SB Nation User Blog: ben nevis

Flip Flop Fly Ball

ben nevis — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:48:28 -0000

Flip Flop Fly Ball

Stats made simple.

Fantasy Baseball for normal people

ben nevis — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:48:34 -0000

Eight teams have signed up for the Red Reporter '09 fantasy baseball league. I'd like to get it to 10-12 this week before we get to the live draft the following week and begin the season. There is room for 14 teams total.

The format is normal 5x5 roto, NL only. Last year's league was competitive right to the final week, so if you're not inclined to participate all season, please let someone else join.

We're using Yahoo!, so to sign up, go to their fantasy baseball page. You'll need our league ID (197664) and the password (cincy). There's room for 6 more teams. First come, first serve.

Non-Stat Geek Fantasy Baseball

ben nevis — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:48:00 -0000

OK, so I did it. I created a fantasy league at yahoo! along the same lines as last year's non-beer league/non-stat geek Red Reporter league. It's pretty normal 5x5 roto, NL only. The league is limited to 14 teams, so it will be first come, first serve. Currently, I have the live draft set up for Tues, March 24 at 6:00 pm, but we can change that if it won't suit too many people.

I had a lot of fun with this last year and it seemed to stay fairly competitive throughout the season, so if you're not inclined to stick it out the whole 162, please refrain from signing up.

So for those who want to join, go for it. The password is cincy. Is there anything else people need?

That's It! We're Done!

ben nevis — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:16:03 -0000

Evidently, we've maxed out our budget. I just now saw it on MLBTR, who took it from CTrent. According to the Fay, it's about the same last year's $74MM, maybe a touch higher. So we can more or less bank on this being the team that shows up in Sarasota. I think most of us were assuming as much, though perhaps just many were hoping we'd be wrong. In my mind this blows for one reason: I now have zero motivation to check the Reds hot stove for the next couple months. I appreciate the Reds newfound openness to the media, but I wouldn't have minded being strung along till pitchers & catchers in hopes of a new signing.

The Latest from the Fay

ben nevis — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:56:08 -0000

Fay posted a fairly quick report on Jocketty's action at the GM meetings. There's a condensed (barely) version on MLBTR. The good news is, Khalil Greene rumors are a lie. It's nice to see Jocketty recognizing that it just doesn't make any sense, especially long term. Also nice to see Jocketty refusing to offer up the young pitching base we've finally been able to establish, though MLBTR assumes Homer is movable. Finally catching is on the list. Isn't it on everyone's list? And Walt has begun talks with Hairston's people and will approach Weathers, Affeldt, and Lincoln about resigning.

It's not a ton of news, but what should be the approach on Hairston, Weathers, Affeldt, and Lincoln? What would you guys offer?

Is any amount too much for Maddux?

ben nevis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:34:00 -0000

Here's the report from the Padre's website for yesterday's game against the Angels:

Greg Maddux certainly looked in midseason form Friday, as he needed just 24 pitches -- including 19 strikes -- over three scoreless innings. He did not allow a hit or a walk.

It reminded me of his 68-pitch, 8 inning performance against the Giants on Aug 13, 2006. About a month later he threw 68 in 7 innings against the Padres. And a quick glance at his '07 numbers and he never threw over 100 pitches all last year and finished 14-10 with 4.14 ERA.

Now, I know he's clearly one of the best pitchers of this generation, let alone history. My question is this: is it too early to start talking to him about becoming the pitching coach of the Reds once he retires? And could you just promise him, like, $7m/yr? Whatever he knows about pitching, it's worth a lot of money.

Bill James Article

ben nevis — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:58:18 -0000

The Boston Globe had a short article on Bill James this morning, in which he refers to Paul Daugherty, saying, "Who does he think he is?! I'm Bill James, bitch!" Actually, he never said that. But it is an interesting read. Of special note to Reds fans is the mention of David Ross, James's '07 Kingman Award winner.

Baseball Strategy

ben nevis — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:19:11 -0000

I didn't notice this at the end of last year, but I read the other day that LaRussa is having his pitchers bat 8th in the lineup this spring and possibly into the season. I'm not a big fan of LaRussa (I think he's generally overrated), but I'm curious. Can someone with a little more baseball knowhow clue me in? What's the TLR trying to do here?

Face of the Franchise

ben nevis — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 19:48:27 -0000

ESPN.com just put up a page in which they're polling analysts and fans to find out who people think is the "face" of each MLB franchise. Like most of the polls ESPN seems to put on, it's little more than a easy way to waste a couple of minutes. My interest was peaked, however, when I noticed that our own JD is scheduled to weigh in with his opinion as Reds expert later this week. So go check it out if for no other reason than to support the efforts of our fearless leader.

I think mostly this is little more than ESPN.com's writers to come up with something to do ('cause I don't think they're usually offering up much useful material), but I am excited simply to see more and more "mainstream" media turning to the blogging community for their take on the sports and teams they care about.

Pat Forde on Cincinnati

ben nevis — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:46:56 -0000

Espn.com posted an article by Pat Forde today that discusses the unique nature of the city of Cincinnati. Specifically, he considers its rampant conservatism juxtaposed with its rampant affection for rough-and-tumble guys like Pete Rose and Bob Huggins.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2848689&sportCat=ncb& ;lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1

I thought it was an interesting read, but I don't live in Cincinnati myself. I actually don't live anywhere near it, but my family has all come from there. I'm curious how some natives feel about the article.

Also, somebody's gotta tell me how to embed html links into text so I don't have to post that long string of a web address.