SB Nation User Blog: feNOMINAL

What would we have to give up for Rafael Soriano?

feNOMINAL — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:06:29 -0000

What would we have to give up for Rafael Soriano?

Rumors say the Braves are not thrilled that Soriano accepted arbitration and are not happy to owe 18 million to three relievers next season (Wagner and Saito signed). Since he has accepted arbitration, he can be traded, but he would have to okay the deal.

If you look at his numbers, he's about as dominant a reliever can be with a god-like 102/27 K/BB and in only 75 IP. Career ERA under 3.00, and he saved 27 games last season.

I know Shields is coming back, and Jepsen's future looks bright, but it would be nice to have a shut 'em down bullpen, and clearly, this guy's good. The question is whether Arte would take on his new contract after arbitration, and what the Braves would ask for in return. They have a ton of young pitching, and the infield is solid, minus the right side. They just DFA'd Church, and don't have a RF'r. Would they be interested in Trumbo or Evans or Pettit? Something else?

Should Troy Glaus be our DH?

feNOMINAL — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:34:18 -0000

Rotoworld is reporting that Mozeliak says he won't be back with the Cards. He missed all but 14 games last season, and he's 33 years old. Speculation is that he'll have to move to 1B, or an AL team.

So the question is whether Troy Glaus can be a cheaper DH alternative to Vlad? It's risky in the same way that Frank Thomas and Mike Sweeney and Mike PIazza were risky to Oakland. But, remember that season that Thomas had in Oakland? In the spacious confines of the Colosseum? IF Glaus is healthy, why couldn't he do that much and maybe more in Anaheim? He should/may/might/hopefully/too lazy to look up money figures, cost half as much as Vladdy. IF he's healthy, he's a lock for 25+ homers and a solid OBP and a less than Vlad, but still decent average.

If it were anyone else, I'd say hell no. But it's a hometown hero, right? Maybe 1 year, 5 million, plus incentives, and a vesting option for a second year? Considering his injury history, he'd be foolish to expect a multiyear offer and big money, right?

Should the Halos be interested in Rich Harden?

feNOMINAL — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:40:49 -0000

According to Pat Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, and reported at Rotoworld, pitcher Rich Harden is not expected back with the Chicago Cubs for 2010.

A John Lackey fallback option is what I'm thinking...

Of course we know of the injury history, but Harden was stellar in '08 (25 GS, 2.07 ERA, 181K/148IP).

In 2009, the 27 year old made 27 starts with a 4.09 ERA. I understand he has never pitched 200 innings. Only once has he made 30 starts. 23 HR's in 141 innings seems like a lot--it is, but perhaps pitching in Anaheim could help.

The .234 BAA looks nice too...

Is this a hell no, or only at a certain price and length? And, what is that price and length?

Facebook Finds

feNOMINAL — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:27:22 -0000

I remember reading recently about some people wondering whether any of our players had FB pages. Tonight, my wife was talking about Lackey's wife being kinda cute, so we googled around for pictures. Well, my wife found her FB, and went through her friends list, finding these names, and potential names... Funny enough, as my wife was looking at the friends, she was amazed to find that I had a friend in common with Mrs. Lackey... who woulda thunk?

http://www.facebook.com/KristaClarkLackey

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1411578101

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1188228777&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1394678128&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=17107568&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1426754884&ref=sgm ---- not sure about this one....?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1010992191&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1132967589&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1820344788&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/mwlaxer?ref=sgm ----- not sure about this one either

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1149662516&ref=sgm

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=632938977&ref=sgm

OC's Newest Halo Fan!

feNOMINAL — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:29:52 -0000

On Tuesday afternoon, after a nice late lunch, I took my wife to the hospital. She was having contractions, but not yet in labor. Roughly seven hours later, Evelyn was born.

via farm3.static.flickr.com

What makes this an amusing story is the extent of assitude my wife kicks. After the contractions slowed down, things were getting pretty boring. So, like any other night, we turned on the Halo game. That's right, Fox Sports West in the Labor and Delivery Room at St. Joe's in Orange!

via farm4.static.flickr.com

via farm3.static.flickr.com

It was a mostly unspectacular evening, for both the Halos, and my wife, until the ninth inning, for the Halos and my wife. By this time, contractions were starting to speed up, and our All-Star was on the mound. Should have been an until recently superb outing by our closer, but the previous games struggles with the hot-hitting Indians returned.

The inning started to get ugly right around the time the doctor and nurses came in for the delivery. As the coach/partner/husband/father, official film photographer, and a nervous Angel fan, my attention was split three ways! Here was my pregnant wife giving birth to our child, an All-Star blowing it on the mound, and a film camera in each of my hands trying to capture it all!

via farm3.static.flickr.com

At the first push, I saw baby head. In between contractions, eyes averted to the screen above. One out now, but it still wasn't looking pretty. There was no progress after the second push, and between contractions, the doctor and nurses turned to watch the game. My wife looked up, noticing a lot of yellow on the bases, then timidly remarking, "I think there's another one (contraction) coming."

via farm4.static.flickr.com

The doctor and nurses slowly returned their attention for another contraction. By the sixth contraction, Bulger had finished the job, to a silent fist pump by the wife, and nods of approval by the labor and delivery staff. With the seventh push, baby was out, and the fireworks across the street in Anaheim were celebrating "Just another Halo Victory" simultaneously as we were celebrating the birth of OC's new halo fan!

via farm4.static.flickr.com

via farm3.static.flickr.com

Holy Sheet, Vicente Padilla has Swine Flu!

feNOMINAL — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:19:02 -0000

Rotoworld is reporting Rangers SP Vicente Padilla has contacted Swine Flu. I really hope he gets through this, and for the health and safety of his teammates and staff in the Rangers organization. It would be utterly horrible, devastating to have this thing floating through MLB.

He's still schedule to pitch his next game, but obviously, not much can be counted on him right now, and the prevention of an outbreak or passing to others should be of utmost concern.

Thoughts and prayers to Padilla and his family.

Matt Holliday is a Cardinal

feNOMINAL — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:52:32 -0000

According to Rotoworld, A's receive Brett Wallace, Clayton Mortensen, and Shane Petersen. I think this is a great move for Choaktown, landing someone like Wallace, who could probably step in right now, and make an impact next year. Mortensen seems decent enough, and is probably filler with Outman lost, and Gio and Eveland sucking.

What does everyone think?

Does this make Oakland more competitive next year? And in 2011? Or, will Texas, with that farm, be the class of competition?

UPDATE: Lots of LINKS at Athletics Nation, and ANALYSIS there too.

Physioc Reads HH

feNOMINAL — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:43:39 -0000

Or, someone alerted him to Rev's recent post. Through the top of the 7th, Physioc has been near perfect. Every complaint I read about last night has been addressed.

With insightful content, solid leads to Rex, excitement and optimism in Halo homers, runs, and defensive gems, and a more "beat the other team" attitude, I can't think of anything in tonight's broadcast that would annoy the Phys hater. Unless you simply don't like his voice, or just really like the ill-timed delivery of awkward-voiced Rory.

Sure, it's just one game. Many of you will look for any mispronounced name or stutter to sling your poo, but that's an all too-human trait inherent in every broadcaster.

With BillyMac pretty much stealing the Jobba the Overrated Hut line from this mornings pregame points post, I just thought it was funny that an honest look into tonight's (not yet finished, but almost) broadcast couldn't be further from the hate dished out the other night.

Ayala is an FA; Sherril available?

feNOMINAL — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:30:34 -0000

Ayala is an FA; Sherril available?

In addition to the possibility that we may be onto Capps and/or Grabow, Luis Ayala, who was previously DFA'd by the Twins, is now an FA. His K/BB wasn't too bad, in relation to IP... at a league minimum, if he'll sign for that, may be worth looking into, especially after last night's BP debacle.

Also, Rotoworld is reporting that the Orioles may consider dangling George Sherril, though without having an in-house option to replace him (CRay?), they aren't expected to sell low.

I know the O's have been sucking mightily at SS since Tejada left. I wonder how much we could get for Aybar?

The WWII blimp hangars are still standing, and are guarded by some ranger in a Ranger. I've scouted...

feNOMINAL — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:51:47 -0000

The WWII blimp hangars are still standing, and are guarded by some ranger in a Ranger. I've scouted the area, and found some places I probably shouldn't be, but for which there were no fences or signs posted. Inside one of the buildings, on a cot, next to some rat dookie was this gem of a print.

I should have taken it, but I left it undisturbed. just wanted to share, is all.