The Prubs

I know I was going to write about 87 games in for the rhymes with Prubs, but considering it seems like everytime I write about them, they go into a funk, I decided against it. Yes, I am being very superstitious, but if it works, I'll be happy. So, this will be good news for most of you, don't look for any more columns on the rhymes with Prubs from me.

About the Preston Wilson trade, I can't believe the Nationals got him. Going into the break they were averaging the least runs in baseball, and were getting by on their starting pitching and surprisingly good bullpen. Now that they have added a bat like Wilson's to the lineup, the offense will undoubtedly produce more runs. In his first game with the Nats, he went 1-4 with a home run in a 4-2 loss to the Brewers yesterday. Don't let the 2 runs fool you, Washington is going to score some runs this half of the season. I still don't think they are going to win the East, but this move lets the fans in D.C. know something the fans of Montreal haven't known since 1994, the owner cares about this team.

-Until next time...

Finally

Well, it only took 6 months, but we finally have the kind of discussion I have been hoping for since we started this little site. Although, the discussion has pretty much been me getting bashed for being a homer (guilty) and making some unpopular decisions in my awards. By the way, I also think Felipe Lopez is probably the best guy we've never heard of. He was really good in high school and then also at St. John's. Wasn't he supposed to be the best basketball player ever to come out of New York City. Oh wait, we're talking about the guy who plays baseball for the Reds aren't we. It's good to know someone actually does some research before writting, nice job Garcia on the Rich Hill stats. I definitely did not do any research for that column and just wrote whatever I could think about while I was writting it, which if you look at the time stamp, was quite late.

We even have some discussion between people commenting in Justin's 85 games in column. This is great. I hope this keeps up for the rest of the life of this site, which hopefully will be as long as Garcia, Gaddis, or I enjoy writting it. From me tomorrow, look for a breakdown of the Cubs' first 87 games and perhaps some trades we could look for as we near the July 31st trade deadline.

Side note for Vin Digiorgio here, I apologize for not making it down either day last weekend. I was far too content sitting on my couch on Sunday, but I do now regret the decision. If I do get the offer extended again, I will be there, unless it is this Saturday. If you aren't doing anything, you should come on down.

-Until next time...

Cleaning up the Awards

When I was doing my NL awards, I completely and totally forgot about Chris Carpenter when discussing Dontrelle Willis and the Rodney Dangerfield quote. If you need more elaboration:

The Tony Saunders Memorial Award for "Best Homage to Rodney Dangerfield"
Since I can’t really think of anyone else, I have to go with Dontrelle Willis based on the following Dangerfield quote, “It’s lonely on the top when there’s no one on the bottom.” He is pitching so much better than anyone else in the NL right now, he kind of has to feel this way. Would he be pitching better if there were a few other pitchers going after 13 wins already?
Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens have probably had the best years so far by players not named Dontrelle, but they haven’t dominated like Willis in every game. If he had some people breathing down his neck for the Cy Young, he’d probably be pitching even better. He’s already proven he can pitch under pressure (see 2003 post season) so you know he’s up to it.

Carpenter has been having an incredible season, and I inexplicably missed it. Compared to Willis, he is having at least as good of a year and is playing for the best team in baseball. I apologize to all of those involved and will now withdraw any comment for that category.

Second, Vin Digiorgio commented that he didn't think Aramis Ramirez shouldn't be considered a perennial all-star. I beg to differ based on the fact his numbers have improved every year in the league. Check out his career stats here. His numbers this year should improve from his career numbers as he is hitting .298 with 19 home runs and 57 rbi. He is on pace to better his career highs in every category (if he keeps hitting as well as he has the past month) and he is only 27 years old, so should be entering the prime of his career. I won't lie, I have been exposed to a lot of Ramirez and am simply a fan because I am a Cubs fan, but I still think with in the next three years, he will be towards the top of the league in every offensive category and top 5 in the MVP voting.

That's all I have to say about that, and the awards, hope you enjoyed reading that column. Love the comments, keep 'em coming and I will try and defend myself.

Also, if you aren't doing anything this weekend, and when I say "you" I do mean anyone reading this right now, come to Menomonee Falls as the creators of the site will be getting together for the first time in months, it will be good times. Everyone is invited for the festivities which will begin promptly at 5:30, when I get back from church. Not only will the creators of this site be together, but almost the entire crew of regulars from Thursday Night Sports Talk back in La Crosse will be getting together. Free food, drinks, music (while we're at my place) and good times, can't be beat. If anyone would like to come and needs to know how to get to my house, leave a comment.

-Until next time...