Random

Here's a collection of random thoughts I have while watching the Tigers/Yankees game on MLB.tv. I'd like to that MLB for not giving me the option to choose the home or away TV feed. I love watching the YES Network feed. Especially the insufferable Michael Kay. Anyway, here's some random thoughts:

- Does anyone actually have an "SAP button?" I swear, I've never seen this mythical button. Do they make you prove you speak Spanish when you buy the TV in order to issue you one with an SAP button?

- Michael Kay informs us that Curtis Granderson and Grady Sizemore "strike out too much to be a leadoff hitter." You're right, Granderson (.347 OBP) and Sizemore (.382 OBP!) should try to be more like Johnny Damon (.353 OBP) or Melky Cabrera (.351 OBP).

- What road starts are to Ervin Santana, the first inning is to Jeremy Bonderman. He's got a 12+ ERA in the first inning! So far it looks like he's well on his way to upping that number...

- Michael Kay talks about Moneyball semi-intelligently. Astounding. Except for the obligatory "Billy Beane likes to draft college guys" talk.

- Does this blog consist of disseminating the accounts and descriptions of the game? Will I have the YES Network breathing down my neck?

- Oh my goodness gracious, of all the dramatic things I have ever seen! Yogi Berra is sitting in George Steinbrenner's box!

- The YES crew are talking about Curtis Granderson's 19 triples and are attributing it to Comerica Park. Too bad only 6 of the 19 triples were hit there. Don't let the fact stand in the way of your argument guys...

- How you can tell an idiot fan: If they boo an intentional walk. Granted there are exceptions (like Barry Bonds), but a real fan of the game will understand the strategy of the game and acknowledge the strategic usage of the intentional walk.

- Apparently, Joe Torre has two ways he can make relief pitchers cry. The first way is well known, run them out there mercilessly until their arm hurts. The second way was just reveal in an anecdote by Michael Kay. First you don't use a pitcher for 2 weeks because you don't trust them (Edwar Ramirez), then you run them out there and let them get pounded because their rusty (Ramirez again), then you send them down to the minors. Voila! tears. Man Torre is shaky with his bullpen usage...

Relaunch - Sexy vs Giambino

So where were we?

Obviously, there's a bit of a gap in posts. I was chugging along pretty good and then, not so much.

Anyway, let's relight this thing.

Today's topic is especially appropriate, as both Richie Sexson and Jason Giambi have been getting a fair amount of notice in fantasyland lately, mostly for the wrong reasons. Big Sexy has been getting ferociously booed by the Mariner faithful, while Giambi has been struggling recently with a bruised heel (no truth to the rumor he injured it while putting him foot in his mouth with his recent "MLB should apologize for my steroid use" proclamation). It was reported today that the Angels might have an interest in acquiring the Giambino.

As the owner of Mr. Giambi in a keeper league, I would welcome the move out back west. Obviously, the Angels don't have quite the offensive firepower of the Yanks, but it just doesn't seem to me like Giambi ever was a good fit for New York.

I want to see less of this tool:

And more of this badass:

Of course, part of the A's look was the roid rage, but still.

Now, getting back to Big Sexy, the reason I mention him in this post is that he's involved in a good old fashioned challenge trade I've currently got proposed. I don't plan on being that guy who tells stories about his fantasy league, but I think this is a worthwhile topic of discussion.

Jason Giambi for Richie Sexson, straight up, in a keeper league. Giambi was born 1/8/71, Sexson was born 12/29/74. So clearly, the age factor favors Giambi. Giambi is performing somewhat better this season, mostly in average (.272 vs .172). The two are really quite similar, and have had similar seasons each of the last two years.

Giambi's prime years are probably better than Sexson's, the dude did win the MVP. Giambi's days of hitting over .300 are probably done, but is OBP has been consistently over .400 throughout his career (career .413 versus .348 for Sexson).

Giambi and Sexson have each had one major injury in their career (if I recall correctly). Giambi with his bizarre pituatary gland thing, and Sexson 2 shoulder surgeries. Both of those injuries are in the past and don't seem to have any lingering affects.

Basically, Sexson is a younger version of Giambi, with a little less plate discipline. Giambi's a little older, but is under contract for one more year than Sexson. Sexson's deal is up after next season, Giambi's the season after. Neither player's current team is very likely to resign them once their contract is up (hell, the Yankees have thought about trying to void Giambi's deal)

This one could go either way, which is exactly what makes for a good challenge trade.