[Official] 2009 MLB Season Thread

[stingerlegends]

(I know he already did, but just go with me.)

He's on a bad team. That's what everyone would tell me. Ichiro consistently hits .330-.330, is at the top of the league in runs scored, stolen bases, hits, and is an gold glove winner eight years running. So why can't he win MVP? This year will be Joe Mauer's year. But, Ichiro's numbers in most categories exceed Mauer's. Joe Mauer was the majority reason for his team's postseason birth, but if you take Ichrio off the Mariners, they drop from a team over .500 to something around the level of the Washington Nationals. This question extends further than just Ichiro. Why can't you be MVP on a team that doesn't make the playoffs?

In most categories? Mauer had more runs, more home runs, more rbi, more walks, a higher batting avg, higher slugging, higher on-base.

Ichiro had more hits and more steals, more triple (meh), and one more double in 8 more games.

How exactly did Ichiro's numbers exceed Mauer's?

For this season, Ichiro can't compare to Mauer. And MVP isn't about playoff players, I would consider Ichiro if I was a voter, he would be in my top ten, maybe even top 5. But not over Mauer. No way.

 

[NSL]

I agree with Ricky. It's about which player had the most value. Although Mauer missed the first month, he was a large part of why they were ever in the race at the end. Some big name regulars for the Twins got hurt, and missed time late, but he was there, consistently getting big hits for them, and putting up big numbers. Add in his play on defense, and it shows you even more why he deserves it.

Ichiro had a great season, but he wasn't the most valuable player on his own team. King Felix was more valuable to the Mariners success then he was. He put up some good numbers, and was again great in the field, but he wasn't the reason they were good.

 

[the troop]

Tonight should be a exciting game. Pettitte/Martinez should be a real fun one to watch.

If the Phillies are looking to take this, Ryan Howard will definitely need to step up big. What is he? 3-19? That is unacceptable for a star players. While others like Chase Utley have stepped up, Howard's contributions are needed.(Same thing could be said about mark Teixeira for the Yankees)

Also, the Phillies' bullpen are going to have to tighten up as they have been struggling.This isnt a rarity but when youre in the big game, you got to step it up. Every time Brad Lidge comes down to pitch, it seems like the other team will always have a chance to win.

While I am pulling for the Yanks to take the win, I hope to see a Phillies win tonight. I mean, who dosent want a game 7 between these two? (With the exception of Yanks fans)

 

[Theo Mays]

I really think the Phils can win tonight. Pettite is a beast of a playoff pitcher, but he hasn't pitched on short rest since like 2000 something. Pedro is on full rest and he pitched a hell of a game in game 2 against the Yanks. This should be a really close game. Howard like Troop said needs to step it up, as he has really struggled in the WS. Hopefully he turns it around and forces a game 7.

 

[gd]

I'm not a huge fan of either, but definetly have been rooting for the Phillies, or against he Yankees. Either way. I'm really hoping for a Game 7 though. They're awesome, regardless of the sport. It'll be tough for the Phils though as Petitte has been aweosme thus far in the playoffs. Now is the time to see whether or not Pedro has one more in him.

I do question Manuel's rotation strategy for the Series. The Yanks have went with the 3 man rotation, which makes sense because it gives them CC 3 times and their other top guys twice. Sure, they have to pitch on 3 days rest, but that's not that big of a deal, I'm sure the adrenaline takes over at this point.

Manuel could've done the same thing and had Lee 3 times, all against Sabathia. Instead, he throws out Blanton in Game 4 and limits Lee to only 2 starts. It also means a very shaky Cole Hamels would start a 7th game.

I know different managers have different philophies on this stuff, but wouldn't that have made the most sense?

 

[BooCocky]

I don't think you get his approach, he could use both Lee and Happ in game seven out of the pen. The problem is getting to a game seven, which I do not think is happening. I think Pedro gets rocked tonight and New York goes on to win their 27th world championship. I don't really care though. Who knows, Pettite might go flat and get racked.

For the Phillies to win they have to get to Pettite early, which means a lot of work for the bullpen, which could hurt them if there is a game seven. Also, Howard needs to get out of his slump. Your fourth hitter can't be like 1 for 14 in the series with some K's. You can't win like that, because no one else really scares me in that lineup.

 

[gd]

I don't think you get his approach, he could use both Lee and Happ in game seven out of the pen. The problem is getting to a game seven, which I do not think is happening. I think Pedro gets rocked tonight and New York goes on to win their 27th world championship. I don't really care though. Who knows, Pettite might go flat and get racked.

Lee is going to have like 2 days rest for Game 7. Why wouldn't you just give him an extra start instead of using Blanton? I think the 3 man rotation is the way to go in the World Series.

For the Phillies to win they have to get to Pettite early, which means a lot of work for the bullpen, which could hurt them if there is a game seven. Also, Howard needs to get out of his slump. Your fourth hitter can't be like 1 for 14 in the series with some K's. You can't win like that, because no one else really scares me in that lineup.

Teixiaria is also having an awful series, but you're definetly right about Howard. He needs to do something, and all it takes for him is one big swing to turn everything around. With Utley hitting the way he is, they just need a little support from the rest of the lineup. It's the Yanks series to lose, but I don't think you can count the Phillies out by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[BooCocky]

Lee is going to have like 2 days rest for Game 7. Why wouldn't you just give him an extra start instead of using Blanton? I think the 3 man rotation is the way to go in the World Series.

I don't think you're picturing it like Manuel is. If it goes seven who are the Yankees going to throw out? Burnett? The same guy who got racked his last outing? Manuel has faith in his five starters. Also, Lee won't be starting game 7, he could have a couple innings in the pen. Not too much to ask. Just look when Arizona did it with Johnson in like 01 or whatever year that was.

Teixiaria is also having an awful series, but you're definetly right about Howard. He needs to do something, and all it takes for him is one big swing to turn everything around. With Utley hitting the way he is, they just need a little support from the rest of the lineup. It's the Yanks series to lose, but I don't think you can count the Phillies out by any stretch of the imagination.

Well, obviously, they wouldn't be in the WS if they didn't battle through a little adversity. I am not counting them out, I just don't have much faith... haha

 

[gd]

I don't think you're picturing it like Manuel is. If it goes seven who are the Yankees going to throw out? Burnett? The same guy who got racked his last outing? Manuel has faith in his five starters. Also, Lee won't be starting game 7, he could have a couple innings in the pen. Not too much to ask. Just look when Arizona did it with Johnson in like 01 or whatever year that was.

The Yankees will be pitching CC in game 7, the Phillies could've had Lee starting game 7 on 3 days rest, instead of him coming out of the pen on 2 days rest. Personally, that's the way I would've went. It comes down to the managers personal beliefs in the end though.

I thought Johnson pithced like every game of that WS, lol. Nevermind, just looked it up, Johnson pitched Game 2 and won, Game 6 on 5 days rest and won, and pitched in Game 7 the next day and won. I guess the Phils could do the same thing with Lee in Game 7, but I still like the other way.


Well, obviously, they wouldn't be in the WS if they didn't battle through a little adversity. I am not counting them out, I just don't have much faith... haha[/QUOTE]

It's a dangerous thing to ever have faith in a Philly sports team.

 

[Stormtrooper]

I really think the Phils can win tonight. Pettite is a beast of a playoff pitcher, but he hasn't pitched on short rest since like 2000 something.

Some of Andy Pettitte's best postseason starts (game 5 1996 ALCS, game 5 1996 WS and game 2 2003 WS) were on short rest. Now that you can EXPECT an A+ performance like the aforementioned games, but he is certainly capable of doing it.

Pedro is on full rest and he pitched a hell of a game in game 2 against the Yanks.

Pedro was GOOD against the Yanks in game 2, except he lost it in the 7th, and took the LOSS.

Pedro martinez's last 5 starts:

• Sept. 13 vs. Mets (8 IP, W)
• Sept 19 vs. Braves (3 innings, Loss)
• Sept 30 vs. Astros (4 innings, ND)
• Oct 16 vs. Dodgers (7 IP, ND)
• Oct 29 vs. Yankees (6+IP, Loss)

Pedro Martinez has not pitched on NORMAL rest since Sept. 19, when he was pulled after 3 innings. He is pitching on "NORMAL" rest tonight.

This should be a really close game. Howard like Troop said needs to step it up, as he has really struggled in the WS.

Can't disagree with you there, Although I will add that Texiera needs to step up his offense (not his D, he is one of the best in the league at 1st base D), and Robinson Cano needs to show up at he plate.

Hopefully he turns it around and forces a game 7.

As a Yankeee fan, I disagree with you on that. Hopefully Pettitte gets postseason win 18, and postseason clinching win 6.

I don't think you're picturing it like Manuel is. If it goes seven who are the Yankees going to throw out? Burnett? The same guy who got racked his last outing? Manuel has faith in his five starters. Also, Lee won't be starting game 7, he could have a couple innings in the pen. Not too much to ask. Just look when Arizona did it with Johnson in like 01 or whatever year that was.

The Yanks are starting CC Sabathia if there is a game 7, Burnett is reportedly available tonight if needed. And in the 2001 series, Randy started games 2 and 6 and came out of the pen for game 7, while CURT SCHILLING started 1,4,7. If the Phillies had 2 aces like that then you starting Lee twice would have been ok. Instead, they are starting Lee twice, and will have to use Happ, Hamels, and 1 or 2 innings of Lee. That doesn't scare anybody, cause Hamels has been crap recently.

 

[BooCocky]

O fuck, that's right. Three days rest will be Sabathias start but I'm still not changing my outlook, that will be three games pitched on like 10 days rest or so. Still not feeling that. That will be a lot of wear and tear on a pitchers body. The Phillies would have a better chance to win game seven because they could use an array of pitchers. The Yankees? Not so much. That's why if the Yanks want a shot at winning they have to close it out tonight? If not, I see the Phillies walking away victorious...

 

[Theo Mays]

Storm I never said Pettite wasnt capable of pitching on short rest. I was just saying it has been awhile. Pettite is a beast and a pitcher that could give the Phillies problems. I know Pettite is capable of shutting down the Phils, but Pedro is capable of doing the same. Yes he took the loss in game 2, but he still pitched good, that is what I was getting at. Either way, it should be a good game tonight, no matter the outcome.

EDIT-Freaking Matsui, he is freaking owning the Phillies. Seriously he is killing today, with all 4 RBI at this point. Not looking good.

 

[Theo Mays]

Congrats to the NY Yankees on winning the WS. I don't like them one bit, but they played a hell of series. I'm still proud of my Phillies though. No reason to hang your head. We played a hell of series and we have a damn good baseball team that should be competing for years to come. Right now the Yankees should enjoy their celebration, they deserve it.

 

[Stormtrooper]

Storm I never said Pettite wasnt capable of pitching on short rest. I was just saying it has been awhile. Pettite is a beast and a pitcher that could give the Phillies problems. I know Pettite is capable of shutting down the Phils, but Pedro is capable of doing the same. Yes he took the loss in game 2, but he still pitched good, that is what I was getting at. Either way, it should be a good game tonight, no matter the outcome.

You're right about the Pettitte point, I was trying to type quickly because I was going to the bar to watch the game. As it turns out, Pettitte was decent (not great) tonight, and Pedro didn't have anything, but managed to make it through 4 innings (I think it was 4) without allowing the Yankees to blow the game open.

I am still surprised they didn't go to Happ sooner (or even start him, and have Pedro for bullpen in game 7). He was one of their best pitchers, and he had limited work all post-season.

EDIT-Freaking Matsui, he is freaking owning the Phillies. Seriously he is killing today, with all 4 RBI at this point. Not looking good.

Matsui was friggin unbelievable, what a great way for his Yankee career to end, with one of the greatest world series clinching game batting performances ever. 6 RBI, 3-4. He deserved the MVP, even though he only pinch-hit for 3 of the games. He had something like a .700 batting average, 3 HRs, and 8 RBI, starting only 3 games. It's a shame that the Yankees most likely won't re-sign him, because they want to keep the DH spot open so they can give the old guys a half-day off.

Congrats to the NY Yankees on winning the WS. I don't like them one bit, but they played a hell of series. I'm still proud of my Phillies though. No reason to hang your head. We played a hell of series and we have a damn good baseball team that should be competing for years to come. Right now the Yankees should enjoy their celebration, they deserve it.

You're right, the Phils played a hell of a series, and had a hell of a year. They deserve all the credit in the world for making it to the World Series, and for putting up a great fight against this Yankee team. I wouldn't be surprised to see these teams in a Rematch sometime soon.

This was a great baseball season, and a great World Series (for all non-Mets Fans). And I know I probably wouldn't be saying that if the Yankees lost, bu it's true.

 

[One Punch Doug Crashin]

Matsui was friggin unbelievable, what a great way for his Yankee career to end, with one of the greatest world series clinching game batting performances ever. 6 RBI, 3-4. He deserved the MVP, even though he only pinch-hit for 3 of the games. He had something like a .700 batting average, 3 HRs, and 8 RBI, starting only 3 games. It's a shame that the Yankees most likely won't re-sign him, because they want to keep the DH spot open so they can give the old guys a half-day off.

I don't know about that. George would LOVE to resign the guy just because he can hit. Hal's a different story however. he's only recently starting to take charge of the team so he may or may not sign Godzilla. I hope he does because I like Matsui. always have.

 

[CH David]

If it should be in the MLB thread, so be it. I didn't think it should be in the Hot Stove thread, as it is awards, but to whoevers discretion.

Well, the Gold Gloves for the AL have come out today, I think the NL is coming out tomorrow, and the rest of the awards should follow soon as well.

And the winners are...

Torii Hunter

Not really a surprise, he has won the award nine years in a row. Always a good fielder, and the BBWAA usually likes to hand it out to certain players consistently.

Ichiro

Again, not a surprise. It is Ichiro we are talking about. He has a great glove and uses his speed to his advantage. Not many balls hit the outfield around him, and he has a great arm, whether he is playing in right, or in the few games I saw him in center.

Adam Jones

The younster impressed a lot of people this year with his speed and glove. I constantly saw him on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays or on Baseball Tonight's Web Gems, and those plays were warranted. Barring injuries, I wouldn't be surprised to see him win this award multiple times in the future.

Evan Longoria

Didn't see a lot of his defense throughout the season, not sure if he deserves it or not. I'm sure he does though, would the BBWAA snub someone for an award? Oh...

Derek Jeter

The Yankee captain won his 4th award. Again, didn't notice him that much, so I'll guess that he deserved it.

Placido Polanco

It amazes me that he hasn't won this more often. He is one of the most defensively sound players in the league, especially when it is up the middle. But he got his second award, and he may be able to get one more before his career is over. I say maybe one more due to the high caliber of second basemen in the league.

Mark Teixeira

Won his 3rd Gold Glove Award, and could possibly be the first of a streak in the Bronx. He has always played a quality first base, picking the short hops and diving for the liners.

Joe Mauer

This is Mauer's 2nd award, and it doesn't surprise me one bit. Joe Mauer is one of the best catchers in the league, and I definitely see him winning more in the future. Without Mauer in the lineup and behind the plate this season, the Twins don't make the playoffs, simple as that.

Mark Buehrle

As a White Sox fan, I can say finally!!!!!! It is Buehrle's first Gold Glove award, and it definitely feels like it is about damn time. I would argue he deserved it last year with his 1.000 fielding percentage, but it went to Mike Mussina in his final year. But he got one, and that makes me happy, as he is a pitcher that prides himself not only on making quality pitches, but also fielding his position well.

Tomorrow most likely will come the NL Awards, and following each award presentation will be added here as well.

So for now, discuss the AL snubs for Gold Glove, and then later we will just discuss the snubs of the baseball season awards.

 

[Theo Mays]

I hate gold gloves, they are a joke. I don't think Jeter belongs on the list, I feel that Elvis Andrus deserved the award, as I have always thought Jeter's defense to be a bit overrated. I think Franklin Gutierrez really deserved a outfield gold glove over all three of the OF selected. Hunter's defense has declined, Ichiro is good, but not as good as Gutti, and while I'm a big fan of Adam Jones, he isn't as deserving as Gutti either.

 

[CH David]

I agree that they are a joke. I fully believe Aaron Rowand should have won his first Gold Glove in 2005 as a member of the White Sox. No one can tell me that his defense wasn't stellar back then. But no, Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, and Ichiro got the award. Same with Joe Crede in 2005 or 2006. He played great defense even with his shit back. But again, my opinion. I mean seriously, did Eric Chavez deserve the award in 2006? Hell no he didn't.

The Gold Glove should go to the players with the highest fielding percentage after fielding a certain number of plays. Just my thoughts on that. It is the Gold Glove for goodness sake. But it usually goes to the players who either constantly make flashy plays, or have gotten the award on a consistent basis. No idea why though.

 

[Mr. TM]

Always hated the Gold Gloves. They mean very little for what they are supposed to represent. The Best Defensive Player for the position. Jeter is not. Longoria is really not. Hunter has slipped in my opinion, and Mauer might be, but I think he got it as a reward. Haven't really taken the award too seriously since John McDonald was snubbed a couple years ago, despite going well out of his way to be the best middle infielder.

 

[Theo Mays]

Gold gloves for the NL

P-Adam Wainwright
C-Yadier Molina
1B-Adrian Gonzalez
2B-Orlando Hudson
SS-Jimmy Rollins
3B-Ryan Zimmerman
OF-Shane Victorino
OF-Michael Bourn
OF-Matt Kemp

As much as I'm happy to see Shane-O and J-Roll on there, they don't really deserve it. Nyjer Morgan (Pit/Wash) deserves this over Shane and Brendan Ryan of StL deserves it at SS more so than Jimmy. And while ODawg is a beast of a fielder, he has declined and I'm not so sure he is gold glove caliber anymore.

 

[NSL]

With the announcing of the Gold Glove Awards, I feel the need to bump this, and restate my case for Kemp For MVP. I know he won't win, but he should have a chance at being in the Top 3 for voting.

He proved all season that he is a quintessential 5 tool player, and this award helps to prove that. He'll probably get some moderate support by the writer's this year, but I don't see him winning, obviously.

With some luck, maybe he'll get one in the next few seasons...

 

[Southwind]

As a bleedin' blue Dodgers fan I loveeee Matt Kemp he is a five tool player and has a 30/30 season in him.

This year obviously wasn't his MVP season but getting a golf glove gives his some log overdue recognition.

He will be an eventual MVP I'm sure of that he is still ridiculously young (as is the whole Dodgers team), and one of these next few seasons he is going to break out, and go on an all time tear trust me.