Joe Chat 10/30

Ah, finally another Joe Chat. Let the fun begin.

Joe Morgan (11:25 AM)

The Series was shorter than I anticipated it to be. But I still think it was interesting. Not great, but interesting. The Giants proved that not only were they playing the best, but they were the best team. The best team won and the Giants are world champions.

Hey Joe, good to have you here. The chat only started 25 minutes ago.

Jose (The Bronx)

Do you think Edgar Renteria deserved to be the MVP? Did Tim Lincecum get robbed?

Joe Morgan (11:26 AM)

No, he didn't get robbed. Lincecum gave up a lot of runs in the first game. He only won because his team outscored the Rangers.

Huh, that’s funny. It sounds like you’re saying that a pitcher’s win is dependent upon how many runs his team scores. It’s almost like you’re saying that Lincecum didn’t pitch that well but because his teammates scored a lot of runs, he was able to get the win. I know that can’t be right, though, because you have been constantly insisting that CC Sabathia is a better pitcher than Felix Hernandez solely because he has won more games. It doesn’t matter that Felix gave up a lot less runs, Felix just didn’t win, and that is 100% his fault. I almost fell into your trap there, Joe. Almost.

Mark (Texas)

What was wrong with our hitting? Was it the Rangers hitting or the Giants pitching?

Joe Morgan (11:28 AM)

I think it was a combination of both. What you need to understand is when a guy like Hamilton hits .359 and a lot of the other guys have high batting averages, they have a chance to hit against the mediocre pitchers as well. It's an average. Hamilton might hit .400 against some of the worse teams, but he's not going to hit .400 against the better teams. They just ran into better pitching and the better pitching stopped them.

Holy crap! Wow, I never noticed that before. I assumed that if Hamilton’s batting average was .359, he would hit .359 against Felix Hernandez and also hit .359 against Jason Marquis. Thanks for pointing that out, Joe. I now see why there might not be as much hitting in the World Series when they’re facing one of the best pitching staffs in the entire fucking league.

However, they did not make a lot of adjustments either. It didn't seem like they made a lot of adjustments to how the Giants were getting them out.

These two sentences are literally the exact same thing.

Lincecum was just great yesterday. He wasn't as good in Game 1, but he was fabulous yesterday.

This has absolutely nothing to do with your answer and should not have been written.

Jose (The Bronx)

Who do you think is the better manager: Bruce Bochy or Ron Washington?

Joe Morgan (11:30 AM)

I would have to give the edge to Bochy, as far as this series is concerned. I think there are two points to be made here. Ron Washington's bullpen was not nearly as good as Bruce Bochy's. So the moves that he made with the bullpen were not going to look as good as Bochy's.

Ok, so the Giants had a better bullpen than the Rangers. How is that any fault of the manager’s? You can say Bochy is the better manager if you want, but you cannot defend it with the reason “Bochy has a better bullpen.” That has nothing to do with how good the actual manager is. You are a dumbfuck.

Otherwise, I'm not sure there were enough great manager moves or poor manager moves to make a difference in this series. The Giants just played better. They're the better team at this moment.

1) You just said Bochy was the better manager in this series, and now you are saying that there was no difference between the managers in this series.

2)You said “there are two points to be made here” and then promptly listed only one reason, and one that doesn’t make sense at that.

Jose (The Bronx)

With the strong pitching of the Rangers and Giants, will this World Series usher in a new era of dominant pitching?

Joe Morgan (11:34 AM)

We go through cycles in baseball. Sometimes the hitters catch up with the pitchers and the pitchers respond with something new. I think every pitcher has a changeup now. That's the most important pitch to keep the hitters off the fastball. And other pitchers are throwing the cut fastball. Now, the hitters will have to adjust. We've gone through cycles where the split finger fastball was getting everyone out. The hitters make the adjustments. I don't think the pitching will be as dominant two years from now as it is now.

A typical Joe answer. He rambles on about things that don’t really have anything at all to do with the questions that was asked, probably in order to avoid having to answer other questions that he doesn’t know the answer to.

Joe Morgan (11:34 AM)

But remember, hitting a baseball is always the hardest thing in sports to do.

I love how he throws this sentence in afterwards just to contradict himself.

Richard (Stratton Mountain, Vt.)

I think the Yankees and Phillies will be back in 2011 playoffs. Do you think the Rangers and Giants will be back next year as well as the Reds, Red Sox and Rays?

Joe Morgan (11:36 AM)

No one is guaranteed a spot, probably other than the Yankees and Phillies. I thought the Phillies were the best team in the NL for a long time. I thought the Yankees were the best team for a spell, but then I thought the Rays and the Red Sox for a time. It makes you think, is the AL East as good as we give it credit for? It's supposed to be the best division in baseball, but after what happened this year, do you still think that way.

I realize that the Yankees and Phillies will probably be very good next year, but they really aren’t guaranteed a spot. Joe, you of all people are the one I would think would be saying nobody is guaranteed anything and that we have to wait and see. Also, why are you talking about what you used to think about teams? And if you jumped from the Yankees to the Red Sox and Rays bandwagon, then why do you say the Yankees are guaranteed a playoff spot? And what does the relative strength of the AL East compared to other divisions have to do with this man’s question? P.S. Joe, you’re the one supposed to be answering our questions, not asking us questions (even though you put a period in the last sentence, it really should be a question mark).

Jose (The Bronx)

With the Phillies missing the World Series, do you think their dynasty is coming to an end?

Joe Morgan (11:37 AM)

Well, it's not a dynasty, because they only won one championship. You're measured by championships. As good as the Braves were in winning division titles, they only won one world championship. That's not a dynasty, even though they were winning their division. You can't be called a dynasty by only winning one. The Yankees were a dynasty earlier this century. Just having a good team is not a dynasty.

When were the Yankees a dynasty earlier this century? They have won two titles in the 2000’s, 2000 and 2009. I assume you mean when they won in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000, but in case you didn’t know, 1996, 1998, and 1999 were not in this century, Joe.

Tito (Brooklyn)

What did you think of the overall umpiring this postseason?

Joe Morgan (11:39 AM)

There weren't as many obvious missed calls as there were last year, but there were some. The easiest call is out/safe at first base. There were two calls missed in Game 5. I just think they need to be held more accountable and that they can be better. I'm not for all of the replays, because you will never get through a whole ball game with all of the calls that could be reviewed. It would ruin the rhythm of the game.

Yeah, the umpires will get more calls right if they are held more accountable. It’s not like they constantly get criticized after blowing a huge call for days after a World Series game. Jim Joyce still lives in infamy from a game that happened months ago, you think that’s not accountability? And even if they were held more accountable, what would that do? It’s not like the umpires don’t care and are just out there messing around, but if we make them more accountable they will suddenly step it up and do a better job. They are already doing their 100% best, and the only way to be more accurate is to institute instant replay. (For the record, I am not saying I am in favor of instant replay, only that it is the only way to be more accurate with calls.)

Brian (Dayton)

What do you think the Reds need to do in order to have the best chance to get to the World Series next year?

Joe Morgan (11:43 AM)

I thought the Reds intensity level in the playoffs wasn't high enough. By that, I mean it seemed they played the game the way they played during the regular season. You have to turn it up a notch in the playoffs. That's what we say with the Rangers in the World Series. The Reds needed a higher intensity level. Sometimes teams that haven't been there or haven't been there in a long time, sometimes you're just happy to be there.

I thought the problem was more of having to face one of the best trio of starting pitchers we have seen in the last decade.

Chris (Boston)

This post-season confirmed my belief that the Twins will never get past the first round of the playoffs. They simply don't have the pitching.... It's amazing that they're there every year, but never seem to advance...

Joe Morgan (11:45 AM)

You're right in a way, because in 162 games, you can have enough depth to get through 162 games. But to go deep in the playoffs, you need at least one dominant pitcher. The Twins end up facing the Yankees every year and last year the Yankees had three dominant pitchers and this year they had Sabathia and Hughes pitched well. The Twins haven't had that. Jack Morris was that guy a while ago. And Santana was that guy before he left. You have to have at least one. The Rangers had Lee. The Giants had Lincecum and Cain.

Joe, every single chat in September you said something along the lines of “every team in the playoffs has a chance to win the World Series.” Now you’re saying that’s not true. Make up your damn mind. Also, I would consider Francisco Liriano an ace. Also, I think it’s hilarious that you brought up Jack Morris

Joe Morgan (11:46 AM)

There are teams that are built for 162 games, which the Twins are. There are teams built for the short run, which the Yankees always are.

Which is why the Yankees won the World Series this year…

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Who do you think will win the Rookie of the Year,Manager of the Year,Cy Young & MVP in Both the A.L.

Joe Morgan (11:48 AM)

I have my own opinion. My opinion is that Cano should win the AL MVP (wrong), but there are a lot of people that believe it's Josh Hamilton (a legitimate opinion and a better option than Cano). But he missed a month of the season. I think Sabathia should be the Cy Young award winner (also wrong), because he won the most games (terrible reasoning). But others are saying Felix Hernandez (correct), but he was only 13-12 (irrelevant), I think and he was pitching in a more pitcher friendly park (probably but Felix is still better when this is taken into consideration), and wasn't pitching in a playoff race (also irrelevant).

Joe, please go back and look at what you wrote in your very first answer of this chat.

Joe Morgan (11:49 AM)

In the NL, I think it's Halladay (correct), even though he lost 10 games. In the MVP race, I think Joey Votto of the Reds (again I would agree, good work Joe!). Pujols was the leader most of the year, but he had a struggle toward the end of the season.

Question: why do the win-loss records matter in the AL Cy Young race but not in the NL race?

Hunter (New Jersey)

In 07, 08, and 09 I think we could I say the best team won the World Series, but this year I'm thinking luck played a huge part in the Giants winning the WS. Can you honestly say the BEST team won?

Joe Morgan (11:51 AM)

I agree with you in that you need some luck along the way. The Giants got lucky in that they got some contributions from guys that played well. You look at it in two seasons. The 162 game season and then the short playoff season. I've said this for a long time that any team that gets into the playoffs can win.

I know you’ve been saying this for a long time. In fact, I even pointed that out when you contradicted this statement earlier in the chat.

Obviously, there is a certain amount of luck that goes along with it.

“The Giants proved that not only were they playing the best, but they were the best team.” Recognize this, Joe? You wrote it in your little intro to today’s chat. Now you are saying that it was in large part due to luck. I cannot even believe how much you contradict yourself. I would pay a large sum of money to be able to sit down and tell you exactly how fucking retarded you are. You piss me off so god-damn much. The best day of my life was yesterday when I found out you are no longer announcing Sunday Night Baseball. I literally pissed my pants with excitement. Fuck you, Joe.

Joe Morgan (11:52 AM)

It's 3.5 months until spring training. All of those teams saying wait until next year, that's when the next year will start. As every year, when the season is over spring training comes up quickly. That's the way baseball is. It was a good season. We did see two teams in the World Series that hadn't been there in a long time, even one that hadn't been there. Even though the ratings were down, in some ways, I think it was good for the game. We did find some new stars.

Per usual, Joe ends his chat 8 minutes early, meaning he was here for a grand total of 33 minutes out of the hour long chat session. You could use a lesson from Keith Law, who apologizes for leaving early after chatting for an hour and a half. Also, he knows what he’s talking about.

JoeChat 10/5/10

So it has been a reasonably long time since our last post, college life is probably getting the best of us.  Here is a short JoeChat analysis done during Sociology class.  Enjoy!

Tito (Brooklyn)

Do you think the Padres choked down the stretch?

Joe Morgan  (11:13 AM)

I don't think they choked. They had bad luck at the wrong time. It is very difficult for any team to lose 10 games in a row -- everything has to be going against you. You can go back and look at the worst teams in the league -- they don't lose 10 in a row often. It's almost impossible to lose that many when you're a good team, which they are. Just bad breaks here and there. They bounced back against San Francisco and were within one game of making the playoffs.

Joe answered the question.  Excellent job my friend.  Here is my opinion though, maybe I’m being “out of line” in saying that it takes more than just “bad luck” to lose 10 games in a row.  I don’t know about you guys, but I’m pretty sure that would essentially define the word “choking”.  Also Joe, who cares what the worst teams in the league do, and it doesn’t matter that San Diego is a good team.  The point is, they choked.

Jose (The Bronx)

Who do you think is the best team out of the teams that made it to the playoffs?

Joe Morgan  (11:15 AM)

Philadelphia. They have the experience of being in the playoffs the last four years, and the Yankees' starting pitching is in disarray. They go in as the best team, although it doesn't mean they will win. Every team right now is capable of winning the World Series.

Here is a classic example of Joe afraid of being wrong.  It doesn’t matter Joe, your probably wrong anyways.  Thanks for all the information jam-packed into the last two sentences. 

Adam (NYC)

C'mon Joe! Your ardent chat fans wanna know who you think is going to win this World Series... (and why so?) You da man!

Joe Morgan  (11:18 AM)

Last year, I picked the Yankees because they were head and shoulders above everyone else, and they had three excellent starters. This year, only CC Sabathia really retains that title for them. Philadelphia has the best rotation right now, so you have to favor them, but all this is on paper. The game is played on the field. I can't pick a winner right now. The first round offers a chance for a lot of upsets because it's such a short series.

You don’t even understand how worthless you are Joe.   Why are you so fucking stubborn!!!!! WHY?!?!?!?!?  Why are you so afraid of being wrong?????

Matthew (Columbia, NJ)

Hey Joe, what was your most memorable moment from the 2010 regular season?

Joe Morgan  (11:24 AM)

Watching Jim Joyce blow that play ... I was watching live on TV and couldn't believe it. Additionally, the perfect game from Halladay and all the no-hitters this year. I couldn't believe there were so many.

I do believe Joe owes an apology to Dallas Braden.

JoeChat: 7 September 2010

Clay Defayette (NY)

Watching Chapman pitch makes me wonder if the Cuban Missile Crisis is really over. Ok sorry, had to get that out of the way. I'm interested in your thoughts about developing Chapman to be the future closer instead of a starter. It looks like the Reds have a nice cast of young starters already, and could Aroldis throw that hard and have consistent location for 5 plus innings? It could help Cincinnati sell tickets as well. Fans could come to every game with the hope of seeing the fire-throwing Cuban. I'm almost sure you've already had this thought yourself. 

Joe Morgan 

  (11:09 AM)

My understanding is they're going to make him a starter. Remember this, a great starting pitcher is more valuable than a closer because you get more innings out of him. Every team goes into a season with a certain number of innings that need to be pitched. The more innings a starter throws, the less the bullpen gets stretched.

Look at Clay over there!  He’s cracking jokes like it’s his job.  I would just leave it to Joe big man, he’s the best at making the worst jokes.  Hey Joe, kudos for ignoring Clay’s lame joke, but you forgot to answer the only question that he asked.  Within that little paragraph, there was one sentence that ended with a question mark.  could Aroldis throw that hard and have consistent location for 5 plus innings?  Yes Joe, this is a question.  Yes Joe, your job is to actually answer these so-called “questions.”  So instead of at least talking about how Aroldis would do as a starter (in your retarded opinion), you chose to talk about the value of a starting pitcher for the whole response.  Yes Joe, we fuckin understand the value of a starting pitcher.  I’ve read your response to Clay 3 times now.  If I were him I would be pissed off because you didn’t even come close to responding with any sort of knowledge at all.  Every team goes into a season with a certain number of innings that need to be pitched. Are you kidding?  What does this have to do with anything?  I’m sorry Clay, I’m sorry Joe is a dumbass.

Tito (Brooklyn)

Do you think Nyjer Morgan received an appropriate punishment for his actions?

Joe Morgan 

  (11:12 AM)

My answer is no. I don't know about the first two incidents, I only saw the last one. First of all, if he did something wrong the day before and they decided they wanted to hit him and they did. He got first base and then he stole some bases. They don't control when he stole bases. Everything in my mind on the second day was precipitated by the Marlins. They threw behind him. And who says that you can't steal a base when you're down 11 runs? It seems like all of these unwritten rules are being written by the young players to cover themselves. There is nothing wrong with what he did there. I don't know about the other stuff beforehand, but what he did that day, I don't have a problem with. I don't think he was at fault there.

First off, Nyjer Morgan is out of his fuckin mind.  He needed a suspension badly, he needs to take the rest of the season off actually. (before he kills someone)  Joe, you didn’t see what he did the day before huh?  I think that might be a problem.  Well since you didn’t see, I will shed some light.  Nyjer assaulted the Marlins catcher, he didn’t even go for the plate.  Not remotely.  He showed no respect toward the situation, saying that “he would have hurt himself” if he had tried to slide.  He’s out of his mind and Joe is an ignorant shit.

Mike (Ohio)

Do you think Chapman has enough control/command to be a big success as a starter? The speed is great, but once the book on him gets around I think a lot of hitters will start to lay off the slider.

Joe Morgan 

  (11:13 AM)

Yes. He hasn't walked a hitter in the innings he has pitched. I just think he's going to be a great pitcher. I saw him in spring training as a starter. He's coming from a different culture. He doesn't speak the language. It takes a while for him to adjust. I've had opportunities to speak with him, I speak a little Spanish, he has a great demeanor. He's very calm on the mound. I think he's going to be a great pitcher.

At least you gave a straightforward answer, “Yes.”  Everything after that was just awful.  Joe should’ve just stopped at “Yes.”  He hasn't walked a hitter in the innings he has pitched.  False.  He walked about in the inning he pitched on September 4th against St. Louis.  Even if he hadn't walked any, he was only pitched 3.33 innings…what about the minor leagues?  He had an average command in the minors, a 2.4 k/BB ratio.   I just think he's going to be a great pitcher…. I think he's going to be a great pitcher.  It's DEJA VU!  Classic dimwit Joe.  I have a major problem with that entire middle part of this "answer."  What the fuck does any of that have to do with him being a big success as a starter?  Joe, in case you haven't realized, a good portion of baseball players are not American-born.  I'm sure the Reds pitching coach knows Spanish, its basically a given that all coaches know the language.   I've had opportunities to speak with him, I speak a little Spanish, he has a great demeanor. I guarantee that you speak more Spanish than you do English, cause half the time nobody knows what on God's green earth you are talking about.

Andrew (Montgomery, AL)

What is it about Buck Showalter that has turned the Orioles into a decent team? The Rays and Yankees can't seem to beat them.

Joe Morgan  (11:14 AM)

I've always felt that Buck was a very good baseball man. He knows the game and he stresses fundamentals, which are the more important parts of the game that are lacking on some of these losing teams. They're just not making the same mistakes they were making before.

Read the question, and then read Joe's first sentence.  Read it again.  He's a manager of damn baseball team!  Of course he is a good baseball man!  There goes Joe and his "fundamentals" again.

Tito (Brooklyn)

Can the Padres win in the playoffs given their recent struggles?

Joe Morgan  (11:18 AM)

Anybody that gets into the playoffs can win. They've proven they can win, they just hit a bad stretch. Even the Yankees who are 30+ games over .500 have hit bad stretches. Maybe not as bad as San Diego. But they've built such a big cushion and they're still in first place. You still have to turn it around and maybe last night was that point.

First sentence just makes you sound as dumb as you are.  Even the Yankees who are 30+ games over .500 have hit bad stretches. Maybe not as bad as San Diego.  So basically you just negated the first sentence.  You are useless.

Austin (Cincinnati)

Hey Joe, Do you think if the Reds are able to make the playoffs, will they be able to go far or early exit?

Joe Morgan  (11:22 AM)

Anybody that gets into the playoffs can win the world championship, because it's a short series. The only thing I would say about Cincinnati is that they do not have a true ace like Halladay, Sabathia. I think Volquez, when healthy is as good as anybody. The question will be how healthy he is. When you matchup with a team's No. 1, you need someone to stand toe to toe with him. Volquez is that guy, but he's been injured. Arroyo is an excellent pitcher, but you don't always expect him to pitch a shutout. Same for Cueto. But their team is so good, especially defensively, they can beat anybody on any given day. They have a lot of positives. They run the bases hard, they're excellent defensively. They're a real fun team to watch.

For real Joe?  You gave someone else the same crap answer earlier in this chat session.  Any after reading your little useless analysis for the second time, I realize that you didn't answer his question.  

Tito (Brooklyn)

Do you know why Javier Vazquez has struggled so much this year?

Joe Morgan  (11:26 AM)

I'm not so sure it's just the AL or pitching in New York. Some people can handle pitching in New York. The spotlight is bigger in New York than anywhere else. He might not like that. If he were with another AL team, I think he would pitch better.

I actually sort of agree with Joe on this topic.  Javier Vazquez has not pitched well in "big" games.  The only response I think that I agree with in this entire chat session.  I didn't think it possible.

John (Long Island)

Joe,You've mentioned at other times you are a sports fan, just like us. So, who do you like in this afternoon's Venus - Schiavone quarterfinal tilt out at the USTA-King Tennis Ctr.?

Joe Morgan  (11:28 AM)

I attened the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York for years. I haven't been for years because of my schedule. I would love to be out there right now, but just can't. My schedule makes it difficult.

You are so damn annoying.  All John did was ask an innocent question.  You didn't even acknowledge it.  You just went off in your own little fantasy land.  He doesn't care that you are a tennis fan, he already knows that.  John just wants your opinion on the match.  Attended is the word you were trying to say in the first sentence, but you know what?  It doesn't even matter, because your responses never matter.

Around the MLB: 3 September 2010

I'm just going to do a quick post for Friday's games.  Its a little late in the day Saturday already and I didn't get a chance last night.  I'll try to cover the highlights of last night as best I can.

Cole Hamels is lights out: Hamels' 7 innings of shutout baseball propelled the Phillies to a crucial 1-0 victory in their division race with the Braves.  Because of the Braves loss to the Marlins today, the Phillies gained a game and are now only one down.  This is probably the most exciting race in baseball at the moment.

Cardinals 3, Reds 2: For midwest baseball fans, this series is huge.  The cardinals took the first game of the series last night with a big RBI triple from Jon Jay and a solid outing from starting Jaime Garcia.  The way the rest of this series pans out will be the major factor in determining whether the Cards can come back in the NL Central.

I don't wanna write way to much so I'm just gonna finish up with my Pirates recap.

Pirates 8, Nationals 5: Garrett Jones had two doubles and 3 RBIs in the Bucs 45th win of the season.  Ryan Doumit also added his 15th HR of the season.  Zach Duke picked up his 7th win of the season with a  so-so start against a not so good team.  Typical Duke.  Besides Sean Gallagher and Brian Burres, the other three relief pitchers did a great job of holding off any threats from the Nats.  Joel Hanrahan picked up his 3rd save on the year.

Around the MLB: 2 September 2010

Short Schedule today in the Majors, looks like we can just go game by game:
Sabathia is dazzling: C.C. picked up his 19th win of the season today agains the Oakland A's.  Without a doubt, his performance today exemplified why he should be this year's AL Cy Young award winner.  8 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts.  All of this coming at a clutch time in the season when the Yankees could easily lose the division lead to the Rays.  Sabathia's ERA lowered to 3.02 after last night's game.  Mark Ellis was the only A's player who could manage a hit off the Yankee ace.  Offensively, Curtis Granderson led the charge for the Yanks going 2-3 with 2 home runs to yanked to right field.  Posada also added a solo home run.  Yankees 5, A's 0


Boston inches closer to Wildcard Spot: Following a victory last night against the Orioles, the Red Sox are now just 6.5 games back of a wildcard spot.  In order for them to make the playoffs this year, they will have to rely on the Rays losing a lot the rest of the way.  They do not control their own destiny at this point.  Last night the offensive was led by a great second inning effort from the middle of the order.  Adrian Beltre smashed a solo shot (25) and David Ortiz hit a key two run single, gathering RBIs 81 and 82 on the season.  Scott Atchison pitched two flawless innings of relief.  In his first year with the Red Sox, Atchison has done a decent job in relief.  31 appearances, and about a 3.83 ERA.  Red Sox 6, Orioles 4

Crazy night in Minnesota: 13 innings, 4 hours and 47 minutes, 15 pitchers, and constant lead changes made this game a thriller for sure.  Don Kelly got things rolling for the Tigers with a solo shot in the 2nd to put them up 2-0, only to be matched in the bottom of the inning by a two-run single from Jose Morales.  J.J. Hardy hit a sac fly in the 4th to put the Twins up 3-2, then in the top of the 5th, Miguel Cabrera had an RBI groundout to tie it up again.  The bottom of the 5th was a big inning for the Twins, putting up 3 runs, the first of which was caused by an error.  The Twins put up one more before the Tigers' Johnny Peralta hit a solo HR to make it 4-7 in the top of the 8th, immediately followed by a Ryan Raburn pinch-hit HR to make it 5-7.  Wil Rhymes then made up for his earlier error by knocking in two with a single, tying the game at 7-7.  Minnesota took the lead again in the Bottom of the 8th, on a single by Alexi Casilla.  Then in the top of the 9th, September call-up Casper Wells hit a game tying HR to send it into extras.  It was the first of his career.  In the top of the 11th, Ryan Raburn singled home a run to give the Tigers a 9-8 lead.  This was matched by an RBI groundout from Delmon Young in the bottom frame.  Finally, in the top of the 13th, Gerald Laird hit the go ahead HR and Jose Valverde held the Twins off.  Tigers 11, Twins 10


Cleveland beats Seattle in a meaningless affair: Ya, the title pretty much says it all.  It's not really worth talking about so here's the score. Indians 6, Mariners 3


Mets stand in the way of Braves: The Braves and Phillies, as we know, are in a crucial race for the division.  Tonight, before getting injured, Johan Santana pitched 5 great innings of baseball.  He gave up one run, on a homer by Brian McCann.  Hudson pitched a great game for the Bravves as well, unfortunately 7 innings and 3 ER wasn't good enough last night.  The Mets' offense was lead by a David  Wright solo HR (22) and a Carlos Beltran RBI triple.  Mets 4, Braves 2


Phillies score nine in the seventh, gain momentum: With the win tonight, and the Braves' loss, the Philies have come within two games of the division league.  This will be a very interesting race to watch as we approach the end of the regular season.  The Phillies had 9 runs in the top of the 7th, led by HRs from Ryan Howard(25) and Jayson Werth(19).  The teams had a combined 35 hits, including 20 from Colorado.  Unfortunately for Colorado, they stranded 14 runners on base.  Phillies 12, Rockies 11

College Football Preview

College Football Preview

College football is here! We are going to make predictions for the BCS, Heisman, and give some teams to keep an eye on as potential sleepers. First the national title game. My national title game is Nebraska (Big 12) against Alabama (SEC). The winner of this game will be Alabama. They are too talented and deep to not win barring major injuries. Mike’s national title game is Oklahoma (Big 12) against Alabama (SEC) with Alabama winning. My other conference champions are Virginia Tech (ACC), Wisconsin (Big Ten), Pittsburgh (Big East), and Oregon State (Pac 10). Mike’s conference champions are Miami (ACC), Penn State (Big Ten), Pittsburgh (Big East), and Oregon State (Pac 10).

Heisman hopefuls now. We will give our top 5 preseason watch players. These are in no particular order.

Mine- Mark Ingram (Alabama), John Clay (Wisconsin), Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State), Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State), Kellen Moore (Boise State)

Mike- Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State), Evan Royster (Penn State), Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State), Andrew Luck (Stanford), Landry Jones (Oklahoma)

Sleeper Teams

Mine- Wisconsin. The Badgers could make a run at a national title if they can beat Ohio State at home. South Carolina. Stephen Garcia has matured enough to make this a scary team to play. An SEC schedule may be too much for the Gamecocks though. Connecticut. This team will not be playing for a national title but expect them to contend for the Big East title and BCS bowl game.

Mike- Oregon State. Two words, Jacquizz Rodgers. Notre Dame. They have a great young quarterback with a great set of wide receivers. Miami. Jacory Harris has great pocket presence. If he stays out of trouble they could easily win the national title.

Around the MLB: 1 September 2010

Nationals and Marlins fight UFC style:  This might have been the best fight I've ever seen in an MLB game.  One night after Nyjer Morgan thinks he is tight shit for unnecessarily plowing over Marlins catcher Brett Hayes, he charges the mound against Chris Volstad.  For a number of reasons, Volstad intentionally threw at Nyjer Morgan.  The pitch went about two feet behind him.  Morgan thought for one second and then charged the mound.  Watch the fight here:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20100901&content_id=14181712&vkey=wrapup2005&fext=.jsp&team=home&gid=2010_09_01_wasmlb_flomlb_1

The best part is when Gaby Sanchez comes over from first base and just close-lines Morgan.  PWNEDDDD!

Aroldis Chapman picks up first win: One night after his MLB debut, Chapman came in at the beginning of the 7th inning on the Sept. 1st.  Last night we saw Chapman throw multiple 104 MPH fastballs and scavenge a win out of the game.  So far this season, Chapman has faced 6 batters and retired all 6 in order, with 3 strikeouts.  Not bad.

Lincecum vs Jimenez: Just what you would expect: An epic pitchers duel at AT&T Park last night, as Lincecum just got the better of Jimenez.  Although Ubaldo pitched 8 innings of 2 run baseball, not to mention 10 strikeouts, good ol' Tim 1-uped the man.  Lincecum went 8 innings giving up only 1 run, while striking out 9.  It is also worth noting in this game that Carlos Gonzalez hit his 30th homer of the year and Brian Wilson picked up his 38th save of the year.  

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_09_01_colmlb_sfnmlb_1&mode=wrap

Walk it out Valencia: Last night Max Scherzer pitched 9 innings, giving up 1 run.  He didnt get the win.  Francisco Liriano pitched 7 innings, giving up 0 runs.  He didn't get the win either.  If it weren't for Jhonny Peralta's RBI single in the eighth inning, Liriano would have won the game.  In extras, Jon Rauch shut the Tigers down, and in the bottom of the frame Michael Cuddyer got on base, stole second, and was knocked in by Danny Valencia. 

Down goes Gorzo!: After taking a line shot directly off the pitching arm last night, Cubs pitcher Tom Gorzelanny immediately left the game.  The liner came off the bat of Jose Tabata, who has been smoking the ball lately.  Fortunately, the MRI showed no fracture, but he will be getting a CT Scan on the tip of his finger today.  

Pirates 3, Cubs 5: I knew we lost this game when John McDonald gave up a run-scoring double in the second inning.  McDonald struggled with his pitch placement tonight, allowing the Cubs' hitters to pound the ball at times.  It was depressing to see McDonald struggle like this with the potential that he has.  It's gotta be a blow to his confidence, but hopefully he will bounce back on his next start.  Overall he didn't pitch too bad though, 5 innings 3 runs 8 hits 2 walks and 6 strikeouts.  On a postive note for the Bucs, Neil Walker continues to shine with the bat.  Walker went 3-5 with a HR and a double.  For the Cubbies, Thomas Diamond got his first win of the season and Carlos Marmol picked up his 28th save.  

AL Division and Wilcard Races:  The AL East is exciting as always, except this time it is between the Rays and the Yankees.  In my opinion, the BoSox just don't have it this year.  They are 8 games behind the division lead and 7 games back of the wildcard.  But anything could happen.  As Joe Morgan would say "It's too early to tell."  The AL Central is also  exciting as just 4 games separate the Twins and the White Sox.  As always, the White Sox will look toward their pitching to carry them into the postseason.  Also, Paul Konerko has had one hell of a season and he will need to continue to drive in runs for them to have a chance.  The AL West is pretty much locked up already.  I know, it's pretty boring in that division.  Texas is 9.5 ahead of Oakland who are still under 50.  Texas will no doubt move onto the playoffs, sorry Billy Beane, maybe next year.

JoeChat: 8/24

Hello Everyone!  Welcome to another episode of JoeChat!  I had to go back a week to retrieve this gold, but here I am writing it a week later.  So enjoy the wise words of Mr. Joe Morgan.

Tito (Brooklyn)

Which of these 4 outfielders should be benched: Manny, Kemp, Ethier, or Podsednik?

Joe Morgan  (11:23 AM)

That's a difficult question, because right now, Manny hasn't proven that he's back at 100%. Podsednik has done pretty well for them. Kemp and Ethier should be playing because they have a high upside and could be superstars in time. Manny is a great hitter, has been a great hitter, but it still matters if he still has that ability. If they're all playing the way they're supposed to, then Podsednik is the odd man out.

- Hypothetically, let us say that all of these players are playing like they are and not the way they are "supposed to be."  Joe, what the hell does that even mean in the context of this question?  O, sorry I forgot, how well you perform is synonymous with how well you are supposed to perform.  Here is an example, the other day Stephen Strasburg tore a ligament in his elbow and will require Tommy John surgery.  Now should I bench him or Jarrod Zimmerman.  Going off of "Joe Theory" I should play Strasburg with a torn ligament because he is SUPPOSED TO be playing better than Jarrod Zimmerman.  Come on man.

Tito (Brooklyn)

Joba's been pitching better lately. Do you think his confidence is back?

Joe Morgan  (11:14 AM)

Confidence is like the question, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Success breeds confidence, but if you're confident, you will be successful. He may be confident right now after some good outings, but as soon as you have some poor outings, you will be where you were before. Although I am surprised at his lack of success the last couple of years. He came out looking like he was going to be a dominant pitcher for a long time.

-  He didn't ask for your definition and explanation of what confidence is.  The man just wants to know whether Joba is confident again! 

Joe Morgan  (11:04 AM)

It's interesting that recently we've had two pitchers taken out of the game with a no-hitter. It used to be that it wasn't a big deal when that happened. But now, it is. With pitchers on pitch counts and trying to protect their arms, they're trying to protect the pitcher. Before, it wasn't a pitch limit that took a pitcher out, it was more how they were pitching and how they looked physically.

- Read that third sentence again With pitchers on pitch counts and trying to protect their arms, they're trying to protect the pitcher.  Joe, this is a great way to start off a chat session.  This sentence is both repetitive and a complete mishmash of words.  What your saying (in a run on sentence) is that pitchers are trying to protect their arms, while the pitcher's are trying to protect the pitchers.  Good job my man.  Your a dumbass.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Do you think the Braves can hold off the Phillies or is that potent lineup and improved pitching staff going to overtake Atlanta? I think even if they do, Bobby Cox gets one final chance in the post-season to win a 2nd ring.

Joe Morgan  (11:13 AM)

I felt that the Phillies would overtake them. But the Braves are holding on. If you're in first place, then you have the chance to hold on, even though I think the Phillies have the best overall team.

- You did an excellent job of avoiding an answer to the man's question.  I think what Joe is trying to say is that the Phillies "should" win the division cause they are the best team.  Unfortunately for Joe, that wasn't the question.  Hey Joe! Thanks for pointing out that if your team is in the lead of division, that they have a chance to hold it.  No shit.  Your an idiot.

Jeff (Indianapolis)

With Pujols leading the NL in HR and RBI and Votto leading in BA, which is more likely for a triple crown, Pujols catching Votto in BA or Votto catching Pujols in HR and RBI?

Joe Morgan  (11:17 AM)

I think Pujols has the better chance of winning the Triple Crown. Votto has never lead the lead in any of those categories. Pujols might win the Triple Crown.  

- Well the first sentence is spot on I must say.  It looks like we have some trouble when we start to make paragraphs, don't we?  First, your second sentence is hilarious.  It makes no sense.  Even though I get what you are trying to say, it still is a dimwit comment.  Why does it matter if Votto has never lead the league in any of the categories?  Joe, you must have taken a good amount of time to write this second sentence, because you change your mind in the last sentence.  In fact, the last sentence shouldn't even be there.  Because Votto "might" win the Triple Crown as well.

Tito (Brooklyn)

Do you think the Boston Red Sox will make the playoffs if Johnny Damon returns to that team?

Joe Morgan  (11:19 AM)

He can help them because they have too many injuries in their outfield. He's a veteran and he has some leadership abilities. He definitely will help them. Whether that will be enough to lead them into the playoffs, I can't answer that. But he will no doubt help them. His presence helps improve that team. But if he went to the Rays or the Yankees that would happen too. He would help any team in the race. He's been there before and he has had some success in the postseason.

- But he will no doubt help them. His presence helps improve that team. But if he went to the Rays or the Yankees that would happen too. He would help any team in the race.  I just wanted to point out that these four sentences are worthless.  They can all be summed up by the last sentence.  This is such a vague statement that it almost answers the question.  Here is an analogy I made up based off this Joegraph outline: "Albert Pujols is a good hitter for the Cardinals.  Albert Pujols' hitting helps the Cardinals.  If Pujols went to the Reds or the Brewers he would also help them.  Albert Pujols is a good hitter for any team."  Solid.

Tito (Brooklyn)

What do you think is more important from the leadoff hitter in a batting lineup: speed or OBP?

Joe Morgan  (11:25 AM)

A perfect leadoff hitter does both. You want guys to get on base. There were a lot of guys who hit first and got on base but didn't have speed. Wade Boggs comes to mind. He got on base a lot and gave his team a chance to score runs. Now if a guy gets on base and has speed, he can help the team score runs by himself. If he doesn't have speed, then you can still get on base and help the team score runs within the team concept.

- Is Joe incapable of answering an "either or question"?  You can't have both buddy!  That's why he asked the question.  You dimtwit.