Ramblings

[DOUGHBOYS]

I've been away a little while...

Let's try and liven these Boards up a little.....



The Kansas City Royals say they have no intentions of sending down Mike Moustakas.

Bull.

Moustakas was 'only' hitting .287 with 10 hr's in the minors.

'Only', because these stats come from the hitting rich Pacific Coast League.

Scarier, Moustakas had 44 strike outs in 55 games at the lower level and was also hitting just .260 vs. lefties.

At the higher level he is three for his last 35 and only 'hitting' .077 vs. lefties.

The Royals may only say they have no thoughts of sending him down to bolster his confidence.

I hope so.

They kept a good looking prospect up in Alex Gordon too long and paid for that mistake.

I hope they don't do the same to Moustakas.



CC Sabathia is in good company.He turns 31 this Thursday. The last eight pitchers to have 170 career wins before their 31st birthday are Bob Feller, Hal Newhouser, Robin Roberts, Don Drysdale, Juan Marichal, Fergie Jenkins, Jim Palmer, and Catfish Hunter.

All, are in the Hall of Fame.



5,800 players were on minor and major league rosters in 1941.

93% of those players ended up serving in World War II



I like BABIP.

I'm not much of a fan of the stat itself, but the abbreviation has vowels in the right place and it's longer than most abbreviations.

It's pleasing to the eye.

It does need a slash though.

Although not a number, numerish folks love their slashes.

So, here is a new one...

IBB/GIDP

This'll probably be the only time you see this abbreviation and it stands for just what you think it stands for.

Intentional bases on balls/Grounded into double plays.

Of course, this has little to do with fantasy baseball. I just like the configuration of IBB/GIDP.

And also to pay homage to Carlos Ruiz who has six intentional walks, yet has only grounded into one double play.

Nice IBB/GIDP, Carlos!

Oh, every Major Leaguer with at least 250 plate appearances has grounded into at least one double play, except for Jonny Gomes.

Making that IBB/GIDP even better for Ruiz.



Baltimore's pitching was supposed to be a lot better this year. Youngsters like Matusz, Tillman, and Arrieta were supposed to help Guthrie bolster a better staff.

Now, Baltimore's staff is Guthrie, Arrieta, Simon, Bergeson, and Atkins. Or, Stink, Stank, and Stunk.

With most of the rest of the Orioles games coming against AL East foes, look for them to sink, sank, and sunk.

Oh, and in 92 games played by the Orioles this year, they have only had starters reach seven innings 15 times. Or, once a week.



Travis Snider has the most cheesey moustache in the Majors. If I did pictures, I would show one of him.

His stache belongs in a 1930's crime family movie. The Jays and fantasy owners are liking the cheese though.

Since he has come back from the minors (are you listening Royals Management?), Snider has hit .391 with a homer, three stolen bases, and 10 runs and 12 rbi in just 11 games.

Everything isn't rosy for the cheesey whiz though. He has a 13/1 k/bb ratio.



The Pirates have been a fun story this year.

Who knew that Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, and Bob Correia would propel the Pirates through different months and prevent any long losing streaks?

Not me.

Yesterday, Fred (for you, Rick and Wayne)Correia was gunning for his 12th win.

He didn't get it, but the accomplishment of ANY Pirates right hander going for his 12th win in July is inspiring.

Do you know who the last Pirates right hander to get 12 wins for a SEASON was?

The dynamic duo of Kip Wells and Josh Fogg in 2002.

Of course, Wells and Fogg together lost more than they won that year.

Correia should be a winning pitcher.





What team has the best E.R.A. in baseball?

Philly? No.

Atlanta? No.

The Giants? No



The team with the best E.R.A. in baseball is the Oakland Athletics.

The A's have won 42 games. Only five teams in baseball have won less.

Billy Beane could be a very busy man as the trade deadline draws nearer.



The Houston DisAstros have won just 15 of their 50 home games this year. 15!

Every other team in baseball has already won at least 20 games at home.



The American and National leagues are similar this year.

The power teams are in the East. The Yankees and Red Sox should garner a league winner and wild card.

Same for the National League with Philadelphia and Atlanta.



Mediocre teams like Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota, and the White Sox are scrambling in the Central.

Same in the National League Central with Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, St Louis, and Cincinnati.

Pennant winning Texas leads the West in the A.L.

World Series victor, San Francisco leads the N.L. West.



Jesus Montero will be traded by the deadline.

So will Eric Young Jr

So will Jeff Francouer and Melky Cabrera



But, I was just kicking around a dream scenario in my mind...

The thought of Jose Reyes going to the Red Sox. I know the chances of it happening are remote, but stay with me.

If Reyes is sent to the Red Sox they could fashion a lineup like nobody has ever seen before.

They would have the three premier leadoff hitters in baseball in Reyes, Ellsbury, and Crawford. Their lineup could be constructed in three's instead of a full nine....



1. Reyes

2. Pedroia

3. Gonzalez



1. Ellsbury

2. Youkilis

3. Ortiz



1. Crawford

2. Reddick

3. Saltalamacchia



It'd be a fun team to watch. Especially if Posada made his way back behind home plate and Francona led off with Reyes, Ellsbury, and Crawford.

Just for fun.



[ July 18, 2011, 12:15 PM: Message edited by: DOUGHBOYS ]

[Joe Sambito]

After a bit of a hiatus from your Stuff, Junk and Ramblings, DOUGHBOYS returns to the boards and what is his first topic of conversation ... the Kansas City Royals! Like a batting practice fastball from Jose Cano. Dayton Moore, whatever did you do to Mr. DOUGHBOYS?