Sunday, August 31, 2014
Questionable Triple Crown
Earlier in 2017 the Mets pulled the trigger on a weird blockbuster, sending ace Matt Harvey to the Yankees. Now Since coming to the Yanks, Harvey has been a fantastic pick-up, with a 6-0 record. Harvey is leading the AL in wins and Strikeouts and is .01 point off the lead of ERA behind Dylan Bundy. Matt Harvey is shooting for the AL Triple Crown, but the questionable part of this is, Should the triple crown count considering he wasn't with the Yankees all year long? Harvey spent half of the year with the Mets and will most likely spend the other half in the Yankees organization. So what do you think? Should Harvey's AL Triple Crown be counted, or should it be null in void since he was in the NL half the year?
Ushering in a New Era
We are gathered hear today for the honor, neh the privilege to speak with GM Vertigo of the Baltimore Orioles. He hasn't been with us long, but his influence can already be felt throughout the league and not just the Baltimore Orioles. Anyways lets dive right into it.
1. Mr. Vertigo first let me say to have someone of your stature with us on the OTB Blog is, well words can't describe it. I guess the first question on everyone's mind would be just what caught your attention to join OTB. I mean it was no secret that for awhile there is was circling the drain and there were a couple other leagues that ironically are defunct now that may of seemed more appealing.
I was actually a member of OTB at the very beginning and through several installments since then. As you can tell if you look through the member list and see that I have the 3rd or 4th most posts of any OTB members in its history. That played a big part in my return to my old stomping ground and I'm very glad to be back with OTB under the management of Jason and Donnie. Finding out that my real life favorite team was open sealed the deal.
2. It has been said that you and the Commish himself Donniebaseball have have quite the history together in mogul. You even were in one of his other leagues. It seems to me you may have more incite what the fine GM's here in OTB can look forward to in the future.
It is true. Mogul Genesis, run by none other than our own DonnieB, was one of my favorite leagues I've joined. I arrived at the tail end of MoGen 1.0, taking over a team called the Detroit Steel and making a surprise run to a World Series championship. I can't recall what forced a reboot into MoGen 2.0, but I had a lot of fun until it too saw an unfortunate ending several seasons later due to circumstances better left unsaid.
I actually enjoyed the league so much, it served as a major inspiration to the league I currently run -- The Global Baseball Association.
3. Ok. I can't keep up the act I gotta bring out the Maddog and hit it hard. On the record what is your relationship with Clypse aka the Clipper. I mean its gotta be more than just a midnight rendezvous. You and him have had more back alley deals than Nixon during Watergate. I mean for real over half of your deals have been sending the Clipper his former players and we aren't talking your average Joes; Springer, Lawrie, Perez, and Candelario. Inquiring minds want to know..
First of all Candelario was dealt to the Blue Jays by Clypse before I took over.
Clypse and I share a common bond in our 49er fandom, but that has nothing to do with me making so many deals with him. I made it well known that those players were on the block, but everyone else seemed hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal that had them giving up anything I was really interested in.
Lawrie was playing shortstop for the O's and he proved by his play on the field that he's not really competent at the position. With our guy Manny entrenched at 3B, it made sense for us to deal him. I'm very happy with what I got in return for those players. Those deals will set the tone for future Orioles teams that I assure you will be competing for AL East titles on a consistent basis.
With the Yankees plucking superstars from other teams in the league and stacking their team and the Orioles with no farm system to help improve where they were at, selling off players and building for a stronger future team seemed like the obvious choice.
And while the players we traded are very good, we kept the true Orioles superstars in Manny and Bundy here.
4. Now, I know everyone else here likes to just sit on your every word, but I am here to dig for the truth. What exactly is your plan for the Orioles to finally do what Clypse couldn't do.... take down the Evil Empire. I mean you methods for any other GM would have fans rioting, but they trust the track record...... For Now!
The plan is to develop a consistent pipeline of talent coming from the minor leagues. To build a deep, strong, affordable team through the draft and trading players who can help a contender but aren't vital to our future success. So, that way, if we are forced financially to move a player or lose someone to a long-term injury, there won't be a significant drop-off in talent.
While it's true that we have dangled Machado and Bundy, no team seems comfortable in giving up what it would take to convince us to move them. So they will be our foundation that we build on.
When I finish putting together the team I want, the Orioles will play great defense, have a top rotation, get on base and hit a lot of home runs.
5. I want to get your reasoning on moving a few youngsters that looked primed to take the Orioles to the next level. Their names being Chris Reed, Chris Perez, and even to a lesser extent Brett Lawrie. I mean one fully expects a new GM to put his stamp on the team, but this left me scratching my head.
I actually think we sold high on Chris Reed. To me he seems overrated. One of those players whose make-up looks really good, but never actually performs up to those abilities. And that trade netted us the 4th overall pick - a switch-hitting shortstop who we think will develop into an excellent hitter and play great defense at a premium position.
The Carlos Perez deal got us a plethora of young talent, including Talamantes who, with one more jump, could easily replace Perez in the rotation. Add to that an underrated Anthony Alford and a dozen more solid prospects and draft picks, It was an easy deal to make.
I've already discussed part of my reasoning for dealing Lawrie. But also, he wasn't gonna be here when we were ready to take over. Despite his recent peak drop, I'm very excited about the 16-year-old 3B we got with the 9th overall pick. I think he could turn into a big-time slugger. I will admit, even though you say lesser extent with Lawrie, this is the one deal that I'm a bit concerned about getting good value out of.
6. Realistically speaking for the fans and trust me they are growing tired. What is your outlook? When are the Orioles going to get over the proverbial hump and whom are some guys they can look forward seeing in the future.
Any rebuild I do, we're usually looking at about 3 seasons before we see results that say "serious contender." The outlook for the Orioles is in great shape though. We've turned a non-existent farm system into one of if not the best in the league in a very short amount of time. And we still have some very good players that could reap even more rewards.
Who to watch in the future?
SP Furio Guinta - Even though his last name is misspelled because apparently U.S. immigration still to this day has a hard time getting names right. Guinta is only 17, has a major league fastball and is a future ace in the making.
OF Anthony Alford - He has great speed and can get on base. With another jump can be a great lead-off hitter. And he plays excellent defense.
SS Oscar Acosta - I've mentioned him already, but I think deserves being mentioned again.
SP Jose Talamantes - Carlos Perez' heir apparent.
And many more. Albert Leong, Alonzo Harris, Alex Foley, Rigo Sanchez, Micheal Hegstrand.
7. Last but not least... if you and the Clipper were to have a midnight redezvous, where would it be and what color dress would he be wearing?Levi's Stadium. Under the lights. Gold sequin dress and red heels.
There you have it Ladies and Gents straight from the horses mouth. BTW Clypse my mom has a Gold Sequin Dress you can use but you are on your own for the red heels. Well this has been another installment of Donnie "The Maddog" Baseballs Down and Dirty and until next time. May the odds ever be in your favor.... uhhh god i need my own catchphrase.
1. Mr. Vertigo first let me say to have someone of your stature with us on the OTB Blog is, well words can't describe it. I guess the first question on everyone's mind would be just what caught your attention to join OTB. I mean it was no secret that for awhile there is was circling the drain and there were a couple other leagues that ironically are defunct now that may of seemed more appealing.
I was actually a member of OTB at the very beginning and through several installments since then. As you can tell if you look through the member list and see that I have the 3rd or 4th most posts of any OTB members in its history. That played a big part in my return to my old stomping ground and I'm very glad to be back with OTB under the management of Jason and Donnie. Finding out that my real life favorite team was open sealed the deal.
2. It has been said that you and the Commish himself Donniebaseball have have quite the history together in mogul. You even were in one of his other leagues. It seems to me you may have more incite what the fine GM's here in OTB can look forward to in the future.
It is true. Mogul Genesis, run by none other than our own DonnieB, was one of my favorite leagues I've joined. I arrived at the tail end of MoGen 1.0, taking over a team called the Detroit Steel and making a surprise run to a World Series championship. I can't recall what forced a reboot into MoGen 2.0, but I had a lot of fun until it too saw an unfortunate ending several seasons later due to circumstances better left unsaid.
I actually enjoyed the league so much, it served as a major inspiration to the league I currently run -- The Global Baseball Association.
3. Ok. I can't keep up the act I gotta bring out the Maddog and hit it hard. On the record what is your relationship with Clypse aka the Clipper. I mean its gotta be more than just a midnight rendezvous. You and him have had more back alley deals than Nixon during Watergate. I mean for real over half of your deals have been sending the Clipper his former players and we aren't talking your average Joes; Springer, Lawrie, Perez, and Candelario. Inquiring minds want to know..
First of all Candelario was dealt to the Blue Jays by Clypse before I took over.
Clypse and I share a common bond in our 49er fandom, but that has nothing to do with me making so many deals with him. I made it well known that those players were on the block, but everyone else seemed hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal that had them giving up anything I was really interested in.
Lawrie was playing shortstop for the O's and he proved by his play on the field that he's not really competent at the position. With our guy Manny entrenched at 3B, it made sense for us to deal him. I'm very happy with what I got in return for those players. Those deals will set the tone for future Orioles teams that I assure you will be competing for AL East titles on a consistent basis.
With the Yankees plucking superstars from other teams in the league and stacking their team and the Orioles with no farm system to help improve where they were at, selling off players and building for a stronger future team seemed like the obvious choice.
And while the players we traded are very good, we kept the true Orioles superstars in Manny and Bundy here.
4. Now, I know everyone else here likes to just sit on your every word, but I am here to dig for the truth. What exactly is your plan for the Orioles to finally do what Clypse couldn't do.... take down the Evil Empire. I mean you methods for any other GM would have fans rioting, but they trust the track record...... For Now!
The plan is to develop a consistent pipeline of talent coming from the minor leagues. To build a deep, strong, affordable team through the draft and trading players who can help a contender but aren't vital to our future success. So, that way, if we are forced financially to move a player or lose someone to a long-term injury, there won't be a significant drop-off in talent.
While it's true that we have dangled Machado and Bundy, no team seems comfortable in giving up what it would take to convince us to move them. So they will be our foundation that we build on.
When I finish putting together the team I want, the Orioles will play great defense, have a top rotation, get on base and hit a lot of home runs.
5. I want to get your reasoning on moving a few youngsters that looked primed to take the Orioles to the next level. Their names being Chris Reed, Chris Perez, and even to a lesser extent Brett Lawrie. I mean one fully expects a new GM to put his stamp on the team, but this left me scratching my head.
I actually think we sold high on Chris Reed. To me he seems overrated. One of those players whose make-up looks really good, but never actually performs up to those abilities. And that trade netted us the 4th overall pick - a switch-hitting shortstop who we think will develop into an excellent hitter and play great defense at a premium position.
The Carlos Perez deal got us a plethora of young talent, including Talamantes who, with one more jump, could easily replace Perez in the rotation. Add to that an underrated Anthony Alford and a dozen more solid prospects and draft picks, It was an easy deal to make.
I've already discussed part of my reasoning for dealing Lawrie. But also, he wasn't gonna be here when we were ready to take over. Despite his recent peak drop, I'm very excited about the 16-year-old 3B we got with the 9th overall pick. I think he could turn into a big-time slugger. I will admit, even though you say lesser extent with Lawrie, this is the one deal that I'm a bit concerned about getting good value out of.
6. Realistically speaking for the fans and trust me they are growing tired. What is your outlook? When are the Orioles going to get over the proverbial hump and whom are some guys they can look forward seeing in the future.
Any rebuild I do, we're usually looking at about 3 seasons before we see results that say "serious contender." The outlook for the Orioles is in great shape though. We've turned a non-existent farm system into one of if not the best in the league in a very short amount of time. And we still have some very good players that could reap even more rewards.
Who to watch in the future?
SP Furio Guinta - Even though his last name is misspelled because apparently U.S. immigration still to this day has a hard time getting names right. Guinta is only 17, has a major league fastball and is a future ace in the making.
OF Anthony Alford - He has great speed and can get on base. With another jump can be a great lead-off hitter. And he plays excellent defense.
SS Oscar Acosta - I've mentioned him already, but I think deserves being mentioned again.
SP Jose Talamantes - Carlos Perez' heir apparent.
And many more. Albert Leong, Alonzo Harris, Alex Foley, Rigo Sanchez, Micheal Hegstrand.
7. Last but not least... if you and the Clipper were to have a midnight redezvous, where would it be and what color dress would he be wearing?Levi's Stadium. Under the lights. Gold sequin dress and red heels.
There you have it Ladies and Gents straight from the horses mouth. BTW Clypse my mom has a Gold Sequin Dress you can use but you are on your own for the red heels. Well this has been another installment of Donnie "The Maddog" Baseballs Down and Dirty and until next time. May the odds ever be in your favor.... uhhh god i need my own catchphrase.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Pittsburgh Pirates at a Crossroads
Ladies and Gents I am here with the Pittsburgh Pirates GM Phillies Suck. What brings us here today is how his team is performing or lack there of. After a monster run that ended with a Playoff Berth last season all eyes were on Pittsburgh to take that next step and become a mainstay. What has happened has been the polar opposite and we intend to find out why and what we can expect for the rest of the season and seasons to come.
Lets just address the Elephant in the room. At 24-56 your boys are currently playing .300 ball. A far cry from last year and the expectations coming into the season. I know its easier said than done, but what happened?
The better question is what hasn't happened? Save for Tanak Murakami and Josh Bell my entire team has under performed greatly. Jay Bruce seems to have forgotten he is supposed to get hits and not be an Adam Dunn clone. Prince Fielder has disappointed majorly since his arrival. And my pitching staff is about as effective as it would be if they didn't exist at all. My bullpen which had previously been an enormous strength for me has gone by the waste side. In the rotation I want to especially point out Jameson Taillon who after a solid start to his career has been simply pathetic this year. Also, Grant Dayton has failed to live up to his free agent contract.
Now, with the current level of play are you cashing in your chips so to speak and selling players off? We saw earlier in the season you traded Alex Cobb after less than a season to the Mets along with Closer David Robertson. Are you worried what the message to fans will be as well?
I would say yes I am selling players off. Where that could get clouded though is that some people think that means I am giving them away which isn't the case. They attempt to pick up guys for pennies on the dollar so to speak which just wastes both of our time. And no I am not to worried about the message things like the Cobb trade sends because well with that trade in particular we got back useful elements for our team now and in the future. I think the fans realize that we aren't going anywhere good this year and know that this is the best course of action for the organization long term.
Whats your gameplan to get the Pirates back to the playoffs and what kind of outlook do you see for the team you have now?
My plan now is to get some depth back in the farm system and go from there. After how bad this season has been I am not exactly sure yet what strategy I want to take to get the team back to the promise land. I know that might not be exactly what fans want to hear but it is the honest truth.
Now, you know this day in age everyone is all about Sabermetrics and UZR etc. Do you think you can contribute some of you recent performance to having players playing in positions they aren't accustomed or also some new guys who came over not being maximized. Some that stick out are Austin at 3B and MacMahon at 1B when the latter has GG written all over him at the hot corner. There also Murakami out of his element at SS or Cano who has become a statue at 2B. Defense is sometimes underrated but what do you think?
When it comes to the fancy stats as I refer to them I am more old fashioned then most in that regard. I do try and keep an eye on some of that stuff but I really don't put nearly as much stock and time into as most do. Regarding McMahon not playing 3B. Austin is limited defensively and really isn't that effective anywhere but having his bat in the lineup is imperative for us. With having Fielder on the team as well the DH slot is occupied which means he has to play the field. While McMahon might not be gg worthy at first he is still effective. The same argument for McMahon can be said for Murakami. With Cano, I don't have another MLB 2B right now I am kind of stuck with him.
Now, give the fans a glimpse into the day and life of Phillies Suck. How are they to perceive you? What is to make them think you are the man with a plan to get their beloved Pirates to the promise land?
Fans should perceive me as someone that really wants to win and takes it hard when we struggle. I have had many sleepless nights trying to figure out what has gone wrong and continues to go wrong this season. In the end, I want nothing more then to bring a World Series to Pittsburgh.
Last Question. If you had the chance to do it all over again, by that I mean going for it all last year and this year, would you do it again?
If I could do it all again I think I would go for it all last year and at the start this year. While I will never be able to compete financially with teams like the Yankees or Dodgers, there was a window that opened for us last year and I have learned that those don't come by to often and when they do you have to seize them otherwise you will probably end up regretting it.
Well thank you for taking the time to sit down with Donnie "The Maddog" Baseball, it was a pleasure. Hopefully there are brighter days ahead for the Buccos.
Lets just address the Elephant in the room. At 24-56 your boys are currently playing .300 ball. A far cry from last year and the expectations coming into the season. I know its easier said than done, but what happened?
The better question is what hasn't happened? Save for Tanak Murakami and Josh Bell my entire team has under performed greatly. Jay Bruce seems to have forgotten he is supposed to get hits and not be an Adam Dunn clone. Prince Fielder has disappointed majorly since his arrival. And my pitching staff is about as effective as it would be if they didn't exist at all. My bullpen which had previously been an enormous strength for me has gone by the waste side. In the rotation I want to especially point out Jameson Taillon who after a solid start to his career has been simply pathetic this year. Also, Grant Dayton has failed to live up to his free agent contract.
Now, with the current level of play are you cashing in your chips so to speak and selling players off? We saw earlier in the season you traded Alex Cobb after less than a season to the Mets along with Closer David Robertson. Are you worried what the message to fans will be as well?
I would say yes I am selling players off. Where that could get clouded though is that some people think that means I am giving them away which isn't the case. They attempt to pick up guys for pennies on the dollar so to speak which just wastes both of our time. And no I am not to worried about the message things like the Cobb trade sends because well with that trade in particular we got back useful elements for our team now and in the future. I think the fans realize that we aren't going anywhere good this year and know that this is the best course of action for the organization long term.
Whats your gameplan to get the Pirates back to the playoffs and what kind of outlook do you see for the team you have now?
My plan now is to get some depth back in the farm system and go from there. After how bad this season has been I am not exactly sure yet what strategy I want to take to get the team back to the promise land. I know that might not be exactly what fans want to hear but it is the honest truth.
Now, you know this day in age everyone is all about Sabermetrics and UZR etc. Do you think you can contribute some of you recent performance to having players playing in positions they aren't accustomed or also some new guys who came over not being maximized. Some that stick out are Austin at 3B and MacMahon at 1B when the latter has GG written all over him at the hot corner. There also Murakami out of his element at SS or Cano who has become a statue at 2B. Defense is sometimes underrated but what do you think?
When it comes to the fancy stats as I refer to them I am more old fashioned then most in that regard. I do try and keep an eye on some of that stuff but I really don't put nearly as much stock and time into as most do. Regarding McMahon not playing 3B. Austin is limited defensively and really isn't that effective anywhere but having his bat in the lineup is imperative for us. With having Fielder on the team as well the DH slot is occupied which means he has to play the field. While McMahon might not be gg worthy at first he is still effective. The same argument for McMahon can be said for Murakami. With Cano, I don't have another MLB 2B right now I am kind of stuck with him.
Now, give the fans a glimpse into the day and life of Phillies Suck. How are they to perceive you? What is to make them think you are the man with a plan to get their beloved Pirates to the promise land?
Fans should perceive me as someone that really wants to win and takes it hard when we struggle. I have had many sleepless nights trying to figure out what has gone wrong and continues to go wrong this season. In the end, I want nothing more then to bring a World Series to Pittsburgh.
Last Question. If you had the chance to do it all over again, by that I mean going for it all last year and this year, would you do it again?
If I could do it all again I think I would go for it all last year and at the start this year. While I will never be able to compete financially with teams like the Yankees or Dodgers, there was a window that opened for us last year and I have learned that those don't come by to often and when they do you have to seize them otherwise you will probably end up regretting it.
Well thank you for taking the time to sit down with Donnie "The Maddog" Baseball, it was a pleasure. Hopefully there are brighter days ahead for the Buccos.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
2017 Amateur Draft First Ten Picks
1. Cincinnati Reds Select SP Davin Haskin 21 71/92, College: North Carolina
2. Cleveland Indians Select RF Nate Skartvedt 21 69/92, College: Arizona State
3. Baltimore Orioles Select SP Peter Gardener 17 62/94, College: None
4. Baltimore Orioles Select SS Martin Oglander 19 64/90, College: None
5. New York Yankees Select SP Dylon Donnie 16 63/95, College: None
6. Texas Rangers Select SS Leon Hovis 19 68/93, College: None
7. Oakland Athletics Select 1B Barry Maxwell 20 65/91, College: North Carolina State
8. Tampa Bay Rays Select SP Mark Karr 20 65/86, College: LSU
9. Baltimore Orioles Select 3B Dylan Mooney 16 61/91, College: None
10. Chicago Cubs Select SP Josh Killebrew 19 63/86, College: None
2. Cleveland Indians Select RF Nate Skartvedt 21 69/92, College: Arizona State
3. Baltimore Orioles Select SP Peter Gardener 17 62/94, College: None
4. Baltimore Orioles Select SS Martin Oglander 19 64/90, College: None
5. New York Yankees Select SP Dylon Donnie 16 63/95, College: None
6. Texas Rangers Select SS Leon Hovis 19 68/93, College: None
7. Oakland Athletics Select 1B Barry Maxwell 20 65/91, College: North Carolina State
8. Tampa Bay Rays Select SP Mark Karr 20 65/86, College: LSU
9. Baltimore Orioles Select 3B Dylan Mooney 16 61/91, College: None
10. Chicago Cubs Select SP Josh Killebrew 19 63/86, College: None
Friday, August 22, 2014
Top 10: Most Respected GM's in OTB
OTB has been experiencing what some could call a Renaissance or a Revolution, and in this time were seeing many more GM's being active and enjoying OTB and all it has to offer. Among all of the GMs there are the good, the bad, and the Respected. We've already had a list on one of those three and now its time for another. This is the top 10 most respected GMs in OTB.
Los Angeles Angels GM: SMM 20 Points
Philadelphia Phillies GM: Moves 29 Points
Cleveland Indians GM: Chuck 30 Points
Toronto Blue Jays GM: Clypse 38 Points
Colorado Rockies GM: KC 39 Points
Boston Red Sox GM: TitanQB 45 Points
New York Yankees GM: DonnieB 48 Points
Baltimore Orioles GM: Vertigo 50 Points
Oakland A's GM: CPB 52 Points
And finally number 1...
The Most Respected GM as voted by the OTB GMs, is.......
St. Louis Cardinals GM: LEB with 58 Points
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)