2008 Baseball Thread

[aeroparrot]

That ump was consistently off for both teams all night.

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

[drunkpirate66]

That ump was consistently off for both teams all night.

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

[aeroparrot]

That ump was consistently off for both teams all night.

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

I'm just saying that they will get a lot of close calls that other teams/players won't get. This is from playing good baseball (both historically and recently) and if you compare them on how they started the season, then yes, I agree with you, they have been playing better/

[drunkpirate66]

That ump was consistently off for both teams all night.

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

I'm just saying that they will get a lot of close calls that other teams/players won't get. This is from playing good baseball (both historically and recently) and if you compare them on how they started the season, then yes, I agree with you, they have been playing better/

I think over 162 games it all averages out. In theory the Kansas City Royals could get every call their way but they still wouldn't make the playoffs. The best teams are there. That simple. A call here and a call there over 162 games just doesn't matter. I think MLB Umpires (especially homeplate) do a fantastic job.

[TommyBahama]

That ump was consistently off for both teams all night.

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

[aeroparrot]

That ump was consistently off for both teams all night.

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

What I think the Sox need:

1) Middle relief -- even though it seems like it is turning around
2) I would say short stop and get rid of Lugo.

[TommyBahama]

But looking at the replay, that was NOT a strike for Lowell, never was, never is. The only reason why Rivera got the call is because he is Mariano Rivera nothing else, every other pitcher would have had that called a ball.

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

What I think the Sox need:

1) Middle relief -- even though it seems like it is turning around
2) I would say short stop and get rid of Lugo.

what Red Sox team are you watching!!...turning around???...then been horrible....i have no confidence on anyone they bring in!!!...they need another outfield bat...Coco isn't doing it..and who knows what Manny is going to do...i think they would trade him if they can...he;s been a cancer this year in my opinion lately that is...early in the season...i thought he was going to have a mvp year!!...unless you move Yuke to left and put Casey at 1st!!!...Go afetr Jason Bay!!!

[aeroparrot]

i don't buy that ..if it was a rookie yes / maybe..but not with a guy like Lowell...and he is one of the most mild mannered people in Baseball....you get pitchers close to the strike zone...that was no where near...and earlier in the game Lowell had a pitch that was out of the strike Zone called a strike..which would of been ball 4!!...the Umpire blew 2 calls that were obvious balls..plain and simple!!!

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

What I think the Sox need:

1) Middle relief -- even though it seems like it is turning around
2) I would say short stop and get rid of Lugo.

what Red Sox team are you watching!!...turning around???...then been horrible....i have no confidence on anyone they bring in!!!...they need another outfield bat...Coco isn't doing it..and who knows what Manny is going to do...i think they would trade him if they can...he;s been a cancer this year in my opinion lately that is...early in the season...i thought he was going to have a mvp year!!...unless you move Yuke to left and put Casey at 1st!!!...Go afetr Jason Bay!!!

I don't think the Sox can afford to get rid of Manny, even if he is being a cancer. In terms of the middle relief, I don't know if it could be just luck that the pitchers that were brought in were having good games at the moment, but still looked good. I don't have any confidence in Timlin or Delcarmen. Yesterday's game was a loss could probably used for your point though. In terms of Coco, the Sox made the mistake of not trading him during the off season, now, I don't know if anyone else would want him though because of his play.

[TommyBahama]

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

What I think the Sox need:

1) Middle relief -- even though it seems like it is turning around
2) I would say short stop and get rid of Lugo.

what Red Sox team are you watching!!...turning around???...then been horrible....i have no confidence on anyone they bring in!!!...they need another outfield bat...Coco isn't doing it..and who knows what Manny is going to do...i think they would trade him if they can...he;s been a cancer this year in my opinion lately that is...early in the season...i thought he was going to have a mvp year!!...unless you move Yuke to left and put Casey at 1st!!!...Go afetr Jason Bay!!!

I don't think the Sox can afford to get rid of Manny, even if he is being a cancer. In terms of the middle relief, I don't know if it could be just luck that the pitchers that were brought in were having good games at the moment, but still looked good. I don't have any confidence in Timlin or Delcarmen. Yesterday's game was a loss could probably used for your point though. In terms of Coco, the Sox made the mistake of not trading him during the off season, now, I don't know if anyone else would want him though because of his play.

Hanson and Lopez could be put into the mix..and Okijima isn't the same pitcher as last year...agree on Coco...should of kept David Murphy..he's having a good year in Texas!!

[aeroparrot]

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

What I think the Sox need:

1) Middle relief -- even though it seems like it is turning around
2) I would say short stop and get rid of Lugo.

what Red Sox team are you watching!!...turning around???...then been horrible....i have no confidence on anyone they bring in!!!...they need another outfield bat...Coco isn't doing it..and who knows what Manny is going to do...i think they would trade him if they can...he;s been a cancer this year in my opinion lately that is...early in the season...i thought he was going to have a mvp year!!...unless you move Yuke to left and put Casey at 1st!!!...Go afetr Jason Bay!!!

I don't think the Sox can afford to get rid of Manny, even if he is being a cancer. In terms of the middle relief, I don't know if it could be just luck that the pitchers that were brought in were having good games at the moment, but still looked good. I don't have any confidence in Timlin or Delcarmen. Yesterday's game was a loss could probably used for your point though. In terms of Coco, the Sox made the mistake of not trading him during the off season, now, I don't know if anyone else would want him though because of his play.

Hanson and Lopez could be put into the mix..and Okijima isn't the same pitcher as last year...agree on Coco...should of kept David Murphy..he's having a good year in Texas!!

Okijima may be going through the dreaded "Sophomore Slump" where all the batters have seen his pitches and have videos on him so they are adjusting. I think Okijima should start to adjust now. Wasn't there a trade offer during the off-season that included Hanson at one point?

[Clintster7]

The ump on Saturday was even more inconsistent then on Friday. Both pitchers were getting squeezed.

Who is going to trade for Manny. 20 million and a horrible attitude. Did you see his lack of running balls out yesterday? He cost them a dp on one of them.

I think Lowerie is the replacement of the future for Lugo. He is hitting close to 300 and doesnt make the errors Lugo does.

As a Yanks fan looking at the matchups before the series started I figured Sunday would be the day the yanks lose. Ponson gets himself into too much trouble. I'd love to see a seep but before the series started I would have thought 2 out of 3 on the road would have been great for the Yanks.

[Joetown Parrothead]

Damn my Cardinals won a game! I thought since the break we quit playing!

[aeroparrot]

I meant in general. If you look at it, a lot of players/teams will get close calls if they are known to be great teams/players.

funny. all I see is the Yankees playing better baseball.

true!!!...and making moves to improve!!!...Sox need to do something!!...Manny is looking like he is taken his anual summer vacation....The Pen Sucks...Ellsbury has to be dropped in the Order...7-8-9 hitters ..do nothing in the line up...

What I think the Sox need:

1) Middle relief -- even though it seems like it is turning around
2) I would say short stop and get rid of Lugo.

what Red Sox team are you watching!!...turning around???...then been horrible....i have no confidence on anyone they bring in!!!...they need another outfield bat...Coco isn't doing it..and who knows what Manny is going to do...i think they would trade him if they can...he;s been a cancer this year in my opinion lately that is...early in the season...i thought he was going to have a mvp year!!...unless you move Yuke to left and put Casey at 1st!!!...Go afetr Jason Bay!!!

I don't think the Sox can afford to get rid of Manny, even if he is being a cancer. In terms of the middle relief, I don't know if it could be just luck that the pitchers that were brought in were having good games at the moment, but still looked good. I don't have any confidence in Timlin or Delcarmen. Yesterday's game was a loss could probably used for your point though. In terms of Coco, the Sox made the mistake of not trading him during the off season, now, I don't know if anyone else would want him though because of his play.

To add onto my comments, I think the Sox won't exercise their option, however, knowing this, it may give them a good excuse to try to trade Manny. Would they be able to do a sign and trade deal? If so, would this trigger the 10-5 No Trade Clause?

[drunkpirate66]

Manny is not going anywhere. The Red Sox will not trade him and they will not pick up his option. He will be a Red Sox outfielder through the duration of this season. It is that simple.

The Red Sox will try to make a move for Brian Fuentes. But that is about it. They have a couple above average arms in Triple A.

The Red Sox have a very easy schedule throughout the rest of the season. The Yankees do not. Rays is no cake walk either. Despite the fact the Red Sox have not been playing well I think they slide into the playoffs based on strength of schedule, Ortiz's bat, Manny playing for money, and Crisp and Elsibury atleast improving a little because they can't get worse - - - and Lowrie should improve . . . any way you slice it, the AL East and Wild Card will be tight.

[popcornjack]

Manny is not going anywhere. The Red Sox will not trade him and they will not pick up his option. He will be a Red Sox outfielder through the duration of this season. It is that simple.

The Red Sox will try to make a move for Brian Fuentes. But that is about it. They have a couple above average arms in Triple A.

The Red Sox have a very easy schedule throughout the rest of the season. The Yankees do not. Rays is no cake walk either. Despite the fact the Red Sox have not been playing well I think they slide into the playoffs based on strength of schedule, Ortiz's bat, Manny playing for money, and Crisp and Elsibury atleast improving a little because they can't get worse - - - and Lowrie should improve . . . any way you slice it, the AL East and Wild Card will be tight.

Thanks. Thanks for the jinx.

[Joetown Parrothead]

Damn Cardinals lost again!!!! Make a trade get us some pitching!

[SMLCHNG]

Two sweeps in 3 series..

[Joetown Parrothead]

Two sweeps in 3 series..

They are starting to play some good ball right now!

[drunkpirate66]

Manny is not going anywhere. The Red Sox will not trade him and they will not pick up his option. He will be a Red Sox outfielder through the duration of this season. It is that simple.

The Red Sox will try to make a move for Brian Fuentes. But that is about it. They have a couple above average arms in Triple A.

The Red Sox have a very easy schedule throughout the rest of the season. The Yankees do not. Rays is no cake walk either. Despite the fact the Red Sox have not been playing well I think they slide into the playoffs based on strength of schedule, Ortiz's bat, Manny playing for money, and Crisp and Elsibury atleast improving a little because they can't get worse - - - and Lowrie should improve . . . any way you slice it, the AL East and Wild Card will be tight.

Thanks. Thanks for the jinx.

15 minutes after I posted that Manny Ramirez told ESPN Deportes that he would honor a trade . . . I still don't think he is going anywhere. There is a huge list of reasons why but primarily the Red Sox would have to look to the National League and the only team in contention out there that I could see Manny going to would be the Mets. The Red Sox would practically insist that if they trade Manny that his new team would agree inprinciple to picking up his option so the Sox get picks.

I just don't see the Red Sox doing it. What would fair value be? The Nomar trade was genius. Can Theo Epstein do it again?

[aeroparrot]

Manny Ramirez has told ESPN Desportes that he wants out of Boston. From the comments I have seen, it looks like he will waive his no trade clause too and will not object to the Sox trading him to any team.