Thursday Applesauce

by Eric Simon on Nov 6, 2008 9:52 AM EST in Applesauce

In Arizona:

Bobby Parnell pitched the first 2.2 innings for the Peoria Saguaros, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out three.
Tobi Stoner allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings.

In the Dominican Republic:

Fernando Tatis went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three runs scored.
Argenis Reyes went 0-for-5.
Fernando Martinez went 1-for-3 with a run scored, a stolen base and a hit-by-pitch.
Julio Polanco pitched two-thirds of an inning of perfect ball.
Luis Terrero went 3-for-4.

In Venezuela:

Edgar Alfonzo allowed two runs on two hits and a walk without retiring a batter.
Jose Rojas allowed a solo homrun and struck out one in an inning of relief.

DRaysBay appreciates Cliff Floyd and his contributions to their 2008 World Series run. We love Uncle Cliffy, too.

At FanGraphs, David Golebiewski looks at baseball's most unheralded ace, Zack Grienke. How good is he? Really, really good.

At The Book Blog, MGL rates the NL Gold Glove selections based on their performance in UZR Ultimate Zone Rating). Beltran: Good. McLouth: Bad.

As expected, the Dodgers declined their $9.25 million option on Brad Penny for 2009.

Joe Posnanski has 3,000+ words on Bob Feller, if you're looking to kill some time on a Thursday and want to read one of the best sportswriters in the country.

Tim Brown has a bunch of nuggets from the GM meetings over at Yahoo! Sports, including a big contract offer to Manny Ramirez from the Dodgers, the Braves getting more optimistic about a possible Jake Peavy acquisition, and a rumored deal to send Hideki Matsui to Seattle.

Several teams have contacted the Rays about B.J. Upton. Upton is 23 and drew 93 unintentional walks last year. He's not going anywhere.

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Comments

Greinke

I noticed a few weeks ago what a phenomenal year he had. He was rushed to the majors and had a rough season in 2005, his last season before this one when he started for the whole season, but then, he was only 21.

Why on earth would the Rays trade Upton?

by JoshNY on Nov 6, 2008 10:38 AM EST reply actions

Exactly

How many more years do the Rays have his contract under control? Trade an incredibly talented 23-year-old for, what, some up-and-coming 17-year-olds?

'Catsmeat!' he cried. 'I see it all. It was that chump, Catsmeat.'

by Catsmeat Potter-Pirbright on Nov 6, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

Because they're the Rays and the need to rebuild!

Don’t you know? They’re always looking to trade for prospects. Just like the Yankees spending money means they’ll automatically be the best team in the AL East next year.

Also, from that article is this massively stupid line:

“And yet it is important to remember that Friedman surprised many observers when he dealt 21-year-old Delmon Young to the Twins following the 2007 season after the outfielder hit .288 with 13 home runs and 93 RBIs, a performance that led to Young finishing second in the Rookie of the Year balloting behind Boston’s Dustin Pedroia.”

Delmon Young has shown no plate discipline and hasn’t developed any power. At this point, he’ll be lucky to be another Garrett Anderson (except Anderson never threw a bat at an umpire). Friedman sold high on him. Upton has power, is a tremendous fielder, and walks a ton. Upton could be another Carlos Beltran or even better. He ain’t going anywhere, folks.

Vote change: DePodesta/Acta in 2009!!!

by Greenpoint Ian on Nov 6, 2008 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

Not to mention

He traded Delmon for another major league ready prospect, who was probably regarded about as highly as Young. It’s not like he traded him for a guy who was 2 years away.

by Gina on Nov 6, 2008 12:56 PM EST up reply actions