Monday, April 14, 2008

TWIB Notes 4/14



While I try not to jump off a bridge because of a Dodger 5-7 start:

- Welcome back Randy Johnson, who returns tonight for the D-Backs. Johnson hasn't been healthy in 3 years, but is just 16 wins away from 300. Hopefully he's got a little left to be able to get there.

- Andruw Jones (above) looks very, very bad. Batting .100 with O homers and 1 RBI, the Dodgers are starting to sweat their big new bat. Way too early, and if this slump happened in mid-June, it would basically go unnoticed. But still...

- Does any team look worse than the Tigers? The answer is no. But not for the reasons that I thought they would struggle. Their starting pitching has stunk, their bats have stunk worse, and Jim Leyland just blew a gasket. Again, too early to freak out, but they better get it together soon.

- The Nats' attendance has been underwhelming for their new digs. As it gets warmer, people will come. But I believe they turned people off with the lack of parking. You can push Metro all you want, but some people (including me) would rather walk there than ride on that disaster.

- The Royals keep chugging along, sitting only 1/2 game out of first. The biggest reasons are starters Zach Greinke and Brian Bannister, both with ERAs under 1.00. In a division that's starting to look tighter than expected, KC may be able to look respectable for the first time in 2 decades.

2 comments:

Ian O'hEnas said...

Let's go Blue Jays!!!

The Old Guy said...

It is tough not get yourself worked up, even when it is early. I know the feeling from the other side of the spectrum. I am waiting for the Cards to lose 5 or 6 in a row. I am not sure Randy is going to make it to 300. He definitely won't make it this year and I am not sure he will make it back next season. Jones was a risk, given how terrible he played last year. He is the type of player that lineup needed, but they needed the 2005/2006 model. Are we seeing the impact of the MLB drug testing program here? On a similar note, watching Gagne pitch against the Mets on Sunday, I was not surprised to see his fastball being clocked between 88 and 90 mph. Pitching is back and I like it. Now we will see who the true power hitters are. Brady Anderson need not apply. I agree on the new ballpark and the Metro, just poor planning. The new stadium should certainly be attracting more people, even if it is only April.

This blog approved by Fred McGriff

This blog approved by Fred McGriff