This'll make a difference. Gone is the guy with two hits in eight Major League at bats. Up is Alonzo Powell, who had 32 hits in 152 Major League at bats. That's 16 times more hits, meaning Powell should do 16 times as much nothing.
Clearly, this team is rife with offensive disappointments. The only player - the only player - who's performed up to expectations has been Franklin Gutierrez. Every single other player has sucked, and guys like Chone Figgins and Milton Bradley have had a world of trouble even making contact. There's something wrong with us. But to take it out on the hitting coach...many of these guys are these are veterans. Veterans who've been hitting for a while. Me, I've never played in the Major Leagues, but I find it hard to believe that Alan Cockrell is the reason why Chone Figgins is still hitting .200. Maybe the organization lacked confidence in Cockrell's ability to turn these guys' seasons around, and that's fine, but is Alonzo Powell going to be much better? If so, explain how.
I guess I just don't like it when coaches pay the price for the players' failure. I know the team can't just up and cut Figgins or Lopez for underperforming, but you could at least, I dunno, tape them to a tree for a while or something. Better than taking away a guy's job when he probably has less to do with this slump than anyone.
Do you think they asked Junior if he wanted the job? Do you think they thought about it?
0 recs | 301 comments
We you can't fire the players fire the coach
Never liked this train of thought….
laxtonto - May 9, 2010
We should've hired Mark McGwire
Cause you know dingers…
Slurvey - May 9, 2010
Well, at least its something.
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
That's precisely what caused this move to happen in the first place
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
Something*
*=Not really something
OlSalty - May 9, 2010
Indeed
Problem is old decaying hitters in too many places.
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
Yes Minister
“We must do something. This is something. Therefore we must do it.”
Christoph - May 9, 2010
Fuck this
This team doesn’t seem like it is serious about winning. I can’t believe people this smart are allowing themselves to implement Bavasi style roster management.
Poochie - May 9, 2010
I'm starting to feel bamboozled.
Kermit. - May 9, 2010
This tomfoolery needs to stop
Cantu Easley Winn - May 9, 2010
I do not approve of such shenanigans
ermac - May 9, 2010
They are seroius about winning
Problem is that doesn’t’ mean you’ll win.
Until they rid themselves of Rob Johnson and Mike Sweeney, they will not win.
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
We can win with both of those players on the team
DrunkAmerican - May 9, 2010
Nah.
The only really “WTF” is the Griffey/Sweeney axis, and ONE of them would be fine on the bench.
Most other stuff is Wak’s usage patterns, and they are irritating but not deadly stupid. Sean White might not be very good, but he’s better than Rick White.
eponymous_coward - May 9, 2010
You're nuts.
This is the worst bench I have even seen in my life on any major league team. No exaggeration.
Poochie - May 9, 2010
One could say roughly the same for most of the M's teams in the past five years or so.
JY - May 9, 2010
Willy did provide a lot of versatility
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
That was about it?
JY - May 9, 2010
I don't even understand our team right now
Who is our bench? I just would like to know what’s going on
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
I pine for Willie Bloomquist.
This is what Wak has done to me
Poochie - May 9, 2010
So, to recap...
we have one supposed extra outfielder who can play each position plus first (Langerhans), a utility infielder that is incapable of hitting (Josh Wilson), a catcher who sort of can’t but is still better than that other guy (Moore), and pick your poison (Griffey/Sweeney). Saunders, I don’t know, I’d like to think he’s starting…
Basically no one on our bench can hit and only some of them can play positions on the field.
JY - May 9, 2010
Sounds like we need some big bad Brad Nelson
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
The Outfield Glacier?*
He’s hitting .308/.386/.564 right now, but he was injured earlier so he’s only played in eleven games so far. I’d be amenable to it.
JY - May 9, 2010
I just like seeing fat people play
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Me too except for Griffey
Poochie - May 9, 2010
I'd like him more if he played the field
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Me too
Poochie - May 9, 2010
HE "PLAYS" OUTFIELD? THATS ADORABLE
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
He also plays third!
Slurvey - May 9, 2010
Brad Nelson played two games at third last season.
Range Factor: 0.50.
(In seventeen games the previous season, 2.06)
JY - May 9, 2010
THIS IS SO BAD
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Most the season we were carrying Tui, Byrnes, Sweeney, and Moore
That’s one backup middle infielder that can’t remotely handle shortstop, and provides zero bat, a DH who can’t hit, a leftfielder, and a catcher, zero lefties/switch hitters
Poochie - May 9, 2010
Hannahan is playing second now.
That’s something.
JY - May 9, 2010
Nick Franklin is awesome woooooooooooooooooooo!
Slurvey - May 9, 2010
WOOOOOOOO
JY - May 9, 2010
WHERE IS THE ACKLEY
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
IN WEST TENN.
HITTING .400 THIS PAST WEEK
JY - May 9, 2010
Okay, I've got to calm down
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
gotta save some of that energy for hating the M's later today.
JY - May 9, 2010
I don't know how long I can keep doing this
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
You'd be surprised.
JY - May 9, 2010
At least Miguel Cairo could play a position
Poochie - May 9, 2010
IM STILL ANGRY FROM LAST NIGHT
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Me too
It’s weird, but I think game charts give me closure.
DrunkAmerican - May 9, 2010
How many freaking extra inning games do we have to lose....
Geeze.
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
How were the hookers and heroin?
wazzu93 - May 9, 2010 via mobile
NOT AS WEIRD AS I HAD IMAGINED
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Did you do blow off the hooker?
JY - May 9, 2010
OF COURSE, THATS WHAT TIED THE WHOLE NIGHT TOGETHER
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
I'm not sure I care too much
“Meh” is the only word I can use to describe my feelings towards the Mariners right now.
tait644 - May 9, 2010
Sounds like you need a hug...
And look at that you’re covered!!!!!
the other side - May 9, 2010
Heh
Strangely enough, there is a positive correlation between my time spent with the kids and the number of runs the Mariners score.
It’s science…
tait644 - May 9, 2010
I do hope they are your kids...
the other side - May 9, 2010
Uhhhhhh...
tait644 - May 9, 2010
This is uncomfortable...
the other side - May 9, 2010
Look at the time
I’ve got to paint my house before the game starts, or something…
tait644 - May 9, 2010
Why don't they some how convince Sweeney/Griffey to be hitting coach?
Because if they can’t, it’s time for at least Sweeney to go.
SeaKoala - May 9, 2010
That would only make matters worse...
Griffey isn’t here to perform, on the field that is. I see no fire in his eyes, no frustration when he weakly grounds out to 2nd base, and from what I’ve heard, won’t even participate in bunting practice (even though that is probably the best way for him to actually get on base when the shift is on), because he’s, well Griffey…or was Griffey way back when. We need someone who actually takes that position seriously. Seems the only thing he is interested in is the next prank or the next batting practice home run contest with Ichiro.
DFA Sweeney…please!!
marcoramius - May 9, 2010
I am just hoping for a few more player-related moves on the off-day
ermac - May 9, 2010
WHY DID I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS SEASON
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Last season produced false hope
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
He's already seen this season. That was a comment in the past tense.
It’s very confusing.
Kermit. - May 9, 2010
I blame the writers of lookoutlanding.com
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
YEah fuck those guys
We should have listened to the USS Mariner instad.
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
Stupid Pythagoras...
tait644 - May 9, 2010
It's called retrograde amnesia.
Every year, we manage to forget the past thanks to the head trauma handed out by the Mariners in the previous season.
abender20 - May 9, 2010
I also think the rally fries deserve part of the blame
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
Whether you're driving near or far,
Powell makes a Pow-Pow-Powerful car!
Janic - May 9, 2010
I WANT TO APOLOGIZE FOR MY GT BEHAVIOR LAST NIGHT...BUT I CANT
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Ever find that heroin you were seeking?
the other side - May 9, 2010
JUST A TRUCKLOAD OF COKE WHICH WAS ACTUALLY JUST FINE
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Works in a pinch.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Good news!
Langerhans is playing first and Griffey is still the DH!
Poochie - May 9, 2010
Good?
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
The frogurt is also cursed
Poochie - May 9, 2010
But you get your choice of toppings!
JY - May 9, 2010
The toppings are also cursed.
Mariner John - May 9, 2010
Well Kotchman has been bad
Better replace him with another lefty!
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
We're facing a righty
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
Good
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
Langerhans should play first against lefties as well because if I recall correctly he hasn't shown any platoon split
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Ryan Langerhans has never started a MLB game at first
At least the novelty will be fun in a 2008 sorta way
Poochie - May 9, 2010
Kotchman apparently has a sore ankle
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
Sounds about right.
Did Felix die last night?
the other side - May 9, 2010
YOU ARE NEEDED
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Tommy Everidge for DH!
At least he can hit towering shots and take up more physical room on the bench
Dgood - May 9, 2010
I want whichever of Tommy Everidge and Brad Nelson is bigger
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
NEW DH PLATOON!
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
That would make perfect sense.
tait644 - May 9, 2010
Hopefully BrianL can get a slo-mo shot of them running at full speed directly at the camera.
Kermit. - May 9, 2010
The stuff of dreams
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
Boy I hope that bikini top can contain Tommy.
abender20 - May 9, 2010
Climb Mt. Everidge to get to the playoffs!
MFAN - May 9, 2010
He isn't good right now.
Nelson is though.
JY - May 9, 2010
That sound you hear is 2010 slipping a way into your anus
OlSalty - May 9, 2010
On the plus side
For pitching, Doug Fister has been surprisingly good…
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
A pitcher would have to give up a negative number of runs in order to win with our offense.
JY - May 9, 2010
Yup
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
I like that when we score runs we give up enough to lose
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
No wait I don't like this
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Doug Fister didn't miss a single bat yesterday!
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
This must make him really damn annoying to other teams.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Trade him NOW!
tait644 - May 9, 2010
So is Fister the pitching equivalent of a Doilie?
JAH - May 9, 2010
Well this lowers my respect for the front office
What do they think, we’re idiots? Non-managerial firings are just ceremonial moves to make it look like the team is doing something to temporarily appease the fanbase.
Corco - May 9, 2010
I would say they should have tried to get Edgar to take the job
But he was too good of a hitter to be able to help players this bad.
wetzelcoal - May 9, 2010
"The word that comes to mind is scapegoat" says Niehaus.
msb - May 9, 2010
Niehaus is the only broadcaster with the balls to even approach being honest about how bad this team is
wetzelcoal - May 9, 2010
You didn't see that Cleveland guy did you?
JY - May 9, 2010
Sounds juicy. Please explain.
russak - May 9, 2010
It's a video.
http://deadspin.com/5532859/indians-announcer-goes-on-epic-indians-rant-on-the-indians-network
JY - May 9, 2010
Dear god
I would absolutely love to see Dave Sims do something like that on the air.
wetzelcoal - May 9, 2010
That is awesome
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
The concept of what he's doing is awesome.
How he does it and the actual rant itself is incredibly annoying and stupid.
BigR - May 9, 2010
True
But he does work for the Indians, the team that has traded away two straight Cy Youngs.
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
Except for the Branyan part.
And the fact that he actually knows about Mahoning Valley.
JY - May 9, 2010
I thought especially the Branyan part, personally.
BigR - May 9, 2010
It got worse when he brought it back.
JY - May 9, 2010
I miss that swing.
Slurvey - May 9, 2010
The Branyan parts are just pure gold.
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Valbuena came from Seattle
Corco - May 9, 2010
Who gives any TV announcer that much face time?
tait644 - May 9, 2010
I wish he was on TV for more than 3 innings
Cantu Easley Winn - May 9, 2010
This is why granting professors tenure is a good thing
Corco - May 9, 2010
What.
JY - May 9, 2010
You can do/say almost whatever the fuck you want and not get fired
Even if it means negative publicity for your own university. Niehaus is like a tenured professor in that regard
Corco - May 9, 2010
Oh, right.
For some reason I was thinking that you were implying Cockrell should have had tenure.
JY - May 9, 2010
What sucks is that the radio announcers are a good 10 seconds ahead of the TV
So you can’t really listen to the radio and watch it on TV at the same time.
Cantu Easley Winn - May 9, 2010
Alonzo Powell
What has Tacoma ranked in offensive categories in the past 3 seasons?
This move might make some sense if they were actually above average, which may be because of Powell and he can change something with the Mariners.
fortyniners - May 9, 2010
They're barely above average in most cases.
JY - May 9, 2010
I expect us to hit 14 dingers tonight.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Yeah just for fuck us's sake
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Yeah we'd move from dead last in MLB in HRs
To fifth from the bottom with that, love it…
skywaker9 - May 9, 2010
Let's take a bunch of hitters who are trying too hard and relax them by taking away their emotional crutch.
msb - May 9, 2010
But... Griffey! Sweeney!
JY - May 9, 2010
I wonder if Alan Cockrell's mother is alive
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
UH OH
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Oh. God.
w00tah - May 9, 2010
FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUU-
JY - May 9, 2010
I forgot how much I loved that picture on the right
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
Me toosies
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
I don't feel like finding the original but this one was also great
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
I open bananas like he does now
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
From the nonhandle side?
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
That's the one!
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
I thought about starting to do that but then I didn't
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
It's good enough for the jungle and them fools eat bananas for a living.
abender20 - May 9, 2010
Just a dude trying to hang out
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Holy shit.
HE FOUND A WAY TO COME BACK
the other side - May 9, 2010
Can we all just go to a Mariners game and cause a big ruckus?
Couldn’t we be loud enough to get Junior sucks and Sweeney sucks chants to be heard on television? Just go to one of those Tuesday night games that draw almost as much as a weekend Oakland game.
OceanBird - May 9, 2010
More subtle but potentially more effective would be to flip the In Z We Trust Banner around everytime Sweeney comes up to bat where it would simply read "DFA Sweeney"
Corco - May 9, 2010
I like this idea.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Man, that would be harsh. Yet appropriate
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
LL should just take over a section in the outfield bleechers and all wear paper bags over our heads
wetzelcoal - May 9, 2010
Only if I can take it off to eat some garlic fries.
the other side - May 9, 2010
If we ask for rally fries while wearing paper bags, is that good or bad?
JY - May 9, 2010
Ironic
I’m going with that.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Harsh.
JY - May 9, 2010
Embarrassing move. This regime puzzles me. For as brilliant as they've been
at times over the past two years, and as much as I think they “get it”. The fact that at times they still fall back on old school baseball nonsense (team chemistry, Sean White is good because he had a good ERA last year, can’t hit my hottest hitter high in the order because it’s too much pressure, can’t drop an entitled vet in the lineup because it will hurt his feelings, lets scapegoat the hitting coach, etc…) is highly annoying.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Niehaus to Wak "He can't get that hit for you"
After Wak talks (paraphrase) “we have to win ballgames and there’s accountability to that”
This interview is uh, frustrating to listen to. Platitudes platitudes bullshitting back to platitudes. Good on Niehaus for at least putting him somewhat on the spot.
Kermit. - May 9, 2010
It seems like every year...
Most other teams find a player out of nowhere that hasn’t done much in previous seasons and that hits a bunch of homeruns or hits for a high average.
Why do Mariners rarely find those the past couple of years? Also why majority of our Starters on offense aren’t even at that level?
I’m almost thinking that at the end of the year it is ok for players to bat 0.250 or have 15 home runs on the year. Anyone should get that just by getting at bats for a season.
fortyniners - May 9, 2010
Branyan, R. Gutierrez, F.
Corco - May 9, 2010
We already knew Gutz was Sex. He just has to show everyone else.
the other side - May 9, 2010
I'm pretty sure that while the general consensus was that Gutz was underrated, nobody realized quite how good he was going to be
Corco - May 9, 2010
He's gonna get hit by a goddamn semi isn't he...
the other side - May 9, 2010
Also the players that "come out of nowhere" are generally believed in by some respected segment of the saber community
Carlos Pena had lots of supporters when he busted out of nowhere a couple years ago. Dave Cameron himself advocated for Nelson Cruz before he materialized out of thin air, and so on and so forth
Corco - May 9, 2010
Yes, literally anyone can hit .250 with 15 HRs at the ML level
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Even Sweeney admits he has been Fucking Clownshoes
(from the PI article)
“It’s brutal,” said veteran designated hitter Mike Sweeney, who is batting .176. "I look around this clubhouse and there are a ton of players that deserve to get fired before him and I am one of them.
COME ON – Listen to the man! he WANTS to get fired for the good of the team, now give everyone a Hug and Get the Fuck Out!
ambrosia2112 - May 9, 2010
Respect to Sweeney for admitting that
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
I like sweeney, he's an awesome dude.
Just stop the whole playing thing. You would be a great coach. The crying and hugging…
the other side - May 9, 2010
If you know you're shit, retire for fuck's sake.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Has the clown ban been permanently lifted?
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
"I will be the first one to stand up and take a bullet for that guy"
msb - May 9, 2010
Yeah, that's probably not the best choice of words...
tait644 - May 9, 2010
I believe retire would be the word to use here.
the other side - May 9, 2010
These players develop into our reliable starters
and are/were one of these 3 or 4 players that can make something happen on offense.
Where are those 6-10 hitters or someone new we try out and surprizingly starts producing right away
fortyniners - May 9, 2010
reply fail
fortyniners - May 9, 2010
There we go sorry
fortyniners - May 9, 2010
I am just glad they found the problem and fixed it before the season is lost.
It would be terrible if Sweeney and Griffey had their final Major League season torpedoed by a rogue hitting coach.
Droid Rage - May 9, 2010
This was getting out of hand.
Finally the FO is turning it around.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Hopefully this is the beggining of bigger moves to come
Still plenty of time to turn this around.
ChaseB - May 9, 2010
Why are people still blaming Giffey/Sweeney?
The problem with the team is not the hugging DH tandem. We are getting exactly what we expected of them coming into the season. The playoff predictions for the M’s did not include any production from them. It is Figgins/Lopez/Kotchman we should be mad at These are the players which should be producing but are not. I am much more frustrated with this group of players than the DH.
Justin Pieper - May 9, 2010
The lack of production from DH is the easiest thing to fix on the team.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
How is it easy to fix? Who do you want at DH? The only legit in house option
is on the restricted list with some type of mental issue
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Virtually anyone would be an upgrade at DH.
As JY pointed out upthread, Brad Nelson is hitting well right now. Then there’s Tommy Everidge, Mike Carp, etc.
None of them are ‘legit’ options but they are almost certainly an upgrade over what we currently employ.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
The question really should be how could we do worse?
3 DH’s?
the other side - May 9, 2010
You could say the same about 3B or 2B right now as well. Virtually anyone would
be an upgrade there as well given the current numbers.
If you think Brad Nelson or Tommy Everidge are giving you 200 to 300 extra OPS points then god bless you. You are a very optimistic person.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
No, the difference is that the DH has no purpose other than to hit.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Ding ding ding ding ding.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
Bottomline is that you guys are lamenting over this DH thing as if
we have good options available. We don’t. Calling up the names above do very little to turn this season around.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
How do you not get that Sweeney and Griffey have been so unbelievably bad
a random AAA body is a decent upgrade?
BrianL - May 9, 2010
They have been absolute black holes.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
You can't bitch about the offense but ignore the complete lack of anything from the fucking designated hitters
BrianL - May 9, 2010
I have a hard time believing that Griffey/Sweeney going forward
will be this bad, and I don’t see how Tommy Everidge for example is going to outhit them to the point where it makes a real difference in wins and losses
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
What do you see that tells you Griffey/Sweeney can improve?
the other side - May 9, 2010
Both Griffey and Sweeney have been in clear decline phase for a long time
BrianL - May 9, 2010
I'm sure they'll hit a little better, I doubt Sweeney would hit .174 over the whole season, but they are both 40 or nearing 40 and in a clear decline.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
Yes I agree. They both stink, but they won't hit this poorly
all season. At least Sweeney wouldn’t.
To be honest I’m not convinced Tommy Everidge or Brad Nelson are better than Mike Sweeney
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
I'm not either, though I think Nelson would be.
My first choice would be Bradley to DH when he comes back and just stick Langerhans in LF.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
Yeah, when Bradley comes back then I'm on board
with getting rid of them, because I’d rather have him at DH with Langerhans/Saunders in LF.
However, right now we’re talking about Brad Nelson and Tommy Everidge, and both those players stinks
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Both of those players are an upgrade.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
They at least have this thing called power.
The actual ability to hit a ball to that big tall thing in the outfield.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Do either have a big league track record
of being able to hit with power? Honestly, what kind of numbers would you project for those guys?
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Better ones
That’s all that matters.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Nelson never really got time in the big leagues.
He’s a first baseman who was blocked by Prince Fielder.
JY - May 9, 2010
What kind of numbers would you project for him?
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
I'm done you have your opinion have fun with it.
the other side - May 9, 2010
I would be willing to give Everidge a chance though and if he sucks put Bradley at DH when he comes back.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
Of the two I'd take Sweeney.
The problem is this team will never cut Griffey, thus we have to sit there with 2!!!!! worthless DH’s.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Well if this is how we are talking then yes cutting Griffey would be an option for me.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Why do you think that Figgins and/or Lopez won't improve?
Mariner John - May 9, 2010
It's something we need to fix and can fix.
Just because we can only replace them with okay players doesn’t mean we should just sit there with our 2!!!!! worthless players.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Those players you listed aren't "okay" players. They are poor players.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
So what do you call the DH's?
The point is those “okay”, or “poor”, players are still better than the black hole at DH.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
We like Angels players it seems, so...
we could talk Jim Abbott out of retirement? That could be an improvement.
JY - May 9, 2010
Yet still an upgrade.
That’s how bad our designated hitters are.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
True, I just think this offense is doomed either way, and I'm
not going to pretend that just subbing out the current black holes, with replacement level guys is going to make that much of a difference
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Your entire line of reasoning on this subject is baffling.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
My whole line of reasoning is that I think it's a bit
of a waste of time to bitch about the DHs the way everyone is. Especially with no player of significant value ready to replace them.
I’m not trying to defend those two guys or say that we wouldn’t be better without them. Just that I think this offense is going to be bad with or without them.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
They don't need to be significant value
They just need value. It’s the easiest thing to improve at this point. Everyone else at least provides defense and should hit better during the season. The DHs are providing, and probably will provide, nothing.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
We are bitching about something that we knew would be bad and won't get better.
The rest of the offense is hitting below expectations. This is exactly what I expected from Griffey/Sweeney.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Any kind of production would take the pressure off.
Everyone’s trying too hard and fucking up as a result. Except Guti, who is naturally awesome.
JY - May 9, 2010
Maybe it is doomed. But why just sit there and watch the DH spot do nothing.
This doesn’t work try something else.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Bingo.
the other side - May 9, 2010
DH has no defensive value to factor in.
Chone has been great, and Loafie has been good. We can expect them to at least start hitting decent. The huggers? I have no hope.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Has Chone been great. He has been mediocre defensively in my opinion
I imagine he’s contributed very little in regards to value over replacement level
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Mediocre defensively?
Really?
BrianL - May 9, 2010
Early data combined with watching every game hasn't shown
me that’s he playing 2B at an above average level.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Then let's DH him. That would be an upgrade.
the other side - May 9, 2010
I've watched a decent amount of the games and he has looked rangey as hell at second
Dewey N - May 9, 2010
It's not like DH where we know they will suck all season.
I don’t care what your opinion of his defensive value is. He WILL turn it around at some point.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Has Chone been great. He has been mediocre defensively in my opinion
I imagine he’s contributed very little in regards to value over replacement level
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
It's only eleven games though :(
JY - May 9, 2010
I'm still confident he'd be an upgrade.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Probably!
JY - May 9, 2010
I'm not blaming them at all. If you want to complain about the DH situation then blame
Jack and Wak, or whoever decided they would be adequate DH options/middle or the order hitters.
I personally am putting much more blame on Figgins, Lopez, Kotchman, and Milton Bradley.
Less so Milton because he apparently is just mentally ill, but Figgins has been awful, as has Lopez. Kotchman hasn’t done anything over the last 10 games either.
Rudy4three - May 9, 2010
Well, for one thing
they are taking up space on the roster that could be filled by actual players. We can’t make any moves late in games because we have few bench players who can play.
Droid Rage - May 9, 2010
I'm with Justin.
Nothing was expected out of the DH spot. Any value would have just been a plus.
ChaseB - May 9, 2010
I expect a fucking dinger a month.
Lets start with that hurdle.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Well then you're an idiot.
The DH position is one of our weakest areas that we can easily replace and the problem with Griffey and Sweeney is they’re well below average DHs. You can expect Figgins/Lopez/Kotchman/Bradley to produce down the line but expecting Griffey and Sweeney to do so is not going to happen.
Slurvey - May 9, 2010
Easily replace with what?
Justin Pieper - May 9, 2010
Bradley when he gets back.
Heck at this point I’d take Langerhans at DH.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
Hell, keep Langerhans at 1st and put Kotchman at DH or something.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
You mean Casey 'Defensive whiz' Kotchman?
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
I'm just throwing out anything that would be better than Griffey/Sweeney.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
Flip it.
I’d take Langy at DH.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Kotchman's offense hasn't been much better than Griffey's
Justin Pieper - May 9, 2010
Sadly it's been light years better and Kotch has defensive value as well.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
Actually it has!
BrianL - May 9, 2010
Once again, defence.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
He's been worth 10 times Griffey just on the strength of this!!!
the other side - May 9, 2010
You can't use the defence argument when discussing putting Kotchman at DH.
Justin Pieper - May 9, 2010
Okay then, I'll just have to point out that he's hit a lot better, too.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
He's a shitload better than Griffey at the plate.
Running a wOBA 50 points higher than Griffey.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
I regret stopping this low...
Kotchman has 3 dingers.
the other side - May 9, 2010
*stooping
the other side - May 9, 2010
And he's been unlucky
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
He's been crushing some balls lately.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Between his LD% and low BABIP
It seems easy to say he’s been unlucky and is due to move towards the mean.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
Kotchman has life. He has showed us that he can hit.
the other side - May 9, 2010
It's been way better
And defensive value!
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
Anyone.
Eyeball Kid - May 9, 2010
Anything.
Absolutely anything.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Inanimate carbon rod?
JY - May 9, 2010
`
BrianL - May 9, 2010
Thanks for the assist.
JY - May 9, 2010
*High five!*
BrianL - May 9, 2010
*doesn't leave you hanging*
JY - May 9, 2010
Random AAA warm body.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
Even get Saunders some at bats there if you want Bradley back in LF.
the other side - May 9, 2010
Alex Gordon?
JAH - May 9, 2010
Any warm body
Griffey and Sweeney are cold. Sweeney has no fucking plate discipline. Throw a cardboard cutout out there and it’d do better.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
And by cold I mean damn near dead.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
Lopez, Figgins, and Kotchamn's production could be easily
be replaced with AAA bodies as well
Justin Pieper - May 9, 2010
Their defensive production probably can't be replaced.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
They are more likely to hit and they have defensive value.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
I could go up there without a bat and be more productive
BRKLN M'S - May 9, 2010
Could've won the game last night
You wouldn’t have even had to swing.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
And that does not strike you as a problem?
There is no defensive value at DH. The only value you get from a DH is offensive value. If you are not expecting offensive value from them what exactly are they here for?
Droid Rage - May 9, 2010
I expected more that 3 total extra base hits from Sweeney/Griffey.
They aren’t the only problem and this team won’t win if Figgins and Lopez don’t hit, but the hugging DH’s have actually been worse than expected.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
And GOD that was a low bar to squeeze under.
BrianL - May 9, 2010
The point is replacing those guys would be such a minor difference
The team needs the guys that are suppose to hit to start hitting.
ChaseB - May 9, 2010
It's the easiest fix
Take the low hanging fruit first and wait for the other guys to hit like they should.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
I think everyone agrees with that. Lopez and Figgins need to start hitting if this team wants to contend.
But an upgrade is an upgrade no matter how big or small.
MFAN - May 9, 2010
We have a .464 OPS out of DH
.464.
Replacing those guys would be huge because they have a FOUR HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR MOTHERFUCKING OPS
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
You almost wonder if they could sustain that.
the other side - May 9, 2010
I don't care to find out.
JY - May 9, 2010
Wak does!!!!
the other side - May 9, 2010
That is unlikely
What is likely is that they’re terrible.
Jeff Sullivan - May 9, 2010
ZIPS's revised projections have both Griffey and Sweeney at about a .300 wOBA for the rest of the season.
That is really, really bad.
Replacement level for a DH as of 2009 was .329; league average was .366.
Guys that can better a .330 wOBA out of the DH spot literally grow on trees.
Jeff Nye - May 9, 2010
I don't think we expected .500 OPS bad from DH.
Mariner John - May 9, 2010
The "highlight" montage for this homestand they just showed on tv was like getting punched in the guy.
wetzelcoal - May 9, 2010
*gut
wetzelcoal - May 9, 2010
Aim lower.
Brian Floyd - May 9, 2010
Powell plays for the Chunichi Dragons...
On my 1993 Japanese Power Pro game for SNES. He’s a great hitter in that game. Does that count for anything?
skwid206 - May 9, 2010
Im new to postin here.
Im a longtime m’s fan. Love reading your blogs. I’ve finally decided to sign on and post something. You know the saying, “You can hang out in the sun all day tossing a ball around or you can sit at your computer and do something that matters.” As for the m’s, (I won’t capitalize them until they do something significant) I can’t remember ever checking Seahawk blogs before theirs in May. This year feels worse than ‘08. I’m playing Forza right now over watching the game. I love Sunday baseball, but I can’t afford to patch any more walls in my house. Anyways, I read your rules for postin here. Here’s a little about me. Love Griffey, hate Lopez, Love the idea of Rob as a backup catcher only (for felix), love Guti in mostly a plutonic way, love Milton flippin people off, hate Sweeneys bat, love his hugs, love the fact Wak always looks like he just finished crying.
FisteeFisterer - May 9, 2010
Thank you for taking the time to read the rules beforehand.
Welcome aboard!
Omerta - May 9, 2010
Yeah, maybe he was a scapegoat
But someone needed to get fired because of this homestand. This was laughingstock of the league sort of play this homestand.
Aly Edge - May 10, 2010
Why? They're not going to fire the people that are actually responsible for the results
So why should anyone be fired?
Jeff Nye - May 10, 2010
Because a 1-8 homestand is totally understandable, forgivable, and acceptable
Not one teeny little thing wrong with it.
Aly Edge - May 10, 2010
If you gave someone a block of granite and tied their hands behind their back with the directive of sculpting a head
would you be shocked when you came back and there was no head sculpted?
Sec 108 - May 10, 2010
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