SB Nation Blog: PositivePaul

Jim "Go-To Guy" Moore Tries the Fake Conversation Genre

PositivePaul — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:08:30 -0000

Jim's article in the Seattle P-I today (see http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/368455_moore26.html) is somewhat funny, I suppose, even if it's pretty weak. Personally, I think he's not a very good writer and this lame attempt at humor is one of a bajillion examples of why other people should be making whatever income and receiving whatever perks Jim receives to write for the Seattle P-I.

However, he did sorta get Ichiro's character correct in this fake conversation. In reference to this fake motivational speech being presented by Chuck Armstrong, there's this little nugget of humor:

Ken Barron, Ichiro's interpreter, whispering to Ichiro: "Do you want me to translate any of this for you?"

Ichiro: "This man does not make sense in any language, so my answer after thoughtful consideration is no."

So, yeah, anyway. Go read the article and commence mockery of Jim Moore...

Wlad Down, Clement Up

PositivePaul — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:20:44 -0000

Heard it on FSN NW Sports Report, from the mouth of Brad Adam and Bill "Brill Kreme" Kruger.

They also confirmed that Ichiro (!) will be moving permanently back to RF -- it isn't just a here and there thing, to get Ichi back in gear. Ummm. Wooooow.

Who the hell ever said "The more things change, the more they stay the same?" Seriously -- who the hell is going to play in the outfield??? Showcasing Reed and Boom Boom?

The bleeding continues -- the wounds are much, much higher than Bavasi. Yes, they needed to can Bill, but there's lots more change needed. Don't stop now!

Seemed to fit with this team somehow...

PositivePaul — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:18:26 -0000

Jay Bruce --> Up Guess who's DFA'd!!!

PositivePaul — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:42:16 -0000

And the Reds DFA...

...

....

No, not Griffey.

Scott Hatteberg.

Designated for Assignment. He and his 29 OPS+ Wow. Hey -- Hatteberg is a local dude. Maybe the M's will grab him and DFA Sexson?

Nah.

Never.

Oh well, Scott probably sucks if he can't hit in the NL and in Cincy's bandbox of a ball park...

So, I'm at 58 words and need 17 more. So, like I totally (gag me with a spoon) read it in the Seattle Times' Sports section, which can be found at this here link .

JI, er, I mean, JIM Edmonds --> Cubs

PositivePaul — Wed, 14 May 2008 22:16:49 -0000

Wow, so the former Cardinal goes to the division rival to kick ass and take names. At least that's what the AP Report is eluding to, I think...

Honestly, though, this concerns me. Like, majorly frightens me. I seriously suspected the Cubs would be the logical choice for a Griffey trade, even if the two clubs are in the same division. Griffey'd get that nostalgia by being reunited with Louie Louie, and yet the hope of contention since the Cubbies are in first place in the NL Central.

If this isn't 75 words, I'm going to swear a lot.

When All Else Fails -- Drink!

PositivePaul — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:28:44 -0000

So, in my inbox today arrived the monthly update from Gravity Beer Market (which, conveniently, is practically around the corner, but realistically ~2 miles from my house). When I saw the description for this beer, I HAD to go buy some. Being bored watching the M's implode yet again, I tried to escape the game by going to Gravity. Didn't totally work, though, 'cause they had the game turned on there.

After spending the better part of a half hour perusing their awesome selection, I found what I'd come there for, and a few other beers. This particular concoction is a bit expensive -- $14 for the bottle -- but I was willing to risk it.

I mean, after reading the description, how could I NOT give it a try?

A big, belgian-style Wit brewed with coriander and orange peel and fermented with Pinot Noir juice. After fermentation a fraction of the batch is aged in Oregon Pinot Noir barrels, and another fraction is aged on oak staves. The beer is blended together before packaging.

Since my beer tastes have been set aside for my lust for all things wine (particularly Zin, Cab-Sav, Syrah, and Pinot), it was appropriate that I'd gravitate towards this particular brew.

In spite of buying four other bottles of various stuff, I had to crack this open. Well -- after shooting photos, of course.

The color was as expected, the head was perfect. When I finally got done gazing at this beauty and pulled the glass to my face and inhaled the aromas, I was very pleasantly surprised at the complexity. The wide variety of fruity citrus flavors dance around, and yet the balance of yeast, dry oak and golden smoothness of the Wit calm things down.

I think I have a new favorite.

Damn good stuff!

Dusty Baker Abusing Lineups Now

PositivePaul — Sun, 11 May 2008 22:24:21 -0000

Wow. I mean, seriously -- allowing a guy to hit out of order ? Like, you can't pay attention to the batting order?

Dude. Get a clue.

You can't stop abusing pitchers. Now you have to go abusing hitters?

Wow. Just. Wow.

Penalty from Wikipedia for Batting out of Order:

If an infraction is discovered immediately after a batter completes his appearance, then the umpire considers that batter and the previous one. If the batter who just finished batting does not follow the previous batter in the written order, his plate appearance was improper, any advances or scores due to his action are nullified, he is removed from the bases if he reached, and the proper batter is called out. Outs made against runners other than the improper batter stand. For example, if the improper batter hits into a double play, in which he was put out as well as another runner, the defense can still appeal that he was the improper batter. If this is the case, the proper batter is declared out, the improper batter's putout is taken away, and the batter that follows the proper batter who was declared out will come to the plate. The runner involved in the double play remains out. If any additional runners advanced on the play because of the batted ball by the improper batter, they would have to return to the base they occupied at the time of the pitch. This means that if a runner steals a base during an improper batter's at-bat, that runner remains on that base since it was obtained through his own effort.

If the infraction is discovered during a plate appearance (that is, a pitch has been thrown to the current batter), then the umpire considers the current batter and the previous one. If the current batter's name does not follow the previous actual batter's name in the written order, the current batter is improper. There is no penalty, but the situation is rectified--the proper batter comes to bat and assumes the improper batter's current count. In this situation, if the proper batter is on base, then he is simply skipped in the order, and the next batter in the order is now the proper batter.

The Cure to the M's Woes???

PositivePaul — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:18:08 -0000

via www.old-time.com

With Richie obviously about to be suspended, and with no one else really hitting, I think a good batch of Ex-Lax brownies is about the only way this team is going to get any runs.

This is just pathetic.

75 word fun-filled fact:

EX-LAX, with its 84-year history, continues to lead in name recognition, consumer pre-sell, trade support and product performance.

Indeed, drug store operators generally earn 35% margins on EX-LAX, attracting heavy laxative users who also buy other OTC remedies regularly. EX-LAX is available in 9 sku's, retail priced from $1.25 to $8.29 at most drug stores, to satisfy a variety of user preferences. Items include the popular chewable chocolated tablets, easy to swallow pills, Extra Gentle and Gentle Nature product forms. To further build consumer confidence and enhance product trial, on each package EX-LAX offers a unique money-back guarantee and clearly illustrates the product inside.

Wilkerson --> Out

PositivePaul — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:05:27 -0000

Per Baker

Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad! Go Wlad!

A really good article at DOV

PositivePaul — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:19:31 -0000

I know there's a metric ton of disagreement in the blog-o-sphere when it comes to looking at things from the LL/USSM perspective and the DOV perspective. I was recently a jerk for being a back-stabber, since I frequent pretty much everywhere, and have been an accepted member of all the communities. My recent snark against DOV was stupid - I was an ass for doing this, really. I'd really like to stay out of whatever turf wars may have existed since before I was an M's blog-i-zen.

I am, however, a firm believer in the principal that if we're going to make fun of people for being wrong, we have to also acknowledge them when they blast one out of the park. A recent article at DOV blasts one out of the park .

It's not perfect, of course, and there are always thing to nitpick. But Sandy has some really good thoughts that need to be read. And, honestly, as much as even I may disagree with DOV, they're an important part of the checks & balances of the M's blog-o-sphere. And very entertaining, too.