Elktonnick

I think Wright in the bullpen both as a long man or as a spot starter is an excellent role for him. The big advantage to knucklerballers is they are innings eaters.

Camerons's admission that there is a ten game spread just shows that Fangraph's projections are about as accurate as the average well versed fan. This isn't a criticism of fangraphs but rather a reflection that pre season win projections aren't worth very much. There are just too many variables. As they say that's why they play the games.

Crawford's career practically cratered after his stint with the Red Sox. He never was the threat he used to be once he left Tampa. If anything I'd say the low expectations of Rays fans suited his temperament best.

Seems the scout was right at least according to this. Just Google "Are blue yeyed people more sensitive to sunlight" and this is what you'll find. Myth or fact: people with light eyes are more sensitive to sunlight August 27, 2013 If you have blue, green, or gray eyes, you may have noticed yourself squinting into the sunlight more than your brown-eyed counterparts or needing a respite from the fluorescent lights at work. You may wonder if it’s all in your head -- or is there truth to the rumor that people with light eyes are more sensitive to sunlight? According to Duke ophthalmologist Anupama Horne, MD, the answer is yes -- your baby blues are indeed likely contributing to your squinting and discomfort under bright lights. Truth about light eyes and light sensitivity Horne explains that photophobia -- the term used to describe light sensitivity -- typically affects people with light eyes because they have less pigmentation in multiple layers of the eye than those with darker eyes. Because of this, they are unable to block out the effects of harsh lights like sunlight and fluorescent lights. Horne is careful to note that photophobia refers to light sensitivity, but does not refer to actual permanent loss of vision. Photophobia may cause a person to have difficulty seeing or focusing in bright lights, or even cause pain around the eyes. So, squinting or rubbing your eyes often when you are in harsh light may be a clear sign that you have some level of photophobia. Stay out of the sun The good news is that photophobia resulting from light eye color is typically easy to remedy. Simply avoiding prolonged time spent in harsh lighting or bright lights or wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats when outside should alleviate symptoms associated with light sensitivity.

The only explanation for the Sandoval signing was that Cherrington was seduced by his playoff numbers. Only a wide eyed optimist could say he was anything but a very mediocre 3rd baseman especially when you look at his defensive numbers.

Sandoval's defensive WAR (dWAR) shows that he has mostly played a bad 3rd base defensively since 2009 with one exception 2011 when his dWAR was 1.8. He had a negative dWAR in 09,12,13 and 15. His worst year defensively was in 09 when his dWAR was-1.2 not last year. In 2010 his dWAR was 0.1. Based on those numbers one really has to wonder why he was signed. Based on those numbers can anyone reasonably expect that he will play an adequate 3rd base defensively. If he returns to average chances are he will still show a negative defensive WAR.

For the record, I am not a big fan of the sac bunt but like I said there are times it makes perfect sense. It largely depends on the match ups. And this is where the traditional stats such as BA are most useful. It also depends on the defensive set up.

It depends on how he was approached. BTW, I don't think he would have had the same experience in virtually any other big league city. I wonder how many Tiger fans would recognize their GM.

I believe the data shows it isn't a good idea unless the batter is hitting less than 200. I don't recall the exact batting average but it is somewhere around 200. (Yes, There is a role for the traditional stats) While I may not have the exact BA, the main point is that in NL when the pitcher is hitting the sac bunt is usually the percentage play.

You are blaming the victim.

You and Dr K could have talked baseball. He is a huge Yankees fan of course.

I still wonder how many times he is going to get hit in the head when Clay Buccholtz suddenly decides to throw to first.

So because he was "famous" it is his fault that people were rude.

I was brought up not to accost strangers in public. It is rude do so without politely asking someone's permission such as saying "excuse me" or "may I bother you". It is rude behavior not to. Just because he is the GM doesn't mean that fans have a right to bother him because he was in the store.

You are obviously very young.

That's really not practical or realistic. Dave Dombrowski has a right to be left alone just as does everyone else. The people who are being rude are the ones who are bothering him during what is a private moment.

The series was pitching and defense. The Mets poor defense knocked the wind out their sails, that coupled with the Royals stellar bullpen was the story IMHO If DD was paying attention, the sox still have needs in the pen for sure but the real question is at the corners. It is wishful thinking to believe that Sandoval and Ramirez aren't defensive liabilities.

I remember what well Pedro who I believe is only 5'11 had said about his fingers. Pedro has long fingers and he said during an interview that he believed that the length of his fingers was an import ingredient to his success.

While I may agree with you there are many who do not, at least judging from the discussion I had elsewhere. This issue I raise is not whether they are better or have an advantage but whether Tom House is accurate, namely do taller pitcher have a more difficult time repeating their deliveries. House is a leading pitching coach. The reason I ask this is I believe this may be the key issue whether Owens is successful.

I am still ripping angry about Don getting the boot. O'Brien is a decent announcer but I just don't see him being as entertaining.

I remember the days when you couldn't drink beer at your seats at Fenway. I remember my father standing at the concession stand watching the game from there. By Howard Kaese GLOBE STAFF AUGUST 17, 1956 "The Red Sox management announced yesterday that beer no longer will be allowed in box seats, grandstands or bleachers, but must be drunk at or near the counters where it is bought."

I just hope Remy is around to talk about it. I think they may be easing him out too, Jeremy Kaperstein was once Remy's agent.

Got an email from the Red Sox announcing a new mascot joining Wally his younger sister Tessie. Given the number of other emails I've gotten from pushing seasons tickets their marketing efforts are going full guns. One wonders how much demand is down after two crappy years.

The issue arose over concern whether Henry Owens will make the successive transition to being an effective starter. Owens does not have overwhelming velocity so he needs to exercise pinpoint control to effective. An 2001 article in SI contain the following: "Most taller pitchers were not successful at a young age," says Toronto Blue Jays vice president Tim Wilken. "Johnson, Richard,Nelson, Steve Carlton [6'3"]. They take longer learning to control their delivery because they have more room for error." Given a choice between a promising big pitcher and a promising small pitcher, scouts will take the big man every time. "I know of nine clubs who tell their scouts not to bother turning in recommendations on right handed pitchers who aren't at least 6'2"," says Tom House, a former major league pitcher and pitching coach who is a consultant to several teams. "They see a big guy and they see raw tools.]So it's a self-fulfilling prophecy that pitchers will keep getting bigger. Nobody ever got fired for drafting a 6'5" pitcher who throws over 90 miles per hour." How many 6'7" professional golfers are there?" asks House. "The taller you are, the harder it is to master the biomechanics of pitching. A small person is more coordinated with his extremities than a big guy." The question is House's view accurate

I confess my opinion of James has diminished greatly. His ill conceived defense of Pete Rose, Penn State and Jerry Sandusky damaged his reputation.