2009 MLB Season Thread

[STL FANATIC]

The Cardinals and Giants have some kind of 1-2 punch, man.

Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain have been stuck at 12 wins, which isn't all that bad, but they've got crazy good ERAs. Lincecum, even trending SLIGHTLY downward, is at 2.43. Cain entered tonight with that same ERA, he leaves it with a 2.39 ERA.

The Cardinals top two are equally as impressive. Chris Carpenter, despite missing 5 starts early on, has 14 wins and a 2.16 and dropping ERA. Adam Wainwright recorded his league-leading (NL, tied CC for MLB) 15th win tonight and dropped his ERA to 2.50.

Still 6+ weeks left, but right now I'd say the top 4 NL Cy Young candidates come from 2 teams.

Rockies are starting to grab hold of the Wild Card, and I also won't count my Cardinals as in until it's a fact, but as excited as I am about how the Cardinals pitching staff sets up for the playoffs, I'd be awfully scared if we had to play the Giants.

[oddball]

Should the Mets medical staff keep their jobs too like Omar said?

Omar says the Mets medical staff is top notch and one of the best hes worked with, and he don't see any reason to maker a change.

The Mets minor leagues sucked before all the injuries, and the coaching staff had this team had poor fundamentals keep at the start of the season.

How does everyone keep their job, and you expect it to get better.

If they dont make changes there will be even more injuries next year, who knows they may even kill somebody like they almost killed Ryan Church last year.

Firing the medical staff is always something brought up on message boards. I don't see how all of the Mets injuries are their fault. The Mets have just had a lot of bad luck this season. Unless the medical staff is doing something horribly wrong, which I highly doubt, I don't see how anyone could blame them for the Mets' disappointing season.

Actually, that is what the medical/training staff is hired to treat and prevent, injuries. The fact that the Mets have had so many injuries is an obvious fact that the medical staff has done a poor job. Injuries aren't luck. They can be prevented. An unlucky injury would be a pitcher hit in the head with a line drive. Pulled muscles, strains, etc. are all preventable, not 100% but they are preventable. Bone spurs in a pitcher that become worse? That's a poor job by the medical staff to deal with that. You hire a medical/training staff to keep players healthy, so if players are getting injured then what in the heck is the medical staff doing? You hire a pitching coach to work with your pitchers to keep them good or make them better, the same with a hitting coach. So why do you hire a medical/training staff if not to prevent and treat injuries. The Mets are way too injured to even think about bringing this staff back who has royally failed at their job.

[NJTank]

Should the Mets medical staff keep their jobs too like Omar said?

Omar says the Mets medical staff is top notch and one of the best hes worked with, and he don't see any reason to maker a change.

The Mets minor leagues sucked before all the injuries, and the coaching staff had this team had poor fundamentals keep at the start of the season.

How does everyone keep their job, and you expect it to get better.

If they dont make changes there will be even more injuries next year, who knows they may even kill somebody like they almost killed Ryan Church last year.

Firing the medical staff is always something brought up on message boards. I don't see how all of the Mets injuries are their fault. The Mets have just had a lot of bad luck this season. Unless the medical staff is doing something horribly wrong, which I highly doubt, I don't see how anyone could blame them for the Mets' disappointing season.

Actually, that is what the medical/training staff is hired to treat and prevent, injuries. The fact that the Mets have had so many injuries is an obvious fact that the medical staff has done a poor job. Injuries aren't luck. They can be prevented. An unlucky injury would be a pitcher hit in the head with a line drive. Pulled muscles, strains, etc. are all preventable, not 100% but they are preventable. Bone spurs in a pitcher that become worse? That's a poor job by the medical staff to deal with that. You hire a medical/training staff to keep players healthy, so if players are getting injured then what in the heck is the medical staff doing? You hire a pitching coach to work with your pitchers to keep them good or make them better, the same with a hitting coach. So why do you hire a medical/training staff if not to prevent and treat injuries. The Mets are way too injured to even think about bringing this staff back who has royally failed at their job.

Look at the Jonathon Niese injury, he did a split at first base covering the bag and was limping, this is a rookie pitching prospect the top pitching prospect the Mets have, and the trainer lets him throw off the mound even though he did an unnatural split, and he tears his hamstring off the bone and falls off the mound making it ten times worse.

[HedleyLamarr]

There are many times when players will hide their injuries from the medical staff, coaches, etc., so they can stay in the lineup.

Just sayin'....

[NJTank]

There are many times when players will hide their injuries from the medical staff, coaches, etc., so they can stay in the lineup.

Just sayin'....

Ryan Church last week said many players on the team have no confidence in the Mets training and medical staff.

[BrySmalls]

Nats sign ex-Mets pitcher Livan Hernandez to a second stint with the organization and he will pitch against the Cubs tonight.

[BBTV]

There are many times when players will hide their injuries from the medical staff, coaches, etc., so they can stay in the lineup.

Just sayin'....

That happened this year with Brett Myers and Chad Durbin (at least that we actually know of.) Durbin made his situation worse by hiding it, got chastised by the pitching coach, and hasn't regained his 2008 form.

Myers was effed either way, but had he got checked out earlier, may be the closer right now instead of Lidge. Instead we'll have to wait until early to mid September to figure out who the closer will be going in to the playoffs... definitely not a good situation to be in, and will probably end up costing them.

[epper]

Tulo' with a walk-off single for the Rockies as they do it again! Two back in the division!

Man, something crazy is happening with this team again. You can just feel the momentum building. I don't see how they lose the WC now. The way they're playing and the way the Dodgers have just been "OK" lately, it wouldn't shock me to see them blow right past and take the division.

And unlike in '07 when they had a bunch of dime-a-dozen pitchers, they have legit starting pitching this year in Jimenez, Marquis and De La Rosa, not to mention a shut-down closer in Street.

[JayJaxon]

The Rockies appear unbeatable, and in the meantime the Braves can only manage 1 run in 12 innings against the Padres. I can see the season slipping away. I guess I'll have to start actively campaigning for Hanson to win Rookie of the Year. At least then there will be a bright spot to this season...well that, and finishing better than the Mets. That's always great!

[roxfan00]

Punishment on horizon for MLB umpires

Watson looks into ump's comment, players' conduct

By Troy E. Renck

Denver Post

Major League Baseball will punish umpires and players for their actions during and after Monday's game at Coors Field.

"We are investigating this, and it's not all against the umpires it involves players as well," Bob Watson, MLB's director of on-field operations, told The Post on Tuesday. "And it is definitely not going away without discipline being handed down, on both sides."

Several Rockies alleged after Monday's dramatic, 14th-inning 6-4 victory that second-base umpire Bill Miller called catcher Yorvit Torrealba a derogatory name while the catcher was a baserunner late in the game. That only heightened tempers on a night when both teams complained about the ball-and-strike calls of home-plate umpire Angel Campos.

Watson would not elaborate whether the ruling would involve fines, suspensions or both, saying only that a decision will be coming soon, possibly today. The umpires have filed an incident report, but Watson said he needed to talk to more people before making a decision.

His ruling could affect Torrealba, shortstop Troy Tulo-witzki and closer Huston Street, all of whom had words with members of the crew. If Torrealba is suspended and doesn't appeal, the Rockies would have to make a roster move, since they can't risk having only one catcher on the roster.

Tensions began to escalate because, Torrealba said, Miller insulted him, saying that he was out of line by showing up Campos during the game with his body language on questionable calls against Rockies pitchers. A witness to the incident said that Miller referred to his own experience as an umpire in explaining why he had the right to criticize Torrealba's actions, though he wasn't working the plate.

As Miller and Torrealba argued, Street yelled at first-base umpire Jim Joyce, telling him that Miller needed to stop badgering Torrealba. Joyce came over to the rail of the Rockies' dugout and exchanged words with Street and pitching coach Bob Apodaca.

"I was defending my catcher, that's all. It was an emotional night on both sides," said Street, who apologized to the umpires after the game.

Following Ryan Spilborghs' walk-off grand slam, the Rockies celebrated at home plate. As the players dispersed, Torrealba yelled at Miller. Torrealba said he is not worried about a potential suspension.

"I didn't do anything wrong. You offend me and I will offend you back. You show me respect and I'll show you respect," Torrealba said.

Apodaca was also seen on the field talking in a heated manner with one of the umpires after the game. Adding to the confusion was Tulowitzki being chastised by umpires after Spilborgh's blast.

Rockies manager Jim Tracy said that the umpires told Tulowitzki that he should not have made contact with Spilborghs before he reached home plate. He admitted that words were exchanged as the umpires exited the field. The umpires were not able to leave the field in a timely manner, which is a security issue.

The umpires, who traveled to Milwaukee for the Reds-Brewers series, could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

"I am still trying to get to the bottom of it," Tracy said before Tuesday night's game against the Dodgers. Tracy added that he did not expect anyone to be disciplined.

But that won't be the case, according to Watson.

"This is a serious matter that is not going to be taken lightly," Watson said. "There will be action taken."

Denver Post

[Top Shelf]

Does anyone know if the Mets have their own hospital wing yet?

Seriously, Doogie Howser could be a better team doctor than the bozos currently in that position.

[NJTank]

Does anyone know if the Mets have their own hospital wing yet?

Seriously, Doogie Howser could be a better team doctor than the bozos currently in that position.

Why dont you ask the Mets team doctor he's right here.

Speaking of the Mets now Oliver Perez is out for the season, I wonder who will be added to the DL tomorrow

[Cujo]

Speaking of the Mets now Oliver Perez is out for the season, I wonder who will be added to the DL tomorrow

The Mets are, and have been, out of the playoff race for a while now... Therefore, your answer is "Who the f*** cares?".

[Gary]

Speaking of the Mets now Oliver Perez is out for the season, I wonder who will be added to the DL tomorrow

The Mets are, and have been, out of the playoff race for a while now... Therefore, your answer is "Who the f*** cares?".

Curt just remember, this is usually the time you see Tank on a bridge somewhere waiting to jump

[FiddySicks]

How about them Rockies? Eh?

Sure are one resilient baseball team. Tonight they had multiple chances to win the game, failed to do so. Gave up 3-runs in the top of the 14th, won it 6-2 in the bottom half on a walk-off grandslam!

Uggh. Absolutely horrible game for San Francisco. I really hope they can pick it up and get back in this thing, the series this weekend vs Colorado is gonna be the biggest test for them.

[cmm]

The Rockies appear unbeatable, and in the meantime the Braves can only manage 1 run in 12 innings against the Padres. I can see the season slipping away. I guess I'll have to start actively campaigning for Hanson to win Rookie of the Year. At least then there will be a bright spot to this season...well that, and finishing better than the Mets. That's always great!

Unless he starts to choke or Hanson catches fire, JA Happ should be NL Rookie of the Year.

[JayJaxon]

The Rockies appear unbeatable, and in the meantime the Braves can only manage 1 run in 12 innings against the Padres. I can see the season slipping away. I guess I'll have to start actively campaigning for Hanson to win Rookie of the Year. At least then there will be a bright spot to this season...well that, and finishing better than the Mets. That's always great!

Unless he starts to choke or Hanson catches fire, JA Happ should be NL Rookie of the Year.

Not so fast. If Hanson catches more fire than he already has, he will be burning up. He got called up on June 3rd and he is 9-2 with a 3.05 ERA. Happ has been there more than a month longer and has 1 more win and 23 more strikeouts.

With that being said, it wouldn't bother me to much if Happ got it, but Hanson is not far off the mark at all.

[BBTV]

The Rockies appear unbeatable, and in the meantime the Braves can only manage 1 run in 12 innings against the Padres. I can see the season slipping away. I guess I'll have to start actively campaigning for Hanson to win Rookie of the Year. At least then there will be a bright spot to this season...well that, and finishing better than the Mets. That's always great!

Unless he starts to choke or Hanson catches fire, JA Happ should be NL Rookie of the Year.

Not so fast. If Hanson catches more fire than he already has, he will be burning up. He got called up on June 3rd and he is 9-2 with a 3.05 ERA. Happ has been there more than a month longer and has 1 more win and 23 more strikeouts.

With that being said, it wouldn't bother me to much if Happ got it, but Hanson is not far off the mark at all.

Happ started in the bullpen though, and has the lowest ERA for a rookie since Nomo in '95. I'm not saying he should just get it, but I think he's certainly qualified... so far. He'll also be starting in meaningful games late in the season, which should only help his cause.

[crashcarson15]

The Rockies appear unbeatable, and in the meantime the Braves can only manage 1 run in 12 innings against the Padres. I can see the season slipping away. I guess I'll have to start actively campaigning for Hanson to win Rookie of the Year. At least then there will be a bright spot to this season...well that, and finishing better than the Mets. That's always great!

Unless he starts to choke or Hanson catches fire, JA Happ should be NL Rookie of the Year.

Not so fast. If Hanson catches more fire than he already has, he will be burning up. He got called up on June 3rd and he is 9-2 with a 3.05 ERA. Happ has been there more than a month longer and has 1 more win and 23 more strikeouts.

With that being said, it wouldn't bother me to much if Happ got it, but Hanson is not far off the mark at all.

Happ started in the bullpen though, and has the lowest ERA for a rookie since Nomo in '95. I'm not saying he should just get it, but I think he's certainly qualified... so far. He'll also be starting in meaningful games late in the season, which should only help his cause.

So will Hanson. He'll play in more meaningful games.

[BBTV]

The Rockies appear unbeatable, and in the meantime the Braves can only manage 1 run in 12 innings against the Padres. I can see the season slipping away. I guess I'll have to start actively campaigning for Hanson to win Rookie of the Year. At least then there will be a bright spot to this season...well that, and finishing better than the Mets. That's always great!

Unless he starts to choke or Hanson catches fire, JA Happ should be NL Rookie of the Year.

Not so fast. If Hanson catches more fire than he already has, he will be burning up. He got called up on June 3rd and he is 9-2 with a 3.05 ERA. Happ has been there more than a month longer and has 1 more win and 23 more strikeouts.

With that being said, it wouldn't bother me to much if Happ got it, but Hanson is not far off the mark at all.

Happ started in the bullpen though, and has the lowest ERA for a rookie since Nomo in '95. I'm not saying he should just get it, but I think he's certainly qualified... so far. He'll also be starting in meaningful games late in the season, which should only help his cause.

So will Hanson. He'll play in more meaningful games.

How so? While anything is certainly possible, he likely won't be pitching in any games that will help decide the division, and the Braves are 5.5 games out of the Wild Card (and the Rockies are starting to look like they may pull away.)

The Phillies are at least playing for home field (baring a Mets style collapse.)