Running LCS thread

[Mayfly]

I could actually see the D-Backs using Owings as a pinch-hitter if they needed to. I could even think about them DHing him in a game if it comes down to it, and he doesn't pitch the next day.

 

[mike311gd]

I could actually see the D-Backs using Owings as a pinch-hitter if they needed to. I could even think about them DHing him in a game if it comes down to it, and he doesn't pitch the next day.

They've got to get to the World Series before they make those plans, but you're right. Why would they sit him when he could contribute like he's done all year -- assuming he could continue his pace? I'm sure Melvin's considered that.

 

[buckweaver]

Mike, I've watched and played against that kid since he was 14. He can continue it, I assure you. He hit like that in high school, at Ga. Tech/Tulane, and all through the minor and now major leagues. ... His task now is to learn how to pitch effectively over the course of a whole season at this level, because he's got the stuff to succeed and his makeup is off the charts. He just has to learn the consistency, and that's where more experience will help. I have no doubt that he's capable of it. I've never seen anybody like him.

Mayfly: He was used as a pinch-hitter on six occasions this year. (1-for-4, 1 K, 2 BB).

 

[amraeder]

Saw a crazy stat on the Snakes last week. They're the first team since the 1906 Hitless Wonders, IIRC, to have the best record in the league and be last in batting average.

And, of course, both teams beat the Cubs in the playoffs.

And say what you will about Pythagorean W-L, but I think I also heard the Snakes would be the first team that allowed more runs than it scored to win a pennant, if they do so.

Their expected W-L record, based on RS vs. RA: 79-83.

I thought I read that the Twins gave up more runs than they scored the year they won the World Series.

 

[buckweaver]

I thought I read that the Twins gave up more runs than they scored the year they won the World Series.

And you would be correct. Good catch.

1987 Twins: Scored 786, allowed 806. Expected W-L: 79-83.

 

[spnited]

Saw a crazy stat on the Snakes last week. They're the first team since the 1906 Hitless Wonders, IIRC, to have the best record in the league and be last in batting average.

And, of course, both teams beat the Cubs in the playoffs.

And say what you will about Pythagorean W-L, but I think I also heard the Snakes would be the first team that allowed more runs than it scored to win a pennant, if they do so.

Their expected W-L record, based on RS vs. RA: 79-83.

Which to me Buck, no offense, proves Pythagorean W-L to be meaningless. Their "expected W-L" means nothing, They had the best record in the NL.

 

[Armchair_QB]

The only reason I'd root for Boston is because Francona seems like a pretty good guy and comes off as a good interview the few times I've heard him. I would guess somebody on here could confirm whether or not any of that is accurate.

I'd like to see Cleveland win it because it's been so long and it would help dull the pain of watching the Browns. If not them, then Colorado because of Todd Helton.

And the Diamondbacks can go **** themselves.

 

[hockeybeat]

I really like Colorado to beat 'Zona, simply because the Rockies are hot right now. Boston-Cleveland should be a good series, and I think it comes down to the Sox's experience.

 

[Oz]

I really like Colorado to beat 'Zona, simply because the Rockies are hot right now. Boston-Cleveland should be a good series, and I think it comes down to the Sox's experience.

Experience didn't help the Yankees last series. And a lack of it didn't seem to hurt the Indians.

 

[ondeadline]

It sounds like Orlando Hudson might return to the Arizona lineup if it makes the World Series.

 

[Mayfly]

I have a feeling it's going to be Colorado-Cleveland.

 

[mike311gd]

Mike, I've watched and played against that kid since he was 14. He can continue it, I assure you. He hit like that in high school, at Ga. Tech/Tulane, and all through the minor and now major leagues. ... His task now is to learn how to pitch effectively over the course of a whole season at this level, because he's got the stuff to succeed and his makeup is off the charts. He just has to learn the consistency, and that's where more experience will help. I have no doubt that he's capable of it. I've never seen anybody like him.

Mayfly: He was used as a pinch-hitter on six occasions this year. (1-for-4, 1 K, 2 BB).

So if he could pitch a little bit better, Micah Ownings would be the next Babe Ruth or Steve Nebraska?

 

[bostonbred]

I think the concept of rooting for a team based on its fans is ridiculous.

If my Sox weren't in here, I'd have no problem rooting for any of the three teams left.

 

[outofplace]

The only reason I'd root for Boston is because Francona seems like a pretty good guy and comes off as a good interview the few times I've heard him. I would guess somebody on here could confirm whether or not any of that is accurate.

I'd like to see Cleveland win it because it's been so long and it would help dull the pain of watching the Browns. If not them, then Colorado because of Todd Helton.

And the Diamondbacks can go **** themselves.

FWIW, I know a a former beat writer on the Phillies who really enjoyed dealing with Francona. Your thoughts on Francona pretty much fit in with what he told me.

Strangely enough for a Pittsburgh guy, I keep finding myself rooting for the Indians. It's probably just residual fantasy baseball fanboy looserness. I had a lot of those guys on my teams this year.

 

[buckweaver]

Saw a crazy stat on the Snakes last week. They're the first team since the 1906 Hitless Wonders, IIRC, to have the best record in the league and be last in batting average.

And, of course, both teams beat the Cubs in the playoffs.

And say what you will about Pythagorean W-L, but I think I also heard the Snakes would be the first team that allowed more runs than it scored to win a pennant, if they do so.

Their expected W-L record, based on RS vs. RA: 79-83.

Which to me Buck, no offense, proves Pythagorean W-L to be meaningless. Their "expected W-L" means nothing, They had the best record in the NL.

Which would make sense if Pythagorean W-L was attempting to "prove" or predict anything. It's not.

All it's telling you is that teams that were outscored in a season tend to finish under .500, on average. It's not telling you that Arizona "should" have finished 79-83; obviously, they didn't.

It's telling you that teams that allow more runs than they score are expected to lose more games than they win, because after all, if you don't score more runs than your opponent, you can't win the game, right?

It means Arizona won a lot of close games that they weren't expected to win, and Pythagorean W-L can help you understand that because it tells you how other teams that were outscored like Arizona finished -- usually, about 4 games under .500.

But that's why baseball is played on TV sets, not on paper.

 

[mike311gd]

But that's why baseball is played on TV sets, not on paper.

Straight from Kenny Mayne's mouth. ...

 

[spnited]

I understand your explanation, buck. I just don't see why I need another contrived stat to tell me that a team that won 90 games and was outscored for the season had to have won a boatload of one- and two-run games.

 

[Pastor]

I would love for Colorado to come through and go to the World Series. I just can't bring myself to root for the Red Sox in any shape or form so on with the Indians!

 

[JoelHammond]

I'm not so sure, as spnited says, the Red Sox are a better team than the Indians.

I don't need an explanation, though, since I'm sure Buck and McCarver will point it out many times in the next week.

And Doc, what's with the "F the Indians?" Was there too much Indians banter on your baseball threads this year?

 

[cranberry]

I'm not so sure, as spnited says, the Red Sox are a better team than the Indians.

I don't need an explanation, though, since I'm sure Buck and McCarver will point it out many times in the next week.

And Doc, what's with the "F the Indians?" Was there too much Indians banter on your baseball threads this year?

I like the Indians a little better in Game 2 with Fausto Carmona vs. Curt Schilling, but the Red Sox pretty clearly have the overall edge in talent.