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Around SBN: The Amateur Mathematics Of Linsanity

NL West Report: Who's Your Padre?

With the difficult games on the docket for the division (this week), should any team have a particularly strong week, they have a very good chance to improve their standing against the other teams. 

That's what I wrote last week.  As it turns out, one team did in fact have a particularly strong week - unfortunately, it was the first place San Diego Padres.

That prestigious qualifier has been accurate about the Padres for ten consecutive Mondays now, so it really should not be so foreign.  After taking a road series in Tampa against the stumbling Rays, the Padres managed to sweep the Marlins in Miami, even defeating Josh Johnson 2-1.

The result:  the Padres extended their division lead by three full games - all the way to 4 1/2, the largest disparity in MLB during a time in which three divisions are separated by a half game.  Is it time to take the Padres seriously?

Honestly, I don't know.  I can't rationalize this roster winning a division, especially when David Eckstein has the 2nd most WAR in the lineup.  Their most valuable pitcher (by WAR) is neither a starting pitcher or their closer.  It just doesn't make sense for this team to continue what they are doing.  It isn't as if Chase Headley has actually become a savior, or that Everth Cabrera has actually become Rafael Furcal in his prime.  

Mat Latos has blossomed into a legitimate force in the rotation, and Clayton Richard has quietly put together a fantastic season.  But even taking such performances into account, the Padres don't look like a playoff team.

But every so often, a team can continue to transcend all logic and reason for a full season.  Look no further than the 2007 Diamondbacks vs. Pythagoras.  If the rest of the NL West doesn't get it in gear, the Padres might just extend their lead far enough to win this thing.

 

AL East vs. NL West

Over the scheduling gauntlet of the AL East this week, the NL West went 16-14 overall, including 12-12 in interleague and 9-9 vs. the AL East.  Nothing worth headlines, but it's a respectable showing that will go unnoticed among most out there, especially considering the three AL East teams faced were the cream of the crop.

 

Team capsules below the fold.

Star-divide

NL West Report

Arizona (30-46, 5th, W1, 15.5 GB)

Last Week: 3-3. 1-2 vs. Yankees  2-1 @ Rays.  The last place team in the NL West just went .500 against arguably the top two teams in MLB.  HA!

Divisional Change: Lost two games to first-place San Diego.

This Week: 3 game home series  vs. Yankees.  3 game road series @ Rays.  

You Should Know:  Despite the disaster this season, the Diamondbacks didn't hit the 15GB mark in the division until last Wednesday, game 73.  That mark was reached in game 64 in 2009.

News:   Obviously, the biggest news from Arizona was Edwin Jackson's 8-walk 1-HBP 149-pitch no-hitter.  Jim McClennan broke down the performance in great detail at AZSnakePit.  Of course, Jackson's no-no came at the expense of the Rays, his former team.  His former teammate, James Shields, sent Jackson some Dom Perignon.


Edwin Jackson

#36 / Pitcher / Arizona Diamondbacks

6-3

210

R

R

Sep 09, 1983


W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2010 - Edwin Jackson 5-6 17 16 1 1 0 0 107.0 103 56 55 10 45 85 4.63 1.38

As a consequence of his 149 pitches thrown, his spot in the rotation will be skipped.  He might pitch again Saturday, and no decision has been made on who will take his spot.  These are the consequences for burning out his arm, but that's what happens when you are in last place.  

I suppose another option is to just trade Jackson.  Ben Goessling of MASN Sports supposedly heard Friday that the Nationals were exploring a trade for Jackson.

Ken Rosenthal reported that it is very likely that either Jackson or Haren could be traded before next spring.  While Steve Gilbert suggests that "absolutely I deal Haren if I can get a package of prospects back that helps restock the farm system," Rosenthal has an interesting quote from "a baseball person:"
  "[Haren]'s not at the top of anyone's list, he's just another name."
Add that quote to the following tweet from Jack Curry that says Josh Byrnes would expect "very significant players" to make certain deals and it looks like Haren might not be the one to be dealt.

On another front, Buster Olney wrote that teams don't know what to make of trading for Arizona's hitters, given the huge effect Chase Field has offensively.   It's good to see people recognize Coors Field isn't the only park that skews numbers. 

Transactions:  Recalled OF Cole Gillespie and optioned UT Ryan Roberts.  

Injuries:  Kris Benson was given a second cortisone shot for his shoulder on June 23 and could return in 1-2 week.  Leo Rosales was cleared to walk without a boot for the first time without a boot from his foot stress fracture.  He is due back very soon after the All-Star Break.

Arizona Diamondbacks Injuries

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Brandon Webb shoulder 03/26/2010
Leo Rosales foot 04/29/2010

Star-divide

Los Angeles (40-35, 3rd, L1, 5 GB)

Last Week: 2-4.  1-2 @ Angels, 1-2 vs. Yankees

Divisional Change:  Lost three games to the Padres.  

This Week:  3 game series @ Giants.  3 game series @ Diamondbacks.  Chad Billingsley is due to return from the disabled list today to start.  If he is successful, he will pitch in both series for Joe Torre.

You Should Know:  The Dodgers won their first two interleague games (against Detroit) and won two of their last four.  In between, Los Angeles lost nine consecutive interleague games.  That's a 4-11 overall interleague record, worse than every team sans Pittsburgh and Houston. 

News:  Ken Rosenthal has been busy on the Dodgers this week.  He quotes an unnamed GM as saying "It's becoming pretty clear that they're not going to be able to add pitching before the [trade] deadline."  Part of the issue is that the Dodgers' valuable prospects aren't close enough to the majors to satisfy Seattle.  They will still try to add pitching, but Rockies fans should be happy, as it doesn't look like they will add anyone of significance over what the Rockies might add, especially if Jorge de la Rosa is considered.


Matt Kemp

#27 / Center Field / Los Angeles Dodgers

6-3

225

R

R

Sep 23, 1984

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2010 - Matt Kemp 74 299 52 77 15 4 12 40 27 86 10 10 .258 .316 .455

Rosenthal goes on to suggest that Ned Colletti get creative and trade Matt Kemp.  With Andre Ethier, Russell Martin, Chad Billingsley, James Loney and Matt Kemp all signed through 2012, someone will eventually have to be moved, and Rosenthal nominates Kemp, who has fallen out of favor in Los Angeles in a whirlwind.  His base-running has gone downhill and his defense has been terrible.  In fact, Kemp has the worst UZR of any player, any position in MLB.  That's the definition of selling low.  Perhaps he's a stuck-up lazy punk who stays up too late with Rhianna, but if the Dodgers are selling Kemp, I'd be listening.  

With the Dodgers and Yankees playing this weekend, Tyler Kepner points out that under today's rules, Alex Rodriguez would have been a Dodger.  The Dodgers had one more loss than the Mariners the previous season, but at that time, the first overall pick alternated between the American and National League, and the Mariners were awarded the keys to the universal top choice.

Transactions:   Activated SS Rafael Furcal from the bereavement list and optioned IF Ching-Lung Hu.  DFAed RHP Charlie Haeger and called up RHP Jon Link.  Signed P Jesus Colome, who was just released by Seattle.

Injuries:  Cory Wade made his first rehab appearance Saturday.  

Los Angeles Dodgers Injuries

15-Day

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Chad Billingsley groin 06/12/2010
Carlos Monasterios fingers 06/19/2010

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Brad Ausmus back 04/09/2010
Cory Wade shoulder 03/26/2010

Star-divide

San Diego (45-30, 1st, W3)

Last Week: 5-1.   2-1 @ Rays. 3-0 @ Marlins.  I don't care who you are playing, a 5-1 road trip is exceptional. 

Divisional Change:  Extended their lead in the division by three full games.  This is the tenth consecutive Monday that San Diego leads the NL West.

This Week:  3 game home series vs. Rockies.  4 game home series vs. Astros.  

You Should Know:  Josh Johnson had his 8-game streak of 1 ER or less allowed snapped against the Padres Saturday, when he allowed two runs.  The second run scored on a sacrifice fly by Jon Garland.  It has been that kind of season for San Diego.....The Padres have the NL's fewest road losses at 14, just two behind Tampa Bay for fewest in MLB.

News:   The Padres are where they are in large part due to their potentially record-breaking bullpen.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Padres' relievers are on track to be the first in Major League history to throw at least 50 innings in a calendar month, finish that month with an ERA below 2.00 and with a rate of 10 or more strikeouts per nine innings.

That said, everyone and their mother is calling for the Padres to add a bat to ensure their standing at the top of the division.  Bill Center from the San Diego Union-Tribune seems to ask for anyone.   

The Friarhood has no shortage of suggestions:


Corey Hart

#1 / Right Field / Milwaukee Brewers

6-6

230

R

R

Mar 24, 1982


G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2010 - Corey Hart 67 246 37 67 17 2 18 59 26 53 4 2 .272 .342 .577

I think Austin Kerns [sic] and Xavier Nady are more probable fits for San Diego than some of the other players, but I do believe Corey Hart and possibly Cody Ross (if out of contention) could be had along with maybe even David Dejesus for the right price.

They might have their big slugger if only they played day games all the time.  Will Venable was unstoppable in day games last year and terrible in night games.  His girlfriend noticed the split and suggested he see an ophthalmologist.  He did, and those splits....well...they didn't change whatsoever.  

Still, the Padres might actually pursue rotational help instead, or in addition to a bat.  A certain Oriole is very interested in re-locating:

"Yes, I'd love to play in San Diego," Guthrie told West Coast Bias, even before I could ask him. - Tim Krasovic, MLB FanHouse

Transactions:  Called up IF Lance Zawadzki and C Dusty Ryan from AAA Portland when Yorvit Torrealba served his suspension.  Swapped Ryan for Torrealba at the end of the suspension.  Traded a PTBNL to Toronto for minor league catcher Kyle Phillips.

Injuries: A recent MRI revealed additional damage to the forearm of Kyle Blanks, pushing his return to after the All Star Break.  Matt Stairs has been doing some light jogging, but no time table has been established for his return.  Tim Stauffer is near the end of his rehab assignment and could return soon.

San Diego Padres Injuries

15-Day

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Matt Stairs knee 06/07/2010
Tim Stauffer appendix 05/10/2010
Kyle Blanks elbow 05/18/2010

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Chris Young shoulder 04/07/2010
Matt Antonelli hand 04/30/2010

Star-divide

San Francisco (40-34, t-2nd, L2, 4.5 GB)

Last Week: 2-4.  1-2 @ Astros.  1-2 vs. Red Sox.  It isn't easy to lose two straight series in which Tim Lincecum takes the mound, but that's what the Giants did last week.  

Divisional Change:  Lost three games to first place San Diego.  

This Week:  3 game home series vs. Dodgers.   4 game road series @ Rockies.  The Giants could do a lot to assert themselves as the Padres' greatest 

You Should Know:  The last time the Giants won a series against a team with a record currently better than .500 was April 30-May 2 against the Rockies.

News:   The Giants' patience is wearing thin with Bengie Molina, whose production has slipped dramatically this season.  I guess they are finally realizing he's not a very good hitter.  As a result, Bruce Bochy might start playing Buster Posey more behind the dish.  This will certainly be an insteresting development going forward into our weekend four-game set with San Fran.


Bengie Molina

#1 / Catcher / San Francisco Giants

5-11

225

R

R

Jul 20, 1974


G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2010 - Bengie Molina 59 197 17 51 6 0 3 17 13 19 0 0 .259 .312 .335

Those OBP and SLG numbers are just plain ugly.
Mark DeRosa cemented Buster Posey in the starting lineup for the rest of the year (if Posey didn't himself already).  DeRosa chose to have season-ending surgery on his wrist.  Seems like a good move.  In looking to add a bat, Jon Paul Morosi suggested the Giants "have interest" in Kansas City Royal David DeJesus.  That rumor was quickly refuted, but who really knows with these things.
Adding a bat or bullpen help might prove difficult if what Buster Olney says is true:
I polled about a dozen GMs and asked five questions about deal-making, including, Who is the toughest GM to make a deal with? The runaway winner was the Giants' Brian Sabean.
That's not a contest you want to win.
Aubrey Huff wants to stay in San Francisco.  And why not?  It's a beautiful city, an even more beautiful park, he's a middle of the lineup hitter for a contending team, and he's having a fantastic season.  I would be happy there too.  R. J. Anderson analyzed Huff's monster season a couple weeks ago.  As strange as it may be to think, the Giants' main page singles out Huff as a deserving All-Star.  Again - why not?  Not only is he leading the team in wOBA, but he has the 12th best wOBA in the National League.  I think he's deserving of having that silly mug shown again:

Aubrey Huff

#17 / Right Field / San Francisco Giants

6-4

230

L

R

Dec 20, 1976

Transactions:   Optioned RHP Joe Martinez to AAA Fresno and called up LHP Madison Bumgarner.

Injuries:  Todd Wellemeyer is expected to return after the All-Star Break.  Mark DeRosa elected to have season-ending wrist surgery.  Activated IF Emmanuel Burriss from the disabled list and optioned him to AAA Fresno. 

San Francisco Giants Injuries

15-Day

Player Injury Type Injury Date
Ryan Rohlinger hamstring 05/31/2010
Todd Wellemeyer quadriceps 06/11/2010

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You just like posting Aubrey Huff's picture

Is that four tacos in your pocket, or are you just happy to see the Rockies scoring 7 or more runs?

by fantasyfencing on Jun 28, 2010 11:09 AM MDT reply actions  

Wouldn't you?

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 11:11 AM MDT up reply actions  

He really IS Aubrey PaintHuff

Paleface Destro, RISPy assassin.
The NL plays baseball. The AL plays arena football with sticks.
Recovering Mets fan since 2007.

by Paleface Destro on Jun 28, 2010 2:12 PM MDT up reply actions  

1 yr 3 million deal for Huff

Nice, nice signing by Sabean there. Which is a good thing because Derosa has been terrible.

by moomacher on Jun 28, 2010 11:20 AM MDT reply actions  

Missed this nugget

Fangraphs collected the pitchers who have faced the best and worst hitters this year by OPS (because let’s face it, pitchers don’t face the exact same talent).
Three of the five pitchers who benefit most from facing weaker lineups than average are in the NL West.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 12:00 PM MDT reply actions  

That's why they play the game...

“I can’t rationalize this roster winning a division, especially when David Eckstein has the 2nd most WAR in the lineup. Their most valuable pitcher (by WAR) is neither a starting pitcher or their closer. It just doesn’t make sense for this team to continue what they are doing.”

This is why stats driven baseball fans drive me bonkers sometime. Have you watched the Padres? They are gritty, they look like they expect to win games late (see yesterday), they get timely hits, they play almost error free baseball and their bullpen is noticeably absent powder kegs like Morales.

No one is contending that their lineup isn’t up to snuff with the rest of the contending teams in the NL, but with the overall quality of their pitching in conjunction with that abyss where they play 81 games, it’s not only conceivable this team will be in the postseason, but probable.

Also, why are people talking about the “Fathers” like what they’re doing is new or out of character? They were one of the most dangerous teams after the break last year.

In fact, I’d say the Padres look a lot like last year’s Rockies after the ship was righted. They may not have the overall thump in their lineup like the Rox did last year, but they’re stringing hits together and manufacturing runs. And at this point, I’d take some of that run production that wins games rather than some of the paper-tiger lineups that Tracy keeps running out there.

This enemy is real. If we as Rockies fans continue to underestimate them, we’ll miss out on a great rivalry. If the Rockies as a team continue to underestimate them, they’ll miss out on the playoffs.

by jasontheuncatchable on Jun 28, 2010 12:09 PM MDT reply actions  

I have watched the Padres

I have seen them win with timely hits, solid base-running and good defense. The back end of the bullpen is a ridiculous weapon that shortens games. I am certainly not saying they are a senseless fluke, but grission and clutchiness don’t usually carry teams over talented teams when the sample size is expanded to 162 games (and yes, I’m aware of their record over the past 162 games). To make the playoffs in the NL, you have to be one of the top 4 of 16 teams at the end of the year. That’s a pretty tall task.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 12:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

I don't think

the Rockies as a team underestimate the Padres. They are a division rival that is currently winning the division. I am personally impressed with the team’s ability to win games based almost exclusively on great pitching. While I hope that the pitching starts to falter I’m not completely convinced that it will, especially the back of the bullpen. While I haven’t seen any Padres games where they aren’t playing the Rockies they do seem to get hits in situations the Rockies are not. I think the Rockies are starting to turn this around and make their approach more simplistic. This series will be a good indicator of where both teams are in reality.

There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
JFK

by jrockies on Jun 28, 2010 12:27 PM MDT up reply actions  

I agree

Padres are 24-16 in games decided by 2 runs or less. They have a mental toughness and ability to execute that you cannot extrapolate from their 25 man roster. I enjoy the brand of baseball they play, and I will be surprised if they go away quietly.

Francis is my homeboy. Matt Daley has a boo boo on his shoulder.

by Rawktober on Jun 28, 2010 12:41 PM MDT up reply actions  

Walking around Denver,

no KYF today.

"No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First" - 1st Infantry Division Motto

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.

by Russ Oates on Jun 28, 2010 12:23 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

This is unacceptable

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 12:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

What?

Your walking around? Get to work, or go read a book.

There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
JFK

by jrockies on Jun 28, 2010 12:28 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'm I'm Denver

and you don’t want me taking it in

"No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First" - 1st Infantry Division Motto

Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.

by Russ Oates on Jun 28, 2010 12:57 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

You must go to the Denver Museum of Natural History

Best dinosaur stuff. (no Dingers)

Quitter's People United Member #4
Brad Hawpe - Will pickup the slack for Tulo's bat
Todd Helton - 2HOLE to the World Series
Troy Tulowitzki - GET WELL SOON TROY WE NEED YOU
Ubaldo Jimenez- Saving the collective's bacon!

by SDcat09 on Jun 28, 2010 1:02 PM MDT up reply actions  

The best Dinosaur Stuff

I’ve ever seen is at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, MT

There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
JFK

by jrockies on Jun 28, 2010 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions  

Random, little known fact:

There are a whole bunch of dinosaur bones underneath BYU’s football stadium in Provo (not underground, but just stored beneath the stands themselves). I’ve even seen them, so it’s not a myth. I always thought that was cool.

by holly96 on Jun 28, 2010 2:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

Whenever I read the KYF acronym

I always translate it as “Kill your foe.”

I'm not making a banana bread pastrami cottage cheese sandwich. That would severely ruin my reputation.

by Justus on Jun 28, 2010 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

Win

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

Sadly, I think

Kentucky Fried …..something….clearly dyslexia

Quitter's People United Member #4
Brad Hawpe - Will pickup the slack for Tulo's bat
Todd Helton - 2HOLE to the World Series
Troy Tulowitzki - GET WELL SOON TROY WE NEED YOU
Ubaldo Jimenez- Saving the collective's bacon!

by SDcat09 on Jun 28, 2010 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yak?

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 1:57 PM MDT up reply actions  

Youk.

Deep deep fried.

Watching the purple row from high atop the big brown monolith on California Ave

by Mondogarage on Jun 28, 2010 3:39 PM MDT up reply actions  

I did not know Kyle Blanks has been on the DL.

They’ve been doing this without that beast….oh lordy, I’m scared for when he gets back…..And I’m very glad we miss him in this series.

Quitter's People United Member #4
Brad Hawpe - Will pickup the slack for Tulo's bat
Todd Helton - 2HOLE to the World Series
Troy Tulowitzki - GET WELL SOON TROY WE NEED YOU
Ubaldo Jimenez- Saving the collective's bacon!

by SDcat09 on Jun 28, 2010 1:01 PM MDT reply actions  

Blanks is still very unpolished and was struggling quite a bit when he got hurt

He could be a beast someday, but his wRC+ (which is that park-adjusted, league-adjusted OPS stat) this year is 80, which is worse than Chris Iannetta (81)

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 1:23 PM MDT up reply actions  

Really? The question is still "is it time to start taking the Padres seriously?'

Instead we should be asking if we will be close enough to the Padres at the end of July for them to take us seriously.

Get well soon Tulo. The Rockies need you.

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Jun 28, 2010 2:11 PM MDT reply actions  

Let Purple Row stay Purple

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 2:13 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'm still of the opinion that the Rockies very much control their own destiny

If they play to the standard they should, they’ll surpass San Diego’s best pace, even with this deficit. If the Rockies don’t, the Padres can win the division, but Colorado didn’t deserve it anyway. It is by no means time to panic. No team has defeated the Padres more this season than the Rockies.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 2:21 PM MDT up reply actions  

I completely agree that the Rockies control their own destiny and that they can beat the Pads

However, as I said yesterday, the Pads have a chance right now to bury us in the division when you combine that six game deficit with our current injuries and the upcoming schedule for both teams. These two series we have against the Pads are so huge for the Rockies and I just can’t believe that as we approach them we are still asking if we should take San Digeo seriously.

Get well soon Tulo. The Rockies need you.

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Jun 28, 2010 2:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

I'm with you 100% on this RIRF

Quitter's People United Member #4
Brad Hawpe - Will pickup the slack for Tulo's bat
Todd Helton - 2HOLE to the World Series
Troy Tulowitzki - GET WELL SOON TROY WE NEED YOU
Ubaldo Jimenez- Saving the collective's bacon!

by SDcat09 on Jun 28, 2010 2:34 PM MDT up reply actions  

I think you're misunderstanding the context of "taking San Diego seriously"

In the context of these two series against them, of course I take them seriously, moreso than any team we have faced in a good while. They are critical games, and we need to do serious damage. Like 4-2, please.

Taking San Diego seriously as the class of the NL West is something completely different entirely.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions  

This

I think most of us take them seriously as an opponent and as a team that will most likely be in the midst of things late into the season. But that’s different than being certain their current record/division lead is an accurate reflection of how good they are compared to the rest of the division and that the status quo is likely to stand all the way to the end.

by holly96 on Jun 28, 2010 2:49 PM MDT up reply actions  

Here's the problem though

Taking San Diego seriously in the contex of these two series has now become intertwined with taking them seriously as the class of the NL West. If we go 2-4 aginst them and the rest of the schedule over the next month helps give the Pads a couple of more games, we are suddenly 10 games back.

If this happens I consider them the hands down favorite to win the division and unless something drastic happens the class of the NL West. For me, that’s the severity of these games.

Get well soon Tulo. The Rockies need you.

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Jun 28, 2010 2:58 PM MDT up reply actions  

i have no argument with you there

If we are ten back of san Diego at the asb and neither la nor sf are within six games, I might start imagining them in the playoffs. But taking these two series seriously doesn’t mean being pessimistic about them. I’m very confident we won’t end up 2-4, especially given our pitching matchups in the series. You seem to be announting them as division favorites because it is possible we could screw the pooch and they will have a big lead. If it happens, yeah ill join you. until then, I’m imagining us managing no worse than a split of the two series and a continued race.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 3:25 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

I can get on board with this as I do expect the Rockies to play well in these games

It’s just that I believe the Pads are four wins against the Rockies (Pre ASB wins) away from being the class of the NL West and for that alone I take them very seriously. I don’t expect them to get these wins but just them being in this position makes me tip my hat to them.

Get well soon Tulo. The Rockies need you.

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Jun 28, 2010 3:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

But do four wins out of 162 make someone "the class of the NL West"?

I don’t see how four wins out of 162 can do that. And I know that four wins could very well determine how the race plays out down the stretch, but I really can’t see how we can go from being unsure, to merely four games later saying they are. Maybe it’s just semantics, though.

by holly96 on Jun 28, 2010 3:52 PM MDT up reply actions  

Well in my mind they have already established themselves as a contender (I think this is where we disagree)

It’s the combination of their curent record, our current record, our injury situstion, the upcoming schedules, and going 4-2 aginst us that I think would put them as the class of the NL West for me.

All they need to complete this is to bury us.

Get well soon Tulo. The Rockies need you.

by RhodeIslandRoxfan on Jun 28, 2010 4:09 PM MDT up reply actions  

No, I agree they're a contender.

I’m not sure anyone disagrees with that.

I guess I’m just differentiating between “too far ahead for anyone to catch up” and “class of the NL West.” I don’t see how one can go from contender to “class of the NL West” in four games.

by holly96 on Jun 28, 2010 4:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

Also, they could bury us, and they wouldn't necessarily

be “class of the NL West” if the Giants or Dodgers were still within striking distance. We’re not the Padres only competition.

by holly96 on Jun 28, 2010 4:20 PM MDT up reply actions  

To me the question is...

How do you define “class of the NL West”? Is it because our lineup, on paper, looks better and our pitching looks better? Paper doesn’t win ballgames. If the Padres, or god forbid the Giants, Dodgers are winning and we are not, then those that are winning are "the class of the NL West’.

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Brad Hawpe - Will pickup the slack for Tulo's bat
Todd Helton - 2HOLE to the World Series
Troy Tulowitzki - GET WELL SOON TROY WE NEED YOU
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by SDcat09 on Jun 28, 2010 4:53 PM MDT up reply actions  

I don't think there HAS to be a single "class of the NL West" right now.

I guess I’m just wondering why, if someone doesn’t currently consider the Padres “class of the NL West,” a mere four games against us would suddenly turn them into that, especially if two other teams are still closer to them than we are.

And I never said WE were the class of the NL West. I personally don’t think anyone is the clear favorite right now.

by holly96 on Jun 28, 2010 5:29 PM MDT up reply actions  

This is a fact I can get behind
No team has defeated the Padres more this season than the Rockies.

Francis is my homeboy. Matt Daley has a boo boo on his shoulder.

by Rawktober on Jun 28, 2010 2:31 PM MDT reply actions  

I am more than happy to continue being their Dodgers

Paleface Destro, RISPy assassin.
The NL plays baseball. The AL plays arena football with sticks.
Recovering Mets fan since 2007.

by Paleface Destro on Jun 28, 2010 2:32 PM MDT up reply actions  

I wish

we could be the Dodgers Dodgers

There are three things in my life which I really love: God, my family, and baseball. The only problem - once baseball season starts, I change the order around a bit. ~Al Gallagher, 1971
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings. ~Earl Wilson
JFK

by jrockies on Jun 28, 2010 3:27 PM MDT up reply actions  

Yeah...

/sigh

Paleface Destro, RISPy assassin.
The NL plays baseball. The AL plays arena football with sticks.
Recovering Mets fan since 2007.

by Paleface Destro on Jun 28, 2010 3:36 PM MDT up reply actions  

beat up the Pads

that is all

Get better Tulo....time to rally around each other and hang in there until our Mr. everything returns

Troy Tulowitzki: "When people think of the Rockies, I want them to think of a winning organization."

by TuLoRocks2008 on Jun 28, 2010 3:28 PM MDT reply actions  

so how did arizona manage to get this schedule?

Last Week: 3-3. 1-2 vs. Yankees 2-1 @ Rays. The last place team in the NL West just went .500 against arguably the top two teams in MLB. HA!

This Week: 3 game home series vs. Yankees. 3 game road series @ Rays.

haha

by purplesocks on Jun 28, 2010 4:01 PM MDT reply actions  

i always forget to update those

My bad.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 5:46 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions  

i forgot to post the prediction thread

I am at the sbnation denver launch party, so I can’t post it. If someone could post a fanpost to collect the predictions, ill be grateful. Rox win 6-2 tonight. Ubaldo W

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Andrew T. Fisher on Jun 28, 2010 5:45 PM MDT via mobile reply actions  

done

"Ninety feet between a hot dog and my mouth is too far" - Maria M (SDCAT09 is awesome for coming up with this fake quote for me!)

Super Overlady Of the Ubaldo Lovers Club.

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by Maria M on Jun 28, 2010 5:49 PM MDT up reply actions  

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