“Again outs are the most precious thing in baseball.”
Then why are there specific strategies designed to trade an out for a run (e.g. – squeeze play, deliberately trying to hit a fly ball to the outfield to get a SF, deliberately trying to hit a grounder at the SS or 2B with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs)? Take it further – why are there strategies designed to sacrifice an out for the improved CHANCE of scoring a run?
Why do the teams who successfully execute these strategies celebrate and rejoice when they do so? Because they traded a more valuable commodity for a lesser one?
DOB–finally got around to listening to your interview over at ABT. Great stuff. Glad you get as much out of this blog as we do–because I know I really enjoy it, all in all. Great place to chat about dang near anything.
And tip o’ the cap to the guys at ABT. They do a lot of great stuff and I wish I had more time to listen to all of their stuff instead of just a select few. Really enjoyed the Javy interview as well from a little while back. Great work fellas.
hen why are there specific strategies designed to trade an out for a run (e.g. – squeeze play, deliberately trying to hit a fly ball to the outfield to get a SF, deliberately trying to hit a grounder at the SS or 2B with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs)? Take it further – why are there strategies designed to sacrifice an out for the improved CHANCE of scoring a run?
They may work once in a while in a specific situation as a tactic, but teams that rely on them as regular strategy are always among the lowest in runs scored.
Most all GMs are now developing large stat squads and making your outs last longer is one of the most important concerns.
Too bad for you old fogies. nyah nyah !
Look at it economically. Here are the 10 highest 2009 salaries:
# Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees- $ 33,000,000
# Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers- $ 23,854,494
# Derek Jeter, New York Yankees- $ 21,600,000
# Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees- $ 20,625,000
# Carlos Beltran, New York Mets- $ 19,243,682
# Carlos Lee, Houston Astros- $ 19,000,000
# Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers- $ 18,971,596
# Johan Santana, New York Mets- $ 18,876,139
# Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs- $ 18,750,000
# Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants- $ 18,500,000
The top 7 of the 10 are “run – producers”. The bottom 3 are pitchers (i.e. – “run preventers” or “out inducers”).
The bottom 3 are pitchers (i.e. – “run preventers” or “out inducers”).
What is valued the most? 101
nobody is talking pitchers, we are talking about hitters who do not make as many outs. your post proves the point completely,most of those guys have a high OBP. absolutely none of them specialize in producing runs with small ball tactics.
I don’t know why you’re starting this discussion again, baseball 101. I don’t think anyone (particularly you, it seems) wants to hear me and the others come out of our mothers’ basements spewing new-age garbage. Heck, I don’t even want to do it.
Nolie and Tom O’, I agree on the sacrifice thing. I’ve never seen anything quantifying it, but I want to conserve that out. I have never liked it, even back when I did it (coach’s orders). It’s stupid.
The only time I want a sacrifice is when the other pitcher is tough to reach, the eighth place hitter gets on, there are no outs, and Javier Vazquez or similar stands in. Then, maybe. I get tired of watching guys not get bunts down and I get tired of attempting to move the runner over in the middle of the lineup while sacrificing a runner. No. It’s Mauchian and it’s stupid.
flange–I ordered it, but it won’t be here for about 2 months. I can’t wait for the thing and I’ll be sure to let you know how much it rocks when I get it. It’s a custom-shop deal just because that’s how the line works, and the shop had to order a new batch, so I’ve just gotta wait, I guess. Thanks again for all the advice–it was greatly appreciated.
Just wanted to give you a head’s up that the roger Corman epic “Galaxy of Terror” we discussed the other day is set to be released in July of this year, and can be preordered on Amazon.
Pro baseball (or sports) is fantasy land financially. For example, Joe Mauer gets $180 million contract extension. The economy is in a recession,unemployment is 10 %,the federal government is 3 trillion in debt,and MLB players keep getting their millions.
I’m a fan for sure but why doesn’t the recession include pro sports ?
Can’t a pro player make it off $1 million instead of $6 million or up to $18 million per year ? If they can afford to pay players salary increases then they could reduce ticket prices for fans instead.
If a hitter plays 162 games he will get about 600 at bats. If he hits .300 he will have 180 hits for the year. Divide that into $18 million and that is $100,000 per hit and $42,857 bucks per out. Unreal.
“Look at it economically. Here are the 10 highest 2009 salaries:
# Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees- $ 33,000,000
# Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers- $ 23,854,494
# Derek Jeter, New York Yankees- $ 21,600,000
# Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees- $ 20,625,000
# Carlos Beltran, New York Mets- $ 19,243,682
# Carlos Lee, Houston Astros- $ 19,000,000
# Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers- $ 18,971,596
# Johan Santana, New York Mets- $ 18,876,139
# Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs- $ 18,750,000
# Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants- $ 18,500,000
The top 7 of the 10 are “run – producers”. The bottom 3 are pitchers (i.e. – “run preventers” or “out inducers”).
What is valued the most?”
Considering that pitchers only play every 5th day your argument is invalid. Break it down to number of games played per dollar paid then it’s pitchers by far.
Finally spring here in Atlanta. Just grilled a couple of steaks while smoking a stogie on my patio, listening to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit before we see him tomorrow night at Smith’s Olde Bar. I didn’t give that CD enough listens when it came out (18 Wheels of Love, you were right). Still like his solo debut more, but this one’s a solid, mellow album, perfect to listen to on a night like this.
Second episode of Justified tonight. Oh, and I finally saw The Office St. Pat’s Day episode last night. Hilarious. And got caught up on 24. Did NOT see that plot twist coming in last night’s episode.
McFann
My 8 year old granddaughter got McCanns autograph at the game today at PSL We saw him boarding the bus and I called over to him and told him she was a catcher in her league and he smiled and came over and autographed a baseball for her. He is a class act.
Other then my phone not working right and my printer not printing, all is well…spent the day in sweats (cute ones, not nasty elastic waste man sweats ), barefoot, snoring dog at my feet…could be worse
I resumed the argument because the statement under rebuttal was “outs are the most valuable commodity in the game”,
I do not believe that is true, and I have provided numerous reasons (from economic, tactical, and logical viewpoints) to support my belief. What I have received in return are arguments supporting the merits of OBP.
It is a cause (partial) and effect situation. High OBP (and, consequently, out avoidance) is a partial cause of increased run production. I say partial because there are times (especially in late innings of tight games) when outs are actually sacrificed in order to score runs or to even increase the probability of scoring runs.
Run production is one of the two Objects of the Game (run prevention being the other). Out avoidance is a means to that end.
And from Steve from OH: I don’t know why you’re starting this discussion again, baseball 101. I don’t think anyone (particularly you, it seems) wants to hear me and the others come out of our mothers’ basements spewing new-age garbage. Heck, I don’t even want to do it.
I don’t care if you come out of your mother’s or father’s basement spewing whatever Age garbage. Please do not be so presumptuous as to what I do and do not want to hear. Again, the discussion was what is the most valuable commodity in baseball. Runs or outs?
Oh, and another thing, cabravesfan. What’s with this earlier post?
RG-
Really? I’m sure we could find a better role for you (plus, I think you may need to fight Tom for that part )
You’re right. I have a strong desire to play Dentz, and I’ll fight for that role. Right after the Israelis erect a statue of Hitler, in a Tel Aviv town park.
Roman Gal suggested a movie based on me and VJ and wanted to play the roll of your favorite blogger…I think you would have some fun with the role (of course, then we would have to find someone to play you so maybe that wouldn’t work- forget I suggested it! )
Baseball note for any international player junkies. The spring HS baseball tournament was playing on TV over the weekend, and my brother-in-law tipped me off to a game being pitched by a 16 yr old lefty that might make some waves in a couple of years. Tall, lanky kid whose fastball already sits mid-high eighties and has a pretty good slurve to complement it. Pretty projectable body type. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him throwing 93-95 in a couple of years. The annoucers said he’d picked up about 7 mph on his fastball in the last 12 months alone. Can’t remember his name right now to save my life, but he’s probably going to be a good one. Kind of reminded me of John Candelaria the way he slotted his arm. Hope the Bravos are keeping an eye on him!
how about Paul Hewitt meeting with St. John’s tonight in Atlanta (reported by Andy Katz)?
Katz reports that Tech would likely lessen or eliminate the buy out if Hewitt will leave per Katz. Katz also threw out Tubby Smith as the obvious choice for the next Tech coach.
How many coaches have been head coaches at Tech and UGA??
Man, DOB talking grilling has me starving, and lunch is still an hour away here. Nasty, grey day here, too, so no grilling tonight, I’m afraid. Gotta do as much of it as I can, too, as my tour here ends in a week *sigh*
of course runs win games, we are talking about the most efficient way to score the most runs and small ball on a regular basis ain’t it.
Based on stats from real game histories, in the long run sacrificing an out for a base actually lowers the number of runs scored. When you play for one run that is usually the most that you get.
It might be appropriate at a certain time late in a game when one run can win it for you, but it is not a successful regular approach.
Believe what you will, but the conservation of outs is the hottest thing going at the new GM levels. It will only continue to grow.Team OBP correlates higher with team runs scored that any other single stat.
OK, have i bored every body enough now, Scoots, Braveheart ?? At my age I gotta write it out every so often to be sure I remember it all.
I’m a fan for sure but why doesn’t the recession include pro sports ?
It has. The top talent is making more than ever, but the lower tier are making a lot less. Troy Glaus took a HUGE drop in salary to prove he’s healthy. A lot of guys who would have gotten nice contracts two years ago are accepting half that. And veterans are getting deep-sixed in favor of cheap rookies. I think Sheff is still looking for a job. Garrett Anderson got a million last year, he’s working for minimum wage today, if he even gets that.
Put it this way. Johnny Depp is still making huge dollars. A lot of other former stars are working in indie movies for $200K or less.
Seems to me that the debate is like capitalists arguing over which is more important, working capital or profits. It’s apples and oranges; the two are key measurements of different things..
Think of OUTS as working capital–each team gets 27 units of working capital to invest (or more accurately, “to spend”) during the game in order to earn the largest PROFIT (RUNS). So OUTS are a measure of capital to risk during the game, and RUNS are a measure of the resulting profits; i.e., the reward–the return on capital invested . Does that make sense? If nothing else, it’s a new argument to shoot holes in, so fire away!
DOB’s blog is awesome. Does anyone know if there is another sports writer anywhere that has a bigger blog following or is DOB #1? The sports writers here in San Diego are as bad as the Padres. They cant even get this many comments from fans after the Chargers annual exit from the playoffs.
Ordered my MLB Extra Innings today. Cost $179.00 a $20 discount by buying before season opened. Looking forward to watching all the Braves games down here in S. Florida and being able to look in on some former Braves too, such as KJ and LaRoche.
I’ll have access to the net while there, and look forward to catching lot of games on MLB.com (live broadcasts are blocked here due to contractual obligations between MLB and the TV folks here). Would rather be here in Tokyo with my family, but that’s what R&R is for, and hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
995 comments Add your comment
RHR
March 23rd, 2010
7:43 pm
lol Jeffrey, I meant to comment but then I got busy with my who sucks summary and work and stuff. It was funny!
They went to a game together …. met at a game, and the next thing you know he’s up and moving across the country and he lives with her now.
♫ The Love Blog promises something for everyone ♫
FEAR
March 23rd, 2010
7:44 pm
joerochester – my coworkers suck
Baseball 101
March 23rd, 2010
7:50 pm
Shane @ 5:33 pm
“Again outs are the most precious thing in baseball.”
Then why are there specific strategies designed to trade an out for a run (e.g. – squeeze play, deliberately trying to hit a fly ball to the outfield to get a SF, deliberately trying to hit a grounder at the SS or 2B with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs)? Take it further – why are there strategies designed to sacrifice an out for the improved CHANCE of scoring a run?
Why do the teams who successfully execute these strategies celebrate and rejoice when they do so? Because they traded a more valuable commodity for a lesser one?
I think it’s the other way around.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
7:59 pm
“They went to a game together …. met at a game, and the next thing you know he’s up and moving across the country and he lives with her now.
♫ The Love Blog promises something for everyone ♫
You are so right, RHR. The blog gave me my start on cirrhosis of the liver. :X
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
7:59 pm
When they say “consult your doctor before taking this medication,” is it okay to just consult Web MD?
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
8:00 pm
Why did I hit the upper case x?
RHR
March 23rd, 2010
8:01 pm
Coulda been you, Tom O.
RHR
March 23rd, 2010
8:04 pm
Why did I hit the upper case x?
Same reason you have an early start on cirrhosis?
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
8:05 pm
Bingo!
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
8:06 pm
I sense there’s a back story here long before I was a fetus on this blog.
Mekons
March 23rd, 2010
8:06 pm
Justified episode two coming on in two hours.
86-76
March 23rd, 2010
8:08 pm
Sorry Leo- But if home is so great …Why in the Hell did you cut a trail to Baltimore.????????
Roger is doing just fine!!!!
Steve from OH
March 23rd, 2010
8:11 pm
DOB–finally got around to listening to your interview over at ABT. Great stuff. Glad you get as much out of this blog as we do–because I know I really enjoy it, all in all. Great place to chat about dang near anything.
And tip o’ the cap to the guys at ABT. They do a lot of great stuff and I wish I had more time to listen to all of their stuff instead of just a select few. Really enjoyed the Javy interview as well from a little while back. Great work fellas.
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
8:14 pm
hen why are there specific strategies designed to trade an out for a run (e.g. – squeeze play, deliberately trying to hit a fly ball to the outfield to get a SF, deliberately trying to hit a grounder at the SS or 2B with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs)? Take it further – why are there strategies designed to sacrifice an out for the improved CHANCE of scoring a run?
They may work once in a while in a specific situation as a tactic, but teams that rely on them as regular strategy are always among the lowest in runs scored.
Most all GMs are now developing large stat squads and making your outs last longer is one of the most important concerns.
Too bad for you old fogies. nyah nyah !
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
8:21 pm
I agree, uncle nolie. Outs are too easy to come by. Why give them up so easily? With a few exceptions, of course. Very few.
Baseball 101
March 23rd, 2010
8:30 pm
Look at it economically. Here are the 10 highest 2009 salaries:
# Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees- $ 33,000,000
# Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers- $ 23,854,494
# Derek Jeter, New York Yankees- $ 21,600,000
# Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees- $ 20,625,000
# Carlos Beltran, New York Mets- $ 19,243,682
# Carlos Lee, Houston Astros- $ 19,000,000
# Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers- $ 18,971,596
# Johan Santana, New York Mets- $ 18,876,139
# Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs- $ 18,750,000
# Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants- $ 18,500,000
The top 7 of the 10 are “run – producers”. The bottom 3 are pitchers (i.e. – “run preventers” or “out inducers”).
What is valued the most?
TnBrian
March 23rd, 2010
8:33 pm
Nobody needs to ask why we call them Mutt trolls … ever. As soon as they win a game, practice game or a real one, they come in packs. Sad.
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
8:34 pm
The bottom 3 are pitchers (i.e. – “run preventers” or “out inducers”).
What is valued the most? 101
nobody is talking pitchers, we are talking about hitters who do not make as many outs. your post proves the point completely,most of those guys have a high OBP. absolutely none of them specialize in producing runs with small ball tactics.
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
8:47 pm
Where’s the diabolical hater, spike?
Steve from OH
March 23rd, 2010
8:47 pm
I don’t know why you’re starting this discussion again, baseball 101. I don’t think anyone (particularly you, it seems) wants to hear me and the others come out of our mothers’ basements spewing new-age garbage. Heck, I don’t even want to do it.
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
8:48 pm
I had no idea Zambrano was overpaid by that much. Jesus.
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
8:49 pm
Out of Bounds: Autistic teen has perfect bracket
http://outofbounds.nbcsports.com/2010/03/post-344.html.php
Looks like Dentz is doing pretty well this tournament.
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
8:54 pm
The IPAD is insanely expensive.
bravefaninok
March 23rd, 2010
8:56 pm
C.C. Sabathia, $23,000,000 (2009-15)
you forgot CC
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:02 pm
C.C. Sabathia, $23,000,000 (2009-15)
bravefaninok, that may be the way it averages out, but in 2010, he only receives 15+ million.
flange1
March 23rd, 2010
9:03 pm
Hey Steve, did your guitar ever get to you?
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
9:03 pm
Joe Mauer is up there now, too.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:03 pm
I think all this drinking is making me loud.
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
9:05 pm
Go on eharmony, bro.
GovClintonTyree
March 23rd, 2010
9:05 pm
Nolie and Tom O’, I agree on the sacrifice thing. I’ve never seen anything quantifying it, but I want to conserve that out. I have never liked it, even back when I did it (coach’s orders). It’s stupid.
The only time I want a sacrifice is when the other pitcher is tough to reach, the eighth place hitter gets on, there are no outs, and Javier Vazquez or similar stands in. Then, maybe. I get tired of watching guys not get bunts down and I get tired of attempting to move the runner over in the middle of the lineup while sacrificing a runner. No. It’s Mauchian and it’s stupid.
Steve from OH
March 23rd, 2010
9:05 pm
flange–I ordered it, but it won’t be here for about 2 months. I can’t wait for the thing and I’ll be sure to let you know how much it rocks when I get it. It’s a custom-shop deal just because that’s how the line works, and the shop had to order a new batch, so I’ve just gotta wait, I guess. Thanks again for all the advice–it was greatly appreciated.
Steve from OH
March 23rd, 2010
9:06 pm
Allright, me and the rest of the little Lebowskis are headed off to bowling. Later, everyone.
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
9:06 pm
Tom-
Just drink more, you’ll eventually quiet down
GovClintonTyree
March 23rd, 2010
9:06 pm
joerochester with the bucket – and ONE! Count it!
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:10 pm
Tom-
Just drink more, you’ll eventually quiet down
True that, cabravesfan, but then I start typing in some unfamiliar language.
Lew
March 23rd, 2010
9:14 pm
Tom O’Hawke-Nah, I don’t smile much at all. I’m really much more bitter, bent and warped than I let on.
RHR-Thanks. How do you get your Chop Talk so early?
Tokyo Bravo
March 23rd, 2010
9:14 pm
Nolie,
Just wanted to give you a head’s up that the roger Corman epic “Galaxy of Terror” we discussed the other day is set to be released in July of this year, and can be preordered on Amazon.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:15 pm
Allright, me and the rest of the little Lebowskis are headed off to bowling. Later, everyone. —- Steve from OH
As you roll down the lane of life, may you hit the pocket often, carry well, and may all your splits be converted.
robdawg08
March 23rd, 2010
9:17 pm
Pro baseball (or sports) is fantasy land financially. For example, Joe Mauer gets $180 million contract extension. The economy is in a recession,unemployment is 10 %,the federal government is 3 trillion in debt,and MLB players keep getting their millions.
I’m a fan for sure but why doesn’t the recession include pro sports ?
Can’t a pro player make it off $1 million instead of $6 million or up to $18 million per year ? If they can afford to pay players salary increases then they could reduce ticket prices for fans instead.
If a hitter plays 162 games he will get about 600 at bats. If he hits .300 he will have 180 hits for the year. Divide that into $18 million and that is $100,000 per hit and $42,857 bucks per out. Unreal.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:17 pm
Tom O’Hawke-Nah, I don’t smile much at all. I’m really much more bitter, bent and warped than I let on.
That explains it, Lew. My bad.
JTH
March 23rd, 2010
9:19 pm
“Look at it economically. Here are the 10 highest 2009 salaries:
# Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees- $ 33,000,000
# Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers- $ 23,854,494
# Derek Jeter, New York Yankees- $ 21,600,000
# Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees- $ 20,625,000
# Carlos Beltran, New York Mets- $ 19,243,682
# Carlos Lee, Houston Astros- $ 19,000,000
# Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers- $ 18,971,596
# Johan Santana, New York Mets- $ 18,876,139
# Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs- $ 18,750,000
# Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants- $ 18,500,000
The top 7 of the 10 are “run – producers”. The bottom 3 are pitchers (i.e. – “run preventers” or “out inducers”).
What is valued the most?”
Considering that pitchers only play every 5th day your argument is invalid. Break it down to number of games played per dollar paid then it’s pitchers by far.
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
9:20 pm
Tom-
That should be entertaining
Looking forward to it
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
9:20 pm
Welcome to the real world, Rob. lol
reyesisdaman
March 23rd, 2010
9:20 pm
why can’t my team have the success the braves have had for years and years? It’s just not fair!! ok ok ok, I’m jealous as are my fellow mets fans.
David O'Brien
March 23rd, 2010
9:21 pm
Finally spring here in Atlanta. Just grilled a couple of steaks while smoking a stogie on my patio, listening to Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit before we see him tomorrow night at Smith’s Olde Bar. I didn’t give that CD enough listens when it came out (18 Wheels of Love, you were right). Still like his solo debut more, but this one’s a solid, mellow album, perfect to listen to on a night like this.
Second episode of Justified tonight. Oh, and I finally saw The Office St. Pat’s Day episode last night. Hilarious. And got caught up on 24. Did NOT see that plot twist coming in last night’s episode.
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
9:22 pm
reyes
As is the success of most businesses, it starts with management and personnel.
i can't take it anymore
March 23rd, 2010
9:23 pm
Steve, you still here?
brian
March 23rd, 2010
9:24 pm
NCAA tourney pool results so far
1 Da Right Ones 25 20 – - – Kansas 45 109
2 J-Hey bracket * 24 20 – - – Kansas 44 108
2 The Knowitalls 22 22 – - – Kansas 44 84
4 Venice Jim 25 18 – - – Syracuse 43 155
5 jeffrey d 23 18 – - – Kentucky 41 121
5 SCbravo 23 18 – - – No Pick 41 105
5 Clemson not going far 23 18 – - – Villanova 41 81
8 Out after the first round 24 16 – - – Kentucky 40 116
8 Ease in Woodstock 22 18 – - – Kansas 40 104
8 Oak Ridge Atoms – Greg in TN 24 16 – - – Kansas 40 104
11 pryguy 23 16 – - – Kentucky 39 119
11 Tarheel Blues 21 18 – - – Kansas 39 103
11 joerochester 25 14 – - – Kansas 39 103
14 beekay 20 18 – - – Kansas 38 94
15 D K 23 14 – - – Kansas St. 37 137
16 Renegator 20 16 – - – Kansas 36 92
16 clueless tiger 22 14 – - – Kansas 36 88
18 Todd’s bracket 21 12 – - – Kentucky 33 117
18 CAbravesfan 21 12 – - – Kansas 33 89
18 who’syadaddy 19 14 – - – Kansas 33 77
21 whensidslid92 – - – - – No Pick 0 –
21 braveswin – - – - – No Pick 0 -
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
9:26 pm
A lot of Kansas in there.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:26 pm
cabravesfan, while I’m still typing coherently, I have a stupid question for you.
How’s working at home?
Soph
March 23rd, 2010
9:27 pm
Good to know I’m not in last place.
Chopdawg
March 23rd, 2010
9:29 pm
Picks Score Atlanta Journal-Constitution
High Score National High Score
Round 1 26/32 (81%) 52 out of 64 58 pts. 60 pts.
Round 2 9/16 (56%) 36 out of 64 52 pts. 52 pts.
Round 3 0/0 (0%) 0 out of 0 0 pts. 0 pts.
Round 4 0/0 (0%) 0 out of 0 0 pts. 0 pts.
Round 5 0/0 (0%) 0 out of 0 0 pts. 0 pts.
Round 6 0/0 (0%) 0 out of 0 0 pts. 0 pts.
Overall 35/48 (73%) 88 out of 128 104 pts. 108 pts.
Ranking
Chopdawg’s Ranking Percentile
Atlanta Journal-Constitution 167 out of 5,376 96%
National 4,733 out of 120,995 96%
That’s right…Chopdawg in the top 4%, AJC’s online contest. Final Four: Maryland, K State, Duke, WVa
FlaBravesFan1
March 23rd, 2010
9:31 pm
McFann
My 8 year old granddaughter got McCanns autograph at the game today at PSL We saw him boarding the bus and I called over to him and told him she was a catcher in her league and he smiled and came over and autographed a baseball for her. He is a class act.
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
9:33 pm
Tom-
Other then my phone not working right and my printer not printing, all is well…spent the day in sweats (cute ones, not nasty elastic waste man sweats
), barefoot, snoring dog at my feet…could be worse
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
9:33 pm
Good to know I’m not in last place.
No, I think that would be me
Soph
March 23rd, 2010
9:33 pm
I love Mac, he’s so nice.
Baseball 101
March 23rd, 2010
9:34 pm
I resumed the argument because the statement under rebuttal was “outs are the most valuable commodity in the game”,
I do not believe that is true, and I have provided numerous reasons (from economic, tactical, and logical viewpoints) to support my belief. What I have received in return are arguments supporting the merits of OBP.
It is a cause (partial) and effect situation. High OBP (and, consequently, out avoidance) is a partial cause of increased run production. I say partial because there are times (especially in late innings of tight games) when outs are actually sacrificed in order to score runs or to even increase the probability of scoring runs.
Run production is one of the two Objects of the Game (run prevention being the other). Out avoidance is a means to that end.
And from Steve from OH: I don’t know why you’re starting this discussion again, baseball 101. I don’t think anyone (particularly you, it seems) wants to hear me and the others come out of our mothers’ basements spewing new-age garbage. Heck, I don’t even want to do it.
I don’t care if you come out of your mother’s or father’s basement spewing whatever Age garbage. Please do not be so presumptuous as to what I do and do not want to hear. Again, the discussion was what is the most valuable commodity in baseball. Runs or outs?
Runs, I say. The scoreboard tells me so.
Chopdawg
March 23rd, 2010
9:34 pm
Who cares about basketball anyway vbg
Soph
March 23rd, 2010
9:35 pm
No, I think that would be me
cab – I noticed but I didn’t want to point it out.
Although, this was the worst bracket ever for me.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:37 pm
Oh, and another thing, cabravesfan. What’s with this earlier post?
RG-
)
Really? I’m sure we could find a better role for you (plus, I think you may need to fight Tom for that part
You’re right. I have a strong desire to play Dentz, and I’ll fight for that role. Right after the Israelis erect a statue of Hitler, in a Tel Aviv town park.
Man, today just isn’t one of my better days.
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
9:38 pm
Soph-
I’m either hit or miss on my brackets…one year I was 7-8 in the final 8 and the next I think I missed over half the first round…ugh!
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
9:39 pm
Tom-
Roman Gal suggested a movie based on me and VJ and wanted to play the roll of your favorite blogger…I think you would have some fun with the role
(of course, then we would have to find someone to play you so maybe that wouldn’t work- forget I suggested it!
)
Tokyo Bravo
March 23rd, 2010
9:44 pm
Baseball note for any international player junkies. The spring HS baseball tournament was playing on TV over the weekend, and my brother-in-law tipped me off to a game being pitched by a 16 yr old lefty that might make some waves in a couple of years. Tall, lanky kid whose fastball already sits mid-high eighties and has a pretty good slurve to complement it. Pretty projectable body type. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him throwing 93-95 in a couple of years. The annoucers said he’d picked up about 7 mph on his fastball in the last 12 months alone. Can’t remember his name right now to save my life, but he’s probably going to be a good one. Kind of reminded me of John Candelaria the way he slotted his arm. Hope the Bravos are keeping an eye on him!
Soph
March 23rd, 2010
9:46 pm
PL could play Tom and Tom could play PL. Problem solved.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
9:48 pm
cabravesfan, a taller version of Brad Pitt, or a younger version of George Clooney would be good playing me.
Goldenglove002
March 23rd, 2010
9:52 pm
Really DOB? I thought the EMP conveniently destroying the evidence was a little bit of a giveaway.
Woo! another Francouer headline….
Tokyo Bravo
March 23rd, 2010
9:53 pm
Hey DOB, do you marinate your steaks? If so, with what? Inquiring minds want to know your spin on brilliant grilling!
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
10:00 pm
Tom-
But then who would play VJ??
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
10:02 pm
Tom-
But then who would play VJ??
Quasimoto!
brian
March 23rd, 2010
10:02 pm
how about Paul Hewitt meeting with St. John’s tonight in Atlanta (reported by Andy Katz)?
Katz reports that Tech would likely lessen or eliminate the buy out if Hewitt will leave per Katz. Katz also threw out Tubby Smith as the obvious choice for the next Tech coach.
How many coaches have been head coaches at Tech and UGA??
brian
March 23rd, 2010
10:04 pm
adding Tubby Smith to the ACC would be huge and he would be a huge get for GT (or as Stephon Marbury liked to say the University of Georgia Tech)
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
10:05 pm
Tokyo thanx for the heads up. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Tokyo Bravo
March 23rd, 2010
10:12 pm
Always a pleasure, Nolie.
Man, DOB talking grilling has me starving, and lunch is still an hour away here. Nasty, grey day here, too, so no grilling tonight, I’m afraid. Gotta do as much of it as I can, too, as my tour here ends in a week *sigh*
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
10:15 pm
of course runs win games, we are talking about the most efficient way to score the most runs and small ball on a regular basis ain’t it.
Based on stats from real game histories, in the long run sacrificing an out for a base actually lowers the number of runs scored. When you play for one run that is usually the most that you get.
It might be appropriate at a certain time late in a game when one run can win it for you, but it is not a successful regular approach.
Believe what you will, but the conservation of outs is the hottest thing going at the new GM levels. It will only continue to grow.Team OBP correlates higher with team runs scored that any other single stat.
OK, have i bored every body enough now, Scoots, Braveheart ?? At my age I gotta write it out every so often to be sure I remember it all.
Mekons
March 23rd, 2010
10:17 pm
I’m a fan for sure but why doesn’t the recession include pro sports ?
It has. The top talent is making more than ever, but the lower tier are making a lot less. Troy Glaus took a HUGE drop in salary to prove he’s healthy. A lot of guys who would have gotten nice contracts two years ago are accepting half that. And veterans are getting deep-sixed in favor of cheap rookies. I think Sheff is still looking for a job. Garrett Anderson got a million last year, he’s working for minimum wage today, if he even gets that.
Put it this way. Johnny Depp is still making huge dollars. A lot of other former stars are working in indie movies for $200K or less.
Pennski
March 23rd, 2010
10:18 pm
DOB, do you think this is one of the best 24’s you’ve seen? I think after the last few years of average seasons, this one has been awesome!
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
10:22 pm
Tom-
That was just mean!
JTCobb
March 23rd, 2010
10:28 pm
Runs-vs-Outs debaters:
Seems to me that the debate is like capitalists arguing over which is more important, working capital or profits. It’s apples and oranges; the two are key measurements of different things..
Think of OUTS as working capital–each team gets 27 units of working capital to invest (or more accurately, “to spend”) during the game in order to earn the largest PROFIT (RUNS). So OUTS are a measure of capital to risk during the game, and RUNS are a measure of the resulting profits; i.e., the reward–the return on capital invested . Does that make sense? If nothing else, it’s a new argument to shoot holes in, so fire away!
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
10:29 pm
Haha, cabravesfan, I’m sorry. It took you a little while, to get back to me. Did you have to “Wiki”, Quasimoto?
… so no grilling tonight, I’m afraid. Gotta do as much of it as I can, too, as my tour here ends in a week *sigh*
Tokyo Bravo, you have me curious. Why does that stop you from grilling? Do you live in Northern Siberia? Do you live in a community of vegans?
san diego steve
March 23rd, 2010
10:33 pm
DOB’s blog is awesome. Does anyone know if there is another sports writer anywhere that has a bigger blog following or is DOB #1? The sports writers here in San Diego are as bad as the Padres. They cant even get this many comments from fans after the Chargers annual exit from the playoffs.
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
10:35 pm
not really all that different COBB. we are not arguing runs vs outs, we are saying that conservation of outs leads to the most runs.
Tokyo Bravo
March 23rd, 2010
10:43 pm
Tom,
I’ll be serving in Iraq for a tour, and sadly, that country is sorely lacking in Weber grills!
RHR
March 23rd, 2010
10:46 pm
RHR-Thanks. How do you get your Chop Talk so early?
Probably because I’m friends with MFIKY. But I don’t know.
Tom O'Hawke
March 23rd, 2010
10:54 pm
Tom,
I’ll be serving in Iraq for a tour, and sadly, that country is sorely lacking in Weber grills!
Tokyo Bravo, I was afraid it might be something like that, or else living on a submarine.
Thank you, for your service. Will you have access to the net?
MZ
March 23rd, 2010
10:58 pm
DOB ——
You seen “Brothers” yet? Got it coming via Netflix …
joerochester
March 23rd, 2010
11:01 pm
MZ
Brothers was pretty good. I was expecting a different type of movie. But it’s worth watching.
JUST SAYIN'
March 23rd, 2010
11:01 pm
Ordered my MLB Extra Innings today. Cost $179.00 a $20 discount by buying before season opened. Looking forward to watching all the Braves games down here in S. Florida and being able to look in on some former Braves too, such as KJ and LaRoche.
Tokyo Bravo
March 23rd, 2010
11:04 pm
Tom, you’re too kind.
I’ll have access to the net while there, and look forward to catching lot of games on MLB.com (live broadcasts are blocked here due to contractual obligations between MLB and the TV folks here). Would rather be here in Tokyo with my family, but that’s what R&R is for, and hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Alex@AuburnU
March 23rd, 2010
11:05 pm
Hey is anyone from here going to the Braves vs Cubs seeries that live near Auburn?
Roman Gal
March 23rd, 2010
11:07 pm
I have a strong desire to play Dentz, and I’ll fight for that role. Tom
To the death!! Actually, I’m glad you mentioned that comment because I didn’t even see it…
Any last words?
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
11:07 pm
Tom-
No, I was just, you know, having a life
(In the interest of full disclosure I was reading The Fellowship of the Ring…)
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
11:08 pm
To the death!!
No! To the PAIN!!
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
11:09 pm
its a good package though it has gotten a little pricier lately.
Roman Gal
March 23rd, 2010
11:09 pm
cab-
What better role is there? I mean, obvious the role of Roman Gal is the best, but it would just be pretentious if I played the role myself.
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
11:10 pm
RG-
There’s, ah, ME!
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
11:11 pm
RG-
Come on- I was so expecting you to know where that quote came from! Don’t let me down!
Soph
March 23rd, 2010
11:12 pm
Can I be nolie?
cabravesfan
March 23rd, 2010
11:13 pm
Soph-
You might be too young for the part…
nolie
March 23rd, 2010
11:13 pm
P.B. CAB
Roman Gal
March 23rd, 2010
11:14 pm
No! To the PAIN!!
Ah…Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line!!