian Guzman, THE GUZZZZ goes deep to right and GONE!!! Solo shot, 1-1 ballgame. Nick Johnson pops ou...it drops between Izturis and Adam Jones in short center. 2-2 fastball down low, Zimmerman K’s chasing. Dunn does the same. 1-1 after five.

Ross Detwiler throws a two-strike fastball high at 94 through Adam Jones’ bat. Nick Markakis grounds out to first. Detwiler issues a two-out walk to Melvin Mora, but pops up Ty Wigginton to end the top of the sixth...Austin Kearns grounds out to third to start the Nationals’ half. TAWH singles to right in front of Bard. Bard grounds into the DP to end the sixth...

Julian Tavarez replaces Detwiler on the mound for DC. Ryan Zimmerman charges a weak grounder and throws out Nolan Reimold. Gregg Zaun lines into the right field corner and gets to second way ahead of Kearns throw in. Itzuris grounds to Guzman at short, Zaun breaks for third, Guzman throws to Zimmerman who applies the tag. Tavarez out for Ron Vill0.00ne, who’ll face Aubrey Huff. Huff goes deep to left center and, off the wall. Izturis scores, 2-1 O’s on Huff’s triple. Brian Roberts grounds out to third to end the O’s seventh...Matt Albers takes over for Baltimore. Justin Maxwell gets called out looking at a two-strike fastball low and outside. Josh Willingham grounds out to Mora at third. Cristian Guzman lifts the third out to center, where Adam Jones makes the grab.

Jason Bergmann’s glaring at the O’s batters from the mound now. Adam Jones flies to Austin Kearns for the first out of the frame. Nick Markakis grounds out to Willie Harri at second. Melvin Mora flies to right, Bergmann through a scoreless frame...Jim Johnson for the O’s vs Nick Johnson. (no relation). Nick Johnson has a Discerning Eye and he uses it to draw a leadoff walk in the eighth. Ryan Zimmerman rips a line drive right at Cesar Izturis. Adam Dunn nutmegs Nick Johnson with a line drive into right, Johnson to second. Austin Kearns? Grounds into a double play.

“Wild” Joel Hanrahan gets the first out with one pitch. Wigginton grounds out on a fastball. Ryan Zimmerman tries to scoop a short hop from Nolan Reimold, and has it bounces high up in the air off his glove. Gregg Zaun pops out behind second, Reimold’s running, for some reason, Guzman catches it and doubles Reimold up at first...George Sherrill hits the outside corner with a fastball at the knees to get Willie Harris looking. Justin Maxwell can’t hold up, punched out by the ump. O’s win. 2-1 final.

Nationals now 12-30.

Friday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:19:44 -0000

More photos » by Morry Gash - AP

7 months ago: Milwaukee Brewers' Bil Hall, left, is embraced by teammate Mike Cameron after hitting a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Florida Marlins, Thursday, May 14, 2009, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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Some things to read while upgrading someone's cell phone.

It may not have looked like much. An eighth inning pinch-hit appearance ending in a strikeout. But with that K, the Mat Gamel era is upon us, and everyone seems to be talking about it:

He made Baseball America's list of ten potential impact rookies.
"The fact the Brewers recalled him a week prior to the start of any inter-league games signals he is up for good," according to FakeTeams.
He was eulogized in Nashville.
And his plane nearly ran out of fuel on the way to Milwaukee.

On the other side of the coin we have Brad Nelson, the organization's former #1 prospect who still has not announced whether he'll accept his assignment to Nashville. KIMT, his local TV station, was in town covering Nelson when he got the news Wednesday night.

Trevor Hoffman was one of the big stories in yesterday's game, pitching his ninth consecutive scoreless appearance en route to his eighth save. Adam McCalvy has a look at Hoffman's early dominance. Meanwhile, Brett Christopherson of the Appleton Post Crescent reminisces about Hoffman's days in the Midwest League.

Mike Rivera returned to the team yesterday, and Carlos Corporan was sent back down to Nashville to make room for him. Corporan appeared in just one game during his brief stint in Milwaukee, making him one of just three players to make one career appearance as a Brewer, and the first position player to do it. Obviously, Corporan is hoping to make more appearances at some point.

Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson had a rough outing yesterday and was pulled early. Today the Miami Herald is reporting Johnson was removed with weakness in his shoulder. It's not believed to be serious and he's expected to make his next start.

Yovani Gallardo will take the mound tonight, but the Brewers almost missed out on him entirely. The Official Site relives the 2004 draft, when the Brewers drafted Gallardo in the second round.

Speaking of the draft, Minor League Ball is preparing for their mock draft on June 6, and you can check in here or here to voice your opinion on what players or types of players the Brewers should be pursuing.

One can only hope this year's draft class will be as good as the class of 2002: eight pitchers from that class started games in the majors last night. Dave Bush (drafted #55 overall by the Blue Jays) is one of 23 pitchers drafted in that class that are currently experiencing success in the big leagues.

Meanwhile, Brett Lawrie checks in from the Midwest League with a blog post on the adjustment to playing every day, frustration and Guitar Hero Metallica.

Will Prince Fielder's physique prevent him from having the career he could have had? Fielder has slimmed down a bit this season, but this FanPost at Beyond the Box Score suggests Fielder's career will draw to an end early. A note in the comments mentions that Fielder's listed height and weight would give him a 35.4 BMI, about 11% higher than Kirby Puckett, the closest comparison. Or course, no one knows how close Fielder (or Puckett) actually were to their listed weights.

There's nothing holding Mark DiFelice back this season. After pitching a scoreless eighth yesterday, DiFelice is now 4-0 with a 2.02 ERA in 35.2 major league innings, and ESPN is projecting him to make the All Star Team. Not bad for a guy who didn't make it to the big leagues until 31 and had to go to the WBC to get noticed in spring training.

This is the kind of story that gets a team's fan base a reputation: If you're near something that you shouldn't vomit on, feel free to skip this story about the "negotiation" for Chris Coghlan's home run ball from Wednesday. (That story is all over the place now, but I found the link via Tom H.'s Twitter)

Buried in Scott Miller's latest column is this note: The Brewers are 17-6 since April 19, the best record in all of baseball.

With interleague play coming up, Baseball Reference has a look at 17 home/road matchups that haven't happened yet. The Brewers have visited every AL ballpark and hosted 13 of 14 AL teams, but are still waiting for the Rays to come to town.

Around the league:

D-Backs: Designated infielder Josh Wilson for assignment.
Nationals: Returned Rule 5 pick Terrell Young to the Reds.
Rockies: Placed Glendon Rusch on waivers.
Tigers: Placed Nate Robertson on the DL with a lower back strain.

So how many of these disabled list stints are legit? Yesterday, Shysterball wondered about some recent disabled list shenanigans, and Jayson Stark of ESPN followed up on it. He seems to have arrived at the conclusion that a doctor, given a reason to, can find something wrong with just about anyone. All of this came out on the same day the Astros placed Geoff Geary on the DL with ~~chronic ineffectiveness~~ biceps tendinitis.

Following up on something I mentioned yesterday: Umpire Paul Schrieber apologized for making contact with Magglio Ordonez on Wednesday. It doesn't look like he'll face any significant consequences for his actions.

How much of a major league curveball's action is real, and how much is simply an optical illusion? The Book blog has a pretty cool visual aid to help explain it.

Braden Looper is turning out to be a pretty good signing for the Brewers, but was he the best signing of a free agent starting pitcher this offseason? Jorge Says No! makes a pretty good case for Baltimore's Koji Uehara.

Speaking of transactions, El Lefty Malo has a look at players the Giants have traded away that have gone on to success in other organizations, including Carlos Villanueva. Villanueva was acquired for Wayne Franklin and Leo Estrella.

We, or maybe just I, complain a lot in this space about the MLB Blackout policy, but MLB.TV has been awarded a patent for the system they use to enforce it online.

Unfortunately, I'm still watching Baseball Tonight, but fortunately, I wasn't watching last night when Eduardo Perez dropped this chunk of knowledge:

And one thing I can tell you: baserunning, hitting, pitching -- and especially the bullpen -- is not only important in the National and the American League, but all around baseball.

I've heard the MLB Network alternative is better, but I have yet to see it for myself.

Oh, and apparently being a major league player has one more perk we didn't know about: When you're injured, you can hit on radiologists.

Drink up.