They are. They're not. Great arguments I put forth, huh? What does that have to do with my post? I never said that's what they were aiming for. You implied that was what they were aiming for No, he implied that that's what their moves have accomplished.
Crap, Mata fouls out with 4 minutes to go. These refs are horrendous (both ways), they're letting both teams get away with bloody murder down low and call the most ticky tacky fouls outside.
They certainly have a chance, but I think they'll lose, especially since they'll be on the road. They're a talented but VERY young team (their starters are 3 freshman and 2 sophomores).
Craig, Are you certain Novoa has an option remaining? I don't see how he could if he burned one for Detroit, which I believe he did. I remember in the middle of the season, craig (at least I think it was craig) posted something about how Novoa still has an option this season. It seems likely at least one of the relievers will get traded before spring.
again, which is it? was he listening to Duncan in 04-05, or was that strictly his stubborn side putting up solid #3 numbers? and back in 01, was he listening to Cox, or was that his stubborn side? where does this 'stubborn' / 'the best pitching coaches couldn't straighten him out' stuff come from other than looking at a situation and jumping to conclusions about cause and effect? I think it goes in phases. Regardless of production, he has had a different view for how he can be most effective compared to Mazzone and Duncan. Moreso Duncan than Mazzone b/c Mazzone prefers the 4 seamer more than Duncan, which goes along with Marquis. Imo, he's definitely a better pitcher using the sinker/slider combo. But his stubborn nature didn't lead to his struggling (that was more command/control and his slider went in the toilet). But, his stubbornness probably made it difficult to truly listen to advice rather than going out the other ear if he didn't agree with it. Exactly, UK. He has quite a bit of talent but even in his good years, he didn't use it to the fullest and he apparently has a rep of not listening to his coaches which certainly doesn't help.
Jim Callis chimes in at Ask BA on whether Hamilton can stick with the Reds. Basically, the reasons why he could stick: Only have 4 letgitimate major league OFs on the roster and might trade one of them - Adam Dunn. The reasons he might not: Just 50 ABs in the past 4 seasons, just 89 games above A-ball since he turned pro. Had arthroscopic knee surgery last season.
But what is going to make him change if he wasn't receptive towards some of the best pitching coaches in the bigs? Greg Maddux and Mark DeRosa's word are nice and all, but I'm not sure I have faith in Marquis listening and improving much. Three years? That sucks.
2007: Guzman, Marshall, Marmol - Guzman showed me enough of the great stuff in spurts last season for me to feel he'll put it together this season. Marmol really needs a bit more time, especially given how new he is to pitching. I'd love to see him get some time at AAA starting. Marshall needs to limit his HRs and improve his control (that's what made him successfull in the minors), but he's still ahead of Marmol for now in the big leagues. Long-term: Guzman, Marmol, Marshall - just based on their ceilings. Guzman would be the toughest for me to give up in a trade but none of them are untouchable. Sounds like almost what Tim said...but I definitely am with him that Guzman is going to break out in 07.