tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post2403641771623031023..comments2024-02-15T05:42:18.307-05:00Comments on Nats Insider: Ramos, Strasburg make magic vs. PhilliesMark Zuckermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13525315258889435961noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-34807481045509783582013-08-13T03:43:14.253-04:002013-08-13T03:43:14.253-04:00why would the Sto's do that deal. Bo is aweso...why would the Sto's do that deal. Bo is awesome. He gave fire to the team. He won't be managing the Nats any time soon.D'Gourdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15698019917520842852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-51810618182080364632013-08-13T03:38:55.949-04:002013-08-13T03:38:55.949-04:00agree!agree!D'Gourdshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15698019917520842852noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-50718690665622886092013-08-13T01:55:40.204-04:002013-08-13T01:55:40.204-04:00I really should use the "preview" functi...I really should use the "preview" function.<br /><br />Here's a good "you make the call!" scenario:<br /><br />With a 2 strike count, the hitter fouls a ball straight back into the catcher's mask, and by sheer luck, the ball happens to bounce straight up, high enough that the catcher has time to realize where it went, and catch it in the air before it hits the ground. Is that a foul tip, and therefore strike three? What if it tipped his mitt first, and then went up?Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-74097097396188078932013-08-13T01:53:16.566-04:002013-08-13T01:53:16.566-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-61187189423359668042013-08-13T01:50:03.384-04:002013-08-13T01:50:03.384-04:00I ask about whether it hit the bat because if it d...I ask about whether it hit the bat because if it did, I think that would have been interference, according to rule 6.05h.<br /><br />"Rule 6.05(h) Comment: ... If a whole bat is thrown into fair territory and interferes with a defensive player attempting to make a play, interference shall be called, whether intentional or not."Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-41873658295607559862013-08-13T01:48:10.492-04:002013-08-13T01:48:10.492-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-19054217187725226812013-08-13T00:32:13.092-04:002013-08-13T00:32:13.092-04:00In looking at the Nats' long-shot chance at th...In looking at the Nats' long-shot chance at the wild card, don't just focus on the Reds and the Diamondbacks. The Cardinals are 10 games ahead of the Nats, but their schedule the rest of the way has some challenging opponents:<br /><br />Braves - 4 games (.605 win pct)<br />Pirates - 9 games (.598)<br />Reds - 7 games (.559)<br />Nationals - 3 games (.487)<br />Rockies - 4 games (.462)<br />Mariners - 3 games (.462)<br />Cubs - 6 games (.441)<br />Brewers - 6 games (.432)<br /><br />I'll be at the Sept. 25 Nats-Cards game in St. Louis and would for it to be in the midst of a Cards' freefall.Mississippi Snopeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00862629656751498133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-52986411978381019062013-08-12T22:54:21.793-04:002013-08-12T22:54:21.793-04:00I re-watched the game tonight and I'm pretty s...I re-watched the game tonight and I'm pretty sure Utley's throw did not hit the bat. It was close though.SonnyG10https://www.blogger.com/profile/06568010128457246433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-4241568502237852942013-08-12T22:38:27.309-04:002013-08-12T22:38:27.309-04:00Kratz couldn't handle Utley's throw yester...<i>Kratz couldn't handle Utley's throw yesterday and 2 runs scored. </i><br /><br />Which reminds me, I meant to ask if anyone saw this: the bat was left lying right in front of the plate--I don't think Utley's throw hit it, but it was certainly close, and that had to have been a distraction, at the very least. Did anyone see for sure if the throw nicked the bat?Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-38326639265471329152013-08-12T22:35:31.912-04:002013-08-12T22:35:31.912-04:00Some pitchers do work better with certain catchers...Some pitchers do work better with certain catchers than with others, even if it's not universal. Even though they don't have "batteries" anymore, you can just work better with some people than others, and it's no reflection on either one, it's just chemistry or sympatico or thinking alike, whatever. It might be less pronounced at the MLB level because it IS the MLB level and they're all pros, but they're still human. Holden Baroquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05941566402992955387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-25828276391560432772013-08-12T22:35:29.697-04:002013-08-12T22:35:29.697-04:00Stats on defensive catchers need an update.
I'...Stats on defensive catchers need an update.<br /><br />I've watched Zuk do too many good things behind the plate to think that the Buffalo is better. I mean how often does Ramos blow a pop foul?? Then there are the dropped tags at HP.<br /><br />Zuk, from all reports, makes a study out of the batting habits of players he and the pitcher are facing.<br /><br />Absolutely love to see Ramos in the lineup. He's also getting better as a hitter. But I think that Zuk is the better receiver.Dochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17614998804163989623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-48164358614196419872013-08-12T22:32:17.470-04:002013-08-12T22:32:17.470-04:00Ramos in 1/2 the games that Suzuki has this season...Ramos in 1/2 the games that Suzuki has this season has 4 tag putouts at the plate compared to 5 by Suzuki.<br /><br />I think some of you have short memories. <br /><br />Again, if it's a problem it would show up in large impact in the ERA. 3.17 ERA when Ramos is behind the plate.<br /><br />There is no doubt that Ramos could improve on the catch & tag aspect of the game and so can Suzuki and most catchers. Kratz couldn't handle Utley's throw yesterday and 2 runs scored. Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-69827199503510578932013-08-12T22:31:24.978-04:002013-08-12T22:31:24.978-04:00I'm skeptical that Ramos, or any other catcher...I'm skeptical that Ramos, or any other catcher, has all that much to do w/ how well the pitcher pitches. They all start out with a game plan, usually a collegial effort among the pitcher, catcher and pitching coach. Sometimes they modify from the game plan, e.g., if Gonzalez can't throw his FB for strikes. But generally they know going in how they intend to pitch every opposing hitter, including the bench guys. Now sometimes the pitcher, e.g., Gonzalez (again), needs some tough love or knock in the chops to keep his head from spinning. And we've seen Ramos getting in Gonzalez's grill. But if Ramos redux is so much better than Suzuki why has Gonzalez become more unreliable rather than less? Theophilus T. S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16532693473198519382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-49969689021238017272013-08-12T22:29:45.377-04:002013-08-12T22:29:45.377-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Theophilus T. S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16532693473198519382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-65193889742389992732013-08-12T22:14:14.493-04:002013-08-12T22:14:14.493-04:00Ramos tagged a runner out at the plate on Opening ...Ramos tagged a runner out at the plate on Opening Day, Sunshine. Harper threw to Ramos, who threw to Espinosa who threw back to Ramos and then Ramos applied a tag on Stanton who ran home.David Proctorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14688741085167096291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-42671339790297988792013-08-12T22:13:30.229-04:002013-08-12T22:13:30.229-04:00Not surprising Ghost. The million dollar question ...Not surprising Ghost. The million dollar question is if it's merely descriptive or if it's a sign of things to come in the future as well. I don't think anybody truly knows the answer to that at this point. Zimmerman had a great night at third yesterday, both with the glove and the arm. He actually looked like a real 3B.<br /><br />Can he maintain it?David Proctorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14688741085167096291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-55130196570419961202013-08-12T22:12:40.480-04:002013-08-12T22:12:40.480-04:00Ghost Of Steve M. said...
Yes, Suzuki is much mor...Ghost Of Steve M. said... <br />Yes, Suzuki is much more nimble behind the plate saving more wild pitches but that is a small part of the game. <br /><br />@Ghost: What isn't a small part of the game is catching a throw from the outfield and tagging out a runner.<br /><br />Ramos is absolutely, positively awful at this. <br /><br />In fact, I cannot remember his tagging out a runner at the plate this season.Sunshine_Bobby_Carpenter_Is_Too_Pessimistic_For_Mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14778638700744221971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29216928665808390692013-08-12T22:10:02.344-04:002013-08-12T22:10:02.344-04:00http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/08/nl-east-note...http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/08/nl-east-notes-nationals-zimmerman-halladay-abreu.html<br /><br />MLBTR says Zimmerman's "UZR rates him at a troubling 15 runs below average thus far in 2013".Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29734110664484707112013-08-12T21:41:47.062-04:002013-08-12T21:41:47.062-04:00Very interesting article by Kilgore on Davey.
ht...Very interesting article by Kilgore on Davey. <br /><br />http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/end-of-davey-johnsons-nationals-tenure-draws-near/2013/08/12/18ff6700-038e-11e3-a07f-49ddc7417125_story.htmlDavid Proctorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14688741085167096291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-80244744799052066702013-08-12T21:40:55.584-04:002013-08-12T21:40:55.584-04:00David, you could be right but I think that play ca...David, you could be right but I think that play calling and handling the pitchers is not given enough credit here.<br /><br />I have always been impressed by the comments of Ramos teammates and former teammates. Jerry Hairston called Ramos a future All-Star and Detwiler said Ramos calls a great game.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29467315867302268332013-08-12T21:33:08.203-04:002013-08-12T21:33:08.203-04:00I'd argue the ERA and W/L differential are 1. ...I'd argue the ERA and W/L differential are 1. largely coincidental. Correlation vs. causation and 2. at least as far as W/L goes, largely a result of Ramos significant offensive productionDavid Proctorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14688741085167096291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-29320978361091609752013-08-12T21:26:27.203-04:002013-08-12T21:26:27.203-04:00David Proctor said...
Is there really any questio...<i>David Proctor said... <br />Is there really any question that Suzuki is the better defensive catcher? I mean, I'll even grant that maybe Ramos calls a better game, but when it comes to blocking balls, catching balls, etc., it's absolutely no contest that Suzuki is better.<br /><br />I think Suzuki is one of the better defensive catchers in the league. He just can't hit. <br /><br />August 12, 2013 9:01 PM </i><br /><br />I think the ERAs don't back up your assessment because I think you don't value enough the play calling aspect of the defensive part of the game.<br /><br />I'm not saying it's 3/4 of a run a game like the stats say it is, but I think it's significant plus the W/L differential is large.Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-77971293172293285662013-08-12T21:22:42.802-04:002013-08-12T21:22:42.802-04:00Yes, Suzuki is much more nimble behind the plate s...Yes, Suzuki is much more nimble behind the plate saving more wild pitches but that is a small part of the game. The ERA differential is a bigger part of the game and Wild Pitches are not excluded from ERA.<br /><br />Ghost Of Steve M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05745394350047225996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-8944792748427882002013-08-12T21:01:05.085-04:002013-08-12T21:01:05.085-04:00Is there really any question that Suzuki is the be...Is there really any question that Suzuki is the better defensive catcher? I mean, I'll even grant that maybe Ramos calls a better game, but when it comes to blocking balls, catching balls, etc., it's absolutely no contest that Suzuki is better.<br /><br />I think Suzuki is one of the better defensive catchers in the league. He just can't hit.David Proctorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14688741085167096291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3442809928829881676.post-48639519720218512532013-08-12T20:52:19.364-04:002013-08-12T20:52:19.364-04:00Rizzo and Davey and Cat had a choice between Zuk a...<i>Rizzo and Davey and Cat had a choice between Zuk and Ramos and they are riding Ramos the rest of the way.</i><br /><br />Ghost we've disagreed about this before, but really. Don't you think that this decision has to do with the following numbers much more than their respective game calling abilities? Come on.<br /><br />Catcher 1 -- 263 PA, .218/.276/.311/.587 <br />Catcher 2 -- 150 PA .294/.327/.490/.816<br /><br />If Catcher 1 were Wilson Ramos with his supposedly superior game calling skills, do you really think they would ride Ramos? <br /><br />I also agree with SonnyG that Suzuki is a superior defensive catcher in many ways. Section 222https://www.blogger.com/profile/17106128453333996193noreply@blogger.com