Community Projection: Matt Cain
by Grant on Mar 11, 2009 1:28 PM PDT
173 comments
I am a righteous, logic-fearing man. Walk under a ladder if you want. Light three cigarettes on one match. Things don’t happen in threes; you just notice when they do. And Matt Cain isn’t cursed with low run support.
Wait a sec. He is, actually. Dude’s cursed. He must have gotten drunk and whizzed on Abner Doubleday’s grave, or something. When it comes to baseball, superstitions are completely appropriate. Lucky hats, unwashed underwear, same pre-game meal…it all affects the game. And I don’t know what Matt Cain did, but he’s cursed.
It still kills me to hear something like "Maybe this is the year Matt Cain lives up to his promise." He can get better, sure, and I hope that he does. But he’s already very, very good. If you’ve concocted some secret scenario that ends with the Giants pulling a ’97, you’re probably counting on Cain to be as good, if not better.
Things we know about Cain: His strikeout rate is good. His walk rate isn’t. He’s in the best shape of his life, according to some spring articles, and they don’t just write that about anyone. C’mon, now. He lowered his ERA in the second half last year, but he actually pitched worse. The Giants see him as a "horse," with a "strong pitcher’s body", which means he "can throw 160 pitches in a single inning if he needs to," even though he’s only 24. He’s pitched over 200 innings in two straight seasons. He throws mostly fastballs, and his average changeup is faster than Barry Zito’s fastball.
Projection systems on Cain:
ZiPS: 219 IP, 183 K, 86 BB, 3.62 ERA, 13-10
CHONE: 189 IP, 166 K, 76 BB, 3.76 ERA, 11-10
PECOTA: 190 IP, 168 K, 72 BB, 3.94 ERA, 11-11
It’s interesting that the system with the highest projected walk rate also has the lowest projection ERA. My guess:
Matt Cain
IP: 209
ERA: 3.49
K: 193
BB: 70
HRA: 18
W-L: 8-15
I usually don’t include W-L, but…yeah. The walks go down, and the ERA goes down. The walks stay the same, and ERA stays the same. The walks go up, and the ERA goes up. Walks, walks, walks. Don’t walk so many, Matty, and you’ll be fine. Well, not fine. You’ll still lose 15, but that’s because you’re cursed. A good pitcher, of course. Just cursed. Good luck with that.
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that whole “this’ll be the year Matt Cain lives up to his promise” thing bugs the hell out of me.
When all the projection systems have you at a mid 3 ERA I’m pretty sure you’ve arrived.
by fwoty oz on Mar 11, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
NO WINZ
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 11, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
He is a LOSER
Why does Sabean always look constipated?
by TexasRanger on Mar 11, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How a loser like Matt Cain gets his own projection thread is beyond me.
by rotorueter on Mar 11, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't make such a statement
I wouldn’t make such a statement as the above, since it is self-incriminating.
by sharksrog on Mar 11, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP: 205
ERA: 3.60
K: 175
BB: 80
HRA: 15
Number of “3rd starter, at best” references in 2009: 2,047,938
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 11, 2009 1:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Surprisingly searching only comes up with about 50 mentions of “Third (or 3rd) starter, at best.”
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 11, 2009 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At best returns over 700. Obviously, not all of those are references, but even 25 pages deep plenty still are. It’s got to be one of the most popular memes here.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 11, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I looked into it. It’s the third-most popular meme.
by Grant on Mar 11, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like (player) he (action)s for the Giants?
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 11, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not gonna lie, I’m pretty proud of that meme.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 11, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP: 203
ERA: 3.62
K: 170
BB: 68
HRA: 19
W-L: 10-13
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Now with updates!
by groug on Mar 11, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
TURN THE CORNER TIME!
IP: 211
ERA: 3.07
K: 188
BB: 64
HRA: 12
W-L: 16-7
You probably know it as MYANMAR, but it will always be BURMA to me!
by NuschlerFace on Mar 11, 2009 1:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been dreading this particular community projection all winter.
IP: 211
ERA: 3.38
K: 177
BB: 72
HRA: 16
W-L: 10-11
Number of times this season Cain leaves a game in the 7th inning or later with the score tied 0-0, 1-1 or 2-2: Eleventeen
My plans for 2009: getting married and attending Tim Lincecum Bobblehead Day.
by Kitspool on Mar 11, 2009 1:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This IS the year Matt Cain arrives. Unfortunately, he still doesn’t know how to win, because he’s not a winner. which is why we should trade him. This is, of course, based on my highly scientific projection system. Suffice it to say, it’s too complicated for you all to understand…
IP: 260
ERA: 1.24
K: 400
BB: 5 (all on bad calls by the umpire)
HRA: 1 (questionable call by an umpire)
W-L: 1-22
Time to trade this L-U-S-E-R.
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Mar 11, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Real projection probably isn’t any different from anyone else’s…
IP: 205
ERA: 3.72
K: 181
BB: 53
HRA: 14
W-L: Giants finally give him run support, finishes the year at 13-8
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Mar 11, 2009 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he finally lives up to the promise this year
Seriously, though, I think W-L wise, he turns things around. I don’t mess with your fancy-shmancy stat projections, since I don’t know how the hell you come up with them, but bad luck can only last so long, and I see this scenario playing out this year:
Cain goes something like 14-5, 3.50 ERA, and suddenly everyone’s wondering where he came from and why he’s finally “good”.
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Mar 11, 2009 2:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Come up with?
Get a random number generator.
by paboperfecto on Mar 12, 2009 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Run support
Matt’s 15-30 record over the past two seasons has come primarily from having the second-worst run support of any starter in EACH of the past two seasons. One such year would be bad enough, but TWO IN A ROW?
In order to go 14-3 with a 3.50 ERA, Matt would likely need nearly double the meager run support he has received each of the past two seasons.
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain
IP: 220
ERA: 3.30
K: 185
BB: 70
HRA: 20
W-L: 15-10
/obligatory “3rd best” remark
Don't think, it could only hurt the ballclub.
by ResDog on Mar 11, 2009 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Rainman Projections For Matt Cain
GS 33
IP 216
FIP 3.50
HR 16
BB 81
SO 193
The Bad Luck Will End and Matty lead the Giants in wins with 20!
by giantsrainman on Mar 11, 2009 2:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
new cain get here quick, this oldcain is makin me sick:
IP: 200
K: 170
BB: 65
ERA: 3.66
W-L: 15-6
"ever so cynical yet whimsical giants related signature"
by The Gene Hackman on Mar 11, 2009 2:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Meet the new Cain, same as the old Cain.
by paboperfecto on Mar 12, 2009 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you want to get down, down on the ground your team, oldcain
"ever so cynical yet whimsical giants related signature"
by The Gene Hackman on Mar 12, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NOT CURSED!
IP: 210
ERA: 3.55
K: 185
BB: 75
HRA: 15
W-L: 15-10
by microwave donut on Mar 11, 2009 2:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My friend keeps saying that this will be the year that Cain “finally puts it together and has a good season”. It drives me batty.
IP: 215
K: 178
BB: 88
ERA: 3.54
W-L: 10-14
by Natto on Mar 11, 2009 2:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My friend keeps saying that this will be the year that Cain "finally puts it together and has a good season". It drives me batty.
I fucking hate it when people who casually follow baseball want to talk about it with me. I usually just keep my mouth shut and agree with whatever they say. “That’s a good point. I never thought of it that way.”
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 11, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can never manage to do that. I always get kind of >:( and explain why they’re WRONG.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 11, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I could follow my own advice on the internet, but I do a decent job in my real world interactions.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 11, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I usually yell “MALO” then proceed to nicely tell them why they’re wrong, mostly in regard to defense and why ManRam wasn’t going to add 8-10 wins to the Giants’ season.
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 11, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You explain that he was going to add 12-15 wins, right?
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 11, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
12-15?
More like 20!
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 12, 2009 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I fully agree with your comment. At work all the Dodger “fans” make a daily trip by my desk to chirp off about Manny. Most just know he has long hair and hits Dingerz and know nothing about their other players.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Mar 11, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do what Radnich does...
“Name five Dodger players. Go!”
by The Double Deuce on Mar 12, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m predicting good things from Matt Cain as soon as he learns how to WIN! MAKE IT HAPPEN GIANTS BRASS!
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Mar 11, 2009 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
MATT KANE IS NOT SIGH YOUNG MATERIAL!!! WE CANT HAVE MAT KANE INFECTING LINSECUM AND RANDY JOHNSTON WITH HIS WEEK LOSER METAILITY!! TRADE HIM AT 1CE GIANTS BRASS!!!! TRADE HIM FOR YOHAHN SATANA, TRADE HIM BEN SHEATS! JSUT TRADE HIS LOOSER ASS!!!!
by satyricrash on Mar 11, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For some tighter ass?
Or some really (sigh) “young material”?
OK if I adopt Randy Johnson?
"What kind of a stupid question is that?"
by victor frankenstein on Mar 11, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like round numbers
200 IP
3.50 ERA
200 K’s
100 BBs
20-10
200 BHRs*
*Bobby Hill References
My adopted Giant: "Raptor Jesus" Guzman
by Goofus on Mar 11, 2009 2:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
209 IPs?
+109
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Mar 11, 2009 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 203
ERA: 3.54
K’s: 188
BBs: 82
W-L: 13-9
by DuikeBuike on Mar 11, 2009 2:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 204
ERA: 3.78
K: 173
BB: 87
HRA: 16
W-L: 12-5
by Scottsdale on Mar 11, 2009 2:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He will finally not suck this year.
IP 217.7
ERA 3.76
H 206
BB 91
HR 19
by out machine on Mar 11, 2009 2:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 185
ERA: 3.91
K: 117
BB: 76
HRA: 15
W-L: 11-10
Random Giant: Jack Fisher
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 11, 2009 3:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 219
ERA: 3.68
K: 168
BB: 89
HRA: 17
W-L: 14-10
"Don't trust anyone under the age of 30" - Brian Sabean
by Smotheredinhugs on Mar 11, 2009 3:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bullish
IP:220
ERA: 2.98
K: 210
BB: 78
HRA: 12
W-L 19-6
by Angry Dwarf on Mar 11, 2009 3:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cainer
IP: 208
ERA: 3.89
K: 167
BB: 90
HRA: 11
W-L: 7-19
Proud supporter of the Fightin' Hydrants.
by Little Napoleon on Mar 11, 2009 3:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 215
ERA: 3.70
K: 184
BB: 87
HRA: 18
W-L: 12-12
I don’t believe in curses. I do believe in bad offenses, though.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 11, 2009 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe in cursing when Matt Cain gets no run support and loses like the loser that he is.
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 11, 2009 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe in cursing when Matt Cain rubs his loser spirit all over the Giants and makes them not score any runs for him, leaving him to hit homers for himself, then making the bullpen hate him even more and blow his leads.
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 11, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain
I think the offense will be a little better this year, so I see some hope:
IP: 202
ERA: 3.71
K: 190
BB: 67
HRA: 18
W-L: 13-11
Sergio Romo: striking out professional hitters since 2005.
by Lyle on Mar 11, 2009 3:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
As usual
As usual, these are rather realistic projections, Lyle. If he can cut the walks down to 67 though (just under three per nine), I think his ERA would likely drop below 3.50. Especially if he’s pitching dominantly enough to reach 190 K’s. His K’s might exceed his hits allowed and in fact probably would.
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain
IP: 220
ERA: 3.36
K:201
BB: 88
CG: 4
SHO: 1
HRA: 19
HR: 2
W/L: 15-9
He’s gonna bring a no hitter into the 8th and make his 1st All-Star game appearance
"I didn't know (after seeing a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch) whether to shit or go blind." - Former Giants Outfielder Harvey Kuenn on Willie Mays
by stealth snail on Mar 11, 2009 3:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cain’s first all-star season is a no brainer. Also I think this is the year we’ll see a no hitter from both him and Timmy.
Matt Cain: throwing complete game shutouts since 06'. No big deal.
by cain1rstballothof on Mar 11, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s about the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. I still remember how sad I was when Livan’s no-hitter was broken up in the ninth.
When it's all said and done, America will be remembered for three things: The Bill of Rights, jazz, and baseball.
by cornball on Mar 13, 2009 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP: 225
ERA: 3..08
K: 218
BB: 75
HRA: 10
Someone get Damon Minor's agent on the phone stat!
Adopted Father of Luis Perdomo
by fanofvanlandingham on Mar 11, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I definitely see him doing about the same thing this year that he did last year, but going something like 13-8 or so and all the n00bs act like he’s “turned the corner.”
IP: 221
ERA: 3.62
K: 209
BB: 74
HRA: 14
W-L: 13-8
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 11, 2009 4:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Will he signal before he makes that turn?
Or will he do a Batmobile swing on a line off a corner lamp post turn?
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 11, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
because I am a bastard
I’ll take the over:
IP 170
ERA 4.44
K: 144
BB: 100
HRA: 19
WL: 8-8
FIRE BRIAN SABEAN... UNLESS HE KEEPS DRAFTING WELL. .. AND SIGNS UNDERRATED PLAYERS LIKE AFFELDT OR PHELPS. .. OR ALRIGHT WHO'S PLAYING WITH THE ALIEN MIND-SWITCHING RAY?
-------
PARPG- Indy post-apocalyptic roleplaying game currently in early planning stages.
by zenbitz on Mar 11, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
WHY DO YOU HATE FREEDOM
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 11, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He just wants things to be French again!
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 11, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
.500 pitcher? So you’re saying he’ll improve?
Don't think, it could only hurt the ballclub.
by ResDog on Mar 11, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is taking the over.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Now with updates!
by groug on Mar 11, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP: 189
ERA: 4.02
K: 178
BB: 74
HRA: 19
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 11, 2009 4:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 212
ERA: 3.72
K: 185
BB: 87
HRA: 17
W-L: 16-9
Cain has a fairly typical year but his W-L gets more into line with his stats, so everyone goes “OMG great pitcher!” instead of “trade him!”
Ok… maybe that’s more what I hope than what I predict. I have to admit, Matt Cain is by far the Giants player I’m most emotionally attached to… I’m just so sick of seeing him get shafted by crappy run support and Armando/Armando-esque performances from the bullpen. The kid deserves some luck… but it’s his attitude in the face of all the adversity that made me a true fan of his.
Go Matt Cain. Third starter, AT BEST!!!
(I can’t wait for the day when I get to type that triumphantly after he throws his first no-hitter/single-handedly wins his first playoff game)
Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...
by Smoke on the Water on Mar 11, 2009 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Giants will give Matt no run support in 2009.
W-L: 0-23
THE ONLY STAT THAT COUNTS
He will take a no-hitter through 9 innings and still lose.
Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil
by SoFa King Mike on Mar 11, 2009 5:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Frandsen gets mildly injured every five days allowing Velez to start every single one of Cain’s games at 2nd base.
ERA: 1.23
Runs Allowed: 200
IP: 200
by paboperfecto on Mar 12, 2009 7:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain pitch
You are correct that the secret to greater success for Matt Cain is better control and command. The lack of control costs him walks, and the lack of command keeps his home run rate high.
Matt’s hit rate went up last season, perhaps as a result of lesser luck. His walks didn’t go up much, particularly since nine of them were intentional. His strikeout rate went up, although it wasn’t as high as in his first full year. A fly ball pitcher, he could stand to improve his home run rate.
The one area in which Matt has made significant improvement is that since August of 2007, he has been a far more consistent pitcher. He pitched the worst game of his career last April 18th, but aside from that one start, his consistency has been on the rise. I would venture that over half his quality starts have come during that time. His 21 quality starts in 2008 left him in the top 10 in the National League.
Perhaps saying that Matt is a #3 starter at best is a joke, but if not, it’s flat-out wrong. Matt’s career ERA+ is slightly better than the average #2 starter.
It seemed obvious from Matt’s first start that he might not have the swing-through stuff to be a #1 starter. But at that time it appeared he was likely to become at least a #2, and that is precisely what he has become.
In order to become a #1, he will likely need to cut down on his walks considerably. Reducing his homers given up would be a nice step in the right direction, as well. The first would come from improved control. The second would likely follow improved command.
by sharksrog on Mar 11, 2009 5:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
perhaps, perhaps, perhaps
Nah man, it’s a joke.
I'm spent, just can't rosterbate anymore.
by oldjacket on Mar 12, 2009 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody is saying he’s a #3 starter.
They’re saying he’s a #3 starter, AT BEST!
I'm thinking but nothing's happening.
by JRPhillips on Mar 12, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sixth sense
My sense is that Matt is a sixth starter.
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think his fastball command is pretty good
When your best pitch is a 4 seam fastball you might not want to hit the plate that much. I’d imagine Matt’s Line Drive % is pretty high. He needs to nibble around the plate with it. I also think Matt gets squeezed by the umpire more than any Giant pitcher I’ve ever seen. I’d love to see his fastball from the umps point of view, because from my angle at home they look like they get a lot of the plate.
He needs to improve on his control with his breaking stuff. If he can’t consistently get it in the strike zone, hitters aren’t going to swing at it. If he can get that going, then the walks & HRs should go down. He needs to do this to become a #1 pitcher instead of a great #2 because he sucks right now.
Some Giant hater over at Bay City Ball gave us this info on Matt’s 2007 season. I’d like to see what his 2008 #’s looked like, because I love me some Matt Cain.
http://www.baycityball.com/2008/02/11/pitchfx-examing-matt-cainE280%99s-2007-season/
Pitch – Strike Swinging %
Fastball 7.7%
Curve 5.8%
Change 13.5%
Slider 10.2%
Don't think, it could only hurt the ballclub.
by ResDog on Mar 12, 2009 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain and the phrase "nibbling around the plate" seem truly oxymoronic.
But thanks for posting that link. I couldn’t find it when I was looking a couple of weeks ago. Part of what I take from reading it over again is that hitters really don’t need to worry too much about off-speed pitches. I didn’t even really remember that Cain had a change-up. Partly, this means that I lack critical powers of observation. I also think it speaks to the fact that there isn’t a helluva lot of separation from his fastball, on the one hand, and the slider and change-up, on the other. Especially against righties, all the hitter has to have in his head is fastball and slider, everything above 86mph. As long as the slider isn’t especially nasty – and I don’t think Cain’s is known to be – this means that keeping the hands back is not a major concern. It also means that fouling pitches off is a little easier, since getting the bat in the zone at the right time is simplified somewhat. It seems that this has to be part of what makes Cain tend to run up the pitch counts before the 7th or 8th inning.
Let’s be clear: Cain is an excellent pitcher, with a booming heater and some other tough pitches. However, to be an elite pitcher, he needs to be able to work into the 7th and 8th innings consistently. To me, a true offspeed changeup (or forkball, whatever) would help keep hitters more off balance, and less likely to hang around too long in the box.
by BigO on Mar 12, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better control and command
Matt’s pitches have similar movement to those of Tim Lincecum. I think the primary differences between them include:
. Tim is harder to pick up.
. Tim’s fastball/change up speed differential is nearly twice as much as Matt’s.
. Matt is a fly ball pitcher, which means he is likely to yield more home runs.
. Matt’s off-speed pitches seem to be less consistent than Tim’s.
. Tim’s control isn’t great, but it is slightly better than Matt’s. Likewise with their command.
. Matt’s fastball isn’t quite as fast as Tim’s, although to be honest, he gets slightly more swing-throughs with the pitch than Tim, so that isn’t his problem.
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better than that
The figures I’ve seen are better than those you posted. Maybe that is the percentage of swing-throughs on ALL the pitches he throws with that pitch, instead of the percentage of swings that result in swing-throughs.
Matt’s swing-through numbers aren’t elite, but they’re better than was shown here (unless the context is different, which I think might well be the case).
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP: 203.2
ERA 3:68
K: 198
BB: 89
W-L: 9-14
A lot of 2-0 losses
OT: Giants on MLB Network 5PM PT Thursday for their daily look at every team in MLB.
by SFGuy on Mar 11, 2009 6:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 211
ERA: 3.44
K: 200
BB: 91
W-L: 17-10
This is the year he stops losing.
It's spelled "M-A-R-C-H-I-N-G-B-A-N-D."
I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by Takimoto on Mar 11, 2009 7:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 217
ERA: 3.99
K: 171
BB: 79
HRA: 21
W-L: 15-11
Slight regression with better W-L makes McCovey Chronicles readers freak out, while the casual fan rejoices that Cain has finally come into his own.
Hector Sanchez: learning to play defense from older brother Jackson Williams.
by tedfordfan on Mar 11, 2009 7:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 205
ERA: 4.13
K: 179
BB: 82
HRA: 20
W-L: 9-13
by koel on Mar 11, 2009 8:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP 202
ERA 3.81
K 196
BB 88
HRA 16
W-L 15-9
by HitorMisch on Mar 11, 2009 8:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain will break all the records.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Mar 11, 2009 8:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
not the Rush records.
Fairley odd parent to Wendell
by WTF on Mar 12, 2009 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He’ll melt those.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 12, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With his eye lasers.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 12, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain’s eye lasers can cure cancer. The only problem is he never cries.
Wait… no… yeah, I’m pretty sure I did that right.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Mar 12, 2009 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP 203
W-L 9-14
ERA 3.15
K 186
BB 75
HRA 13
wins fewer than barry zito: 4
ERA points better than zito: 1.47
"he walked 18; new league record! Struck out 18, another new league record! He also hit the sportswriter, the PA announcer, the bull mascot twice..."
by i did my job on Mar 11, 2009 9:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bold
IP: 215
ERA: 3.24
K: 210
BB: 68
W-L: 18-5
Prediction: Cy Young Winner
by gimpsta7 on Mar 11, 2009 9:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 225
ERA: 3.56
K: 191
BB: 82
HRA: 17
W-L: 13-9
CG: 2 (1 SHO)
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Mar 11, 2009 9:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I love Matt Cain
He and Fred are my 2 faves right now (sshhh, don’t tell them I said that…)
IP: 210
ERA: 3.67
K: 180
BB: 78
HRA: 16
CG: 4
SHO: 2
W-L: 11-15
Studly-ness factor: 300^(x*7), where x = the studliness of Barry Zito
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 11, 2009 10:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
But if you multiply by zero, you get zero.
by Natto on Mar 11, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know
so 300(0*7) = 300(0) =… um, 1 :-(
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 11, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just make your scale 0 to 1 with 1 being the studliest.
by paboperfecto on Mar 12, 2009 7:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d have to make it -1 to 1 so that Zito would have a place….
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 12, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops
300^0 = 1
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 12, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1, I enjoy Fred Lewis, Matt Cain and Kevin Frandsen
Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?
by Speedforthewin on Mar 11, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
4sum?!!!
Even I won’t go THAT far
Aaron King is still my homeboy... iffy mechanics and all
If Dustin Pedroia played in Seattle, not many people would be talking about him.
by baetown415 on Mar 11, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Cain : now in #2 starter form!
G/GS: 35/35
IP: 215.2
ERA: 3.37
K: 192
BB: 52
HRA: 12
CG: 5
SHO: 0
W-L: 11-14
Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?
by Speedforthewin on Mar 11, 2009 10:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bestness: 3rd
Fred Lewis can stand under my umbrella.
31 May 2007, 21:38 EST - the last time Matteh's career W-L wasn't below.500
We are at war with Los Angeles. We have always been at war with Los Angeles.
by S.F. Giangst on Mar 12, 2009 4:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The new Cain is the old Cain
IP: 217
ERA: 3.76
K: 186
BB: 91
HRA: 19
CG: 1
SHO: 1
W-L: 8-14
by CrispinGloversBalls on Mar 12, 2009 8:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
How has no one mentioned
that Tyler Walker is gone, banished from San Francisco, never to blow another lead for the Giants. This alone should bring the ol LOSER to at least .500
Why does Sabean always look constipated?
by TexasRanger on Mar 12, 2009 10:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the whiteness will return!
they can never get rid of walker, someone else is just borrowing him
by microwave donut on Mar 12, 2009 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rock the boat baby
Grant, I feel like you’ve succumbed to armchair Internet baseball-itis. This is a disease in which baseball fans attempt to come up with the most reasonable, statistically defensible prediction based on Internet conventional wisdom (previous performance, age, blah blah blah). That way, if their predictions don’t pan out, they can at least withstand the barrage of people calling them idiots. You have even taken this one step farther with giving us the mutual fund collection of other projection systems.
I say, “Who cares?” The Internet has killed talking out of one’s ass on a barstool, something I venture to guess you’re even better at. I don’t come here for conservative geek talk. I don’t even come here to see the largest collection of Giants fans. I come here to see you post something funny or wacky. This is your talent. Don’t be the other guy.
Part of it is how people grow on you. I loved Bob Fitzgerald’s afternoon radio show when he started because at last there was a reasonable guy in the midst of the Barbieri’s and Franklins. After several months of that, I was silently pleading for him to take a radical stance on something. Eventually, he got the confidence to do it occasionally. That’s great. Be reasonable guy, but keep us guessing.
Jason Grey at ESPN is apparently building himself a profile of a guy looking for something else other than the safe stat predictions. Here’s how he puts it:
For example, stats wouldn’t have told you last year that John Danks was throwing a new cutter in spring training that looked like a plus pitch or that his changeup had improved. I had two Clipboard entries about him last March, and he went on for a breakout season. And stats wouldn’t tell you that, despite two Tommy John surgeries, Hong-Chih Kuo still was bringing nasty stuff from the left side or that Dana Eveland was trusting his stuff enough to be fantasy-relevant in American Leagues, as I wrote in another entry. Those are the kinds of things I’m looking for.
And here’s what he’s posted yesterday about Cain (Yes, I’m back on topic!)
One thing I noticed when watching the Giants last week was the apparent improved conditioning of a couple of their pitchers. I am aware as much as anyone of how things like that can be interpreted as just part of the usual spring “noise,” and might not be very meaningful. However, I do think it’s worth mentioning that Matt Cain looks noticeably trimmer and fitter.
Cain has never been known as a workout warrior but reportedly got serious about his offseason training, working a lot with Brian Wilson, a guy who is serious about the weight room. Cain has been a very solid, consistent pitcher the past few seasons but hasn’t taken that small next step up that people have been expecting. He’s only 24 years old, and a fitter frame might help him improve and might not be just the usual camp chatter.
All I’m saying, man, is that if I want geeks, I’ll go to the Hardball Times. I don’t personally care how accurate you are. I care that you bring us something different.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 12, 2009 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And stats wouldn’t tell you that, despite two Tommy John surgeries, Hong-Chih Kuo still was bringing nasty stuff from the left side or that Dana Eveland was trusting his stuff enough to be fantasy-relevant in American Leagues, as I wrote in another entry. Those are the kinds of things I’m looking for.
Actually, I’m pretty sure STATS would tell you both of those things.
by xanthan on Mar 12, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But they’d be Spring Training stats and everyone would say they don’t mean squat.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 12, 2009 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neither of those guys had seasons that were radically different from anything they’d done before.
Kuo had gotten unlucky in a small sample in 2007 but his minor league numbers were bestial.
I don’t know what the STATS community at large thought, but I thought Dana Eveland delivered what you’d expect from Dana Eveland (adequacy).
I'm spent, just can't rosterbate anymore.
by oldjacket on Mar 12, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Edison Volquez is the guy that surprised the hell out of me last year, but I can’t think of any secondary info that would have changed my mind.
I'm spent, just can't rosterbate anymore.
by oldjacket on Mar 12, 2009 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Only After An Exceptable Sample Size
Stats can’t predict this they can only detect it after it has happened. This is the GREAT LIMITATION of stats and why Scouts will always be needed and will always be better at predicting the future. Scouts can see change when it first happens and thus are in a better position to predict the outcome of change over time. Stats can only see change after the outcome has already happened.
by giantsrainman on Mar 13, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the GREAT LIMITATION of stats and why Scouts will always be needed
OK
and will always be better at predicting the future.
Ahh, you had to ruin it. Do you have any proof for that? Basically you showed a very specific situation in which scouts have an advantage over stats, and concluded from that scouts > stats. That’s silly.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 13, 2009 4:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Facts Are Absolutes.
The following is a fact.
Scouts can see change when it first happens and thus are in a better position to predict the outcome of change over time. Stats can only see change after the outcome has already happened.
by giantsrainman on Mar 13, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, but form that you concluded that “scouts will always be better at predicting the future”. It’s like saying “January in Sydney is hotter than January in Cairo [a true fact], therefore Sydney will always be hotter than Cairo [a bullshit conclusion]”.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 13, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Context Matters
and will always be better at predicting the future.
is in the context of
see change when it first happens
This statement does not refer to predicting future performance independent of such visable (or scoutable if you will) change.
by giantsrainman on Mar 13, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if that’s what you meant then OK, I guess, but there’s no way to understand that from what you wrote. Always always means always, regardless of context.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 13, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Summary
Grant, be dumber please.
As already stated by xanthan and oldjacket, stats people were always pretty high on Eveland and Kuo. As for Danks, yes there is no way stats could tell you about a new pitch. But there’s also no way to know how successful that new pitch will be. There is a much longer list of scrapped new pitches than there are success stories like Danks and Loaiza. And besides, what do you want people to do, make a prediction like this:
Matt Cain is going to develop a Mariano Rivera cutter, only better, and lay waste to the NL.
That would be pointless.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 12, 2009 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s Bartstools vs. Spreadsheets! Straw hats vs. Calculators!
by xanthan on Mar 12, 2009 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can talk out of my ass
whether the stats back me up or not.
In fact, I can talk stats out of my ass while sitting on a barstool.
I don’t wear straw hats.
Todos somos Gigantes
by MarkOC on Mar 12, 2009 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In fact, I can talk stats out of my ass while sitting on a barstool.
I would pay to see this.
by xanthan on Mar 12, 2009 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know, without the straw hat it really is missing something.
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 12, 2009 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, maybe if hear wore a batting helmet instead.
by xanthan on Mar 12, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a jcb9 joke in here somewhere.
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 12, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say that as if it "pointless" were a bad thing
Skipping over your woefully inaccurate paraphrase for a moment, I suppose I would tolerate four boring projections of
“Player X will do Y, based on his career averages plus adjustments for age, injury history, and park factor and lineup changes for having changed teams.”
for one
“I predict Jonathan Sanchez will stand to benefit the most from Randy Johnson’s arrival because I saw them drinking together at Momo’s and using secret lefty handshakes. Sanchez was wearing an ’I’m with stupid’ t-shirt and the Unit was sporting ’I’m stupid’s mentor.’”
I mean really, watching you guys post a bunch of numbers that barely vary from each other is eminently skippable. It’s like you think there’s a job in baseball for you if you can only hit a bunch right. Who cares?
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I mean really, watching you guys post a bunch of numbers that barely vary from each other is eminently skippable. It’s like you think there’s a job in baseball for you if you can only hit a bunch right. Who cares?
Here’s a cool idea, if you don’t like reading the projection posts — don’t.
Simple!
by xanthan on Mar 13, 2009 5:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a cooler idea
Bring new ideas about what could make this blog better, rather than reflexively defending the way things are. The cadre of belittlers is beyond tiring.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess, I just don’t get it. You complain that you don’t like these projection posts and that they are oh-so-skippable for you, but instead you post several times on the topic.
Why don’t you take your own advice and just skip these posts if you don’t like them? I’m not belittling anyone here.
by xanthan on Mar 13, 2009 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There’s two options for addressing stuff you don’t like.
1) Make suggestions to improve it.
2) Skip it.
Is your question “Why would anyone choose #1”?
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I don’t understand what’s your suggestion – that people should make projections they don’t believe in, just because it’s more entertaining to you?
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 13, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My suggestion is that as leader of the pack, Grant should indulge in the occasional analysis that does not follow a conservative, predictable, SABR-driven, “regression to the mean” kind of basis that so many of you are fully capable of. His talent is in pulling something else out to look at and making it both funny and interesting. Why not use it?
There will plenty of people who will bring the course of the discussion back to the straight and narrow.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he’s just giving his honest predictions. And those happen to be the reasonable, fact-driven kind.
I don’t see why he should be dishonest with us about it. What’s even the point?
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Mar 13, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point is richer discussion. Pushing the envelope to posit theories about what matters beyond what is generally accepted. If Grant puts statboy conventional wisdom out there and all the responses are, “I see your point, but I’m going to guess 5% higher” then we don’t really have a conversation. We have a public lottery. There are plenty of people who will weigh in with the mainstream view. There is no threat of that not being expressed.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is, I don’t find that dishonest. I think it’s more like mining. Or, as the saying goes, “If you want to make an omlette, you’ve gotta break a few eggs.”
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I don’t think the intent of the prediction threads has ever been conversation. They’re historically some of the least conversationsl threads on this site. These are really kind of just hit and run threads, and we’ve never made any pretense about that. Look how many un-replied comments. Almost exclusively unreplied.
I get that you want something else, but I think the difference between something else being better and something else being better for you is getting a little lost. There are plenty of threads that do just fine with discussion. The site doesn’t have to be exclusive to those.
Plus, I don’t really like eggs.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Mar 14, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see that point.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 14, 2009 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Eggs suck.
My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.
by howtheyscored on Mar 14, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You suck. Along with eggs.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 16, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if you want discussion and conversation over something, why don’t you start a FanPost about something. Your last FanPost was in December, and then before that it was in April of last year. If you make a FanPost about something you want to have a conversation about, then do it and people will get some more input about it.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 14, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So yes, you want him to make projections he doesn’t believe in because you think it will be more entertaining.
..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.
by Cookyman on Mar 14, 2009 2:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, not quite. I am not asking him to say anything he doesn’t believe in. I’m pretty sure I didn’t say that.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 14, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not use his talent? Because he uses it 200 other frickin days a year. There’s really not that much to talk about these days, before Spring it’s talking about what will happen with Spring, at the end of Spring it’s talking about Spring, and then you get to the season. But in that middle time there’s not really much to look at besides something like this.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 14, 2009 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is no doubt true that there is no shortage of good ideas. I tell people that all the time.
If you want to call this a good idea that Grant probably doesn’t have time or energy for, I’d probably agree with that.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 14, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
See, many of us like these posts. Not everyone will like everything. If there is a topic you find boring, skip it.
This really isn’t that hard.
GROUGTHINK ALERT
Chatterbalks dot com: Now with updates!
by groug on Mar 13, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The “difficulty” is not the issue. You ought to be able to parse that.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 13, 2009 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then understanding that many of us like these posts isn’t hard either.
Lots of people are posting their own projections along with Grant, so it must interest some.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 14, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying “Stop doing projections.” Nor am I saying, “Others should resist the urge to join in.” I’m saying, “Throw a little spice in there once in a while. Spice makes the world go round.”
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 14, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps you don’t know what things could make this blog better, as xanthan is one of the things that make this blog better.
The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."
by WalrusMan on Mar 14, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one’s said Xanthan should shut up.
"[Greg] Vaughn is in a funk so deep, George Clinton wearing a miner's helmet couldn't find him."
- Jim Baker, ESPN.com, May 2002
by achiappanza on Mar 14, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d rather the writing be entertaining than the projections.
It’s not like I’m going to use Grant’s projections to draft my fantasy team. (Sorry, Grant).
I'm spent, just can't rosterbate anymore.
by oldjacket on Mar 13, 2009 6:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, people should be as wrong as possible and loudly argue their point to the death.
by chilibean_3 on Mar 12, 2009 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
NEED MOAR PTI-LIKE DISCUSSION!!
by Lars The Wanderer on Mar 12, 2009 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
STEPHEN A. SMITH IS SERIOUS ANALYST
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Neglectful father of David Quinowski
by marcello on Mar 12, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If
If they were spring training stats for bending at the knees while keeping one’s back straight, they would indeed mean squat.
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 10:59 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
oh sharksrog, I love it when you make jokes.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
by jponry on Mar 12, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AKA Scott’s pre-pitch batting stance.
Giant Dirtbags: Brian Anderson, Todd Jennings, Steve Hammond, John Bowker
Don't F with the Affeldt
by Giant among Angels on Mar 12, 2009 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IP: 222.2
ERA: 3.55
K: 200
BB: 62
HRA: 21
WHIP: 1.29
W-L: 15-10
Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal
by nostocksjustbonds on Mar 12, 2009 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 211
ERA: 3.36
K: 201
BB: 66
HRA: 17
W-L: 10-11
Mischievously implosive purple pitching staff.
by SloIsLonelyForTheOrange on Mar 12, 2009 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Matt not a (Tyler) Walker?
These last two projections seem to have Matt showing much better control. They’ve got the idea, in that better control and command would seem to be the ingredients for Matt to improve.
I thought Matt’s ceiling might be akin to Don Drysdale’s. But we know Don’s fastball and curve were much better than Matt’s, and believe it or not, Don walked only one batter every four innings, while I would be pleased if Matt walked only one per three frames.
I would like to be wrong, but I don’t think Matt will become an elite pitcher. That said, he’s already a good one.
by sharksrog on Mar 12, 2009 11:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
IP: 210
ERA: 3.64
K: 181
BB: 85
HRA: 17
W-L: 12-13. yes 12 wins!!
by lincypoo i wuv u on Mar 14, 2009 1:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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