Things Read in Other Moms' Basements - Around the NL East 05.15.10

What a fun week it's been - a glorious sweep of the Brewers, which saw the first grand slam in almost two years, Tommy Hanson's utter dominance, and run, lots and lots of beautiful runs. And then we start the weekend off just right, with an exciting come-from-behind win over the Dbacks. Normally, when people drop stats like the Dbacks' struggling bullpen, I can't help but dread fearing that we'd be the team that they would begin to right ship against, but that was not the case, which made me very pleased, and looking forward to heading to the Ted later on today.

I'm taking a tiny bit of a different approach this week; the NL East is already a special division to us, and arguably one of the most competitive in the sport. But within various spans of this season, each team of the NL East is likely to be introducing or already has introduced a hot young prospect into the folds, for potential ushering into the future. And all of them are currently performing at levels that simply cannot be ignored. Jason Heyward and Ike Davis have already arrived for the Braves and Mets. At some point in June, it's pretty forlorn that we're going to see Stephen Strasburg and Mike Stanton arrive for the Nationals and the Marlins. Based on the production, I can't not assume that at the very latest, we'll see Domonic Brown get a cup of coffee in September for the Phillies. These are all to be exciting and hopeful times for all teams, as we very well enjoyed greatly with the magic of Jason Heyward's debut. Competition is what makes sport so wonderful, and if all these kids come up and rise to take the reigns, then the NL East will easily remain amongst the best in baseball.

Welcome to another week's edition of Things Read in Other Moms' Basements.

Domonic Brown News:

Brown impresses in losing effort - Reading Eagle
Despite the fact that Reading was clobbered 10-3, obviously they're taking as much positive out of Domonic Brown's performance as possible. He homered in his first at-bat, and then had one impressive, 17-pitch at-bat before striking out.

Other Phillies News:

Phillies accused of stealing signs with binoculars - Big League Stew
Unless you've been living under a rock, this is probably the top story out of the NL East this week - bullpen coach, Mick Billmeyer was seen in the Phillies bullpen with binoculars, supposedly watching the Rockies' Miguel Olivo, and attempting to decipher signs. Later on, Shane Victorino was spotted on the bullpen phone. Personally, sign deciphering is a part of the game, but supposedly using aides such as binoculars is a little much. Naturally, the Phillies and Philadelphia media are on the defensive on this whole situation, much like the New England Patriots and their own SpyGate back a few years ago, but their coach wasn't telling others to stop crying, (Jim Tracy is not amused.) and insinuating that the Mets must be doing it too, since they're so good at home as opposed to the road. Which means the Braves are probably doing it too, since we're 9-4 at home, and not nearly as good on the road, too. But I really don't want to say much more (other than a few snide remarks in this column) about the situation, because MLB has formally warned the team, and they're not going to do it again, but they'll probably still be dominant without the speculation.

As if they need any more advantages - Philly.com
It's bad enough the Phillies have Roy Halladay, it's bad enough that their offense is the Juggernautbitch, and it's bad enough that their using binoculars in the bullpen, but now the Phillies are getting three more home games? Fail, Toronto, fail, MLB schedulers, fail. Sure, it's the G20 Summit with some of the supposed most powerful political figures in the world being present, but these things have to be planned very well in advance. Someone clearly was not cross-checking schedules on this one, and now not only does the city of Toronto miss their chance to possibly see Doc pitch in the Skydome again, but instead, the Jays have to go to Philadelphia instead, and play three more road games, while the Phillies play three more home games. It's kind of like being promised to go to Disneyland, but you end up with your head in the toilet at Abdullah the Butcher's House of Ribs and Chinese Food. Don't be fooled by the "home game" status that the Jays will "enjoy" in Philadelphia, like using the DH and getting to bat last, because it's still BS. Like when the Cubs and Astros were sent to "neutral" Milwaukee (instead of Atlanta) to make up a game after Hurricane Ike, with the Astros being tagged the "home team," only to get no-hit. Or when the New Orleans Saints had to play in the Meadowlands against the Giants after Hurricane Katrina, with some shoddy Saints logos appearing in the end zone, with nothing but Big Blue supporters there for the Saints' "home opener" which they got slaughtered.

Jayson Werth, Player of the Week - The Good Phight
Mess not, with he who is in pursuit of the riches. As much as I loathe Werth as opposition, I'd still love to have him with us. But I also question his ability not conveniently sandwiched between Howard and Ibanez in that monumental Phillies lineup, too. And with the rise of Domonic Brown, it's pretty safe for me to assume that Werth is done as a Philly after the year. As impressive as his numbers have been these last few years, I just don't think he's worth the cleanup hitter money, because well, I don't think he's a cleanup hitter. But it doesn't stop the guys over at TGP from hypothesizing how to keep him.

Brad Lidge has sore elbow - Philly.com
He left Denver to go back to Philly for an MRI, which showed no damage, but there was some inflammation. Keep in mind that elbow inflammation is pretty much what rendered Rafael Soriano pretty much a non-factor throughout all of 2008, and when he did return in 2009, he lost about 4-6 mph on his fastball that I once saw touch 100 mph on the Turner Field radar gun in 2007. Suddenly, the injury bug is plaguing the Phillies, with Ruiz, Lidge, Happ and Madson all banged up, leaving the bullpen kind of suspect with guys like Contreras, Baez, Durbin and Romero really left. Could 'Pigs be the temporary answer?

Jimmy Rollins to begin Minor League rehab assignments - MLB.com
Oh goody. If all goes well, and he's claiming to not be feeling any pain, he'll be back up by the 23rd of May at the latest. Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, when the Phillies come to Atlanta.

BEYOND. EPIC. - The Good Phight
I could dress up like Sgt. Slaughter fifty times, and goad John Smoltz and Tom Glavine into a rap battle, but it still wouldn't come close to the words that this epic drawing is worth.

Stephen Strasburg News:

Schilling: Strasburg is MLB-caliber ace NOW - WaPo
I guess it has been a few weeks since Curt Schilling opened his big mouth. And gee, lucky us, it's NL East related, thus reportable here. He says that thinks Stephen Strasburg is essentially the best pitcher in baseball right now. Taking a few steps back, I wonder if other teams' fans looked at the Atlanta Braves and felt such tomfoolery at the hype machine that was Jason Heyward? After holding the AAA Norfolk Tides to a no-hitter after six innings, he's pulled to his insanely strict pitch count. Also, Mike Rizzo employs a confusion tactic of pussy-footing around when Stephen Strasburg's major league debut will be, but from what I hear, it's likely going to be against a team with a losing record.

Other Nationals News:

Rizzo says Nationals are not locked in on top draft pick yet - MLB.com
Wasn't this pretty much the same song and dance last year, with whether or not the Nationals would use their top pick on Stephen Strasburg? This is only going to go on for the next few weeks as the draft inches closer and closer, too.

Jordan Zimmermann and Jesus Flores play in simulated game - MLB.com
If both of these guys return to the Nationals healthy someday, by next year, I really think the Nationals are a legit contender, what with plenty of pitching, two solid catchers, and plenty of hitting capabilities. Strasburg, Lannan, Zimmermann, and whatever between Wang, Olsen, Livan, Detweiler they wish to keep is a pretty decent rotation, at least on paper.

Jason Marquis has successful surgery - WaPo
Bone chips were removed from his throwing arm, and he'll be out for the next 4-6 weeks. As I'm sure most are aware of, like Hinske's World Series luck, Marquis has his own luck of being on playoff teams. They're not quite laying down just yet, and this can only carry on for so much longer before people stop calling them pretenders.

Chien-Ming Wang tentatively set to debut in July - WaPo
Quietly, the former staff ace of the New York Yankees is getting himself into game-shape, and the Nats have tentatively declared a July 1 debut timeline for Wang. Also mentioned in the article, a AAA player for the Nationals was busted for testing positive with an amphetamine of unknown identity at the time. You know the drill, he's gone for 50 games.

Tyler Clippard scoffs at Oscar Villarreal - Hardball Talk
With 7 wins after a hair over 30 games played, Tyler Clippard leads all of Major League Baseball in the ever-important, all-telling, all-knowing pitcher's wins statistic. Vulturing wins at an astronomical rate, Clippard is currently on pace for 32-33 wins, but will still lose the Cy Young award to either Tim Lincecum or Ubaldo Jiminez.

Miguel Batista threatens potential partial strike of 2011 All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona - Fire Jim Bowden
I really liked the first comment:

"Nice of Batista to use Vlad as an example, Lord knows the only way Batista is getting into the All-Star game is with a ticket."

Mike Stanton News:

Other baseball people sound off on Mike Stanton - Miami Herald
Keith Law, a baseball nerd, once said that Mike Stanton could potentially become the next Jeff Francoeur, if he lost sight of the strike zone. And believe you me, this is a concern to the stat community. But what do actually baseball people have to say about the Fish's own 20-year old phenom? John Baker compares him to Dave Winfield. Andre Dawson compares him to Miguel Cabrera (minus 40 lbs.), and Wes Helms compares his hitting prowess at his current age to Chipper Jones when he was 20. Cody Ross can't wait for him to be called up. Cameron Maybin, and Chris Coghlan, whom are both slumping pretty bad, probably can. Let the hype machine churn on!

Add "Bo Jackson" to the comparisons - Miami Herald
As stated by Jacksonville Suns (AA) president, who has apparently seen plenty of talent travel through AA-Jacksonville in his time, and thinks Mike Stanton is well among the greats of the future. With a good head on his body, and a little bit of intelligence, based on some creative hitting drills he apparently invented himself to improve his swing.

Other Marlins News:

Obscure occurrence, ironic results, funny all around - Miami Herald
When was the last time three Marlins homered in the same inning, at home? It was against the Montreal Expos. So it's been a long time, but a combination of Cameron Maybin, Chris Coghlan, and Dan Uggla all went yard at SunLiphinShark Stadium, and prompted the Mets to quickly pull Oliver Perez, who was:

"who was booed heartily by the large contingent of Mets fans in the crowd of 21,221"

In someone else's park, no less.

68 wins? That's it? - MLB.com
I know the Marlins have been around only since 1993, but that was 17 years ago. At a paltry 43 wins, Ricky Nolasco is fourth in all-time Marlins wins, trailing A.J. Burnett, Brad Penny, and the leader, Dontrelle Willis with 68 wins, with 22 of them coming in 2005 alone. I guess it's difficult for me to put in perspective when Greg Maddux won 194 games by himself in just ten years after 1993.

Jorge Cantu, returning to Earth - Miami Herald
After possibly one of the hottest offensive starts of the year, Jorge Cnatu is finding himself batting 6 for his last 45 in the month of May, and riding the bench in place of Wes Helms. Fredi, being the good manager, just claims that he needs some rest after the torrid April he enjoyed.

Doug Mientkiewicz throws in the towel - Fish Stripes
Well, that didn't last long. Despite batting .400 in his brief stint with the New Orleans Zephyrs, Mientkiewicz decides to pocket his baseball and take his marginal talents elsewhere, with very little chance of actually getting to be back in the bigs with the Fish.

Marlins pile onto Phillies SpyGate - Miami Herald
Now that the jig is up, it's time for other teams to suddenly pile onto the Phillies, with guys John Baker, and Fredi Gonzalez himself coming out with "yeah, we thought something was fishy" remarks. But I guess when Chase Utley, a normally patient hitter decides to check his swing, and hit doubles, repeatedly, it draws a little suspicion.

Ike Davis News:

Ike Davis saves game, gets groped - Deadspin
Leave it to Deadspin to isolate something so innocent as protecting a teammate from potential hurt, and exploit it as more homosexual jokes. BTW, it's Fernando Tatis. /bad joke about hitting grand slams But it's okay, he was wearing a cup.

Other Mets News:

Don't look now, the Mets have lost 5 of 6 - MLB.com
More or less, just a reminder to those who really don't pay attention to what other teams are doing, but the Braves and Mets are both chasing .500; but going in opposite directions. Spear-headed by none other than, you guessed it, Frank Stallone Oliver Perez. KK haters, it could be worse, and we could have Perez. Add that sentiment to the Derek Lowe haters, too.

Fernando Martinez, placed on DL with hamstring strain - MLB.com
A minor setback for top prospect F-Mart, whom will likely be a starting outfielder as late as next season.

Mets take the high road in Philly sign stealing controversy - New York Daily News
Jerry Manual laughs off the claims that Charlie Manuel had for the Mets about how they had to be cheating since they were so strong at iti Field. Johan Santana doesn't even try to insinuate cheating after getting destroyed in his last start at Philadelphia. And Rod Barajas, who once was a Philly, keeps his mouth shut on the whole ordeal as a whole. But I wonder what Jeff Francoeur thinks about the situation?

Because Frenchy sure doesn't like the Phillies getting bonus home games - New York Daily News

"That's just bull----," Francoeur said. "That's not really fair. That's just not fair."

And speaking of Jeff Francoeur - FanGraphs
Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwn.

Is Omar Minaya a good GM? - Amazin' Avenue
You know what, just click on the poll's results.

That explains a lot - New York Times

"It’s sort of good now that there is debris to be blown out there," Howard said. "It shows people are spending some money and buying food and drink and enjoying themselves."

So what he's saying is that it's okay to be a slob and throw your trash everywhere you want to, because it justifies that people are spending money in the park. Yes, profit is nice, but the crap getting blown onto the field and causing grounds crew to repeatedly stop the game to retrieve it isn't what I'd call nice. Also in the link, David Wright quiet about his struggles and Oliver Perez still sucks.

Weekly Carlos Beltran update: jogging begun, maybe back in 4-6 weeks - New York Daily News
Well, it's good to hear that the jogging has taken place, which is a good sign that Beltran might not need additional surgery, but it's still a long ways coming before the Mets will likely get a chance to see him with the big club.

David Wright not quite the same after HBP - ESPN (Insider article)
Buster Olney speculates that David Wright just hasn't been the same since he took a Matt Cain fastball to the head last year. Scouts claim that he's flinching often at breaking pitches, and he's simply not intimidating batters anymore. The Nationals pitched around Jason Bay to get to him earlier this week.

Chris Carter is now my favorite Met - MetsBlog
Not to be confused with the Minnesota Vikings wideout, Carter was called up in place for Frank Catalanotto, and he comes out to Hulk Hogan's "Real American"

Sometimes, headlines just write themselves - MetsBlog
And words are just best expressed in song:

Mike Piazza wishes to be a Met in the Hall of Fame - Mets Police
If given the choice of representing the Dodgers or the Mets, Piazza feels that he accomplished the meat of his career in New York. For some reason, all I can really think about is his Head & Shoulders commercial, and his appearance on The Apprentice, where he was actually paid $25,000 to brush his teeth in Central Park.

The Death of a Closer - Metstradamus
Lots of visuals this week. As a fan of the play Death of a Salesman, I found this to be quite amusing.