TuesdoLinks: Age against The Machine

Once upon a time, opposing pitchers would make the mistake of throwing in tight at Vlad Guerrero, pissing him off and watching Vladdie belting a home run as a consequence. In modern times, pitchers are forced into the Hobson's choice of facing the best player of our generation, or intentionally walking him so that you can face the best hitter of our generation, thereby pissing off said best hitter of our generation:

Wouldn't it be great if this sort of thing lights a fire under the offense? In the meantime, let's link away:

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Jered Weaver has rediscovered the magic movement within his ever-deteriorating fastball. He struck out 7 Padres in 6 2/3 innings, and gave up only 1 earned run (a baserunner that Alvarez inherited and allowed to score in his particularly crappy outing). But, the best news is this: "Monday's start was Weaver's fourth-consecutive quality start after only having two in his first six starts."

A strong Weaver was necessary, of course. Because any offense that relies on a scratch infield hit, (which plated some guy named Matt Joyce), scoring off of wild pitches (while that Matt Joyce guy was batting), and then getting the very same Matt Joyce to use that wooden stick he carries around to make contact with a pitched baseball - all off the disappointing Padres - is an offense in trouble.

Mike Scioscia is certainly sure that this offense will do better. So feel confident, since this is the same, proven, approach that resulted in the fantastic success of Jeff Mathis. Just wait. You'll see.............

Jerry Dipoto ain't gonna wait around. The C.J. Cron that has been on the 25-man all season bears absolutely no resemblance to the C.J. Cron we saw all spring. So Cron has been shipped back to Salt Lake to go find himself. Pronto. (Grant Green was brought back up to fill the roster slot.)...............

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Weirder things have happened, but this doesn't make this not weird.  Gregor Blanco gave us a strike out triple against the Rockies this past Saturday............

Monday was memorable throughout MLB, with a slew of highlight reel plays............Giancarlo Stanton threw himself into the outfield fence for a nice snag...........Michael Taylor lays out to make what should have been a nice catch look particularly snazzy............Nolan Arenado pained the Reds with a pair of excellent grabs.............

Khris Davis had an interesting day. He started the day off at the plate with a pair of home runs, which is great. But it's how he got there, the loooooooong way, that earns our attention. Bryant hit his first home run, but was called out. WTF? Yeah, it looks very much like he could have missed home plate when he finished his tour of the bases. The Brewers challenged the call, and a while later he was finally credited with the home run. So with his next at-bat, he homered again, this time making very very sure to step smack in the middle of the plate, to great applause. And I am going to guess that he will be extremely careful for a long time............

Yeonis Cespedes returned to Oakland, as a Detroit Tiger, and he took a look around and saw a crush of new faces. Apparently he see the same thing we see and he does something fresh: he speaks his mind, kind of like we fans do. "I was a little surprised to see some of the main players leave. Then why operate? Don't they want to win a championship?" Gotta love a guy who doesn't bother with the cliches when asked basic questions..............

Yeah, this is getting interesting. After years of horror, Ryan Howard is actually providing real value again. Please, everyone, let's keep this our little secret. We don't want this news working its way to Arte Moreno's desk............

Alberto Callaspo's career appears to be coming to an end.............

BoSux skipper John Farrell has chimed in on the topical issue of pitchers using "foreign" substances, what with Brian Matusz of the Orioles joining Will Smith of the Braves on the suspended list just in a matter of days. But the key quote from the linked article is this one: "If a number of pitchers are putting themselves at risk and the belief is a widespread number of pitchers are using it, why would we not look to improve the game? Nobody wants to see pitchers sidelined." Uh, yeah. "...and the belief is a widespread number of pitchers are using it...". Pretending there that he does not actually know what his own pitchers are doing, Farrell opens the kimono just a teensy bit on the hidden tricks and techniques that are normally kept away from the public and all of our busy calculators.

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