Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Thoughts on two baseball games I watched tonight

Verlander just completed the first inning. He was looking dirty. Then he gave up a double, which should have been an error (it was completely misjudged by Ryan Rayburn, and it bounced off his glove, how is that not an error on him), a walk, and then a bomb. Unfortunately, all 3 runs are earned, but they really shouldn't be. His stuff is absolutely dirty right now. The Angels are completely baffled by his breaker right now. He does have to stop leaving his fastball up though, because that's killing him.

John Maine looked terrible. I'm convinced he has no idea where he's pitching. It looks like he's letting it fly and praying that it's either not down the middle of the plate or that they whiff. He doesn't look poor mechanically, but something's not right. Maybe he's hurt.

Albert Pujols is everything I'd everything I'd ever want in a hitter. He mashes the ball, is patient, can run the bases, and plays good defense at first. Every time I think I shouldn't be jealous, because the Mets have David Wright, I look at him again, and I'm green with envy at the Cardinals. There's a famous story that a scout of the Devil Rays saw him play once -- and told them that he was going to be one of the best players ever. 7th round roles around, and the Cardinals pick him. Scout quits his job, just knowing the Rays missed out on something special. I wonder where he is right now, and if some team was smart enough to hire him, obviously he knows what he's talking about. Also, how good can someone be if there are legends about them by the time they're 25?


Curtis Granderson is very, very good. The kid understands the game.

I know Gary Matthews Jr. isn't very good with the bat, but what are the chances that he makes up enough with the glove that he's worth more than Abreu? I'd say not bad. Luckily for Abreu, the DH can extend his usefulness. God the DH is stupid. Assuming Joe Saunders gets Carlos Guillen out right now, Matthews has saved a run this inning that Abreu wouldn't have.

I like Mike Napoli, he can hit a little, and is decent defensively. I appreciate catchers, because Catcher or Quarterback is the most difficult position in sports. So to be even decent at the position, is very respectable.

I think Colby Rasmus needs maybe an extra half of a season in AAA. But he should be a good player in the Majors.

Brian Stokes should be pitching later in games -- the guy throws absolute gas. Manuel should be using him right in front of Putz.

Torii Hunter's range is way down. He still has an excellent glove, but maybe it's time for him to move to right.

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