Baseball Toaster was unplugged on February 4, 2009.
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1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with
In a decision sure to dismay 99 percent of the Dodger fan base, Brett Tomko has been chosen to start Sunday's game in San Francisco, according to Diamond Leung of the Press-Enterprise.
The Dodgers need a spot starter until Randy Wolf or Hong-Chih Kuo returns from the disabled list. Eric Stults or recently optioned D.J. Houlton were more deserving candidates based on their performances this season (the Dodgers are expected to go back to 12 pitchers sooner than later, remember).
The way he has been pitching lately, one would expect Tomko to have trouble getting out of the second inning - and if he did fail that spectacularly, pitching in his former home stadium, the run-suppressing Two Cups and a String Park, that might be enough to bring about his release. But I've seen too many pitchers fight off the fates to be sure Tomko won't slide by.
The Dodgers and Giants play a night game followed by two day games, beginning Friday. Will Barry Bonds play in all three games?
Update: At *touch* 'em all, Alyssa Milano mentions the following exchange between herself and Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Jeff Garlin.
Jeff (Garlin):
I just figured out who you remind me of, Alyssa.
Alyssa:
Really Jeff? Who do I remind you of?
Jeff:
A young Jonathan Broxton.
I don't know if this is the first time this has been used but it's the first time I've seen it and it's the greatest nickname for that ballpark ever...
I just... don't like the odds. I don't know how confident I'd be with Stults or Houlton going, for that matter, but decidedly more confident than I am with Tomko.
But hey, if he does get bombed, so long Tomko. I believe this may be his last chance. We can't lose! Even if we lose. Er...
Ah, fuhgedaboutit. I'm gonna stop worrying about it. For now.
Tomko hasn't gone longer than 3 innings in a month, and hasn't started a game since mid-May.
While I wouldn't put money on it, it's certainly possible that Tomko will pull his one last shred of dignity together long enough to befuddle the Giants to the tune of 3 earned runs over six innings.
That, of course, would probably be enough for him to keep his job for the rest of the season.
Sigh. I just tried looking on the bright side and found only more gloom.
My answer is "no." So why not see what Stults can do? we;ve seen Tomko. To me this is the same argument for benching Nomar over Loney or Pierre over Kemp (although obviously on a smaller scale.
http://tinyurl.com/273x3b
If this turns into more than a one time thing, then this might be worth getting upset over, but I don't see a tremendous difference between Tomko and Stults. If the Dodgers were running out someone with any potential, sure, use him, but Eric Stults doesn't inspire me in the least.
Plus, I'm still holding onto the fact that Tomko has a 4.29 FIP. He really hasn't been anything but Tomkoesque this year. Then again, I was saying the same thing about Odalis.
25 - Taking me seriously then, are you?
55. One of the things (among many) that makes A-Rod opt out situation different form Drew's besides the built-in guarantees is that Texas in paying $7 million of A-Rod's current contract. If A-Rod opts out Texas is off the hook. So, a single team would have to be willing to pony up that $32 (or $35 million) per season. How many such team are out there?
He came into the game with a 1.79 ERA. The Tigers were starting Frank Castillo with a 22.85 ERA.
http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1998/B05090ANA1998.htm
The main difference between Hendrickson and Tomko this year has been all the doubles. Is that luck? I don't know the answer to that.
[whistles, walks away looking at nothing in particular]
No biggie just wanted to clear that up. I am not that reactionary. I am not thrilled with him starting not because he isnt very good but to me he hasn't earned the right to start in my opinion.
--
57. jasonungar07
I have such a love/hate relationship with this team. By far the most since I have been a dodger fan.
2007-07-12 16:19:0958. bhsportsguy
57 How can one start by any pitcher change your feelings about the Dodgers?
I think getting ripped apart five times in a row combined with generally being not very good to begin with is making him look worse than he really is.
26 I think my daughter paints better than Tomko, too.
Jeff (Garlin):
I just figured out who you remind me of, Alyssa.
Alyssa:
Really Jeff? Who do I remind you of?
Jeff:
A young Jonathon Broxton.
Yes, I remember that game very well and I was shocked that Castillo pitched as well as he did.
He was awful.
And he kept pitching through 2005!
the '04 team rocked pretty good also if you ask me. How soon do we forget.
Okay, fully seriously. I would rather see Aaron Sele start on Sunday than Brett Tomko.
Bo was an Angel until the strike and then decided not to come back.
I saw him pitch in spring training & judging from his mechanics he isn't starting material.
Anyway to get back to Alyssa, I really respect her baseball knowledge and her sincere appreciation of the game and its players. And frankly, someone should have created nice clothes for women to wear, now maybe if they make something for women bigger than size 4, then she can make a mint.
Update on DT game:
Potential starteres
Derek Lowe vs. Dave Williams.
Williams will be the third lefty in a row that the Mets will throw at the Dodgers this time through Dodger Stadium, last time Glavine and Perez both missed L.A.
6IP, 2H, 1ER, 1BB, 7K
This kid is really looking like the real deal after K'ing 11.4 batters per 9 innings the Cal league.
I know that is one reason why Greg Brock doesn't like where are minor league teams are based.
But good start for McDonald, a little more age appropriate league for him.
Jacksonville just rolling along.
I really hope Meloan gets a sept. call up.
http://tinyurl.com/2yrdno
71
Probably because Denker failed twice when promoted to High A so they probably want to give him more of a taste of success in High A before he's given a promotion. DeWitt had been extremely hot.
I'd bet money that Meloan see's the show before Sept, either with the Dodgers or someone else.
i hope your not implying he'll be traded, Dodgers fans deserve to see him pitch up here.
cool pics TC
I feel like Toby. Do you need me to go on?
And then the next two batters hit balls off the LF wall only to have Wilkin Ruan throw out both guys at second base as they tried to get a double.
Hu lined out to right in his first AB in AAA, not bad had a runner on second with no outs so he hit the ball to right side but it was caught.
1/3 IP 1 H O R O ER, 1 pitch thrown
No one was caught stealing or picked off.
The Twins made two outs at second on the same play. Morneau going back and Hunter going in!
Because I made a typo!
shh- just go with it Dave.
So Watson took it out on David Wells, suspending him for 7 games, assuring that he will miss at least one start if not two depending on when he starts the suspension.
This reminds me of an episode of Monk from season 5. (For anybody that doesn't know, the character Adrian Monk has certain mental "issues" that put him somewhat at odds with the rest of the world.) In the episode I'm thinking of, Monk and his assistant Natalie approach a house, and Monk is confused by a mat in front of the door that says "Go Away" instead of the traditional "Welcome." Natalie tells Monk that the mat is a joke. Monk says he doesn't see why it would be funny. Natalie explains, "It's funny because it's OPPOSITE."
Like Monk, I don't see why something just being opposite is funny, outside of true sarcasm, but sarcasm depends on more than just opposites. Sarcasm has an undertone of viciousness. Even a door mat that says "Go Away" can be funny because the person who puts it in front of his house is striking a pose of misanthropy, which is vicious, and that puts it in the same spirit as sarcasm. But nothing that guy said to Ayssa Milano can be construed as a jab as Milano, so all we are left with is oppositeness, and I at least just don't find that enough to be funny.
I think there's also the fact that I imagine Garlin probably delivered the first part very sincerely, so that the second part came out of left field and makes me laugh.
First AB - Lined out to rightfielder
Second AB - Homered to left centerfield
Third AB - Grounded a double down the 3B line.
So his line so far. .667/.667/2.00
I don't know why (I guess I do know why), but I've really enjoyed Alyssa's blog. I mean it isn't exactly in the same domain as, say, Dodger Thoughts, but it's some interesting insight from an unexpected source.
That's the funniest thing I've read all day.
We all orchestrated that.
Even Justin Morneau and Torii Hunter were in on it.
that's the way i pictured it & got an o.k. chuckle from me it wasn't a LOL but a chuckle non the less.
What do you know about Norrito? Kyle Wilson? Thanks.
People argue.
The Tigers appeal that Beltre missed second. And Bruce Froemming says "He's out."
Does the third run count?
i hope your not scoring that game Bob, that's as weird as it gets no?
I lost track.
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20020113/ANSWERMAN/40810017
Some things are just funny and you can't rationally explain why.
Kyle Wilson - 22nd Round pick in 2004 out of UCLA, did not pitch in 2004, has pitched in the system since 2005, repeating High A ball in Inland Empire.
G. Norrito - 48th Round pick in 2004 out of college, in his 4th professional season, first two in GCL, became a full time starter this year.
It was just a 1-6 putout. Guillen (Carlos) drew an error that allowed Sexson to score. Once there is an error, you have to start over on the scoring.
Kyle Wilson is a closer type. In fact, he was U.C.L.A.'s closer when we drafted him. His fastball often reaches mid-90's. He has worked on sharpening his curve while a pro. He should be in Double A instead of high A, and I have wondered for a while why he hasn't gotten promoted.
You're doing that just to tick off Bob, right?
I told you, no periods in UCLA! No periods!
http://www.ucla.edu
(Resume normal voice)
Or the New York Times insistence on using "N.C.A.A." or "N.Y.U."
All those periods are ugly from a typography standpoint.
What about "36 hours in Redding"?
The "hip librarians" article is still getting laughs at work. And mainly by people who are the age of the people described in the article.
The specialties of the Korean-born and San Francisco-trained owner and chef, Morgan Song, include an asparagus appetizer ($8.50) and a Muscovy duck pâté served on crusty herbed bread ($7.50). The orange roughy on cream of spinach with an accent of butternut squash piled with wasabi caviar ($20.50) wasn't local (it arrived that morning from Australia) but was still deliciously fresh.
Not exactly a family trip to Redding.
I think my family ate at a McDonalds when we there but that was back in 1972 on my family's infamous trip to the Beaver State.
I guess I'm more decadent than I thought.
Once you hit three letters, the periods go.
Unless you're the New York Times.
Postal abbreviations are different, but few news sources use those outside of putting them in an actual address.
http://tinyurl.com/yqowqd
Please say no.
http://tinyurl.com/22q57g
The library has a gianormous collection of style guides, both new and old.
I went to a Dodger game once with some friends from high school. It would have been about ten years ago. There was some fight about whose sense of directions were suspect (I assume I started it, but it's possible I was the victim; no, really, it's possible). Everybody was stewing. I asked one of the non-combatants if I could ask her a question. She said that I could. My question, delivered with all the false sincerity of which I was capable (which, not to boast, is quit a bit), "If you had my love, and I gave you all my trust, would you. . . comfort me?"
1 : ENAMEL
2 : a moderate bluish green to greenish blue that is lighter than gendarme, deeper than cyan blue, and duller than parrot blue called also bleu Louise
There are dictionaries of slang, too, but they're usually worthless twenty minutes before they're printed. Until fifty years later, when nobody remembers what "crunk" meant.
I don't know I don't have one. I just have an MLIS.
Here's an article that deals with the recent decision to add the word "mcjob" to Wesbter's:
http://tinyurl.com/yrls85
'Merriam-Webster officials maintain the word was not added to belittle the 48-year-old fast-food chain but rather to accurately describe the English lexicon.
"The dictionary has a very basic function, and it is not out there to make judgments," said Tom Pitoniak, an associate editor of the Merriam-Webster dictionary. "There was a great deal of evidence of regular usage of this word."
He said the reason for including the word was that over the last 17 years, the word has consistently been found in such publications as Rolling Stone, The New Republic, and the New York Times Book Review.'
http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/poloout2.jpg
in the game reads Ain't Baseball Great?
And if you REALLY want to know as much as you can about that stadium, I think I saw a Griddle Book Review not too long ago that talked about that echoing green... ;)
Hmm. ;)
Main things
-It would take a lot for him to deal the youngsters.
-Went after Matthews. Seemed like Angels got him for less than Dodgers were being told it took. Went after Lee and other outfielders but they decided not to come out to West Coast.
-He thinks Juan is turning it around.
-Wants starting pitching or relieving.
-We in process of contending and integrating the youth at same time.
-Number 1 in attendance in NL.
To oversimplify: It's like calling someone a goofball or a nut as a term of endearment. You don't mean it literally- it's sarcastic - but it's positive.
I think the Broxton joke has been taken too literally by some. It's a cute line and it's clever because it was unexpected. You can say it's not funny because it's a mere opposite, but I think you're just not getting it. So we agree to disagree. I think the analysis has gone overbaord.
NC: "... I think that Juan Pierre certainly struggled in April and May, and a little bit in June, but I'd say in the last three or four weeks I think he's getting more comfortable. I think we're seeing more of the type of player we went after. He brings a lot to the table. We know his strengths, we know his weaknesses. . .We were in a position where we had to sign two outfielders. . .we really needed to get Major League quality outfielders. And sometimes, when you don't [hesitates, quits on the sentence] When you look at the free agency field that was out there there were not a lot of different choices. We thought Juan Pierre could hit at the top of the order, we thought the combination of him [sic] and Furcal was certainly worth putting together... We knew that speed and being able to create runs was [sic] going to be the only way we could do it, along with some pitching."
I am crushing your head!
"I'm still acting, but I think it would be a very nice way to retire if I choose to," she said of designing.
"An actress' career is a lot like an athlete's. You only have a certain amount of time before things catch up with you."
http://tinyurl.com/33pxbg
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Tomko/
I don't feel so helpless now.
Glad to see that Hu had a terrific first start in AAA. Yowsa, he's on a roll.
"We watch it every day. I learned a long time ago that I can never be a reactionary to something that happens in a short period of time. Granted, the woes of Brett Tomko for the last six weeks are pretty evident. He's got great stuff. In his case, it's usually a matter of confidence more than it is anything else. We're going to try and get him back squared away, so he gets more confidence in him, because he can pitch. He's an accomplished pitcher in a lot of ways. . .We need that back. If that doesn't occur, we're going to have to find it from somebody else. . . It's the big leagues; you can't be afraid of shuffling the deck and moving people around. It's an opportunity for either Brett or it's an opportunity for somebody else.
"Nomar's situation is a little bit different. He still hits pretty good in the clutch. And he's been a key guy for us. We can't really explain the lack of power here, but his ability to drive in runs is still pretty good. . . He's a great competitive kid and he knows how to hit. We gotta be hopeful that something turns around." [Says that getting an actually good 3B would require two or more of the kids he doesn't want to trade]
Saaaaauuuusageeeessss.
"I need more sausages!"
http://www.milkandcookies.com/link/45276/detail/
He also said there are a few other kids they are eyeing pretty hard for a 2nd half call up.
I thought Joe did a good job as well with some good questions.
Gary Matthews Jr.
AVG OBP SLG OPS
.279 .341 .436 .777
BB K SB
30 59 12
Juan Pierre
AVG OBP SLG OPS
.282 .311 .338 .649
BB K SB
15 24 34
It's interesting how Matthews has twice as many walks and twice as many strikeouts, though I guess that's not all that surprising. 3 times as many SBs for Pierre. I know which one I'd rather have on defense. Overall, they're fairly comparable. Nothing too shocking here, I suppose.
But now you bring up that old argument about Jim's line in a particular episode of the The Office, which was -- and frankly, still is -- a touchy subject because the disagreement was so severe that the argument couldn't continue without both of us at least implying insults toward each other's interpretive capabilities and almost basic intelligence. It is not an argument we should resume, less because it is irresolvable short of you using any professional connections you have to find out the TV writer's intent, and more because I respect, and like, you too much to want to fight with you. Disagree with you I will on occasion (though I rarely disagree with you on Dodger matters), and we can argue to a point about certain things, and perhaps even enjoy it, but I don't want to fight with you, and I don't want to offend you.
184. I'm always surprised that a manager would be oblivious to the contract demands of a player, especially one playing a position they are looking to fill. Strikes me that both the manager and the player's agent are not operating at a level you would expect.
For some reason I keep flashing back on Albert Pujols in a baggy wool uniform stepping up to the plate, like a time-traveler's cameo in a newsreel. :)
I wasn't appalled by the interviewer, but my standing complaint against interviewers who don't listen to the answers, just read the questions off the list, um, stands.
And of course women with small feet have a problem in addition to having a hard time FINDING stylish shoes, which is that their feet are usually not as well supported by high heels.
Aren't feet stories fun?
There you go, that's evidence of the bias I was talking about, a bias toward women wearing smaller shoes. I guess a woman might say putting a model in shoes too small is the fault of men, but men aren't looking at how small a model's shoes are, or buying what the model is wearing, it's women.
g'night. Go Dodgers.
215. I like the all white Oakland kit. It's ultra traditional, as in they would be welcome for an afternoon test at Lords.
That made me [sic].
If Tomko really did have great stuff, he'd get hitters to actually swing and miss the pitches he throws. He'd accumulate strike outs.
However, Tomko's k/9 has been mediocre his entire career, which leads me to believe why anyone has ever associated 'stuff' with him.
If someone throws 95mph but its straight and doesnt move---that isnt 'great', nor 'stuff'.
But anything's better than watching Grady turn 96-win talent into an 87-win record.
Meloan for Tomko.
Kemp in place of Pierre.
If not possible, then Pierre batting 8th.
Martin being moved up in the order sooner.
Tomko/Hendrickson being dropped from the rotation sooner.
Pointing to a couple games here or there would be tough to do---but the overall cumulative effect would have a difference.
Its Grady's fault for the Tomko/Hendrickson failures, and leaving Billingsley in the pen for way too long. Its also his fault Pierre bats 2nd instead of 8th.
Its Ned's fault for the roster though, and Kemp not being able to play in place of Pierre.
Little's done a good job in comparison to Tracy---Little doesnt seem to like to bunt and he'll use his relievers for 1 full inning at a time instead of 3/4 in an inning.
On the other hand, Little's over using Russ Martin, and mis-handling the back of the rotation.
I dont think managers make a great amount of difference.
Little doesnt kill the team, but I dont think he's been all that positive either.
I was looking to see how Dewitt did at Jax last nite--he went 2/4.
But I did notice that Cory Dunlap--the 1st basemen at Jax--probably has the best plate discipline in the organization. Its just a shame he hasnt developed any power (and he needs it at 1st base), or else he might be a really legit prospect to look at. Last year at Vero Beach--he was at .261/.435/.461--->thats Russ Martin-esque.
This year--.248/.368/.343.
Already 23yrs old in AA, next year he really needs to put it together power-wise or he'll probably be written off.
April--28/3
May--19/4
June- 29/4
July--7/5
Maybe he's finally getting it?
in the spanish community we say mensaje electronico it would sound weird it we said E-Mensaje?
I hope Depo gets another GM job soon. I'd like to watch him in action.
wow, if that happens watch out.
I think this is a general trend, not just with Ned. I'm sure there are exceptions, but it sure seems that long-term, big-money contracts don't usually work out so well for the team. Short-term contracts seem to be the way to go, if you can get players to agree to them.
i see that more in the lines of "learning experience" i really doubt Ned makes a Pierre type bad deal again.
I have a hard time believing MLB would want Mark Cuban. But they should.
At my bank we've worked with a lot of people buying small shares of at least 5 different ownership groups, each looking at raising at least $1.0BN for the bidding war. My personal hope is that the one that includes Ernie Banks wins
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20070713/news_1s13canepa.html
I dont really see any difference.
Tomko has a short contract. He's horrible.
Nomar has a short contract. He's just as bad.
I think people tend to not notice the shorter contracts, but in terms of how Ned's evaluates players--I think they are pretty similar.
I just want Ned to sign useful players with upside---whether it takes a 1yr deal, 5yr deal, 5yr deal with a 2yr out clause..doesnt matter. Just sign good players--simple yet perplexing.
"As long as I feel challenged and we continue to do new things, then, yes, I absolutely can be content here," says DePodesta, who won't discuss his Dodgers days. "I'd consider it (a GM job), but only if it were in a near-perfect situation. I had a sense for how good I had it (in Oakland). I have that same sense here. This is good for me professionally and personally. It's a great balance, lifestylewise. I'm not anxious to leave.
Evidently the McCourts bought his silence. It also doesnt really appear that DePo has much reverence for the Dodgers.
Its interesting though that even in this setting, you really don't get any insight into what makes Paul tick. I think it is this reserved, thoughtful demeanor, while perfect as an insider, may still show some reluctance in taking the challenge of a GM's job.
There is no such thing as a perfect situation for high profile jobs like running a baseball organization. So if that remains his standard for moving up, expect to see Paul in jobs like he currently has for a long time.
Jon has yet to make it past Chapter 3 of the Book of Genesis.
I'm going to send him "The Good Book" as read by Larry King.
Can we pre-complain now?
"Baseball People" live inside the fog, fans outside. Going back to his pre-Yankee days, I kept asking about the fuss over Javier. Same with Brett, pre-Giants.
Tony Jackson, in the usual bloviated way, asks who might have predicted Schmidt on the DL.
Check various Dodger sites when deal was announced...
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