SB Nation User Blog: rhythm

Gordon Beckham v. Too...oh wait, I don't think I was supposed to write that

rhythm — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:12:13 -0000

Just got back from some exciting White Sox baseball in the glorious Oakland / Alameda County Coliseum that I watched along with our beloved Toonder.

First observation: We didn't get any autographs on any of our balls. Together, we had three and not one got signed.

Other happenings: The ushers at the Coliseum are some stand-up folk, if you ever have the pleasure of talking with them. One chap happened to be a fudgePacker fan, but I didn't hold that against the old fella.

We had great seats, to the point that you would have been able to see us on TV (maybe) had the game been broadcast. You are all saps!

I didn't think there was a shot in hell that Nix's two-run shot would stay fair, but then it did. That proved to be enough scoring for the day (at least for the Sox), but the Sox decided to tack on 5.5 more runs over the next 7 innings, as we can only count Thomer's mashed tater in the 9th as 0.5 runs because it was so unclutch. I mean, wtf? Hit some singles there big fella!

Gordon Beckham was solid. In the field he bare-handed a slow chopper and fired to first to get (insert some semi-fast dude's name here), yielding a second to (insert other Oakland player's name here...Ellis?). He had a nice opposite field single that he seemed unsure of and also ripped a double to the left-field corner that neither he nor Toonder thought would be a double. For that, they are both douches. I knew off the bat that it would be a double.

Rios got a hit and looked good in the field. I was surprised how tall he is. He also hit some huge BP home runs. I think he's gonna have a good September.

Chelexi is skinny and I didn't agree with his steal attempt in the 4th or bunt in the 7th (?), but Toonder thought it was a good idea. I guess once he gets done sucking Ozzie off, we can once again discuss the matter ;)

I liked AJ's heads up base running on Quentin's bloop single in the 3rd. I also like how he shut the haters up with his 2 or 3 singles. It was nice to see him look like absolute shit on a few pitches and then rope a single to center in the 7th or 8th.

And what recap would be complete without an acknowledgment of BHB. He didn't have his best stuff, but got through seven giving up only 1 run. Hells yeah! Toonder likened it to a Buehrle outing, and I have to agree. Give up some hits, keep the walks down, the defense helped him out a few times. Good stuff there BHB. I made sure to down a beer (or seven) for you in celebration.

Anyways, that's about all I can recap right now as I have to go pray. It was a great day in the sun and we brought home a winner. What more could you ask for?...beside a Detroit loss, I suppose.

New Music Thread (because Hatchetm wouldn't start one himself)

rhythm — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:52:36 -0000

If you want to talk Wilco, then be my guest. I have not yet heard their album and honestly can't recall a specific song by the boys, though I know their album with the Marina Towers on the cover is ubiquitous.

The most interesting music I've heard lately has been Desorden Publico, a Venezuelan Ska band. Some of their songs sound like clown music, literally.

Other recent favorites have included Bad Brains and the Melvins.

Now, let's trash the place!

White Sox Opponents' Run Distribution To be taken in context with Cheat's graph of the offensive...

rhythm — Mon, 11 May 2009 21:10:13 -0000

White Sox Opponents' Run Distribution

To be taken in context with Cheat's graph of the offensive output of the White Sox, this graph gives an idea of how the pitching staff is doing.

In around 50% of the games, the opponents are scoring 3 runs or less. I take this as a good sign.

Also, I took the liberty to separate out starts by Contreras, seeing as he's struggled this year. You can see that the percentage of 9 and 10+ run scoring games is reduced and well over 50% of the games started by the other members of the rotation result in opponents scoring 3 runs or less.

Further proof that Chicago doesn't have a monopoly on idiot sports columnists

rhythm — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:28:37 -0000

Further proof that Chicago doesn't have a monopoly on idiot sports columnists

Kawakami seems to be trying his best to combine the worst of Rogers and Cowley. A recent example is this article he penned while evaluating both the Giants and A’s roster.

My favorite part of the article is how he defines his "keepers" and here’s his definition: A keeper is someone who could play a productive role on a playoff-level team or could be traded to acquire more keepers.

He then goes on to divide the rosters into keepers and non-keepers. He goes Rogers on us with comparing the numbers of keepers from each team and the change in the number of keepers vs. last year.

Also worth noting, he goes on to pull a Cowley by having Rowand as a keeper last year and a non-keeper this year.

Nick Adenhart killed in hit-and-run

rhythm — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:09:07 -0000

Nick Adenhart killed in hit-and-run

I know these accidents happen everyday, most recently in Donte Stallworth's drunk driving incident, but it's still shitty.

I was listening to the A's vs. Angels last night and the dude pitched a good game, pitching himself out of trouble on multiple occasions.

Bottom line, if you're going to drink or get high, call a cab.

Gaudin Released by Cubby Bears, Better Gamble than Gobble?

rhythm — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:19:06 -0000

Gaudin Released by Cubby Bears, Better Gamble than Gobble?

I realize he may not make it to the Sox, but Gaudin might be an asset in the event one of C+C rehab factory goes down. Fangraphs player page here.

Pissing in the wind, I know, but I thought I would put it up here in case you didn't see it already.

Cubs to cut Bako or K. Hill, possible backup catcher fodder?

rhythm — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:36:39 -0000

Cubs to cut Bako or K. Hill, possible backup catcher fodder?

Originally, I thought either of them would be an improvement over Corky, but check out the range of predictions (Marcel, Bill James, etc.) lifted from Fangraphs:
Corky Miller wOBA .281-.315
AJ wOBA .267-.279
Bako wOBA .249-.278
K Hill wOBA .229-.236
I guess the Sox could do much worse than Miller, thoughts?

-Edited Barko to Bako, thanks larry!

Palehose 9 - More Speed

rhythm — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:12:41 -0000

Palehose 9 - More Speed

Carl's latest at the link, it's a doozy!

Roberts Released by Giants, Can He Still Man CF?

rhythm — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:59:12 -0000

Roberts Released by Giants, Can He Still Man CF?

Is this an option to cure the Sox CF suckfest? Will colintj consider putting him on the CF WAR spreadsheet?

Dynamic Stretching Article for Amateur Athletes

rhythm — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:27:42 -0000

Dynamic Stretching Article for Amateur Athletes

I ran across this article on dynamic stretching and thought of those among us still playing ball, running, surfing, or even playing with themselves. We wouldn't want anyone to pull a muscle. ;)

Dynamic stretching was news to me, so here's hoping the article helps you in whatever activities in which you wish to engage.