* Kansas City Royals @ Philadelphia Phillies Game Thread (4/6) *

[SPchief]

Prediction: Mendoza goes 6, strikes out 9 and we win 4-2

[Cephalic Trauma]

Originally Posted by SPchief

Prediction: Mendoza goes 6, strikes out 9 and we win 4-2

Bold. I hope you're right, but I would like to see us knock around their 5th starter a bit. Lannan isn't anything special.

[Frankie]

Originally Posted by SPchief

Prediction: Mendoza goes 6, strikes out 9 and we win 4-2

Are you good at predictions? I am, sometimes. Frankly I believe one should only predict what one can have a role in making happen. With a little help from friends of course.

[Simply Red]

I hope George Brett and alnorth stick a 34 ounce Louisville Slugger up Chase Utley's ass, later on todayq.

[Cephalic Trauma]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I hope George Brett and alnorth stick a 34 ounce Louisville Slugger up Chase Utley's ass, later on todayq.

I find this post 'a little' idiotic.

[teedubya]

***** the Phillies!! Let's go for 3 wins in a row.

[Sure-Oz]

DH should take over the NL, hopefully someday.

[RedDread]

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

DH should take over the NL, hopefully someday.

It will happen. DH in both leagues means more big contracts. The player's union should be in favor of it.

[EagleRob]

Originally Posted by alnorth

yes. Yes it is.

A few years ago, I was on that "get rid of the DH" bandwagon, bemoaning the lack of "strategy" etc.

I've changed my mind, I am now a fan of American League baseball, rather than just baseball. If the Royals switched leagues, my interest would decrease.

At the college level and below, the pitcher should hit, because even though he's not as good, he can still put in a credible effort at the plate. At the MLB level, the pitcher is about as effective as some handcuffed guy in a gimp suit. Sure, we have a couple "hitting pitchers" in the NL, but mostly you are hoping for a successful bunt, or if he has to swing, then a miracle.

It is not fun to watch an inning get shut down because with 2 outs they walk the bases loaded in the 2nd inning to get to the pitcher and shut down the threat with a K. I'm also not excited about a double-switch. The "strategy" there is to move that gimp-spot elsewhere in your batting order so you have 8 good hitters in front of him. The bench should be used for defense to hold the lead, speed if a slow tying runner is on, pinch-hitting an all-glove starter late when behind, or to give a guy a day off. You want to play every day, beat the guy in front of you.

If I were emperor of baseball, I'd put the DH in the NL, and tell the NL fans to stuff it when they complain. After 10+ years they'll come around.

Probably the most compelling argument anyone has ever made to me to go against my upbringing. Nicely done.

[EagleRob]

Originally Posted by RedDread

It will happen. DH in both leagues means more big contracts. The player's union should be in favor of it.

Probably can't be done without alienating the purest fan base though.

[tk13]

Ugly scene in Toronto. John Lackey was making his first start of the year for the Red Sox after missing last year due to Tommy John. He just chunked a wild pitch into the dirt and immediately keeled over in pain. Had to come out of the game. Did not look good.

He was pitching okay too... 4 IP, 2 runs allowed, 8 K.

[lewdog]

I want to go on record. I think Mendoza has decent enough stuff to be an effective #5 in this rotation. Nothing spectacular but decent enough to keep us in games and eat up some innings. More than we can say for Hochevar. I hope my feeling is right.

[Ceej]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I want to go on record. I think Mendoza has decent enough stuff to be an effective #5 in this rotation. Nothing spectacular but decent enough to keep us in games and eat up some innings. More than we can say for Hochevar. I hope my feeling is right.

Way to go out on a limb there.

n00b..

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by CJizzles

Way to go out on a limb there.

n00b..

I wish it wasn't so hard around here to fit in.

[Ceej]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I wish it wasn't so hard around here to fit in.

You just have to talk about poop, and banging supermodels bro.