tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63449968344638614602024-03-13T01:08:43.014-04:00Michael Holloway's Baseball Blogs<b>Writing around the idea that baseball is a game slightly ahead of its time. A 'simple' game the qualities of which include physical and metaphysical paradoxes: the two dimensional diamond with-in the sphere; the struggle between individuals with-in a complex group dynamic. <br>Baseball is like a school of the Socratic method: it asks questions - the consideration of which lead to more questions - a process that illuminates a path towards critical thought.</b>Michael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-64337552889491523232021-09-22T08:49:00.000-04:002021-09-22T08:49:04.969-04:00I hate football<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKt8j_Mmjm4/YUsl0V1PcJI/AAAAAAAAJzY/yJnE3TyW6l0N_y6ALrUEVdij5HYYmT7ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s650/American%2BFootball%2BImage%2Bon%2BFacebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKt8j_Mmjm4/YUsl0V1PcJI/AAAAAAAAJzY/yJnE3TyW6l0N_y6ALrUEVdij5HYYmT7ogCLcBGAsYHQ/w491-h640/American%2BFootball%2BImage%2Bon%2BFacebook.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image via - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/115371355174841/photos/a.136513513060625/115373011841342/?type=1&theater">https://www.facebook.com/115371355174841/photos/a.136513513060625/115373011841342/?type=1&theater</a></span><br /><p></p><p>I hate football - both in it's simplistic, lineal two lines of men crashing into each other over and over, but even more so in how it is packaged - macho advertisements about 4km/gallon bubble-panelled anti-aerodynamic styling pick-up trucks; run over any obstacle like a tank with your extra fat tires; ride through the streets like a School of the Americas death squad graduate looking for commies ... .</p><p>Baseball on the other hand is the intellectuals game - time enough between moments of intense action to contemplate the nature of the universe - that type of thing. </p><p>So last Sunday I went to the local to watch the Minnesota game at 1pm; as I arrived it looked like there were a bunch of people there to watch the exciting Blue Jays run to the playoffs too! </p><p>I was so happy to have a crowd of BB fans to watch with! </p><p>I grabbed a table in front of the TV that was showing the baseball pre-game show, and took control of the remote control in order to begin providing the service of muting commercials for everyone. <br /><br />As the 1st inning progressed, more people began to arrive and the blue Jays were breaking out to take a 5-0 lead. Just then the assistant manager grabbed the remote off the table in front of me with body-language aggression (I thought it was about volume adjustment by patrons was against bar policy). The manager began to set-up a second TV just over my shoulder to a football match. <br /><br />I was sure that the table next to me was there for the Jays game and continued to watch ... slowly the volume of the BB game and the Football game began to become unequal such that pretty soon the football was so loud I began to feel like 'we' baseball fans were not wanted. I kept looking to my friends at the table next to me, wondering when they were going to complain they couldn't hear the baseball game. </p><p>They looked back with hollow eyes that conveyed nothing. <br /><br />Just then I went out to the sidewalk to have a smoke, as I was pulling on my Drum, one of the couples who were watching next to me, walked by on their way out and the guy said right to me, 'Thanks!' ... I couldn't figure out why he would say that. </p><p>I went back to my seat. Now the volume of the Football game is so loud it's uncomfortable to sit where I was sitting with the commercials blasting right in my ear - I decided to leave. As I was leaving it suddenly dawned on me that EVERYONE was there watching Football ! It was NFL Football day at the local! </p><p>They even had a gambling pool going on!<br /><br />Such a brutal, barbarian kind of place - instead of assaulting me with volume and subtle exiles from the group, all someone had to do was tell me what was going on and I would have left and grabbed a seat at the bar across the street (where there was a patio table right in front of a big screen set up in the garage door style window). Which is what I did. </p><p>Even that guy's Thanks! was so subtle in it's snideness I didn't get it - and he was the bravest of the bunch. </p><p>I guess it is true about penis size being indirectly proportional to the size of vehicle one uses. <br /><br />:) <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>mh</p>Michael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-2631959256450674542016-10-30T06:56:00.004-04:002016-10-30T20:09:33.905-04:00Cleveland Indians at Chicago Cubs - world series game 3 - 7th Inning <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><b>Story of the game:</b></blockquote>No Out SAC-bunt in the 7th of world series game three - #8 hitter, Center Fielder, Tyler Naquin's advances PR Michael Martinez to 2nd base after a lead-off base hit by #7 hitter, catcher, Roberto Perez (winning rbi via PH by Coco Crisp, batting in the 1 spot).<br />
<br />
Chicago - Friday, October 28, 2016<br />
<br />
Chicago Cubs Cleveland Indians 28 10 16<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUfWIwLIO7w/WBXK0EJrzOI/AAAAAAAAHu0/4JEm4KWQexklKyWdgpyXA4xElwXU0RrVQCLcB/s1600/Cleveland%2BIndians%2BChicago%2BCubs%2B26%2B10%2B16%2BTop%2B7%2B-%2BNoOut%2BSAC-bunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUfWIwLIO7w/WBXK0EJrzOI/AAAAAAAAHu0/4JEm4KWQexklKyWdgpyXA4xElwXU0RrVQCLcB/s640/Cleveland%2BIndians%2BChicago%2BCubs%2B26%2B10%2B16%2BTop%2B7%2B-%2BNoOut%2BSAC-bunt.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs 26 10 16 Top 7 - No Out SAC-bunt [mlb advanced media]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Indians 1 - Cubs 0 <br />
<br />
Series: <br />
Cleveland wins: 2<br />
Chicago wins: 1<br />
<br />
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<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-72666464231218919902016-10-30T04:48:00.002-04:002016-10-30T07:20:30.252-04:00World Series - Cubs defence is better, barring further Cleveland perfection ...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><b>Watching World Series Game 3 - shaping up as a series for the history books?</b></i> </blockquote><br />
Unfortunately, I saw the final score earlier today.<br />
<br />
Once again I'm watching the game a day late (in this case - several hours after Game 4 has ended!). <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">[Edit - 16/10/30]</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFzDOjKq1Sc/WBW-EkD7CPI/AAAAAAAAHuk/pq-O-F2QmOgrFPtuiUoETFggk0RRHG3xwCLcB/s1600/Cleveland%2BIndians%2BChicago%2BCubs%2B26%2B10%2B16%2BTop%2B5th%2BBH7%2B0-Out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFzDOjKq1Sc/WBW-EkD7CPI/AAAAAAAAHuk/pq-O-F2QmOgrFPtuiUoETFggk0RRHG3xwCLcB/s640/Cleveland%2BIndians%2BChicago%2BCubs%2B26%2B10%2B16%2BTop%2B5th%2BBH7%2B0-Out.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kris Bryant leaps high in the air at 3B on loop base hit to left by Naquin in the 5th - Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs 28 10 16 - screen capture <a href="http://m.mlb.com/gameday/indians-vs-cubs/2016/10/28/487633#game=487633,game_state=final,game_tab=" target="_blank"> mlb advanced media</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
That doesn't take away from my approach to this writing assignment ... That this is shaping up as one of the best World Series in history. <br />
<br />
A Pitching and Defence juggernaut has marked this season's postseason; a condition I believe that the history of baseball hasn't seen since the 1960's (Koufax, Gibson, Marichal ...). <br />
<br />
The Cubs defence is better, barring continued perfection from Cleveland pitching ... .<br />
<br />
Saturday Game.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-61660596043562993352016-10-15T04:10:00.000-04:002016-10-15T04:10:31.974-04:00Indians high after game one win<br />
Indians line-up looked like they were very happy to win game one.<br />
<br />
Perhaps they doth celebrate too much?<br />
<br />
Gibbons summed up:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1205526083&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
Gibbons summed up his feeling for the series in a way that reflected the way I felt he played the first game: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li>Keyword - 'Relaxed'; </li>
<li>Save your bullets; </li>
<li>Rest the Staff - Let Estrada pitch the whole game;</li>
<li>Taking the pressure off - a streaking team: </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><i>Which had won 6 in a row; </i></li>
<li><i>Hasn't lost a game since the 3rd last game of the season, against Boston; </i></li>
<li><i>Now facing a 7 game series against a very good team - that is also streaking.</i></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<br />
Gibbons starts with gimpy Devon Travis at 2B, Travis hops off the field in the 5th inning; enter excellent defensive replacement Ryan Goins, into what is already a pitcher's duel.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1206333383&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
Also Gibbons did not review Pillar's line drive ground-out to 2B in the 8th with 1 On and 1 Out (see article: <a href="http://baseball---blog.blogspot.ca/2016/10/sometimes-rhythm-sets-in-when-two.html">http://baseball---blog.blogspot.ca/2016/10/sometimes-rhythm-sets-in-when-two.html</a>).<br />
<br />
So the Indians were very happy to win their 7th in row. Perhaps they shouldn't party too much. With an easy late September schedule compared to the American League East, they beat Kansas City 6 times in 2 series including the last three games of the season, but apart from those tête-à-têtes, the Clevelands lost two series in a row ... . All that is - is often not always perceived.<br />
<br />
It's a crap shoot ... But perhaps it's an ebb and flow crap shoot?<br />
<br />
I think Gibbons played it right. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-73418978411846886792016-10-15T03:06:00.006-04:002016-10-15T18:14:24.182-04:00Sometimes a rhythm sets in when two pitchers are dueling ...<br />
More on Gibby saving bullets; letting loose while the letting loose is available?<br />
<br />
The Jays left 8 on base tonight. Blue Jays batting with RISP: 0-5 (Martin 0-2, Bautista 0-1, Travis 0-2)<br />
<br />
This was just one opportunity that failed to produce a run ...<br />
<br />
Pillars line drive to right with 1 On and 1 Out in the 8th gets picked by Cleveland's Kipnis at 2nd Base ... but the throw might have been late!<br />
<br />
No review was requested.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1206372783&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
The video manager of the Jays did not think this worth reviewing - or perhaps Gibbons didn't ask for an opinion? <br />
<br />
Sometimes a rhythm sets in when two pitchers are dueling<i><b>;</b></i> if nothing breaks that field threshold, the first run scored in the ball game can become the last run scored in the ball game - the winning run. <br />
<br />
That's what happened tonight, one call this or that, sends ripples though the 'ether' of a game like this.<br />
<br />
If this play had been reversed (and there was a good camera angle to over turn it) - the Jays might have broken that threshold.<br />
<br />
Was Gibby saving bullets; not sweating the details in this away game, 1 of likely 7 in this series?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7i7NLeZZG0/WAHNfZeJf4I/AAAAAAAAHto/0vGcHFuMNVkGjbTuOnibJKagtt1IFrndACLcB/s1600/Pillar%2BSafe%2Bat%2BFisrt%2B-%2Bno%2Breview%2B8th%2Binning%2BALCS%2B2016%2Bgm%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7i7NLeZZG0/WAHNfZeJf4I/AAAAAAAAHto/0vGcHFuMNVkGjbTuOnibJKagtt1IFrndACLcB/s640/Pillar%2BSafe%2Bat%2BFisrt%2B-%2Bno%2Breview%2B8th%2Binning%2BALCS%2B2016%2Bgm%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>screenshot via - <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1206372783/alcs-gm1-kipnis-makes-an-incredible-diving-stop/?game_pk=487617">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1206372783/alcs-gm1-kipnis-makes-an-incredible-diving-stop/?game_pk=487617</a></b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The rhythm in This game was fashioned by the great start of Corey Kluber (6.1IP), and the shut-down magic of relief pitching of Andrew Miller (1.2IP - and a 0.00 ERA over 4 games this postseason). <br />
<br />
On the opposite side, Marco Estrada provided the counterpoint, with a near perfect eight-inning complete game.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnwnx9yMUnA/WAHVP11QEUI/AAAAAAAAHt8/5iIczkAtVUUvRnZPbaqdyCsePUfFamP9ACLcB/s1600/Marco%2BEstrada%2B8.0%2BIP%2BGm%2B1%2BALCS%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cnwnx9yMUnA/WAHVP11QEUI/AAAAAAAAHt8/5iIczkAtVUUvRnZPbaqdyCsePUfFamP9ACLcB/s640/Marco%2BEstrada%2B8.0%2BIP%2BGm%2B1%2BALCS%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>screenshot via - <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=361014105">http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=361014105</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
TOR 0 - 2 CLE<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-23905574811393183572016-10-10T05:14:00.001-04:002016-10-10T05:40:44.855-04:00Baseball Talk: Martin, Donaldson talk baseball with reporters<br />
Donaldson, Martin discusses calculated gamble home; team coming together.<br />
<br />
<b>Martin, Donaldson on teamwork</b><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="321" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1204837883&topic_id=94814812&width=678&height=321&property=mlb" width="678">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
MLB advance media - Oct 9 2106 | Martin, Donaldson on teamwork | <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94814812/v1204837883">http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94814812/v1204837883</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-37481733431238783712016-10-10T04:28:00.003-04:002016-10-10T04:28:54.195-04:00Josh Donaldson - mad dash to home.<br />
Josh Donaldson post game interview is excellent:<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Josh Donaldson with a mad dash to home."</i></h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>..</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Interview man</b> (no accreditation) --- It's a sort series - but how was this team able to answer every time seemingly, and put numbers on the board?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Donaldson</b> --- "If I had that answer we'd do it every day. We came out, I thought we executed pretty well. They took advantage of some of our mistakes; we took advantage of some of their mistakes - it was kinda a back-and-forth battle ... kind of what everybody expected, minus the fact that we were kind of able to get the last one; and that's baseball sometimes."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>...</i></blockquote>
mlb advanced media - Oct 9 2016 | Donaldson on walk-off win | <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94814812/v1204786183">http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/94814812/v1204786183</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Their pitching had a bit of a down-spout; our pitching played amoungst their best games of their years. Their middle of the order hit a bit of a slump in the first two games; our middle of the line-up batted about .400 over 28 innings.<br />
<br />
Here's the Jays' team batting stats as of now: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Etuly4UqPkQ/V_tOnhujWfI/AAAAAAAAHtI/xrd47JWtgtYbWIqpcco2wPM62sDgShRjwCLcB/s1600/Heart%2Bof%2Bthe%2Border%2BToronto%2Bbatting%2BSTATS%2BMLB%2B2016%2BALDS-Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Etuly4UqPkQ/V_tOnhujWfI/AAAAAAAAHtI/xrd47JWtgtYbWIqpcco2wPM62sDgShRjwCLcB/s640/Heart%2Bof%2Bthe%2Border%2BToronto%2Bbatting%2BSTATS%2BMLB%2B2016%2BALDS-Texas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
5 game series; it's a crap shoot!<br />
<br />
:/<br />
<br />
<h4>
They're getting better as we go forward! </h4>
If you click on the 'Postseason' tab at the top in the image above live at espn you can look at the Baltimore Wild Card game included.<br />
<br />
The top four are the same top four - with the addition that the man in the middle has moved up from 10 to 8.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wu0345qCZZ4/V_tP-JKV_HI/AAAAAAAAHtU/I0mCZVigmTIVsW7VV75CjArl5g4AMlQOgCLcB/s1600/Heart%2Bof%2Bthe%2Border%2BToronto%2Bbatting%2BSTATS%2BMLB%2B2016%2BWC-Baltimore%2B%252B%2BALDS-Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wu0345qCZZ4/V_tP-JKV_HI/AAAAAAAAHtU/I0mCZVigmTIVsW7VV75CjArl5g4AMlQOgCLcB/s640/Heart%2Bof%2Bthe%2Border%2BToronto%2Bbatting%2BSTATS%2BMLB%2B2016%2BWC-Baltimore%2B%252B%2BALDS-Texas.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bullpens were evenly matched I thought.<br />
<br />
;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-28177153977822876672016-10-10T02:16:00.000-04:002016-10-10T02:30:18.062-04:00Either it's a double play or it's the winning run ... It's the Winning Run!!!<br />
By the time all the long shots had ceased in the 4th, I told my friend beside me at <a href="http://hitchlimited.com/" target="_blank">@HitchLimited</a> that this might be amoungst the best baseball games he'd ever seen (I thought it was going to be a pitching duel with a heart-stabbing ending).<br />
<br />
I wasn't wrong. <br />
<br />
I'll not waste words here writing it out for you how it moved forward from there ... the line score is definitive. The teams battled back and forth until they were tied after six:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8nxu-Ctjfw/V_svFvtWpJI/AAAAAAAAHs4/9zXcjpPhDJYHkb3tpbDF5z-veY6B72pYgCLcB/s1600/Texas%2Bat%2BBlue%2BJays%2BALDS-B%2BGm%2B3%2BJays%2Badvance%2Bto%2BALCS%2BOct%2B9%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w8nxu-Ctjfw/V_svFvtWpJI/AAAAAAAAHs4/9zXcjpPhDJYHkb3tpbDF5z-veY6B72pYgCLcB/s640/Texas%2Bat%2BBlue%2BJays%2BALDS-B%2BGm%2B3%2BJays%2Badvance%2Bto%2BALCS%2BOct%2B9%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">espn boxscore - <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=361009114">http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=361009114</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And then the 10th:<br />
<br />
<b> Donaldson scores the winning run</b><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1204787183&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
A topsy turvy game ... with the home team ascendant.<br />
<br />
:-)<br />
<br />
<i>(that's how I predicted it) </i><br />
<br />
;)<br />
<br />
<br />
Image: espn boxscore - <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=361009114">http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=361009114</a><br />
<br />
Video via mlb advanced media - <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1204787183/textor-gm3-donaldson-hustles-home-clinches-alds/?affiliateId=clubMEGAMENU">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1204787183/textor-gm3-donaldson-hustles-home-clinches-alds/?affiliateId=clubMEGAMENU</a><br />
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<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-78002773375452284892016-10-07T05:00:00.000-04:002016-10-07T05:00:56.243-04:00It must be tough for the Toronto in their Black & White now ...<br />
Oh Woe is me! ... the whole population of the City falling into a catharsis for 'The Team'.<br />
<br />
For those who still separate those that love sports, and those that love art - for those who separate sport and art like there is an 'Us and Them' ...<br />
<br />
It must be tough seeing all the folks of the City - whether they be militarist know-nothings, or reactionary homophones, or racist dip-shits about to do, perhaps, an Orlando in their dreams ...<br />
<br />
Or those who see the Art in Baseball, those who see the community in the thing ...<br />
<br />
For all of a sudden for all the things come together ...<br />
<br />
Oh Woe is me!<br />
<br />
How to understand?<br />
<br />
<i>There is Art in athletics - just as there is art in war.</i><br />
<br />
And as there is this-in-that; we all owe our attention to all of it.<br />
<br />
So while enjoying our greatness - also our foibles.<br />
<br />
<br />
(all formulations that resulted in these articles are from notes taken during - on this night - the Jays' game, and the Sox' game)<br />
<br />
<br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-83613990931147786332016-10-07T04:30:00.000-04:002016-10-07T05:00:21.851-04:00@davidortiz AB in the 5th - #MLB Oct 6, 2016 #MLB Oct 6, 2016 <br />
@davidortiz AB in the 5th<br />
2 On, 2 Out <br />
Boston 3 - 4 Cleveland <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash">#MLB</a> Oct 7 2016<a href="https://twitter.com/davidortiz">@davidortiz</a> AB in the 5th: 2 On, 2 Out <br />
3-4<br />
Pitch-by-Pitch: <a href="https://t.co/fbajzj0atT">https://t.co/fbajzj0atT</a><br />
Brooks Baseball: <a href="https://t.co/xFjhGEQ3GO">https://t.co/xFjhGEQ3GO</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q4HVvWJL1w">pic.twitter.com/Q4HVvWJL1w</a></p>— Michael Holloway (@m_holloway) <a href="https://twitter.com/m_holloway/status/784309180815450112">October 7, 2016</a></blockquote><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>[Brooks Baseball not showing at this posting (4:38am est).]</i><br />
<br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-7487917944036010752016-10-07T02:16:00.003-04:002016-10-07T03:19:06.776-04:00Despite what the Battery thinks<br />
Russell Martin/Marco Estrada hug after the win.<br />
<br />
I took it to say:<br />
<br />
<b><i>'I was in your corner my friend; I just didn't have a say.'</i></b><br />
<br />
<i>(at the end of the line of the blue jays coming off the field after the win; the difference between all the flip this-and-that macho </i><i><i>bullshit - </i> is the pitcher and the catcher hugging)</i>.<br />
<br />
Video (not available in the <i>@MLB CASH </i>postseason)<br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-61871314952655107462016-10-05T03:32:00.002-04:002016-10-05T17:38:53.114-04:00Slam! WIN! See you Thursday!Dummy on TBS: "Two bat flips in two years..."<br />
<br />
One pitch, one swing.<br />
<br />
Encarnacion!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="432" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1202668883&topic_id=6479266&width=678&height=432&property=mlb" width="678">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
<h4>The Mic Drop</h4><img border="0" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GwpZYbotmD4/V_VyvOBbacI/AAAAAAAAHsY/LU7nacgbl6AdlJoxTWbh8qq__ro2VbjJQCLcB/s1600/Encarnacion%2BMic%2BDrop%2Bmoment%2B-%2Bscreenshot%2Boff%2BEncarnacion%2BWalk%2BOff%2BOct%2B4%2B2016%2Bmlb%2Badvanced%2Bmedia.jpg" width="678" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Image is a screenshot of mlb advanced media | Encarnacion Walk Off Oct 4 2016 - <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202668883/al-wc-encarnacion-launches-walkoff-homer-in-11th/?game_pk=487595" target="_blank"> http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202668883/al-wc-encarnacion-launches-walkoff-homer-in-11th/?game_pk=487595</a></b></span></div><br />
<br />
The crew at <a href="https://twitter.com/hitchlimited">@hitchlimited</a> didn't get over it for an hour.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-19887865568240185852016-10-05T03:31:00.000-04:002016-10-05T05:40:54.548-04:00Stroman great pick by Gibbons; plays 'up' in the play-offs; better idea than Francisco Liriano?.. as it turns out - not my pick - but hey, I was wrong.<br />
<br />
Marcus Stroman was brilliant.<br />
<br />
<b>Stroman's six solid innings 10/04/16 | 00:30 </b><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1202648083&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
via - <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202648083/al-wc-stroman-fans-six-holds-os-to-two-runs/?game_pk=487595">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202648083/al-wc-stroman-fans-six-holds-os-to-two-runs/?game_pk=487595</a><br />
<br />
<br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-58294275495817911642016-10-05T03:30:00.002-04:002016-10-05T03:30:49.197-04:00The game story: Carrera RBI ties the game<br />
Key was Carrera AB in the 5th.<br />
<br />
Carrera singled to center, Saunders scored, Pillar to third; <br />
<br />
Carrera RBI ties the game.<br />
<br />
No video embed available (thanks to mlb 'advance media').<br />
<br />
http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202613483/?game_pk=487595<br />
<br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-23337864946314092472016-10-05T03:00:00.000-04:002016-10-05T05:25:20.104-04:00Bandwagon includes smart artzy condo dwellers east of Spadina<br />
Crowd shot after great hit by Devon Travis - a single to left field to start the Blue Jays' rally in the bottom of the 11th:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Cn6GZn4AU/V_TGJ2EzQgI/AAAAAAAAHsI/5INfGA33_eQQ0e6kb41-JsR49xEp-QbcACLcB/s1600/Smart%2Bartzy%2Beducated%2Bcondo%2Bdwellers%2Bwest%2Bof%2BSpadina%2Bget%2Bit%2Ball%2Bat%2BSky%2BDome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Cn6GZn4AU/V_TGJ2EzQgI/AAAAAAAAHsI/5INfGA33_eQQ0e6kb41-JsR49xEp-QbcACLcB/s640/Smart%2Bartzy%2Beducated%2Bcondo%2Bdwellers%2Bwest%2Bof%2BSpadina%2Bget%2Bit%2Ball%2Bat%2BSky%2BDome.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot from <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202669683/al-wc-travis-starts-rally-with-single-to-left/?game_pk=487595">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202669683/al-wc-travis-starts-rally-with-single-to-left/?game_pk=487595</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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mh Michael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-25734283663017757072016-10-05T02:00:00.000-04:002016-10-05T07:01:48.430-04:00"Sub-optimal Route"Sabermetrics gone wrong ...<br />
<br />
Here's an excellent example of a sports journalist using Sabermetrics to try and sound smart: <br />
<br />
Kevin Pillars' screamer down the right field line in the 5th is fielded by RF Michael Bourn excellently ... he scoops the 3-ricochet ball off the wall and fires it back to the long cut-off at 1B - stopping the runner on 2nd (Michael Saunders) from scoring ... By a long shot.<br />
<br />
I couldn't believe the hit didn't score a run!<br />
<br />
Video starts with Michael Saunders' double down the line in left.<br />
<br />
<b>Statcast: Blue Jays set up rally - 10/04/16 | 00:01:02 Statcast of the Day: Michael Saunders and Kevin Pillar hit a pair of unlikely doubles to spur a game-tying rally in the 5th</b> <br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1202682583&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
Via mlb advanced media - <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202682583/al-wc-statcast-measures-saunders-pillars-doubles/?game_pk=487595">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1202682583/al-wc-statcast-measures-saunders-pillars-doubles/?game_pk=487595</a><br />
<br />
So the metrician reports that Bourn's route was sub-optimal. <br />
<br />
Well, if he's two inches further south it's pretty f*king optimal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-57868816789959437492016-10-02T07:00:00.000-04:002016-10-02T21:39:52.947-04:00Congratulations you bunch of f*king depressing bandwagon jumpers.Only Detroit can upset Toronto's post season desires.<br />
<br />
If Toronto loses tomorrow, and Baltimore wins - and Detroit wins - Detroit will play a postponed game against the Cleveland Indians to decide who is the 2nd Wild Card in the AL.<br />
<br />
The Indians are playing great - the Detroits are backing into a playoff spot like the Jays.<br />
<br />
The Jays are in. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt88KvLKxQ8/V_DZH_pj-RI/AAAAAAAAHro/GI3JYPk65Ecahm1iO_qgHyInuIQ4mN8XgCLcB/s1600/ildcard%2BStandings%2Bafter%2BJays%2Bat%2BBoston%2Bgame%2B2%2BOct%2B1%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pt88KvLKxQ8/V_DZH_pj-RI/AAAAAAAAHro/GI3JYPk65Ecahm1iO_qgHyInuIQ4mN8XgCLcB/s640/ildcard%2BStandings%2Bafter%2BJays%2Bat%2BBoston%2Bgame%2B2%2BOct%2B1%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
But to win, you are obviously playing to win this last game against Boston - because the Jays will play the Bostons to get to the World Series.<br />
<br />
Congratulations you bunch of fucking depressing bandwagon jumpers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-4956300585693960402016-10-02T06:44:00.003-04:002016-10-02T06:44:44.259-04:00Osuna and Martin reach an understandingLast out is a Pedroia grounded out to second. <br />
<br />
Cheers all about the Jays diaspora - and if you're watching, catcher Martin arrives at the mound just as Osuna turns around and they negotiate a hug - Martin wins. ;) He says (with body language), <br />
<br />
'See, I told you!'<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mh<br />
<br />
Michael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-38715396457359665942016-10-02T06:32:00.002-04:002016-10-02T06:34:36.592-04:00Boston tie Jays 3-3 on Mookie Betts excuse-me double down right field line in 8thNo video.<br />
<br />
Because we suck at covering baseball.<br />
<br />
leading off, Mookie Betts' stop swing ricochets the pitched ball over 1B and down the line where Carrera has trouble with it on a wet warning track.<br />
<br />
The two-base hit scores to tie the game on Osuna's balk.<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-85042600249841906002016-10-02T05:27:00.006-04:002016-10-02T18:27:01.775-04:00Osuna Balk!Wait a minute. Come to a stop, then step off. Is not a balk.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="224" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1199582183&topic_id=6479266&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
The rules as described here don't address the popular diaspora. As far as I understand (and I've never called a balk in real time), if a pitcher comes to a stop with his foot on the rubber, he either has to throw the ball to the plate or step off the rubber. <br />
<br />
Roberto Osuna stepped off the rubber.<br />
<br />
MLB.com / Glossary / Rules / Balk / <a href="http://m.mlb.com/glossary/rules/balk">http://m.mlb.com/glossary/rules/balk</a><br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-51303656647944214202016-10-01T00:35:00.000-04:002016-10-01T00:43:31.208-04:00Oh, Woe is me - Jays 'must win' becomes Jays "MUST WIN"<br />
Here's the instance:<br />
<br />
No embed available from mlb 'advanced media':<br />
<br />
<a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1196989283/?game_pk=449267">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1196989283/?game_pk=449267</a><br />
<br />
Can the Jays' keep pace with the late, consistent losing in the American League?<br />
<br />
Let's see:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Gdcy9aVKM/V-88iJRDFkI/AAAAAAAAHrY/DHC6lZ4hPBkf4d6MLbd1pCjIrMp953yFACLcB/s1600/Standings%2Bafter%2BJays%2Bat%2BBoston%2Bgame%2B1%2BSept%2B30%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Gdcy9aVKM/V-88iJRDFkI/AAAAAAAAHrY/DHC6lZ4hPBkf4d6MLbd1pCjIrMp953yFACLcB/s640/Standings%2Bafter%2BJays%2Bat%2BBoston%2Bgame%2B1%2BSept%2B30%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
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<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-67258655501485134592016-09-28T05:47:00.006-04:002016-10-01T00:52:25.253-04:00(I am, I am) I am Superman and I know what's happening.. and I can do anything!<br />
<br />
Pillar diving catch of Jonathan Schoop liner with none on and two out in the 8th.<br />
<br />
<b>Superman cape fans rock it for their god.</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RQNAUmwtAE/V-uTeG2sBYI/AAAAAAAAHrM/KRU1N3dUVpkkr2lsu8QY36DfR-JjfUEjwCEw/s1600/Pillar%2Bcatch%2Bsuperman%2Bcap%2Bfans%2Bimage%2Bmlb%2Bsept%2B27%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RQNAUmwtAE/V-uTeG2sBYI/AAAAAAAAHrM/KRU1N3dUVpkkr2lsu8QY36DfR-JjfUEjwCEw/s640/Pillar%2Bcatch%2Bsuperman%2Bcap%2Bfans%2Bimage%2Bmlb%2Bsept%2B27%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLB screenshot Tuesday, September 27, 2016 via: <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1191324883/baltor-pillar-lays-out-to-snag-schoops-liner/?game_pk=449212">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1191324883/baltor-pillar-lays-out-to-snag-schoops-liner/?game_pk=449212</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am #Spartacus! <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>R.E.M - Superman</b><br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="376" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IxQS6lfn0yU" width="670"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
MLB 09/27/16 Pillar's diving grab in center | <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1191324883/?game_pk=449212">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1191324883/?game_pk=449212</a><br />
<br />
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mh Michael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-14042247818368750482016-09-28T05:03:00.001-04:002016-09-28T05:21:18.666-04:00Gibbons comes into his ownWINK<br />
<br />
<iframe src='http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1191735783&topic_id=6479266&width=670&height=424&property=mlb' width='670' height='424' frameborder='0'>Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
everything worked<br />
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mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-3963453235849506752016-09-28T04:51:00.003-04:002016-09-28T05:16:19.522-04:00Sanchez can't pitch into October ... ?Sanchez's 10 K's in 10 seconds<br />
<br />
09/27/16 | 00:10 <br />
<br />
Watch all 10 of Aaron Sanchez's strikeouts against the Orioles in 10 seconds<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="424" src="http://m.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=1191573383&topic_id=6479266&width=670&height=424&property=mlb" width="670">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe><br />
<br />
mlb.com/video - Sanchez's 10 K's in 10 seconds | <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v1191573383/?game_pk=449212">http://m.mlb.com/video/v1191573383/?game_pk=449212</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6344996834463861460.post-38214018504183188772016-09-17T18:12:00.000-04:002016-09-17T18:15:44.220-04:00Is there a bias against knuckleballers within the baseball craft practitioners cult?<br />
I always rant that RA Dickey (all knuckleballers) get short shifted in a MLB dominated by fast throwing pitchers - that knuckleballers get pulled before it is necessary based on a set of metrics in which they are by definition, outliers.<br />
<br />
I did so again last night as Toronto Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons pulled Dickey after facing 2 batters in the bottom of the 6th in a 2-0 game.<br />
<br />
My friend argued that Gibby takes him out not based on pitch count (or in other words - not based on metrics that can't be applied across the board to every sort of pitcher - and especially to knuckleballers) - but rather when he is no longer effective.<br />
<br />
His point I think, was that in the 6th inning Dickey allowed 2 consecutive base hits ... so Gibby pulled him (<i>and brought in Biagini - who bent but did not break</i>):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99GEga4oDwQ/V927ckj6xCI/AAAAAAAAHqE/mUS4sNLPJwoh9vp1UiF-Y6nG3SQi8kkoQCLcB/s1600/Dickey%2Bgets%2Bpulled%2Bin%2Bfavour%2Bof%2BBiagini%2Bin%2Bthe%2B6th%2Binning%2B-%2Bespn%2Bboxscore%2Bplay-by-play%2BTOR%2Bat%2BLAA%2BSept%2B16%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99GEga4oDwQ/V927ckj6xCI/AAAAAAAAHqE/mUS4sNLPJwoh9vp1UiF-Y6nG3SQi8kkoQCLcB/s640/Dickey%2Bgets%2Bpulled%2Bin%2Bfavour%2Bof%2BBiagini%2Bin%2Bthe%2B6th%2Binning%2B-%2Bespn%2Bboxscore%2Bplay-by-play%2BTOR%2Bat%2BLAA%2BSept%2B16%2B2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dickey gets pulled in favour of Biagini in the 6th inning - espn boxscore play-by-play TOR at LAA Sept 16 2016 - <a href="http://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=360916103">http://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=360916103</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My rejoinder was that great pitchers bend - but they do not break ... but with knuckleballers, managers always assume the light throwing pitchers are about to get slammed - so they replace them before they can prove that they can bend and not break.<br />
<br />
My interlocutor responded that Gibby pulls him in high leverage situations with the game on the line because Dickey leads the leagues in Home Runs allowed - in other words - Gibby pulled Dickey because he was no longer effective in the specific situation last night.<br />
<br />
Hmmm ... could he be right?<br />
<br />
So I looked it up - and according to TeamRankings.com, my friend was correct (almost):<br />
<br />
R.A. Dickey has allowed the 8th most Home Runs by a 2016 MLB Starting Pitcher. Dickey is 67th of 76 Starting Pitchers in Runs Allowed as of September 17, 2016.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJfZMS3GM5I/V922sX5bA-I/AAAAAAAAHp0/DctbEDYwc2c9URRl4_uIDvShCpujM80UQCLcB/s1600/RA%2BDickey%2B8th%2Bmost%2BHome%2BRuns%2Bby%2Ba%2BMLB%2B2016%2Bstarting%2Bpitcher%2B-%2BTeamrankings-com%2Bretrieved%2BSept%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJfZMS3GM5I/V922sX5bA-I/AAAAAAAAHp0/DctbEDYwc2c9URRl4_uIDvShCpujM80UQCLcB/s640/RA%2BDickey%2B8th%2Bmost%2BHome%2BRuns%2Bby%2Ba%2BMLB%2B2016%2Bstarting%2Bpitcher%2B-%2BTeamrankings-com%2Bretrieved%2BSept%2B17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image via TeamRankings MLB 2016, Starting Pitchers, Home Runs Allowed - retrieved Sept 17, 2016 | <a href="https://www.teamrankings.com/mlb/player-stat/home-runs-allowed">https://www.teamrankings.com/mlb/player-stat/home-runs-allowed</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm still convinced there is a bias in the baseball craft practitioners cult against knuckleballers - but I'm going to have to refine my thinking on it ... because I have a baseball friend who constantly contradicts my 'knowledge' with deep reasoned arguments!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>They killed Kenny! </i><br />
<br />
<i>You Bastards! </i></blockquote>
<br />
:/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
mhMichael Hollowayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11569272458580142677noreply@blogger.com0