My Athletics Nation post is up!
by Ando775 on Apr 3, 2008 8:03 AM PDT
129 comments
Read it here (http://www.athleticsnation.com/2008/4/3/389221/inside-the-mind-of-an-ange) at Athletics Nathion and see their reaction to it. Or read it here ( http://baseballaholics.blogspot.com/2008/04/al-west-preview-from-angels-fans.html) without the changes I made to be a more gracious guest.
Hope you all enjoy it.
This Fan-Post is authored by an independent fan. Tell us what you think and how you feel.
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Nice piece
The thing that strikes me, however, with all their new-fangled number crunching over there (I'm talking about the Staturday link in the baseballgirls piece), is their capacity to:
1. Consistently under-estimate the capacity for athletic excellence - regression to the mean is just another way of making life blander, it is the 'anti-sport'
2. Believe in stats so unswervingly that you miss the blindingly obvious when it's staring you in the face - if the Mariners finish 14 games below .500 I'll be very surprised, if they finish behind Texas I'll be very surprised, and I'll be particulary surprised if they finish 5 games behind the A's this year
Scientists use stats because they understand them - they can use them as a tool, understanding their strengths and weaknesses. Baseball fans with stats is analagous to giving an 8 year old a chainsaw - it might look like they're having fun, but it's really not very helpful.
I see red people
by The Limey on Apr 3, 2008 9:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
PANTHER!
Baseball fans with stats is analagous to giving an 8 year old a chainsaw - it might look like they're having fun, but it's really not very helpful
by jjackflash on Apr 3, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
HK
I love how the comments say Howie can't possibly keep up his (what the hell is a BABIP?) um, ... offensive stats.
In actuality, he's more likely to improve offensively this year. If he can get his avg back up into the .350 range, like he did at every other level, (and avoid freak hand injuries) someone will probably blow a gasket in their brain or their shorts.
Do not trade Howie!!!
by anaheimisnotla on Apr 3, 2008 11:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
that was just plain stupid and ignorant. [By the way, the acronym is Batting Average on Balls In Play.] Kendrick hit .370 at three different levels in the minors. That's not a fluke; that's consistently hitting the crap out of the ball. There's no reason for him not to hit at least .300 in the majors.
by jjackflash on Apr 3, 2008 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a sabermetrician...
but, a quick trip to wikipedia says BABIP is "batting average on balls in play."
"BABIP is a statistic measuring the percentage of plate appearances ending with the a batted ball in play—excluding home runs—that the batter is credited with a hit on"
The equation is:
BABIP = (hits minus home runs) divided by (at-bats minus strikeouts minus homeruns PLUS sac flys)
OK, with that said, I have no idea what is good or what is bad...
For 2007, Howie's BABIP is: (H=109 - HR=5) / (AB=338 - K=61 - HR=5 + SF=1) = 104/ (338-66+1) = 104/273 = 0.381 BABIP, which according to one A's fan "over there" is "ridiculous." Anybody care to let me know why?
by Downing Rules on Apr 3, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is HIGH but not ridiculous
If Kendrick was a mid-carrer player and had a BABIP of .381 in one season, than I would say fluke.
The fact that Howie is 24 and has been building toward that .381 tells me he will likely IMPROVE on his BABIP, although that metric is not necessarily the best gage of a hitter like Kendrick - BABIP is great for analysing trends with a higher sample size of sesaons and for measuring a POWER HITTER'S worth to a team if the power suddenly were to drop off (as it sometimes does).
by Rev Halofan on Apr 3, 2008 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But that's not how it works.
Although it is influenced by skill, it tends to be random:
For example: Ichiro's BABIP over the last 4seasons: .399, .316, .348, .398
Remember also that Kendrick played in good hitter's parks in his minor league career which inflated his batting average. They're not say Kendrick *won't* be a good hitter, they're just saying that he won't be the next Rod Carew.
This said, he's a very good young player, and he'd be one of the three best position players on the Mariners.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i always thought..
good hitter parks helped hitters hit homeruns, not keep there avg. .350 or above.. was i wrong to assume this?
Here's to another season of baseball! Angels in '08!
by b0rd3rline on Apr 9, 2008 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
depends what type of park
Fenway is a bad homerun park, but it is great at inflating batting averages. But generally godd hitters parks will inflate all offense.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
JI Has alot of bullshit excuses
when his magic numbers don't go the way he predicts ... lots of "depends on this" as well as eclipses with Jupiter in Libra ...why not throw a damn tarot card reading into your Howie Kendrick analysis you complete fake.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i thought you were into all that stuff, rev.
or is that totally last year? :~}
john RIP samo
by angels4adam on Apr 9, 2008 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am into it, but I demand RIGOR
Something that is sorely lacking among alleged truth-seeking stat quoters.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry "Jl"
But you are mistaken. You're completely underestimating him and his abilities.
Howie hit over .340 last year if you remove the month of May (which happened to be the month he had a broken hand)
He also seems to be adjusting to those breaking balls this year. Watch his strikeouts decrease substantially because of it.
Just check the results on October 1, when the season is complete. You'll see what I am talking about.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correction
Which happened to be the month he returned from a broken hand. He was understandably rusty.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
History
Kendrick hit .368 in rookie ball (2003)
Kendrick hit .367 at low-A ball in 2004
Kendrick hit .384 at high-A in 2005
Kendrick hit .342 at double-A in 2005
Kendrick hit .369 at triple-A in 2006
And yet, we're supposed to believe that he can't keep it up?
whatever. .340 at the major league level looks to be well within his reach.
The guy simply hits the crap out of the ball. Consistently.
by jjackflash on Apr 9, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, the fact that he's facing major league pitching and defenses? Or that he's playing in tougher hitters' parks?
The Angels have had this problem with guys putting up ridiculous numbers disproportionate to their true abilities (McPhearson, Wood). Kendrick was a bit over his head last year, but he'll improve and continue to be a fine player
Look the guy is a legit .300 hitter, but don't expect him to be the next Rod Carew.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're ridiculous
If you're going to use McPherson as some kind of example, then at least spell his name right. It would also give you a little more credibility if you didn't use an injured player as your example. We don't know what McPherson is capable of. His entire career has been derailed by injuries.
Then you use Wood as an example. The guy was 22 last year. Give him a break. He was WAY young for his league. Just because he didn't dominate doesn't mean he's a bust. Give him time. If you're using his major league numbers, then you're even more ridiculous than I thought.
Everything Howie did last year is on line with his minor league performance. So, nice try. The scary thing is that he's looking like he's adjusting to breaking balls this year. He has a completely different approach. He isn't just swinging away and guessing which pitch is coming. He's waiting for his pitch, and he's lowering his strikeouts. He's primed for a breakout. I think this is the year he wins the batting title. He's making adjustments and maturing as a hitter.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Illogical
Your premise: as he faces better pitchers and defenses, he will hit worse.
Fact: as he had advanced through the minors, facing better pitchers and defenses along the way, his performance has not dropped off one bit. I repeat. Not. One. Bit. Isn't hitting .369 at AAA better than hitting .368 in rookie ball?
Notwithstanding the foregoing, your theory is that he cannot continue to do what he has done at every single level. That's illogical.
Your other central premise: he cannot maintain such a high BABIP.
And I say, why not? Underlying this premise is an assumption that NOBODY can, yet some do. The ones who do are exceptional talents, yet you implicitly dismiss the possibility that Mr. Kendrick is an exceptional talent. This is when you have to look up from the ledger, and look at what's happening on the field.
Howie Kendrick hits the shit out of the ball. Maybe that's why he's been so good thus far...is it possible that he could be, you know, really good?
Exceptional players exist. They become all-stars and hall-of-famers. Nevertheless, the logical conclusion to your theory is that no such player exists.
by jjackflash on Apr 9, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
P A N T H E R
...Howie is actually improving according to every baseball analyst on earth except the fanboys-hiding-behind-ethereal-stats club...
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Howie has a high BABIP
Because he rarely pops out, gets infield hits, and his fly balls and grounders drop for hits at a higher percentage than most. That's pretty much how he does it.
Not all fly balls and grounders are created equal. Derek Jeter will tell you that. His grounders consistently drop for hits at a much higher percentage than over 90% of all players.
Howie is a rare talent. BOTH his grounders and fly balls drop for hits at a higher percentage than most.
All of us who watch Howie play can answer why he is a hitting machine. He squares pitches up and hits everything extremely hard. Those fly balls we saw him hit this year, especially against the Twins, are virtually uncatchable.
He also uses the entire field, giving him even more of an advantage.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you take away all his bad starts Horacio Ramirez was the best pitcher in the the AL.
This type of thinking is not productive.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way
Howie hit .367 at Cedar Rapids. The Midwest league is considered an extreme pitcher's league. What's your excuse there? He also hit .368 at Provo.
While it's true that Howie played in good hitting environments, like Salt Lake, to say that his numbers were inflated because of it is ignorant, since nobody knows how he would've done elsewhere. You can't discount his numbers just because he played there. You're assuming his numbers were inflated. There's also no way of knowing what someone will do in the majors. Some players hit better in the majors than in the minors, some do worse, and some hit the same. Nobody knows what will happen until they're here.
What we do know is that Howie is so far a career .310+ hitter in 168 games. What we also know is that he hit over .320 last year and over .340 overall if you remove his only bad month. That's the same month he came back from his injury. He was rusty. He was also 23 last year and turned 24 until the ASB.
He's currently 24 and seems primed for a breakout year. He's adjusting to those unhittable breaking balls. He's waiting for his pitch and swinging A LOT less. That seems to be the only thing holding him back from taking a huge step forward. Now watch his strikeouts decrease because of it.
Barring injury, Howie will hit AT LEAST .330 this year. Mark my words.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What makes anyone think they can predict the future with absolute certainty?
Barring injury, Howie will hit AT LEAST .330 this year. Mark my words.
Yeah if he gets every single break to go his way, like you state, he probably will. I have little doubt. The point is that every single thing *Probably* won't break his way and he'll hit .290-.310.
I'm not trying to start shit because I agree that he's a fantastic talent, I just thought that BABIP needed some clarification. If anyone's interested in how this stuff works there are a ton of great resources out there.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know exactly how it works.
I don't think you do. You're talking out of your ass.
Howie Kendrick hits everything extremely hard. He squares pitches up and does things other hitters can't do. A Howie Kendrick fly ball is not equal to another player's fly ball. His grounders are not equal to many other player's grounders. Some of the fly balls he hits are virtually uncatchable. The fly balls we saw him hit against the Twins show us why. He squares pitches up and hits them extremely hard. They travel extremely fast He's also pretty speedy and gets infield hits. He also rarely ever pops out. He gets more fly ball hits than most players. He also gets more hits on the ground than most players. Derek Jeter consistenly gets a higher hit % on the ground than most players, but he's not good at getting fly ball hits. Howie is.
The holy grail will be once we stop using these silly "bins" (fly ball, ground ball, etc) and can calculate batted ball velocity and trajectory.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does that have to do with anything?
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IGNORE HIM
He is a fake, not even as good as Miss Clio at mumbo jumbo.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good advice, Rev.
It's always nice to have an interesting discussion with someone, but this guy is obviously a homer.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright. Discuss.
What did I say that's homerish?
Please let me know, and I will be glad to discuss it with you.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, I probably should've
kept that to myself. I apologize. I don't think I need to explain myself, however.
by redwolf75 on Apr 9, 2008 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't need to explain yourself...
...because you can't. You're an M's fan troll.
If you think my comments about Howie are homerish, then debunk what I said right now.
I dare you.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still waiting...
I really would like to see you debunk whatever you thought was homerish.
I'd love to see your comeback.
I don't think there's anything you can possibly say that would be considered any kind of comeback since everything I've written about Howie is true, unless you go the Jl route and say stuff like Howie isn't possibly THAT good.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I figured he was referring to either me or Rev...
...since he's a Mariners fan. What's funny is that Jl suddenly disappeared (you can clearly see he's posting on LL).
What's with all these M's fans invading halosheaven?
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They will be gone after this weekend
no doubt.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
'm not trying to start shit because I agree that he's a fantastic talent
he'll improve and continue to be a fine player
the guy is a legit .300 hitter
This said, he's a very good young player, and he'd be one of the three best position players on the Mariners.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey I figured since this post was a dialogue between other blogs
that it made sense for bloggers from all around SBN to comment.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah right
you show up and talk shit with stats.
But you throw in a compliment or two so we are supposed to take it.
Hey, JI, did you know that based on your zodiac sign you are going to be in a painful dilemma this week, but hey, you are a nice guy.
(that above sentence is an exmaple of your passive/aggressive smacktalk. Just because you are not hammering us with invective does not mean you are not just here harassing us. There is more than one way to be a troll and misusuing and abusing stats selectively is one of them)
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would you prefer I call it jibberish?
or what is the new term in the sabermetric community when one hides his fanboy-bias behind numbers he doesn't understand that don't mean anything anyway?
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point out one instance where I said Kendrick or the Angels sucked, or where I insulted one person here.
Kendricks is a fantastic player.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
one instance
"Although it is influenced by skill, it tends to be random"
That is jibberish - that is cognitive dissonance - you created a whole fuss here by posting jibberish disguised as pseudoscience, and that is passive-aggressive smacktalk.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
like this
"although you can learn to control your emotions, the Moon tends to influence your emotions"
Anyone up for a FREE Psychic reading?
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
[bangs head against table]
This of it as gibberish if you want. I don't care. It was brought up on AN it led me here, so I thought I'd comment. But it's not an attack. Not everyone who disagrees with you is trying to attack you on a personal level or otherwise. Some people just wanna talk baseball. I guarantee you I could go to any other SBN blog-- for example I, as a Cardinal fan could go to BCB or any other site for that manner and a have a civil baseball discussion, despite my allegiances, without being insulted and attacked by the moderator (of all people). How do you expect people to visit your site if you attack them for trying to discuss the very subject in a civil manner?
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still waiting, Jl
Go get his response. If he thinks my comment about Howie is homerish, then let him debunk it.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
go to LL address him youself
I barely know who the guy is.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I did lump you in with that idiot redwollffyy
But a lot of your analysis of Kendricks is pessimisitic and appeared to be baiting - and your analysis of BABIP is not how I understand the stat and your explanation was a lot of hokum or at least unlcear - and people who traipse in here unawares are going to get the gauntlet, sorry girl!
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see why you're threatened.
If you don't believe in baseball science then why bother getting worked up over it?
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Science?
Is that what you call making uninformed statements about Howie?
Howie does have a high BABIP, but so does Jeter, Cano, etc. Howie rarely pops up, he gets infield hits, his fly balls fall for hits more often than most, his ground balls fall for hits more often than most. That is the reason why his BABIP is high. Derek Jeter's ground balls fall for hits at a higher percentage than over 90% of all players. Why is that? Could it be because he squares pitches up like Howie and hits everything hard? The thing Howie has going for him is that both his grounders and fly balls drop for hits at a higher % than most. The same can't be said about Jeter's fly balls.
Howie squares everything up and hits balls extremely hard. That is why his BABIP is so high.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WEIRD SCIENCE
again your quote:
"Although it is influenced by skill, it tends to be random"
Dude, that is SO far from Science that you may as well be writing the guy's horoscope.
Get it now? The tables are turned - you think you are coming here being objective and sophisticated and scientific and you ARE NOT.
You are being a fan boy hiding behind what you THINK is science that is SO FAR FROM IT that it is laughable how ignorant you are ... seriously you are like the retarded bat boy who thinks he is a contributing member of the team.
You are not even close to being Mister Wizard Science, let alone even Carl Sagan science and Carl Sagan was the laughingstock of the science community (albeit being a helluva promoter for the cause).
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calling the person you are debating a "retard"
...is always the sign of a good debater.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The debate is over
Go watch STAR TREK and think that it is "science"...
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i should point out...
...that for the bajillionth POST you refused to discuss a critique of your methodology - very anti-science, more similar to a true-believer type, you know, religion and all that...
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...
Telling people their teams favorite players have a high BABIP or that FIP says they will regress to mean is civil discussion of baseball? Get a clue.
Trash the Angels on your own blog. I frequently post about the abortion that is the Settle Mariners on the Angel site, where it is appropriate. Baltimore's bitches........
Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.
by hauldog on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see how that's trashing.
It's not like he was insulted personally, and I said how he'd be one of the very best players on the Mariners. I think there's a definite difference between talking objectively about baseball in a diary and going into a game thread and post VLADMIR GUERRERO IS TEH SUXXXX!!1
If you have a reasonable baseball argument about why a Seattle players will regress / breakout / fall off a cliff it's fine. I don't care. Go post it at LL. You know who else is due for a regression? Ichiro, Erik Bedard, JJ Putz, the rest of the rotation other than Felix... I could go on. Why even open a dialogue between sites if you can't stand anybody who isn't a diehard Anaheim fan posting here?
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
People for the most part do not want to hear it.
It is not that tough of a concept really.
Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.
by hauldog on Apr 9, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I LOVE HOW THE PROBLEMS ARE ALL OUR FAULT
Since we challenge you and your ideas, all you do is just complain that since the site is open to you that we should discuss things with you on your terms instead of critiquing your methodology.
Well your "science" is not up to snuff around here in rational-land.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rev
Is redwolf75 banned? If so, may you unban him, at least for a few minutes? I'm dying to see his comeback. I don't think there's anything he can say, but I would like to see what he comes up with.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no tech here to unban.
He's dead, Jim.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I could/should have looked it up. But this way I got to make fun of some of the ridiculous stats I see people use to tell me "so-and-so" sucks and "other-guy" is the greatest hitter ever. When people use terms like PECOTA, LOOGY and VORP it makes me want to scream.
Do not trade Howie!!!
by anaheimisnotla on Apr 4, 2008 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tell that to Derek Jeter
Who consistently does exactly what Kendrick does.
Kendrick hits everything extremely hard. He squares pitches up. Those fly balls we saw him hit this series are almost uncatchable.
Kendrick is going to be ridiculously good. He's already good, but just wait. I'm noticing he's adjusting against those breaking balls that gave him trouble last year. He's also making pitchers work. He's adjusting to those balls in the dirt and swinging way less.
He could win a batting title as early as this year. I'm predicting he will.
by Halos on Apr 3, 2008 2:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I love
How stat boy thinks he smarter than baseball GM.
Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.
by hauldog on Apr 3, 2008 3:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I cant believe Sexton makes more than Ichiro.
Stat that, stat boy......
TonZ of GunZ
by Funke5ive on Apr 3, 2008 4:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
For 2008, he is NOT making more than Ichiro... 17M>14M
but in 2007, he WAS. Sexson $14M to Ichiro $11M
Sexson doesn't get an interpretor, transportation to Spring Training nor a housing stipend.
by Downing Rules on Apr 3, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...and it was a real moronic contract to begin with
Where as Ichiro gave the Mariners a hometown discount.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
However...
...if you take a mean of all salaries of first basemen, factor in the lower pay given to outfielders who don't start and then compensate for future earnings of centre fielders not called Ichiro, you discover that in 94.3% of cases (not including Tuesdays in December or days when the starting 3rd baseman has a case of the sniffles) Sexson does in fact earn more than Ichiro.
The numbers never lie.
I see red people
by The Limey on Apr 3, 2008 5:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Stats, Stats, stats....
Maybe I'm old, but....Just hit the crap out of the ball, catch the damn thing and pitch gas, that wins ball games boys and girls!!!
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 8:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just got banned!!!
Well. i just got banned from the A's site for the following statement...."I can fix my grammer, your team is still the "AAA's". You were originally from Kansas City for God's sake. But thats ok, just remember, you are an import to this great state. You make me feel like a kid with this isult shit!!!!! I LOVE IT!!! Makes the day go by a little quicker playing with children like AAA fans." Can't "old" young guy have fun???
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 12:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Posting in enemy territory is weak.
Sorry Hapyorange...I'd have banned you, too. Leave them alone and stick to making comments in our board. IMO we should never incite the enemy.
by Downing Rules on Apr 4, 2008 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get Yer Facts Right
trolling is bad enough; but at least have the decency to get your facts correct. The A's were not originally from Kansas City.
by jjackflash on Apr 4, 2008 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A history lesson
From baseball america......
"1967: With the Athletics continually struggling at the gate in Kansas City, with many believing fans in Kansas City are staying away because of Finley himself, owners finally give in and allow Finley to seek a new location for the Athletics. In the A's final year in Kansas City they finish in last place once again with a 62-99 record. The lame duck A's only manage to win 10 of their final 40 games. However, a bright future lay on the horizon in Oakland; at the end of the season Reggie Jackson makes his debut, and with in a few years would become one of baseball's premier sluggers. The A's also continue to develop strong pitching as Vida Blue, and Rollie Fingers were only a few years away from joining the big club. As for Kansas City they would only have to suffer a one-year absence from the Majors as the expansion Royals joined the American League in 1969."
Oh, you must have forgot?????
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ever heard of the Philadelphia Athletics?
Connie Mack's team played there longer than they have been in Oakland or were in Kansas City.
When you combine factual and rude, it doesn't make anybody happy.
Just be rude OR factual, anyone can handle either, but unlike the #1 at IN-N-Out, nobody appreciates the combo.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 4, 2008 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I KNOW THAT, JUST LOOKING AT RECENT HISTORY!!
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh
no.
The A's franchise started in Philadelphia, numbnuts. They only arrived in KC in 1955. I fail to see how "recent" history began in 1967.
by jjackflash on Apr 4, 2008 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1967: Seargent Pepper is a recent development in music
MIles Davis, that new jazz guy has an album called MILES AHEAD, new for 1955
I don't know where any of this is going...
by Rev Halofan on Apr 4, 2008 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smoke a dube and RELAX my friend!!
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A better history lesson...
just to further fortify others' statements:
LINK -to- Athletics' History (yawn)
by Downing Rules on Apr 5, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My Banning
You know, as a man in his LATE 50's, I am new to this blog stuff (hell i still use a slide rule!!!). What has happened to having a sence of pride in your team?? I have been a fan since the old Pacific Coast league days when we were the original "L.A. Angels." I am a 30 year season ticket holder and still think that FARTS ARE FUNNY!!!! Its sad, humor has ginen way to political correctness for the wrong reasons. Call me old if you may, but I long for "in the day!!!!"
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think you are asking for too much
Farts are funny among your friends and tolerated by your family.
Walk into a sit-down dinner at a stranger's house uninvited and fart and demand they accept you for who you are.
You are asking for tolerance without reciprocating with civility.
Being civil is a two-way street, it is not the new political-correctness.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 4, 2008 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being Cival?
First, i had NO IDEA that going to the Oakland site and offering my opinion way taboo, For that ignorance I am guilty. I thought that blogging was like one of the 10 plus Fantasy Football leagues that i belong to, in which nothing is sacred. I guess i am wrong and for that I am sorry. In my day, there was NOTHING you could not bring up at the Hosts dinner table and a fart was a way of saying...."thanks, that meal was great." Times ARE changing. I guess I am out of touch with you young guys!! Who Really has to appologize to are the fans of this site which I include myself as one. Please allow for my "crude" ways, as i mean no harm. GO ANGELS AND KICK ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!!
"......and you can kiss it GOODBYE"
by Hapyorange on Apr 4, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BUT You are cool here, Hap...
For your eminent domain story alone you got more street cred at Halos Heaven than anyone!
by Rev Halofan on Apr 4, 2008 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get the argument
That is the dumbest post I have ever seen ( the Athletics Nation post).
Divide and conquer? Why are you guys arguing.
Fuck the Athletics. (I put myself on one month probation watch, rule # 6).
by vladtheimpaler on Apr 5, 2008 12:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
April
The month Mariner fools himself that his favorite franchise is relevant, and that they actually have a shot.
Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.
by hauldog on Apr 9, 2008 10:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
oh we suck, don't worry
The only way we win the divsion is if the Angel plane crashes into the Salt Lake bus.
Free Barry Bonds
by JI on Apr 9, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They'd still think Kendrick hits .340 after the crash
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on Apr 9, 2008 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good one
Why in the hell do you guys come here?
Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.
by hauldog on Apr 9, 2008 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
They said the stove was hot, but I wasn't sure. Now I know.
I fucking hate you Mariners
by kentroyals5 on Apr 9, 2008 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good lord.
Start debunking some of what I wrote about Howie. PLEASE.
I am waiting to hear someone, anyone, debunk what I wrote about Howie.
Do it.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on...
You guys are good at talking trash, but when it comes to it, are incredibly mum when it comes to debunking anything.
Debunk right now why Howie can't hit .340.
I'm not saying he will hit .340 this year. Do I think he's capable? Yes.
If you don't think so, then enlighten us right now.
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 11:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
they cannot take critiques of their methodology
Their misunderstanding of statistical analysis is their religion (quaintly named science), so you are attacking the one thing that cannot be questioned or assumed imperfect.
Bottom line: they don't get it, they tell us we don't get it, they incorrectly explain things they think we understand, these are things we do understand as a part of the whole but not the end-all-be-all and they cannot understand why we are hostile to their ignorant applications of measurements we hold valid but not vital.
Got that?
by Rev Halofan on Apr 9, 2008 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's just funny, Rev...
All they do is talk trash and dismiss this and that, but when it comes to it, they have no response. I am still waiting for kentroyals5 or any M's fan to come in here and debunk what I wrote about Howie. I guarantee they won't be able to, and anything they try to come up with will be debunked by me.
Still waiting, guys. Take your precious time. (Just don't take too long, it's getting late.)
by Halos on Apr 9, 2008 11:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
it is going to be a long weekend
expect a "scientist" or two to show up with the holy remnants of faith in misunderstood numbers...
by Rev Halofan on Apr 10, 2008 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ZZZZ
30 minutes have passed. I'm guessing he ran off.
by Halos on Apr 10, 2008 12:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
it is a school night
past his bedtime or mom needed the internet.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 10, 2008 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a shame.
Since I am not going anywhere. I'll gladly take the heat if there's someone who can debunk what I wrote about Howie.
It's pretty trollish to invade someone's blog like this. If they had something to offer or at least have the ability to debate in a respectable, objective manner when visiting someone else's blog, all would be good.
by Halos on Apr 10, 2008 12:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They invade with "science" (laugh track) ... Therefore they feel they cannot be critiqued - that my friends is an orthodoxy and you find that crap not in science but in cults.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 10, 2008 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost an hour has passed...
Oh well. Just another immature troll.
I'm not waiting around anymore. I'm off to bed.
by Halos on Apr 10, 2008 12:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
you're lucky
...i have to stay up and write horoscopes...
by Rev Halofan on Apr 10, 2008 12:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i've never read the word 'debunk' this many times in my life.
john RIP samo
by angels4adam on Apr 10, 2008 2:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, my goodness
The A's are so pitifull and you guys are still giving them space.
OK. I guess pity is a noble atribute.
Still, why contribute to dementia? Your actually hurting them.
by vladtheimpaler on Apr 10, 2008 3:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Whats it like to see.
a young up and coming Billy Beane made team in your rear view? Oh wait they just passed you, if only for a small time its a sign of the future. While you are getting old and bad. We are getting young and good. Have your fun while it lasts. Come 2010 the AL West will belong to Oakland.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Apr 11, 2008 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But will your Psychic Reading tell me who my Soulmate is?
Seeing as you can predict the future and all, I assume you win the lottery every week.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 11, 2008 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Way to try and deflect to topic.
Ill take that as you have no real argument to what I said.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Apr 12, 2008 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Deflect the* topic
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Apr 12, 2008 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was the real argument
You are proclaiming your psychic power to see the future and i am wondering if you do anything productive with those psychic powers.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 12, 2008 1:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also.. nice picture dork.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Apr 12, 2008 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i do not understand why you come on my blog and call me dork. Seems like an awful lot of effort - like you are trying to flirt with me or something.
by Rev Halofan on Apr 12, 2008 1:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For one its not hard to see...
A's have the 2nd best farm system in the league. You teams main players are old and a year or 2 away from free agency. Its only a matter of time. Also thats exactly what Im doing,, Im flirting with you. Cmon talk baseball and these childish games.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Apr 12, 2008 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's only a matter of time...
...before those great players in the A's farm system end up somewhere else -- most likely as they peak.
by yeswecan on Apr 12, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Farm System
Built by trading your best players not scouting and through the draft. Well played!
Also the money that comes off of our books will be used to get other good players. Players want to be in Anaheim. No one wants to play in that shit box they call a baseball stadium in Fremont.
Sea-at-ha-ha-ha that's funny.
by hauldog on Apr 12, 2008 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
all of our "old" players
have you heard of Howie Kendrick? Casey Kotchman? Mike Napoli?
We have legit players that are already in the big leagues that are young and will be playing for us for years to come.
For all the old players that are leaving, there are others out there to fill in when the time is appropriate. I hate to have to base my entire franchise off of a bunch of kids that are still a couple years away from even dreaming about getting that first cup of coffee.
Here's to another season of baseball! Angels in '08!
by b0rd3rline on Apr 14, 2008 1:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pining for the fjords
That means, you are longing for something special. Why else would you come to an Angels site and blog? Your comments suggest desperation. You need to be heard by others who are perfectly happy with their own situation.
by vladtheimpaler on Apr 14, 2008 3:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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