HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Organization: University of Maine System
Date: Friday, 14 Aug 1992 00:06:53 EDT
From: Ryan Robbins <IO20456@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: infield fly II ?
 <1992Aug13.154417.25531@julian.uwo.ca> <1992Aug13.155140.26482@julian.uwo.ca>
 <1992Aug13.194520.13189@cs.mcgill.ca>

If runners can run at their own peril, then how can the ball be dead?
When an infield fly is declared, the ball remains very much alive and
in play, that's what allows the baserunners to advance!

+===============================================================+
||   RYAN ROBBINS                    INTERNET:                 ||
||   UNIVERSITY OF MAINE             IO20456@MAINE.MAINE.EDU   ||
+===============================================================+
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: luigi@sgi.com (Randy Palermo)
Subject: Re: Suncoast Monstrosity
Organization: Silicon Graphics, Inc., Mountain View, CA
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 19:53:26 GMT

In article <7x!n_bq@lynx.unm.edu> kbos@carina.unm.edu (Kurt Bose "of Biscayzee") writes:
>In article <1992Aug18.230525.13570@odin.corp.sgi.com> luigi@sgi.com (Randy Palermo) writes:
>>>
>>This is absurd! Based on this statement we should next move the Dodgers
>>to Podunk, Iowa because the fans in LA have plenty of other things to do
>>and the good folks of Podunk don't have squat. This statement also infers
>
>I strongly object to your spurious allegation that the good town of Podunk, Iowa
>has "squat".  Podunk is a thriving community with several family attractions.
>The annual County Independence Day celebration is held at the Podunk City Park
>every year, and last month the Raccoon Valley Fireworks Company provided over
>_100_ fireworks in the annual production.  The sports communtiy has little need
>for the Dodgers, as the Central Podunk Beanwalkers are again strong contenders
>for entry into the state football tournament.  We have all sorts of big-city
>conveniences, including a Hardee's.  This spring, we even got our own video
>rental store.  We've had Home Box Office on cable television for upwards of a
>year and a half.  Finally, Podunk is considered to be a leading contender to be
>a stop on the RAGBRAI tour in 1994.  Podunk is a wonderful town and a great 
>place to raise a family.  As a representative of the town of Podunk, I demand
>a retraction and apology.
>
>{garnish with smileys and bake at 400F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown}
>
I offer my humblest apologies. I had no idea the Beanwalkers were so well
thought of. :^)

luigi
--
Randy Palermo   luigi@csd.sgi.com    Fax: (415)961-6502
Silicon Graphics Computer Systems, 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd Mt. View, CA 94039
"Play an accordion, go to jail. That's the LAW"
From: eiswirth@vixvax.mgi.com (Steve Eiswirth)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Twins are done
Date: 21 Aug 92 16:14:11 GMT
Organization: Management Graphics, Inc.

I'm way bummed.  I'm as big a Twins fan as the next guy, but last night's
5th straight embarrassing loss to a last place team clinched it for me:
to The Twins are done.  They may flop around a little and make a token comeback
to close in on the A's, but it won't be much.  I don't know why they died,
but ever since what will forever be known as the Eric Fox game, they have
found one creative way after another to lose against inferior opposition.
T.K. is apparently at wits end trying to get the team out of their slumber,
but nothing is working.  A week ago I suggested bringing up Trombley from
AAA, which they did, and getting rid of Banks, which they haven't done.
People are suggesting a trade for a real pitcher like Guzman from Texas, but
the asking price would be probably too much as this point.  If the hitting,
fielding, and smart baserunning are out of synch, bringing back Cy Young
in his prime wouldn't help this team.

I hope the Twins can snap out of it and start kicking ass again, but the fact
that they're in such a bad groove - coupled with the fact that the A's are
playing like they want to win - doesn't bode well for the defending champs.
You know your season is over when you can't score against the Indians with
a runner on 3rd, no outs, and Puckett, Hrbek, and Mack coming up; and in the
same game Tapani throws a 10-inning 3 hitter.

Too bad, I was looking forward to a rematch with the Braves.
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: stanm@comm.mot.com (Stan Macasieb)
Subject: Re: Need tix: Wrigley Oct 2 Weekend
Reply-To: stanm@comm.mot.com
Organization: Motorola
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 19:56:13 GMT

In article 1180@ultra.com, wayne@ultra.com (Wayne Hathaway) writes:
>Not sure this is worth posting, but ...  When I got up a group to go
>to Wrigley (from California) a few years ago, I went through "ticket
>brokers" (a/k/a legal scalpers) to get my tickets.  Sure there was a
>"service charge" added, but the warm feeling of KNOWING that I had not
>only tickets but GREAT tickets before shelling out for an airplane
>ticket was well worth it.  Also the people I talked to were very
>friendly and helpful, not high pressure at all.
>

I don't like the thought of working w/ ticket brokers any more than
I like dealing w/ Ticketmaster. In both cases, you're shelling out
extra bucks for not having to stand in line and wait for tickets. 
With the brokers, they can bid up the price of a ticket if the market
calls for it. Granted, a dog matchup will cut into whatever profits
they get on a big event, but they are still making big bucks off of
you.

What I'm most critical of ticket brokers is that they will hoard the
best seats of certain events, leaving people like me who wait in line
on the first day of ticket sales, only to find that most of the best
seats are taken and that the only ones left are up in the Bob Uecker
section. 

I can bitch and moan about not getting great seats to a game because
I won't pay the piper for it. But there's always WGN, and they always
have great angles and I don't get beer spilled on my lap. :)

***********************************************************************
--Stan Macasieb (stanm@comm.mot.com)              |  A brain cramp,
--Motorola, Land Mobile Products Sector           |  that's what it
--Schaumburg, IL (just another suburb of Chicago) |  is, a brain cramp!
***********************************************************************
From: thf2@ellis.uchicago.edu (Ted Frank)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: AL Marginal Lineup Values through 8/9
Date: 18 Aug 92 03:19:43 GMT
Reply-To: thf2@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations

In article <l901frINNsoj@appserv.Eng.Sun.COM> str@maredsous.Eng.Sun.COM writes:
>In article Cx0@world.std.com, szs@world.std.com (Stephen Z Stein) writes:
>%
>%BATTERS       TM   POS     Avg     SLG     OBP     G    PA     MLV    MRPG
>%MCGWIRE,M     OAK   1B   0.273   0.599   0.394   110   451   29.32   0.267 
>%GRIFFEY,KJR   SEA   CF   0.304   0.544   0.358    95   404   25.33   0.267
>
>Steve and/or Dr. Dave:  Could one of you explain to me what factors in KGJR's
>stats pull him even with McGwire?  McGwire has a higher OBA, higher SLG, more
>of the "media stats" (HR, Run, RBI), etc.  KGJR has more H/game, but nothing
>else that's glaringly obvious.  What in the MRPG equation pulls Griffey
>even with McGwire?

Would it be that McGwire plays first base, while Griffey plays centerfield,
which is much less likely to have a hitter of his caliber?
-- 
             ......................................................
             ted frank | thf2@midway.uchicago.edu | std disclaimers
             the university of chicago law skool, chicago, illinois
             you can't throw me to the lions -- i'm charlton heston
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: kbos@carina.unm.edu (Kurt Bose "of Biscayzee")
Subject: Re: Phillies/Orioles Trade(Scarsone/Bell)
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 92 15:00:09 GMT
Organization: University of New Mexico
Distribution: na

In article <85960@netnews.upenn.edu> blankman@sel2.hep.upenn.edu (Alan Blankman) writes:
>The Philadelphia Inquirer gives a very short description of Steve Scarsone
>in a rather lengthy (~12") article on the trade:
>
>  " ... for Steve Scarsone, 26,  a second baseman who hit .274, with 
>     11 homers and 48 RBIs, for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in triple A."
>
>The rest of the article was spent on Bell.... 
>

Looking at his numbers and the leagues they were compiled in, I'm not impressed.

Last year's MLEs, for example, show his seasonb last year to reduce to .241 with
6 HRs and 28 ribbies...only a .266 OBP, adjusted.  7:1 K/W ratio.  Little speed;
negligible gain thereof.  26 years old.  

Looking at the larger picture, last year was the first year he'd hit above .260
in a season, anywhere.  Lifetime, he's about a .250 hitter, so he'll be .225 in
the Show, by my guess.  I haven't seen him play, but the numbers suggest (is
that enough of a caveat for the attitude lifers???) that he has no judgement at
the plate, mediocre power for a 2B, and unimpressive baserunning skills.

On paper, this is a kiddie version on what would happen if Kim Batiste were 
traded for Billy Ripken.  I think that if the trade is looked at in that respect
then you've got a handle on the relative players involved.  


-- 
Kurt Bose (as in Daisy, not Rose) - kbos@carina.unm.edu - I'm not the AntiChrist
I AM the AntiWoofer. - Junior Stathead{tm} - I'm a shutmouthed, selfless idiot!!
Latest Attempted Compiler of the R.S.BB FAQ - Now Accepting Submissions...(hint)
Have you hugged a Dan Gladden fan today? - Dave Rossing : .531/54/214 at Denver!
From: rlwilliams@gallua.gallaudet.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: What happens if????
Date: 20 Aug 92 17:58:00 GMT
Organization: Gallaudet University

In article <19801@plains.NoDak.edu>, sivaram@plains.NoDak.edu (Sivaram Hariharan ) writes:
> What happens if at the end of the season, three teams are tied for
> first spot for the division. Is this  a possiblity and has this
> ever occured before.
> 
> S.h
--------------

This has indeed happened before and it was resolved, I believe, by a 
chili cook off among the respective firstbasemen on the three teams...

rlwilliams@gallua
From: hhenderson@vax.clarku.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Yankee Announcers (was: Tom Seaver for President)
Date: 15 Aug 92 20:31:57 GMT
Organization: Clark University

>> Tom Seaver is a great speechmaker.  He should run for President.
>> How about Jerry Koosman as V.P.?  (Where *is* Kooz nowadays?)
>> Heather
>
>He may be a great speech maker. I don't know, having never heard him
>make a speech. But as a Yankees announcer, he sucks big time. He is
>the single worst broadcaster I've ever heard.
>rinehart@aramis.rutgers.edu (Mark J. Rinehart)

I haven't ever heard him broadcast for the Yankees.  The thought of
Seaver having anything at all to do with the Yankees makes my flesh
crawl.  But could he possibly be worse than Fran Healy?  Healy used
to do play-by-play with Rizzuto back when I listened to Yankee games
(ONLY so I could get the scores of Mets games -- this was before the
Mets were broadcast all over the place).  Healy would spend 50% of
the time talking about how tough it was to be a catcher, because
you'd get hit in the nuts a lot.  Rizzuto would spend 30% of the time
talking about how tough it was to be a shortstop (can't remember why)
and 20% of the time saying hello to people like Mrs. Arthur Magnani
in Larchmont, NY, "whose 80th birthday it is today, and she just
LOVES the Yankees!"  Every once in a while they'd mention what the
score of the game was, but other than that it was difficult to figure
out what was happening on the field, which was fine with me.

And then there were Bill White and Frank Messer, the most disgusting
Yankee shills of them all.  Everything any Yankee hit, however feeble,
was a frozen rope or a towering shot, and any good play made by the
opposition was a lucky bounce.  Barf me out the door.

Much as I hate the Yankees, though, I *do* like the Scooter.
I'm not sure exactly why.  Perhaps because he's the antithesis of
Yankee pomposity.

Heather
Jack Clark University (official name change pending)
HHENDERSON@vax.clarku.edu
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 22:17:03 EDT
From: <DGS4@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Expansion Boosting Stats??

I actually was thinking about this a few days ago, before Peter Gammons
talked about it on SportsCenter tonight. (Actually I'm really frightened
by the fact that Peter and I were actually on the same train of thought.
If I should start spouting meaningless rumors and statistics in the next
few weeks, somebody notify the authorities)

Expansion typically has a big effect on boosting stats.  When the AL
went to 14 teams, homers jumped by 50% I think, average jumped 10 points,
etc., etc., etc.

My question is.....

Are there particularly players in the NL who project to have very good
stats next year and may have MONSTER numbers because of the expansion?

Could we see McGriff and Sheffield both hit 50 homers?

In 1977 Rod Carew hit .388; could Gwynn or Kruk hit close to .400?

Could David Cone strike out 325?

What do you think?

Dennis Shea
From: snichols@adobe.com (Sherri Nichols)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Dream Team
Date: 12 Aug 92 20:30:34 GMT
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated

In article <16boikINNg1o@malibog.hal.COM> rc@hal.COM (Rolland Crunk) writes:
>I feel DC is now (this year) beginning to show what he is capable of
>doing. You can't ignore his 194 strikeouts (8/2/92) (yeah I know
>he gets to pitch against pitcher where RC doesn't). If one goes 
>strictly by ERA then there are pitchers that are ahead of him (and
>RC for that matter). Same goes for wins (gotta have an offense behind
>you to win).

So, you seem to be claiming that Cone is better than Clemens because Cone
strikes out more hitters.  Is that an accurate characterization of your
opinion?  (Not that Cone really strikes out that many more per IP than
Clemens).  

If so, why do you think that's the single most important characteristic in
evaluating a pitcher?  Why is it more important than ERA, or H/IP, or
(H+W)/IP?  

Sherri Nichols
snichols@adobe.com
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: sschudt@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Susan E Schudt)
Subject: Re: Twins/superstition
Organization: The Ohio State University
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 12:19:44 GMT




In article <56712@mentor.cc.purdue.edu> jasdzews@mace.cc.purdue.edu (Gary James
 Jasdzewski) writes:
>Last night I ate a restaurant that had ESPN on in a corner.  I saw an
>update on the Twins/Rangers game and the Twins were up 3 to 2.
>Actually I thought it was the final score because Espn had what I
>thought was a WP next to Edens' name.  So I was up.
>
>Later, I get into my car and turn on the AM.  It was one of those
>nights where stations from Mexico were coming in clear, and I happened
>upon WCCO, the Twins' station in Mpls.  I was a bit confused because
>it was the top of the ninth, the Twins up 3 to 2, and guess who is in
>to "close" the door?
>
>I was not intensely pissed off this time though, because I now believe
>that I am in a way responsible for Aggies' blown saves.  I need to be
>convinced that this is stupid, ,.bcaogkjarih;wgfa;v
>
>Anyone have this kind of superstition?


No, just sadness! :(  It seems to me Jeff Reardon had the same problem after 
the Twins won the series in '87.  Do I remember correctly?  Its the after-we 
win-it-all-syndrome.  Either that or the Ron Davis syndrome.  Anyone remember
HIM?
-- 
           Susan E. Schudt                    0 0
     Dept. of Chemical Engineering
      Goooooooooooooooooo  IRISH!           \_____/
             Win Twins!
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: rsmith@seq.uncwil.edu (Ross Smith)
Subject: Re: An old trivia question
Organization: Univ. of North Carolina @ Wilmington
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 17:03:26 GMT

twhite@mozart.amd.com (Tom White) writes:


>   Only one question.  An olde sawhorse, but let's see what
>   guesses come up.

>   Name a player who lost playing time due to military service
>   during Korea, came back to play, and later homered in his
>   final major league at-bat.

>   ...okay, that was easy.  Now name a SECOND player.  :-)

Ted Williams and Jerry Coleman
-- 
______________________________________________________________________________
|rsmith@seq.uncwil.edu|Mashed potatoes can be your |rsmith@matsci1.uncwil.edu|
|smith@oscar.udel.edu |friends - Wierd Al Yankovic |       Ross Smith        |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: hhenderson@vax.clarku.edu
Subject: Tom Seaver for President
Organization: Clark University
Date: 12 AUG 92 14:49:05 GMT

Tom Seaver is a great speechmaker.  He should run for President.
How about Jerry Koosman as V.P.?  (Where *is* Kooz nowadays?)

Heather
Jack Clark University (official name change pending)
HHENDERSON@vax.clarku.edu
From: jfo@afterlife.ncsc.mil (John Ormonde)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Absolutely Horrific Red Sox-Indians Game
Date: 13 Aug 92 21:55:27 GMT
Organization: The Great Beyond

In article <13AUG92.13543648@vax.clarku.edu> hhenderson@vax.clarku.edu writes:
>Oh my God, that was the most miserable game I have witnessed in
>a long time.  

It depends on your point of view.

>could hear him but avoid having to actually SEE the game.

Well at least you got to see the game, all I got to see was the
bottom of the 7th.  ESPN had been listed as carrying the Braves
game in the Baltimore area while the Orioles were on HTS so I decided
to watch Terminator 2 on Showtime.  I switched to ESPN expecting to see
Baseball Tonight and they were just going to the Indians half of the
7th.  After the Sox dazzled me with their brilliant play and the 7th 
finally ended, ESPN went to the Orioles/Blue Jays game, which really
upset me.  I thought that ESPN couldn't broadcast a game into the home
market that's being carried by a local channel,  what's the deal?  The
Indians are hardly on ESPN as it is, but to tease me like that with
a 1/2 inning is downright cruel!  At least it was the decisive 1/2 inning.

>
>Bob Zupcic is a bright shining beacon in a gloomy wasteland.
>I bet the Sox trade him.
>
Uh, wasn't Zupcic the beacon that streaked in from center only to knock
the ball away from Winnigham?


-- 
John Ormonde				Internet: jfo@afterlife.ncsc.mil
GO Tribe! (Well, SOMEbody has to root for them)!
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: spiegel@sgi417.msd.lmsc.lockheed.com (Mark Spiegel)
Subject: Wrigley Field Quewstion
Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 22:25:46 GMT

	I potentially will be near Chicago in the next few weeks and
	would like to take in a Cubs game.  I have been told there
	is little or no parking at Wrigley.  You have to take
	mass transit or find a spot on the street.  Is this true?

	Mark
From: dswartz@redondo.sw.stratus.com (Dan Swartzendruber)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Take Jeff Reardon, please!
Date: 15 Aug 92 20:26:49 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Software Engineering

In article <1992Aug15.142456.13086@usenet.ins.cwru.edu> bk713@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Kimon Zachary) writes:
>
>In a previous article, dswartz@redondo.sw.stratus.com (Dan Swartzendruber) says:
>
>>
>>I don't suppose someone would consider shooting Jeff Reardon and dumping
>>his body in the same ditch as Jimmy Hoffa's?
>>
>>-- 
>>
>>Dan S.
>>
>
>
>This may be difficult if Hoffa really is encased in concrete under the 
>Meadowlands.

Fine, chip a new hole and slot him right in...

>Can the Red Sox option him to Pawtucket to keep Plantier company?

Naaahh!  Someone's gotta serve up fat ones to Jim Gantner.  Given his
home-run totals since 1987, it sounds like Jeff "Meatball" Reardon is
the right man for the job.  "Fore!!!"

>
>-- 
>Kimon Zachary			"I stand by all the misstatements that
>JHU School of Med.			I've made." --Dan Quayle
>Baltimore, MD		
>Never mind the Dream Team, bring back Midori Ito and Kristi Yamaguchi	


-- 

Dan S.
From: snichols@adobe.com (Sherri Nichols)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Who to watch for '93
Date: 12 Aug 92 20:33:47 GMT
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated

In article <1992Aug12.194431.22290@cs.cornell.edu> tedward@cs.cornell.edu (Edward [Ted] Fischer) writes:
>An interesting comparison.  But isn't Nagy a couple years younger than
>Scudder?

No.  Nagy is 25 (born May 5, 1967), Scudder 24 (February 14, 1968).

Sherri Nichols
snichols@adobe.com
Organization: University of Maine System
Date: Monday, 17 Aug 1992 23:44:23 EDT
From: Ryan Robbins <IO20456@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
Subject: Re: Clemens wins his fourteenth!
 <92227.142233IO20456@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>
 <1992Aug14.211147.1014@CSD-NewsHost.Stanford.EDU>

mjw@Xenon.Stanford.EDU (Michael Wolverton) writes:

     This may be overstating it a bit. Clemens's Support-Neutral
     Record is 14-6 (meaning you'd expect him to be 14-6 if he'd
     had league-average support from his offense and bullpen). His
     real record, 14-7, isn't very far off. The problem isn't that
     Clemens deserves more than 14 wins. The problem is that some
     of his competitors -- Morris, Brown, McDowell, Tapani,
     Gullickson -- probably deserve quite a bit *less* than they
     have.

I'm admittedly ignorant on the subject of "support-neutral"
statistics, but I strongly disagree that Clemens's record would be
14-6 if it had not been because of the bullpen. The problem with
the voodoo statistics you refer to (I apologize for sounding too
harsh) is that they appear to tell people "what could have been,
but wouldn't quite have been because..." Well, we will never know
what "could have been," and that's why I'm writing back to
disagree. Anyway, there were three games this year in which Clemens
left the game with the lead. He won none of them. Putting aside
human error on the margin of league averages, the bullpen still
lost the leads for him (whether they were his runs or not; it's
their job not to allow runners to score), and the Sox' offense has
still let Roger down big time. Refer to Valentine's post on what
the Sox have done (or not done) in support of their ace pitcher. It
tells the complete story of the Rocket's frustration this year. 
+===============================================================+
||   RYAN ROBBINS                    INTERNET:                 ||
||   UNIVERSITY OF MAINE             IO20456@MAINE.MAINE.EDU   ||
+===============================================================+
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball
From: tedward@cs.cornell.edu (Edward [Ted] Fischer)
Subject: Re: Support-Neutral W/L Report -- NL
Organization: Cornell Univ. CS Dept, Ithaca NY 14853
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 16:23:53 GMT

In article <1992Aug13.160408.1943@uwm.edu> paul@csd4.csd.uwm.edu (Paul R Krueger) writes:
>In article <1992Aug12.180102.29366@CSD-NewsHost.Stanford.EDU> mjw@Xenon.Stanford.EDU (Michael Wolverton) writes:
>>
>>Pitcher       Team    E(W)  E(L)    W  L   Diff.
>>------------------------------------------------
>>Glavine        ATL   11.6   7.0    17  3    9.4
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>   
>   If this doesn't prove that it's better to be lucky than good,
>   I don't know what will! Just imagine lucking out to back-to-back
>   Cy Youngs. This guy oughta play the lottery!!!

This is a bit unfair, as I don't believe these numbers are park
adjusted.  Besides, isn't a 12-7 record pretty good?

Cheers,
-Valentine
-- 
Ob. woof: Clemens is the best pitcher ever!	tedward@cs.cornell.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.baseball