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[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss Upton’s Pain-Free Shoulder, Pena’s Pain-Filled Pennant Run And Kazmir’s Pain-Inducing Slider
BJ Upton, Carlos Pena, Scott Kazmir March 25th. 2009, 7:08am
Time to bring back the GBT – The Good, The Bad and The Telling sandwich, where The Bad is nice and lean and the The Telling is ripe.
No game yesterday, so let’s get straight to the Webtopia.
DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…
- BJ Upton played 4 innings in a minor league exhibition game, going 0-4, striking out about 12 times. Upton said his stamina was “pretty good” and hopes to go longer soon…Also, Scott Kazmir threw more sliders than normal and was happy with the results stating that his slider was “definitely the best it’s felt in a while.” [St. Pete Times]
- The way Carlos Pena carried the Rays in August and September last season was amazing. It is even more incredible considering how much pain he was in. [Tampa Tribune]
- In their sophomore seasons, only two pitchers averaged more strikeouts per 9 innings than this June’s top pick, Stephen Strasburg. Those two pitchers? David Price and Wade Townsend (thanks Joe D.). [Project Prospect]
- Many people smarter than us think the Rays are one of the 4 or 5 best teams in baseball. But at least one doofus thinks the Rays will be more like the 2007 Devil Rays this season, and predicts 78 wins. Their logic? Because 9 does not equal 8 apparently. That’s right. Not a single baseball reason for their projection. Just a stereotype. [Stuff and Things]
- At the other end of the spectrum, you have this Paul White piece in USA Today that says the Rays are built to prove 2008 was the rule and not the exception. How many baseball reasons does White provide? Too many to count. [USA Today]
- The King of Lists is still at it with his “Your Team Ain’t S#!t” series. This time it is #21 Milwaukee. [Bugs and Cranks]
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Prof, do you think public opinion may have an effect on Davis’ debut?
It seems to me that the general public is calling for David Price, despite concerns regarding his change-up, and need for more time in the minors.
Do you think the front office would ever bring up Davis instead of Price, despite public opinion?
The Rays are kinda safe here because nobody seems upset right now. Once the season starts if Price is putting up nothing but zeros then I think he will get the call. But if his numbers are just “good” then I think there is enough curiosity from the fans about Davis that I don’t see passing on Price as a big PR hit.
The only trouble they may run into is if the team is struggling, let’s say 8 back in June and the 5th starter is average at best. Then people will start screaming about Price and the team will have a tough sell.
Whats with the Talbot pic?
I’m fascinated by how much he looks like Jake Gyllenhaal. Was he ever a sheep farmer?
“…predicts 78 wins. Any why? Because 9 does not equal 8 apparently.”
a) Type-o. Learn to edit.
b) 9 does not equal 8. Not just apparently – actually.
c) If you keep up with the blog, they are posting a “Why They are Going to Suck” article for EVERY TEAM. It is funny. It is not a reason to get your panties in a bundle. Maybe take your Rayhawked head out of your you-know-where and read the articles for the humorous take on baseball reporting, instead if getting all pissy that someone blasphemed against your precious (did you even know you had a baseball team before last season?) Rays.
Stuff and Things FTW.
“…instead if getting all pissy…”
a) Speaking of Type-o . . .
b) Isn’t getting pissy about someone supposedly getting pissy even more pissy than the previous pissiness you so pissily and piss-poorly complained about?
Totally agree. The whole thing is actually pretty funny. There are so many baseball predictions out there with great baseball arguments and statistics it’s kind of nice to see someone go a different direction with it.
Actually, no, it is not funny but nice try. So I can’t say I blame Prof for not reading the rest. And you are pretty dumb to assume everybody that reads that one post has read all the others. You might want to make that more clear.
As for your precious 14-year old “text-speak”, if YOU took the time to read more of the posts around here, you would know that your reaction is probably exactly what Prof was hoping for. So why don’t you take that precious little “FTW” and give it back.
Did you seriously just troll over to a long-tenured, highly regarded, legitimate, sports blog and try to tell them to learn to edit?
You arrogant little prick… screw off, this site is for grown-ups.
Edit that, moron!
Dirtbag Fan,
When I saw this reply earlier, I knew you would be the man to put him in his place–I thought of suggesting you take care of this bum, but I knew you would get around to it eventually.
Nicely done.
Thanks, its nice to know that I’m good for something- i was starting to wonder.
Any news on Townsend? Will we ever see him pitch again?
Also, I thought I’d mention that while reading the Columbus Dispatch yesterday (I live there) they had an article from the Cincinnati Enquirer comparing the Reds to the Rays and how many similarities the teams have. Dusty Baker mentioned something about a big reason for Tampa Bay’s success being “all those years of #1 draft picks.” Definitely made me chuckle, then shake my head in disgust.
This is all that I can find is this un-cited text from his wikipedia page…
In fall 2008 Townsend was again sent to the Arizona Fall League, where he lasted only 10.2 innings and gave up 12 runs before he was sidelined with shoulder problems. Townsend underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum and will likely be in rehab for most of the 2009 season.
I vaguely remember hearing that he’ll be throwing again in June…