Archive for the ‘Link Dump’ Category

If a Dodgers team sporting a $230 million payroll to go along with a 19-26 record wasn’t going to cost Don Mattingly his job, it appeared as though some criticism of its players and possibly management may have. This is not the case, though, as Mattingly has received yet another vote of confidence from the Dodgers’ suits.

Earlier this week, Mattingly questioned his team’s compete level, as well as the construction of the Dodgers roster. This came on the heels of a vote of confidence from general manager Ned Colletti. Mattingly, so it seemed, gnashed his teeth at the hand that feeds. Alas, this was not the case. We’ll chalk this one up to ‘motivation’, I guess.

Dodgers vice president Stan Kasten reiterated the ball club’s support of Mattingly on Thursday. Kasten and co. did not see Mattingly’s earlier tirade as a shot directed at themselves, according to a Ken Rosenthal report.

“I know what Don is trying to do, what his intention is,” Kasten told FOXSports.com on Thursday. “It’s to light a fire, kick-start the team. He’s trying everything he can think of. We’re all behind him.”

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Win Probability Added is a weird little stat. In some ways, it should really be more pervasive. It doesn’t ask how or deal in “theoretical constructs” like DIPS-based pitching models or the nebulous concept of replacement level. Win Probability Added: how much did you contribute to your team’s chances for winning. Period. The end.

The whole “probability” thing is the likely stumbling block. How can you measure contributions when you don’t know what is to come? The meticulous records maintained by the accountants of the game help put its rich, storied, turn-based history into context. The codified result might not be everyone’s cup of tea but the fact-based history is hard to shake.

Like many theories, the idea of win probability added breaks down under extreme conditions. Take Jose Bautista, for example. He had himself a game yesterday against the Rays, supplying nearly all the offense in a 4-3 extra inning win. He homered twice, including a game-tying shot in the ninth off formerly vaunted closer Fernando Rodney and then won the game with a single in the 10th. He had four hits today and also added a stolen base for good measure.

The Blue Jays won and, almost single-handedly, Jose Bautista was the reason.

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Giants splash game is tight tho

Baseball is the weirdest game. The season is so long that early season games seem almost meaningless. By the time September rolls around, even the most dramatic May walkoff victory is long forgotten. Just one of one-sixty-two, another victory of 90 if you’re a playoff team.

But in May, late-inning heroics fuel the game. It is the value of the unexpected that keeps so many of us coming back. You never really know what you’ll see – every at bat presents a fresh opportunity for amazement.

Last night, just a random Tuesday night in May, supplied more than its share of amazement. No baseball fan could ask for much more from a Tuesday night in late May. We saw walkoffs a plenty, dramatic home runs as precursor to those walkoff shots, great pitching performances and another historic night from a young player who already has a fair bit of history to his name.

It was baseball and it was awesome.

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The Cleveland Indians just might be on to something. As is recognizing your strengths and moving to improve your weaknesses. As it turns out, signing very good baseball players for reasonable terms is good for business also.

Last season, Cleveland started out well but couldn’t maintain their strong play through the long summer. A team which excelled at getting on base, the 2012 Indians lacked the power to drive those runners home. On May 21st, 2012, Cleveland found themselves in the exact spot they currently sit: first place in the American League Central division.

But this isn’t your slightly older twin brother’s Indians. The upgrades the team made over the off-season and the further development of their homegrown talent suggests this Cleveland team might be a little bit closer to “authentic contender.”

Maybe.

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They call it a language “barrier” for a reason. It seems very easy for words and thoughts to be twisted, misconstrued or even misrepresented when passed through the many channels and filters required to turn one set of words into another.

Last night in Toronto, Melky Cabrera faced his former team for the first time since he was suspended 50 games for failing a drug test. Melky’s departure from San Francisco was an odd one, as he simply vanished from the clubhouse, failing to wish his teammates good luck or bid them fair well. Nothing, Melky was gone, told by someone that he was to leave immediately after his suspension was announced.

The Giants did quite well without Melky’s contributions, winning the 2012 World Series with Melky watching from home. He was not added to their post-season roster when he became available after the Division series, the Giants preferring to stick with the postseason group they had.

Last night was Melky’s chance to receive his World Series ring from the Giants, a thank you for his contributions during the first 110 games of the season. After some discussion between PR camps, it was decided — at Melky’s behest — to perform the ceremony quietly and away from the public eye.

Thus began an odd night of he said, she said.

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