Greatest name ever

Tigers will be better second half. I think they'll win 93-97 games

I like Detroit's chances of coming near 93 wins or so. Especially if Verlander picks it up a bit in the second half. Verlander, Scherzer, Fister is pretty good three and that offense speaks for itself. I don't expect them to continue scuffling like they did for 5 months last year.

They have 22 games left against the White Sox and Twins, so....yeah.

Yeah the schedule was weird this year. This past week was their first series against the Sox, and it's July. :wtf: Somehow they managed to drop 2 of 3 though, lolwut. They do this every year though. I'm actually kinda happy for the Tribe to be contending still at this point but by August they'll be effectively out of the hunt

<font color=goldenrod>Tigers will go far this year with that pitching starting. I imagine they'll make a move to bring a reliever in at the deadline as well.

They've reportedly been interested in Bobby Parnell for ages. Not sure the Mets would move him though unless he was a part of a trade package for an impact bat. He's still under team control for 2 more years and seems like he could be the closer of the future now that he's developed beyond just throwing 100 MPH with no movement.</font>

A closer with a 100mph fastball and nothing else? We already have that with Rondon! I'm actually cautiously optimistic with Benoit in the closer role right now (never been a Benoit guy), but the rest of their pen is atrocious. If we could pitch Smyly 2 innings in relief every game we'd be set... haha

<font color=goldenrod>Parnell was all about the fastball and was getting burned regularly because of it, but when the Mets brought back Jason Isringhausen in 2011 he taught Parnell the knucklecurve and Parnell's been amazing since then. Actually allowed him to focus on pitching rather than just throwing. Quadruple F (fat fuck Frank Francisco)'s been starting rehab again but I don't really see a point in even bringing him back to the Major League roster. Parnell's not gonna lose the closer role at this point.

Jesse Crain will probably be the most sought after reliever on the market. Wouldn't be surprised if the Sox try to overcharge Detroit though since it's a division rival.</font>

Frank can just be used in low leverage, mop up situations.

I hate saying it, because they were so fucking hot for so long, but it has come time for my Padres to sell, and, because I like to read all of my great ideas, I'm going to state who they should trade, and what they absolutely need to look for in return.

Chase Headley has got to go. They likely missed a huge opportunity to move him in the off season, and waiting has lead to Headley's value likely being a lot less than it was a year ago. But I still think he has a ton of value since 3rd base is a black hole in the National League. And he's not going to hit in the 230s all year.

If/when they move Chase, they need to prioritize getting back a legitimate top of the rotation starter who's close to being MLB ready, if he isn't already. Part of the problem this year with the Padres, especially in the current slump, is that their starting pitching has been abysmal. Andrew Cashner has been solid until a recent slump, but he was never a starter until the Cubs toyed with the idea, and the Padres got serious about it last year. He's definitely got the upside to be a really good #2, but they need to add another arm that's close and further along the development timeline than Cash.

Kyle Blanks. I don't think they will trade him in season, namely due to all the position player injuries and because he's been the second best offensive player on the team while filling in. But, with Yonder Alonso back, Blanks has to move to the outfield to get consistent reps, and local manager Buddy Black enjoys benching Blanks in favor of out machines Will Venable, Jesus Guzman, Alexi Amarista, and Mark Kotsay. It's infuriating, because Blanks could legitimately hit for more power than anyone not named Quentin on the team, but his future looks bleak if there's no first base opening. I'd shop him to a team, likely AL, as a DH/1B bat with pop, and try to recoup a young arm.

Luke Gregerson. He's been worked a ton, maybe even a bit overworked, but still sports a 3.00 era, 4/1 k/bb ratio, 8k/9, 1.05 whip, with 3 saves, and 11 games finished total. I can see him being extremely attractive to a team like Detroit, who could use one more reliable late inning reliever with a good track record (Gregerson career 2.93 era, 9.1k/9, 3/1 k/bb ratio, 1.1 whip) and, considering they are legit contenders to win the World Series, will likely be not balk, depending on the player or players to be given up. I don't know their system, but, you could never have enough pitching.

Chris Denorfia. Love this guy. Absolutely love him. Does a little of everything. Can play all three outfield positions, runs the bases well, gets on base, hits for decent average. Really nice player for a team looking for an extra bat with some versatility and the ability to rake lefties and be well above average. He's 32, so there's no upside, but he's got great secondary skills.

I'm begging for the Padres to make a move. Whether that's a move to improve the rotation this year, even though I think they're well, well out of it, or a move to improve not just this year, but a handful of years in the long run, by all means, PLEASE, PADRES!

Damian Rey, your analysis of the Padres is not only clever and insightful but refreshing as a lot of fans do not like to be honest about their teams. Good stuff. Also, the last 2 weeks I have not been able to watch an SD game. Seems I missed nothing but ugliness.

Thanks, Edgar. I actually went to school to study journalism, with an emphasis on broadcasting. I eventually found analyses much more fun, especially with all the new advance metrics coming out.

Appreciate the comment, man.

And yeah, it's been so bad. Heartbreaking, because there was a legitimate moment where I was telling myself that making a move to get a solid starter would actually make sense. Oh well. Their offense is good when healthy. I expect good things next year when their Tommy John victims get back in the rotation.

Tyler Chatwood pitched incredibly today and still lost

fucking Rockies and their great pitching but terrible offense

A-Rod could be facing a 150 game suspension for this Biogenesis thing. :eek:

I've never rooted so hard for someone to lose a no hitter as I am right now

<font color=goldenrod>Tim Lincecum no-hitter</font>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Tim Lincecum lost in Homer Bailey's no-hitter. The only pitcher who was the loser in a no-no &amp; then threw the NEXT one was Mal Eason (1906).</p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/statuses/356274116434722817">July 14, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Was wondering why it went up and apparently the MLB uncovered soo much stuff and dirt on him that he could have been banned for life if MLB felt it. CBS Sports hinted the 150 suspension is MLB being "nice" instead while also getting rid of him for almost another year.

"IT'S A NO HITTER FOR TIM LINCECUM" Watch the final out http://t.co/TdoMtbZvfe #SFGiants #FreakNOHitter
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) July 14, 2013

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FreaKKKKKKKKKKKKK

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I'll be damned, The Freak still got a little magic in him.

And this was gonna be the year clubs will either see him as a starter or a closer in the future when his contract is up after this season.

Oh, and I see Scherzer got one in the loss column.

I hope he never plays again. I hit my A-Rod fatigue/hate a few years ago and now I just wish he would go away.

Thank God Scherzer lost. Not that I was rooting against him, because, personally, I've always liked him, thought the Tigers hosed the DBacks when they moved him, and am glad he's been so good.

But...I'm sick and tired of hearing how he's so good because he's undefeated, when Scherzer himself has stated several times his win loss record is more of a fluke than anything of his doing because of so many other factors taken into it.

And fuck me, but is the All Star break here yet? The Padres have looked fucking awful for two weeks plus now. The starting pitching is abysmal, the bullpen, and the few good arms that are in there, are taxed because no one can go more than 5 plus innings, and the offense has been abysmal.

Also, cue the silly "the Freak is back" talk that is surely to follow after the no hitter.

I hope we see ARod again. I have a hard time seeing the union allowing MLB to suspend anyone without any real, tangible proof of drug use outside of testimony of a desperate, dire drug pusher who only agreed to talk to MLB officials when getting to the end of his rope.

To be honest, while I condemn the use of PEDs, I try my best to be objective with the players that use them. I don't think PEDs or lack thereof change who ARod was destined to be. Baseball is an extremely specialized skill driven sport. PEDs are not going to improve plate discipline, plate selection, swing path, footwork, etc. Those are skills that are developed and maximized with a combination of immense talent and hard work. PEDs don't effect those. The only thing anyone can factually say PEDs effect is strength and endurance. After that, it's speculation with zero evidence to say otherwise.

Now, with that said, I again state I'd love to see Alex Rodriguez again. He's one of the greatest infielders of all time, would have been the greatest offensive shortstop of all time, and can still be an above average contributor, IMO, if/when he eventually gets back.

Arod is done I think. I really think his body is too broken down and fragile at this point.

Well, he's playing now. He's not going to be great defensively, but, if his hips are healthy, he can contribute. Jeter has been "done" defensively, for years, and his bat has still played. I think ARod can still contribute. He's gotten far enough to play, I don't see why he can't make another step and get back to the bigs.

I realize I just don't like ARod the guy, but I'll be damned if he is even a contributor. He can play, sure, so can Marwin Gonzalez and Will Rhymes. ARod will not be a boon to the Yankees if he comes back, it's a gut feeling.

And I apologize for my lack of hard, scientific evidence.

Lol, it's okay. The way you feel about Arod, I feel about Barry Bonds. Hated that guy.

In better news, Crush Davis just went yard. 37 on the year. Holy fuck. Cabrera has 30. Cabrera has been every bit better this year than he was last year, further proving that the triple crown is a context dependent fluke that Cabrera had zero influence over, therefore making it dumb to vote him MVP simply because of it.

The MVP debate may get even hotter this year than last year. Trout had two blatant disadvantages; he didn't hit for as much power as Cabrera and he missed a month because the Angels are stupid.

This year, Miguel Cabrera is blowing everyone out of the water with a ridiculous 367/458/678 slash line. That's absolutely amazing. Davis' avg/obp is great (313/391), but it's not astoundingly so. His 708 slugging is another story. That's Babe Ruth territory.

Josh Johnson can fuck right off

<font color=goldenrod>Fucking awesome seeing Syndergaard and Montero starting opposite each other in the Futures Game. Can't wait for them to hit the big leagues at some point next year.</font>

Hey Vito, you have any info on how Syndergaard has improved over the course of the season to this point? I have read he needs work on throwing a consistently solid off speed or breaking pitch, but info seems limited.

I never expected CC Sabathia to have a down year like this.

Other than being a bit more homer prone this year, CC's current line of numbers are pretty much in line with what he's typically done during the course of his career. Not really having a down year, just a bad start for him, today.

<font color=goldenrod>Syndergaard's change-up and curveball have both improved. Not big league ready yet but the numbers following his Double A promotion suggest improvement. His best pitch is still his heat, which he can throw between 96 and 98 but he uses his 6'6" frame to create a downward plane on the pitch, really helping out with getting ground balls. He's also been working on a slider.

He still doesn't turn 21 until next month. His heat is electric but I imagine Alderson won't be rushing him. I'm figuring around June/July next year he'll get bumped up to Triple A and MAY get a September call-up in 2014. Otherwise they'll hold off on debuting him until a month or two into 2015.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>I don't see Rafael Montero being called up this year, either - although he's more big league ready than Syndergaard. The Mets already have a 40 man roster crunch so I think they'll let Montero finish the year in Triple A and start there again next year.

I think the Mets may already have their 2014 rotation in place, actually. Harvey, Wheeler, Niese, Gee, and Hefner. All under team control for next year so barring somebody being moved in a trade for a bat I think they'll all be back. Gee and Hefner in particular have quietly been outstanding the past month and a half.</font>

For all the issues they have had with guys like Davis, the Mets' pitching looks really, really bright. Harvey is the number 2 pitcher in the National League, and he's barely been around for a year. Wheeler is going to be a 1a for them, and Neise, Syndergaard, etc will fill in a very deep back end of the rotation.

<font color=goldenrod>Some more All Star Game changes. Jeff Locke and Jordan Zimmermann scratched on the NL side, replaced with Mark Melancon and Sergio Romo. Freddie Freeman will also miss the game but a replacement has not yet been named.

Justin Verlander will not pitch in the game, and Leyland replaces him with Chris Tillman. Guarantee Leyland didn't look any further than Tillman's 11-3 record, has an ERA pushing 4. Derek Holland sits at home again after just shutting down Leyland's Tigers.</font>

McCann is replacing Freeman.

<font color=goldenrod>Makes sense. Gives the team a 3rd catcher in case an injury happens and doesn't give the Braves fans the shaft.</font>

Pffft. Why have millions of people vote, get a guy in, then, when the guy gets hurt, not put in the second man in the running? I want Puig in the AS game damn it. He's on a tear, people obviously want to see him there, and it's a great way for MLB to continue to showcase it's ridiculously young up and coming talent.

I wanted Ian Desmond to win that final vote thing really badly

love that guy

I like Desmond, but, oddly enough, short stop in the NL is a pretty solid bunch, at the moment, with Tulo, Desmond, Cabrera and Segura. Unfortunately, Desmond's the odd man out, even though he deserves to go.

There's a ton of snubs, though. Evan Longoria and Josh Donaldson are both having better years than Manny Machado, and neither are going. The All Star game being a popularity contest hurts players, sometimes.

All Star stuff is boring.

In other news, went to the game today and JV pitched a gem. Had a no-no going for 6.2, ended up with a 7.0 1H 3BB 3K line. Excellent game, my voice is gone after yelling MATT TUIASOSOPO for 3 hours straight.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Was told Valdespin had a confrontation with Terry Collins and called the manager a &quot;c - - ksucker&quot; and demanded to be placed on the DL.</p>&mdash; Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYPost_Mets/statuses/356590265609367556">July 15, 2013</a></blockquote>
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I'm guessing Collins will now send Valdespin to bat and tell him to lean into one. That relationship went down the toilet the minute Collins ran him up to bat knowing Valdespin was going to get plunked. Way to protect your players, you twit.

<font color=goldenrod>Collins hates Valdespin. His refusal to play Valdy every day in the first two months when he was shit hot says it all.

But then again Valdy does some really stupid shit when he plays. Lapses in concentration. And his teammates don't respect him. There's a reason not a single Met lifted a finger when he got plunked.</font>

Acid reflux?

<font color=goldenrod>Midseason Awards

NL MVP: Paul Goldschmidt, ARI. The heart and soul of the first place Diamondbacks lineup. Great all around numbers and a shitload of power. Knew he had potential but didn't know he'd be this good.

NL Cy Young: Clayton Kershaw, LAD. Sub-2 ERA at the break to go along with the expected strikeout totals. I LOVE Matt Harvey and think he should start the All Star Game in NY, but Kershaw has been slightly better.

NL Rookie of the Year: Jose Fernandez, MIA. I don't care that the Marlins suck. What this 20 year old kid is doing having never pitched above Single A before this year is astounding. I imagine he'll be shut down by September and Shelby Miller will pass him, but still what a great first half.

NL Manager of the Year: Clint Hurdle, PIT. This is really a no brainer. The Pirates have been good in the first half the past couple of years, but nothing like this. If the Pirates make the playoffs, he's a lock to win the award.

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Marlon Byrd, NYM. Never thought Byrd would be the second best hitter in the Mets lineup. .267/15/50 at the break. Way better than I ever expected and there haven't really been any other clear-cut candidates.

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, DET. His numbers are just fucking ridiculous. Can't even begin to imagine what they'll look like at the end of the year. No disrespect intended to Chris Davis, who's right behind him. Still feel like Davis is bound to slow down at some point but it'd be sick to see him go for the HR record.

AL Cy Young: Max Scherzer, DET. Tough choice between him and Felix Hernandez. I don't put a lot of stock in the wins stat, but 13-1 through 19 starts looks sexy. Beyond that, he's got the second lowest WHIP in the league and a boatload of strikeouts. Could see King Felix passing him by before the year is up, though.

AL Rookie of the Year: Cody Allen, CLE. Ugh, can I just leave this blank? Nothing against Mr. Allen but a set-up guy winning ROTY just feels weird. But really as I look up and down the AL there haven't really been any impressive rookie seasons. Now that Profar's back in the big leagues maybe he'll take it over.

AL Manager of the Year: Terry Francona, CLE. Again this seems to be a bit of a no-brainer. He's done a great job of turning the Indians around and keeping them right on Detroit's ass in the AL Central.

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Mariano Rivera, NYY. I don't know why I didn't pick him in my pre-season predictions really. I always assumed he'd be great again, I guess I just sorta looked past his injury. I figured an everyday player like Lance Berkman would have a good campaign and win the honor but it hasn't happened. Mo should get this as a parting gift.</font>

Jason Grilli could be considered a comeback player of the year

Here's a report from the Futures Game for Noah Syndergaard by Keith Law for you Vito

Syndergaard started for the US in the Futures Game and "didn't disappoint," per Keith Law (ESPN Insider Only). More deets:

- Easy 93-97 velo
- Very clean arm action w/ no trouble repeating
- Threw a couple of solid-average curveballs with good two-plane break and some depth
- Size and delivery point to durability

<font color=goldenrod>That would be dumb. He had a very solid season last year for the Pirates. He wasn't their closer, but he had a good year as a set-up guy.

Comeback Player is meant to be for people coming off of really shit years or injuries.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>So fucking stoked for him.</font>

John Farrell and that wacky ass Red Sox team might have something to say about that.

I think Farrell's gotta get the edge for now. Being that it is just a "midseason award" though Francona would get some consideration. But let's see the Tribe keep it up through August, where they traditionally fall apart.

I think the Red Sox still had a really talented roster going into the year, and in general I has a hard time seeing the team being a massive disappointment again. The Indians meanwhile I thought could be a sneaky team but was nowhere near as confident as I was with the Red Sox being better.

For the year-end award it's gotta go to Francona if the Tribe make the playoffs. But if they fade, Farrell is a good choice.

Matt Harvey and Max Scherzer are your starters for the All-Star Game.

HAHAHAHA

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<font color=goldenrod>Well...at least Wright got more than Cano.</font>

Manager of the year should be changed to "Manager that made a shitty team surprisingly competitive award."

That could be said about any professional sport though. (unless that's your point)

Cespedes is kind of good at hitting home runs.

:y:

Also, good job America on showing why everyone still hates you.

http://deadspin.com/people-were-angr...s-of-794474276

Ron the Dial thinks Chris Berman is wonderful during the all-star game.

Want to show him who's boss?

Vote Gertner for King of the Forum

<font color=goldenrod>Some of those Cespedes shots were fucking ridiculous.</font>

Steve Delabar's story is amazing.

Broke his elbow in 09
Out of baseball in 2010. Was a sub teacher and coach. Played a game of softball and gave it another shot.
2013 he's a friggen all star. Delabar, McGowan and Cecil all used the weighted ball system in the off season. Check out their ERA's. All under 2.

Manager of the year is more of a joke than the gold gloves. The criteria seems to simply be "Which team over performed the most" except in the odd cases like Dusty Baker where you must be a good manager when your team has the Cy Young winner (Jason Schmidt) and league MVP (Barry Bonds).

That's a pretty serious allegation. Don't say things you can't take back!





(in all seriousness though Berman is the absolute worst)

http://i.imgur.com/qXcRIyv.png

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/29...spedesflip.gif

According to the Players Union, none of the upcoming bannings related to the Biogenesis clinic will be served this year and instead will only start for next season. Main reason is the appeals and arbitrator decision is expected to take several months making any ban issued this year a bit useless in enforcement.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/94...erve-bans-2013

Hate seeing the Torre's and Bobby Cox' of the world be overlooked continually for sustained excellence. In football Belichick is continually overlooked because every 3 years Marvin Lewis will "save his job" with a 9-7 record and get the award.

I get what you're saying, but it's called "Manager of the YEAR", not "Lifetime Achievement Award".

<font color=goldenrod>hahaha Cliff Lee no-selling the boos during intros</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Harvey hits Cano in the knee and Cano limps off the field.

Sorry Yankee fans.</font> :o

<font color=goldenrod>I normally like good pitching, but through 6 innings this is just boring as hell.</font>

Can we get a "Well, the NL is never winning one of these things again" post from Big Vito please

Neil "baseball" Diamond

<font color=goldenrod>I get Leyland's thinking for putting Mo in now...but come on.</font>

:lol: <font color=goldenrod>McCarver sounded high rattling off the lyrics to Enter Sandman.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Astros secure home field advantage for the World Series. Lock it up.</font>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Mariano Rivera career in All-Star Game: 9 IP, 1 R (unearned), 5 H, 5 K, 0 BB</p>&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/statuses/357336727683211265">July 17, 2013</a></blockquote>
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For the first time in years I didn't watch the AllStar game. And I don't feel that bad, actually.

Point taken, but I feel it's the easy way out to choose a Joe Girardi(Marlins)or Tony Pena(Royals) as MOtY. Because their teams weren't garbage they HAD to have the best managerial years? Sometimes, sure, it makes sense, but I feel most years it is a cop out.

For the first time in years I did watch. Should I count it towards my total of games watched this year? I think that would bring the number to 7.

<font color=goldenrod>Astros, Padres, and Cubs all had one rep make the All Star Team and none got into the actual game.

Oddly enough Bochy only used Posey from how own team. The other 3 Giants he had named to the team on his own (Bumgarner, Scutaro, and Romo) went unused, although Romo was warming up when Chapman appeared to be struggling.</font>

Me neither.

American League wins the All Star Game.

Order has been restored to the universe.

I didn't watch the game either, but it wasn't for any lack of desire to or anything. Had PRIOR COMMITMENTS and was out of the house. Heard Prince got a triple though, woo!

It is funny to see Leyland mismanage his bullpen, even in the ASG. It's just like watching my Tigers play! Glad Mo got his recognition though, guy is a friggin' legend. So glad I got to see him pitch this season (first time), felt like that would've been a huge wasted opportunity if I never got the chance.

I watched the whole thing but I did kinda stop caring after Harvey was done. When the NL had that huge losing streak I always watched to see if it would end, and the Mets have been right in contention in most of the years since they've rolled out the home field advantage rule so I always though "maybe it will help later" but this year they're so far out of it it doesn't really matter.

Glad Harvey pitched well and Wright got one of the few NL hits. Rivera was the highlight. I get why he was used in the 8th but still I kinda feel like Joe Nathan was reliable enough to not blow it in the 8th. I think if Greg Holland had put up a 1-2-3 inning in the 7th Leyland would have been comfortable enough using Nathan, Delabar, Cecil, etc to bridge the gap.

No matter, it was a great send off. It's no secret I hate the Yankees, but Mo is just insanely good at what he does and has never been anything less than a class act.

Glad I missed the game. Completely forgot about it. Did watch some of the Derby though, which was probably more entertaining.

That "sustained excellence" has more to do with the teams their given to work with over what they actually bring to the table. Freddi Gonzalez seemingly has not had a problem "stepping in" to Cox's shoes and seeing success, much like Matheny stepping in for LaRussa, and Girardi for Torre.

Naming a Yankee manager Manager of the Year would be ridiculous 99% of the time. If they make the playoffs this year, I think there could be a strong argument made for Girardi considering the depleted roster he's had to run out there all year.

But naming a guy like Joe Torre, who walked into a winning situation with New York, and was given legitimately the best players in the game at the time, is ridiculous. There's not much for him to do other than write all of the studs on his roster into the lineup, and, more times than not, let them do their thing.

Uhhh if Yankees somehow scrape into a playoff spot this year Girardi should 100% be MotY (no offense to Francona or Farrell)

I think Francona has the inside track, at the moment. Farrell shouldn't even be considered. He was given a team that featured Mike Napoli, Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, Clay Buccholz, John Lester and David Ortiz. All sorts of talent on that roster.

Really, there's no real competition at the moment in the AL after Francona and Girardi.

If the Dodgers make the playoffs, I can see the narrative being spun into Donny baseball "saving his job" and galvanizing a ridiculously talented and expensive team into winning. Which would be dumb.

Clint Hurdle's a shoe in if the Pirates finish with a winning record. That team is near or at the bottom of damn near every statistical offensive category, and are getting ridiculous career years out Jeff Locke and Fransisco Liriano, on top of using the shit out of their bullpen. They finish above .500, it's Hurdle.

I dunno, Dale Sveum has had nothing but shit on a plate. Shouldn't he win just for being forced to have Luis Valbuena hit leadoff this year or Joe Mather hitting third last year?

(Note: this is a joke. Relax.)

Disagree with the Farrell part since he's done a great job in revitalizing the pitching which has been a huge sore spot for the Red Sox the past few years. They were predicted to finish dead last this year in the AL East and instead have the best record so far.

He's the same as Giradi where you consider them as options but shouldn't win it in the end. Giradi has just as much star power on his team but just so happens they are performing worse than last year. To give Giradi the award and not consider Farrell as a legit choice for doing the same would be a pretty bad decision.

Right now I think the real race is between Francona, Bob Melvin, and Joe Maddon for the AL.

So happy Cecil and Delabar got into the game and both struckout their batters. I think Leyland recognized that this will probably be their one and only all-star game.

Spoken like a true, bitter Padres fan. Never forget '98 :)

Whoever wins the World Series should be manager of the year. A couple of years ago when the Cards played the Brewers, I thought for sure the Brewers were going to win. They had the better team. Then LaRussa ran circles around Roenoke. I used to subscribe to the view that the managers don't really win games until I saw that series. Now I think they're quite important in the playoffs.

Managerial move that stands out was Lou Pinella around 2009 I wanna say. Cards had lefty, righty, lefty due up and Lou only had one lefty in the pen (Sean Marshal). So he brings Marshal in for the first batter, then pulls his leftfielder and moves Marshal out into left while he brings in another reliever, then puts Marshal back to pitch and brings in a normal position player in left for the third batter.

I dunno, you don't see that everyday so its always stuck out. Sounds like something Ozzie Guillen doesn't even know he can do.