Tuesday, July 21, 2009

A Scrappy Team of Links

I was texting back and forth with a friend of mine last night who happens to be an Atlanta Braves fan.  He, of course, is optimistic that if the offense comes around, the Braves will be contending for a playoff spot.  I agree.  That's not the point, however, of mentioning this.  This particular person has been an ardent supporter of Jeff Francoeur...until now.
 
"hells ya, we r scrappy as shit, now that french is gone, i can stop protecting him like the piece of the shit he is."
 
Well played, and now, onto today's links.
 
How does one increase their trade value? By being the major player in your franchise's largest comback in 84 years. 
 
Mantle v. Musial. I will use my patent pending solution for grading Major League Ballplayers...Career-Musial, Peak of Career-Mantle, Drinker-Mantle. 2 to 1 in favor of Mantle. Side Note: Musial deserved to have his "Ted Williams" moment at the ASG...he would have made it to the plate too.
 
Not shocking. You obviously cannot pin all the injuries the Mets have suffered this season on Minaya, but still, with that payroll he has put together an absolutely atrocious team.  Imagine what a good GM can do with $140 Million.  Actually, we have proof, they are called the Boston Red Sox.
 
Speaking of the Red Sox it wasn't long ago they had a 3 game lead. Now they have company atop the AL East, a team that is 8 games better than them when not playing head to head...the New York Yankees.  I don't expect the offense to continue to be as slow as it has been, but I have to assume that if this keeps up the Sox will trade for a bat (named Victor Martinez).
 
Honesty. In his prime, Jose Guillen was probably worth this contract, at least according to FanGraphs that argument could be made. It is refreshing to hear someone who once behaved like a spoiled brat and was benched for a playoff series now realize that he is lucky to be where he is and, in fact, does not deserve his payday.  This is not the same as Ted Williams refusing to sign a $125,000 contract for the 1960 because he felt he did not play well in 1959 (he didn't) and said he will be paid $90,000 because that reflects his true value, but nevertheless, I like it. I also did not know that Jose Guillen was only 33. 
 
If this was true, and Minaya didn't take it, he would have been fired on the spot. Fortunately for him (and Roy Halladay) this rumor that circulated around late last night turns out to be a complete fabrication.
 
What happens when you piss off two Pirates? You probably end up trading a great double play duo away.  Hope you like San Francisco Freddy Sanchez...I know they will like you.
 
 
 
 
 

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