Anyone Up For A Baseball Chat Today?

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:00 am

Originally posted by Sack:

Greg:

Any thoughts on Mark McGuire's Brother coming out with a book on his Brothers use?

I think McGuire's Brother talking about releasing the "steroid goods" on Mark is interesting. My hunch is that people will scream at the nobody brother as being the lowest form of scum on the earth. Actually makes Mark a sympathetic figure. I mean - getting ratted out by your brother? Mark takes the bull by the horns and ADMITS ( what we already know ) soon after he actually DID take the steroids and goes on a marketing campaign to bring this message to our youth. America will forgive, MARKY gets a shot at election to the HALL in the future for coming clean. Just my wild theory. Your thoughts? When I saw yesterday that Mark McGwire's brother was ratting him out in a book I immediately thought about Dan McGwire, the former Seahawks' bust at QB. Then I read it was his estranged brother and it got even better.

I completely agree with you. His brother says he's doing Mark a favor by explaining when and how he got started on steroids and telling the world for him. If Mark would have broken down in Washington and said he only did this late in his career to put bread on his family's table and mainly did Andro, which was legal at the time, folks would have been more sympathetic to him and probably forgiven him by now. As it stands, he will never get in the Hall of Fame and will never be given credit for all he did in the game.

But it appears he doesn't care about any of that. He doesn't need the fame, doesn't want the attention and doesn't care about his place in history. He just wants to be left alone and that's exactly what is going to happen. Nobody will care about him going forward and he apparently won't make a stink about it. It's a tragic ending to a solid career and for a guy who helped lift baseball out of a tough time, but it is what it is.

The book will probably get picked up, but I'm not so sure anyone will care in another 18-24 months.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:03 am

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

quote:Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Do you think TOUT or LABR could invite Childs to play one year (pay him off to lose) and put this NFBC vs. "experts" thing to bed?

~Lance Lance, If I was ever asked, I would decline. As I think it would be a great honor to play in either event, I think the trading game has passed me by. There was a time I enjoyed it, but over the years it has lost its luster. I've seen too many bad trades and too many trades made with allies that don't make sense. It's a great way to learn the game, but over time you see too many things that make you shake your head. Once I played in the NFBC, I can never go back. This is the best game in town. [/QUOTE]This is my drawback too and why I would only play with a partner. I HATE trade proposals even in this league and Dr. Z can be our guy to bluntly say "no f---ing way." I can't do that, but he can. So he handles all trades and I just go back to ranking football players and trying to stay alive with the NFFC.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:06 am

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Of the 15 teams in the KJ Duke higher stakes salary league...do you foresee a few teams breaking the bank and locking up 5 or 6 "first rounders"?

How would you guess it goes? 50% cheapskates, 30% middle range bankroll, and 20% Yankee payroll?

Does Robert Downey Jr. nail a Best Supporting Actor award for his Tropic Thunder role?

"I'm a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude!"

~Lance Man, I'm looking forward to those results and writing a story on Rotoworld.com. I hope it gets picked up on multiple fantasy sites because it's a concept that I think could catch on. I'll have to convince KJ to trademark that with us.

I don't think there will be 20% Yankees. I wouldn't. I'd build a cheaper team and let others pay for the big boys. We all know who the overpaid stars are and I wouldn't touch them with their current salaries. I'm normally a cheapskate anyway, but this is one league I'd enjoy trying to win with a middle of the road payroll.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:07 am

Originally posted by Cool Hand Luke:

What type of effect do you think the two new stadiums in NY will have on the studs on both teams? Will David Wright hit 40 HR in a less cavernous CitiField? Will Johan be quite as good? I heven't even heard whether each park is suppose to be nuetral, favor the hitter or pitcher. Todd Zola is writing that story for our next issue of Fantasy Sports Magazine. I should have that next week and will tease it here. I don't know the answer just yet, but I'll have a CLEAR answer next week if Lord Zola hits his deadline.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:10 am

Originally posted by Cooperstown:

Greg,

How will the departure of Maddux effect your beloved Brewer's pitching staff? Well, he definitely was a positive influence on the young pitchers and most people in the organization have given him credit for the turnaround on that staff. That being said, Bill Castro has been with the Brewers almost two decades as the bullpen coach and is now the new pitching coach. That's about as good a transition as you can get in the majors, so I don't think they will just fall off because of Castro. More likely they will bottom out because they lost Sabathia and Sheets and now have Bush and Suppan!!

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:11 am

Originally posted by KJ Duke:

quote:Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Any chance of adding another row of Graemlins to our options.

The evil laugh, a crying one, and my favorite...the straight face, etc.

~Lance excellent suggestion

[/QUOTE]Nice. Where did you get that one? Do they have any with a Graemlin turning a brat??

Put a little green on that Graemlin and Lambeau Field in the background and I'd feel right at home.

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:12 am

Would this ever work? (I'm inspired to drink early today by Iola Cocktail Hour!)

MLB rule change.

In the event of a fielders choice out...the batter who hit into the out is removed from the base, and replaced by the baserunner forced out.

So the player who earned his way on base, stays on base to have a chance at getting a run scored...not the player who hit into a fielders choice.

~Lance

Walla Walla · Post by **Walla Walla** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:12 am

Maybe just maybe Mark McGuire decided the money was more important than the truth. He'll be a Congressman some day.

ToddZ · Post by **ToddZ** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:21 am

Todd Zola is writing that story for our next issue of Fantasy Sports Magazine. I should have that next week and will tease it here. I don't know the answer just yet, but I'll have a CLEAR answer next week if Lord Zola hits his deadline.

Just got back from NY with my tape measure. Story will be written this weekend, deadline will be met.

Preliminary research suggests, oops, gotta go

JohnZ · Post by **JohnZ** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:23 am

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

quote:Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Do you think TOUT or LABR could invite Childs to play one year (pay him off to lose) and put this NFBC vs. "experts" thing to bed?

~Lance Lance, If I was ever asked, I would decline. As I think it would be a great honor to play in either event, I think the trading game has passed me by. There was a time I enjoyed it, but over the years it has lost its luster. I've seen too many bad trades and too many trades made with allies that don't make sense. It's a great way to learn the game, but over time you see too many things that make you shake your head. Once I played in the NFBC, I can never go back. This is the best game in town. [/QUOTE]This is my drawback too and why I would only play with a partner. I HATE trade proposals even in this league and Dr. Z can be our guy to bluntly say "no f---ing way." I can't do that, but he can. So he handles all trades and I just go back to ranking football players and trying to stay alive with the NFFC.

[/QUOTE]All I can say is I'm very glad to see Todd and Perry in and one of the main "I'll offer you my pile of dung for Ian Kinsler" owners out. He's won a few times SIMPLY because he knows one owner will finally say yes after tiring of the dozens and dozens of ridiculous offers just to get rid of the constant annoyance. I hate this method of winning.

We all want to win this league badly, but the parties Wolf/Colton throw each night, the three games Greg and I take in each afternoon are what make the weekend great.

We already have our tix to these games. If you're around, give us a shout!

3/6 Mariners at A's PHX

3/7 Royals at Indians Goodyear

3/8 Giants at Angels Tempe

sportsbettingman · Post by **sportsbettingman** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:26 am

Originally posted by Walla Walla:

Maybe just maybe Mark McGuire decided the money was more important than the truth. He'll be a Congressman some day. Of no value to this thread...

I saw Dan McGwire (QB for SDSU at the time 1990) drink one of many goldfish out of a punch bowl cocktail at a SDSU frat? party while I was living in San Diego. Fun party.

"Psst...That's Mark McGwire's brother" they'd say.

Ahhh, college days. (My friend went to SDSU...not me)

~Lance

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:27 am

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

At 36...do you think Carlos Delgado has a few more years left?

His 2nd half was an eye opener, and he seems to go fairly late.

24 HR and .313 avg. are numbers guys being drafted before him are hoping for...and he did that in the 2nd half alone.

~Lance I'm not diving in Lance. I had Delgado in our XFL Keeper League and I watched most of those at-bats during the first half of the season when he hit .231-14-45 through June 30th. He was simply on fire after that, but that first half still sticks in my mind and seeing that scouts felt his bat speed had really slowed down. He made the necessary adjustments somehow after July 1st, but at 36 and coming off that strong second half I'm staying away.

If he comes anywhere close to that strong second half, though, you are right, he would be good value. But I'm going with young players this year, not 36-year-olds.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 8:29 am

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Would this ever work? (I'm inspired to drink early today by Iola Cocktail Hour!)

MLB rule change.

In the event of a fielders choice out...the batter who hit into the out is removed from the base, and replaced by the baserunner forced out.

So the player who earned his way on base, stays on base to have a chance at getting a run scored...not the player who hit into a fielders choice.

~Lance Baseball is WAY too old school to go for that, but I like it. I think if you tried to explain this to Bud Selig he would have NO CLUE what you are trying to accomplish!!

You are drinking already, aren't you?

If you lived in this crappy weather here, it'd be Cocktail Hour for you EVERY HOUR.

DiamondKing · Post by **DiamondKing** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:46 pm

Originally posted by Cool Hand Luke:

What type of effect do you think the two new stadiums in NY will have on the studs on both teams? Will David Wright hit 40 HR in a less cavernous CitiField? Will Johan be quite as good? I heven't even heard whether each park is suppose to be nuetral, favor the hitter or pitcher. I heard a report that a few Mets players went to the new ballpark towards the end of last season for some BP.They said that the ball jumped out of the park.Maybe fans in the stands will change that a little.

rkulaski · Post by **rkulaski** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 4:49 pm

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Since you said you're up for anything...my brother sent me this e-mail...

KURTIS THE STOCK BOY AND BRENDA THE CHECKOUT GIRL

In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice

came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was

almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the

call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the

new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he

was only 22) and he fell in love.

Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find

out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card

and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to

see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket,

and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he

dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply

said it wasn't possible.

He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a

baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter Reluctantly she accepted

his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived

at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The

baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well,

let's take the kids with us."

She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not

taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet

her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis

thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a

paraplegic with Down Syndrome.

Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't

come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman

with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband

and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a

different mindset.

That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the

movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he

needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and

brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda

knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life

with.

A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children.

Since then they have added two more kids.

So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well,

Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed

as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his

Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl. Is this a

surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person.

It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.

He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.

AND THE REST OF THE STORY:

Today at church our minister mentioned that when Kurt, his wife and 7 children go out to eat he

has one of his children pick out a family eating at the restaurant. Kurt then tells the wait staff he is

picking up the tab for that family's dinner anonymously. He remembers the days he was working nights

in the grocery store and feeding his family on food stamps. That totally caught me off guard. That is the best story that I've read in a long time. Thanks Lance.

Greg Ambrosius · Post by **Greg Ambrosius** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 1:05 am

Originally posted by sportsbettingman:

Any chance of adding another row of Graemlins to our options.

The evil laugh, a crying one, and my favorite...the straight face, etc.

~Lance STATS told me late yesterday I have the power to add more Graemlins, so on Monday I'll take the time to dive in and see if I can do that. I'll load it up if I can find that in our Admin tool. That and the power of pictures will liven this board up before Draft Day.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:59 am

gotta add one like this Greg. The Ambrosius graemlin

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:09 am

and this one for Tom ! Because the truth IS out there

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:17 am

Originally posted by Quahogs:

gotta add one like this Greg. The Ambrosius graemlin Nice ! I'm saving that one.

[ January 24, 2009, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: KJ Duke ]

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:21 am

I also found one that looks like Q - posting pics or looking for sleepers ...

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:26 am

ha Duke ! How about Duke late LATE at night

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:28 am

and Duke running the "slow" drafts !

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:35 am

I've followed your urls to a goldmine Q!

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:37 am

Zaleski vs R Thomas showdown in Vegas:

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 4:49 am

yeah Dukes..site is good eats.

Crane and Shandler.