2012 MLB Regular Season Running Thread

Mickey Hatcher spends his time either giving hotfoots in the dugout, or finding another mousy color to dye his hair.

As evidenced by the results, he isn't helping any Angel players to be better hitters.

 

I'm not watching, but from what I see in the box score, BYH is going to love this: first inning intentional walk, followed by a two out, three run HR.

 

Three weeks into a six-month season, I'm gonna roll my eyes at all of those who want to fire all the Angels players, managers and coaches.
That said, I admit Scioscia has not done a good job this season. I'm on the side that believes he needs a set lineup to play 5-6 times a week, then sub in a couple of guys day game after night game. Put the best eight out there nearly every game.
And Friday's game he pushed the wrong button. Pulled Trumbo for defensive purposes after 7 innings, then his spot in the batting order came around in the 9th with a runner in scoring position (Bourjos walked, but Callaspo popped up).
I think the whole organization got so smug coming into the season, they forgot they had to work for victories. It's not, just show up, hit a few homers, win the game. They haven't been aggressive, haven't been trying to manufacture runs, etc. But I don't think the bullpen is Scioscia's fault, unless you believe he was adamant that Walden was going to be a dominant major league closer this year.

 

I can't watch the game, but looking at his numbers, this Drew Smyly kid for Detroit looks pretty damn good. He's averaging almost a K per inning, he's got a solid whip and 1.2-something ERA. And he's doing all that with a BABIP of .320. I'm picking him up in my fantasy league.

 

True story: I almost posted exactly what Steak Snabler did, then masturbated instead. I prefer that little surge of excitement.

Roll Tide.

 

Edwin Encarnacion hit a grand slam for his sixth home run of the season today. He is batting .302 with 19 RBI. He also has three stolen bases.

I've heard of guys who felt like they needed to play in the field regularly to hit, but I wonder if all Encarnacion needed was a move to DH. He showed some signs of this late last season, when he wasn't playing the field much. The guy has always been a lousy defender, so maybe not having to worry about it is helping him finally put it together?

 

Time to fire Fredi?

 

Different name, same old doodah.

 

That train's never late.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world watches Strasburg and Harper.

 

No douchey eyeblack for Harper. That's good.

 

Fact. And I like the high stirrups.

 

Two runs in seven innings against the Pirates....