Tuesday, August 10, 2004 |
Pickoff Moves
Day By Day
Arrive In The Third... has a daily synopsis of the bullpen's ups and downs since The Big Trade. If there's a reason to be worried about negative consequences of this deal, it's right there.Fuson Infuses Rangers With Pitching
... or at least he has up until this year, as reported by this Baseball America article. Fuson's on his way out, and U.S.S. Mariner among others have called for his acquisition as a scouting director. I think we'd do better with him running the scouting in Anaheim as well, but I expect that won't happen with Eddie Bane freshly on the job.Also in that article: Ervin Santana starts to pitch again, Tony Reagins "cautioned against reading too much into the appearance of third baseman Dallas McPherson in right field", and Chad Billingsley is a stud:
Billingsley, who also uses a hard slider, curveball and changeup, went 7-4, 2.35 in 18 starts with high Class A Vero Beach, where he won his last six decisions."He's very aggressive and throws hard stuff for strikes," the scout said. "He was up to 95, really sitting at 92-93 with his fastball, and he had some command of it. He threw three pitches for strikes when I saw him and had a good delivery. The most impressive thing about him is that he's a strong kid for a high school pitcher; he didn't get worn down by the Florida State League, and that has happened to a lot of guys."
Mayne Man
In the Daily News, this article -- which sounds like a bit of wishful PR to me -- denying that Mayne was an emergency move by the Dodgers after it became clear that Charles Johnson wouldn't waive his no-trade clause to move to LA.DePodesta also shattered another illusion, the one about Mayne being a temporary stopgap who is simply holding down a roster spot until the end of the season, when his contract runs out and the Dodgers can pursue a long-term solution behind the plate. Because it is entirely possible Mayne could be back with the Dodgers again next year, when he will turn 37."You always want to keep a guy like (him) on your roster," DePodesta said. "He's a terrific defensive catcher who works really well with pitchers, and he's a left-handed bat. I think he's the kind of guy you always want to keep in mind. I really think he could be (an everyday catcher). I don't see him as a backup guy. I see him as at least a platoon guy."
Mayne doesn't really care what the Dodgers see him as, as long as they see him as, well, a Dodger. Mayne grew up in Costa Mesa and still lives there. He has been granted an early release from his purgatory with the dreadful Diamondbacks. He also has been given a chance to live in his own house for the rest of the season. All of that is worth every minute Mayne spends stuck in freeway traffic on his way to Dodger Stadium.
A Couple From Backstop Bob
You'll really appreciate Arte all the more when you read this complaint by one O's fan about the awful state of partial season ticket holders in Baltimore. No discounts, poor communication with the ticket office, and awful concession stand service -- well, unionized Aramark employees will do that to you no matter where you are. Geesh.Also, this piece explaining how George Steinbrenner sold his immoral soul to keep the Yanks atop the AL East forever.
: 8/10/2004 04:04:00 PM
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