4/12 Cubs (Smyly) v. Bucs (Quintana); 3:12, MSN

[OleMissCub]

Why is this game at 3:12? What a bizarre time for a game to start.

 

Best lineup so far IMO

 

[Andy]

Why is this game at 3:12? What a bizarre time for a game to start.

It's the Pittsburgh home opener, though why it's at 4 instead of at 1 or 2 is beyond me.

[OleMissCub]

Why is this game at 3:12? What a bizarre time for a game to start.

It's the Pittsburgh home opener, though why it's at 4 instead of at 1 or 2 is beyond me.

 

It's the 12 minutes that has me most confused.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Why is this game at 3:12? What a bizarre time for a game to start.

It's the Pittsburgh home opener, though why it's at 4 instead of at 1 or 2 is beyond me.

 

It's the 12 minutes that has me most confused.

 

A Pittsburgh newspaper tells me that it's a special gametime for opening day since 412 is a Pittsburgh area code.

[Bertz]

I don't normally do "Player X to hit a home run" prop bets but Quintana is a really great matchup for Wisdom.

[UMFan83]

So great we have a contact hitter who can bounce into double plays on the regular

[sneakypower]

starting to think Madigral's .289 expected wOBA was pretty reflective

[Bertz]

Smyly looks really good. Another guy on the staff too already nearly bumping his mid-season velocity, which is encouraging (though weather is clearly not an issue today).

[UMFan83]

Nico being Nico

[mul21]

Nico being Nico

 

He's not Javy, but he's been really good from what I've watched so far this year.

[Bertz]

Nico being Nico

 

He had a similar play the last week of ST. It's obviously not Javy's arm but I don't understand all of the negativity towards him being a viable SS on more than a backup basis. That's clearly enough arm.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Has anyone done any studies on if you get the ball to first faster with the quick jump throw or planting and gunning, like they've done for running through 1B v. sliding? Every time I watch one of these plays(which are impressive) I can't help but think they're giving up so much velocity that unless they've been running for like 10 steps they'd be better off getting the whole of their arm behind it with a slower release.

[Bertz]

Video

 

[UMFan83]

Hell yeah Seiya!

[Tim]

I think Seiya might be good.

[Bertz]

[UMFan83]

This is a horrible lazy comparison because they are both Japanese players, but I cant help drawing comparisons to Fukudome's start in 2008. Was hitting for power, drawing walks, taking great ABs. His numbers is Japan were fairly similar too except 1) Seiya's were a bit better and 2) Seiya was younger so more likely that he can actually hit like this full time.

 

Now smart people give me additional reasons why the comparison is not apt

[soccer10k]

Had no idea this was a day game until a friend texted me that Suzuki donged again.

[Tim]

Had no idea this was a day game until a friend texted me that Suzuki donged again.

You were paying attention to the wrong Rickett's team.

[CubinNY]

I think Schwindel is over with.

[UMFan83]

WYD Wisdom? Ball was going right to Nico...

[UMFan83]

I think Schwindel is over with.

 

I mean I'm not terribly optimistic about Schwindel and haven't been but I'd give him more than 4 games before bailing on him

[soccer10k]

Had no idea this was a day game until a friend texted me that Suzuki donged again.

You were paying attention to the wrong Rickett's team.

 

Ha! I actually forgot about those also until they were almost done.

[Derwood]

Seiya for ROTY, MVP, GOAT

[Rob]

I am starting to like this guy.