Frayed Knot

The main difference between Kuroda & Dickey is that RA isn't a FA giving the Mets no immediate competition and several other options, including: - extending him - trading him - hanging on to him for now with an eye towards a mid-2013 trade if condition dictate - hang onto to him for all 2013 and risking that an open market deal a year from now will be easier in the long run Cutting ties w/Stub Hub for something of their own making is simply a way to keep a piece of the second-hand ticket market. The Cubs set one of these up years ago that was somehow ruled legal by [corrupt and/or incompetent] Illinois courts. Essentially the club simply "sells" a chunk of the tickets to the ticket arm of their operation (i.e. transfers it to themselves) which turns around and sells them at above-face prices.

Regional Sports Networks They've been growing like moss for the better part of the last decade or so but there never seems to be enough programming to fill them all which points to a possible future of contraction and mergers rather than expansion.

As I acknowledged in the intro, the definition of 'mega-hit' is a bit broad But mainly I was going for for those flicks most widely viewed - either during their initial run or since. You can use box office dollars although those numbers tend to get skewed by time. And pop culture quotes & references tend to favor lighter comedies and such. IOW, name those movies where you're convinced that you are one of the handful of people on the planet who hasn't seen it without necessarily going back to the ones released before you were born.

Kuroda re-ups with the Yanx on a one-year deal. They'll still need to add some pitching, but this reduces their panic a bit although they'll be counting on him to repeat his good season as he turns age 38 during ST

The current discussion in the GB thread mentioning the possible impending release of 'Ghostbusters 3' reminds me that the largest source of mega-hits that I haven't seen is just about all sequels - but, unlike hit movies that I simply never got around to, missing sequels is very intentional.

Avatar: - $77 million opening weekend and $2.8 billion gross - 3 Oscars plus 6 other nominations including Best Picture and Titanic: - $29 million opening weekend (15 years ago) and a $2.2 billion gross - 11 Oscars including Best Picture and 14 overall nominations are pretty much the definition of "Mega-Hits"

Blue Jays crank up their DeLorean and go back to the future by naming one-time NYM (1984 + 1986 -- 50 ABs total) and former TBJ manager (2004-2008 -- 305-305 record) John Gibbons as their skipper for 2013. Terms/length of the deal is yet a secret - possibly to be revealed during the upcoming big 'Enchantment Under the Sea' dance. TEAMMANAGERSTATUSUPDATESBRAVESFredi GonzalezSigned thru 2013 + 2014 optionMARLINSOzzie GuillenSigned thru 2015 - Fired 10/23Mike Redmond hired on a 3-year contract METSTerry CollinsSigned thru 2012 + 2013 optionOption picked up for 2013PHILLIESCharlie ManuelSigned thru 2013NATIONALSDavey JohnsonSigned thru 2013Returns for the 2013 seasonCUBSDale SveumSigned thru 2014REDSDusty BakerSigned thru 2012Extended thru 2014BREWERSRon RoenickeSigned thru 2014 + 2015 optionPIRATESClint HurdleSigned thru 2013CARDINALSMike MathenySigned thru 2013 + 2014 optionDIAMONDBACKSKirk GibsonSigned thru 2014 + �15 & �16 optionsROCKIESJim TracySigned thru 2013 - Resigned 10/7Hired Walt Weiss for 2013 seasonDODGERSDon MattinglySigned thru 2013PADRESBud BlackSigned thru 2013 + options for �14 + �152014 + '15 Options picked upGIANTSBruce BochySigned thru 2013 + option for �14ORIOLESBuck ShowalterSigned thru 2013RED SOXBobby ValentineSigned thru 2013 - Fired Oct 2012Hired John Farrell away from Toronto - signed thru 2016YANKEESJoe GirardiSigned thru 2013RAYSJoe MaddonSigned thru 2015BLUE JAYSJohn FarrellSigned thru 2013 - Had his rights traded to BostonRe-Hired John GibbonsWHITE SOXRobin VenturaSigned thru 2014INDIANSManny Acta=#FF0000]Fired Sept 2012Hired Terry Francona - signed thru 2016TIGERSJim LeylandSigned thru 2012Extended thru 2013ROYALSNed YostClub option for 2013TWINSRon GardernhireSigned thru 2013ANGELSMike SciosciaSigned thru 2018ATHLETICSBob MelvinSigned thru 2014MARINERSEric WedgeSigned thru 2013RANGERSRon WashingtonSigned thru 2014ASTROSBrad Mills=#FF0000]Fired in AugustBo Porter hired for 2013 - ??

One of my goals in life is to never see a movie with Adam Sandler in it.

SAMBA BASEBALL ll!!! It is, after all, a beautiful game.

Padres decide that, unlike 'Smell the Glove', their future can get more Black TEAMMANAGERSTATUSUPDATESBRAVESFredi GonzalezSigned thru 2013 + 2014 optionMARLINSOzzie GuillenSigned thru 2015 - Fired 10/23Mike Redmond hired on a 3-year contract METSTerry CollinsSigned thru 2012 + 2013 optionOption picked up for 2013PHILLIESCharlie ManuelSigned thru 2013NATIONALSDavey JohnsonSigned thru 2013Returns for the 2013 seasonCUBSDale SveumSigned thru 2014REDSDusty BakerSigned thru 2012Extended thru 2014BREWERSRon RoenickeSigned thru 2014 + 2015 optionPIRATESClint HurdleSigned thru 2013CARDINALSMike MathenySigned thru 2013 + 2014 optionDIAMONDBACKSKirk GibsonSigned thru 2014 + �15 & �16 optionsROCKIESJim TracySigned thru 2013 - Resigned 10/7Hired Walt Weiss for 2013 seasonDODGERSDon MattinglySigned thru 2013PADRESBud BlackSigned thru 2013 + options for �14 + �152014 + '15 Options picked upGIANTSBruce BochySigned thru 2013 + option for �14ORIOLESBuck ShowalterSigned thru 2013RED SOXBobby ValentineSigned thru 2013 - Fired Oct 2012Hired John Farrell away from Toronto - signed thru 2016YANKEESJoe GirardiSigned thru 2013RAYSJoe MaddonSigned thru 2015BLUE JAYSJohn FarrellSigned thru 2013 - Had his rights traded to BostonWHITE SOXRobin VenturaSigned thru 2014INDIANSManny Acta=#FF0000]Fired Sept 2012Hired Terry Francona - signed thru 2016TIGERSJim LeylandSigned thru 2012Extended thru 2013ROYALSNed YostClub option for 2013TWINSRon GardernhireSigned thru 2013ANGELSMike SciosciaSigned thru 2018ATHLETICSBob MelvinSigned thru 2014MARINERSEric WedgeSigned thru 2013RANGERSRon WashingtonSigned thru 2014ASTROSBrad Mills=#FF0000]Fired in AugustBo Porter hired for 2013 - ??

I mentioned in the 'Ghostbusters' thread that I just never got around to seeing that flick. No particular reason really just that, aside from catching a few minutes on TV once or twice, I've simply never sat down and watched it. Which got me thinking about other top movies that, for one reason or another, I never saw either during its first-run in theaters or via any means (VCR/Beta/DVD/Cable/Rental/Network) since: Star Wars for instance (all of them), also E.T. and Schindler's List. So if we limit the discussion to those movies released in your of-age lifespan (and realizing that the definition of 'mega-hits' is subject to interpretation) were there any big hit films that you never got around to? Listing you reasons for not seeing them is optional.

That would make more sense if they were starting the season on the road and somewhere out west. But a Florida to Nevada then back to NYC road-trip seems a bit odd.

It's official!! Bud -- Since Tuesday, I have carefully reviewed the proposed transaction between the Miami Marlins and the Toronto Blue Jays. I asked our Baseball Operations Department and our Labor Relations Department to compare this proposed transaction with similar deals. I also consulted with experienced baseball operations executives to get their input regarding the talent involved in this transaction. After a thorough examination of this information, it is my conclusion that this transaction, involving established Major Leaguers and highly regarded young players and prospects, represents the exercise of plausible baseball judgment on the part of both Clubs, does not violate any express rule of Major League Baseball and does not otherwise warrant the exercise of any of my powers to prevent its completion. It is, of course, up to the Clubs involved to make the case to their respective fans that this transaction makes sense and enhances the competitive position of each, now or in the future. I am sensitive to the concerns of the fans of Miami regarding this trade, and I understand the reactions I have heard since Tuesday. Baseball is a social institution with important social responsibilities and I fully understand that the Miami community has done its part to put the Marlins into a position to succeed with beautiful new Marlins Park. Going forward, I will continue to monitor this situation with the expectation that the Marlins will take into account the sentiments of their fans, who deserve the best efforts and considered judgment of their Club. I have received assurances from the ownership of the Marlins that they share these beliefs and are fully committed to build a long-term winning team that their fans can be proud of. Final details: - Toronto acquires SS Jose Reyes, RHP Josh Johnson, LHP Mark Buehrle, C John Buck, IF/OF Emilio Bonifacio and reportedly $4 million to help compensate for the almost $165 million in salary headed their way (which sounds like trying to bail out the Titanic with a Dixie Cup). - Going to the Marlins are SS Yunel Escobar, IF Adeiny Hechavarria, RHP Henderson Alvarez, C Jeff Mathis, OF Jake Marisnick, LHP Justin Nicolino, RHP Anthony DeSclafani.

This is one of those mega-hits that I just never got around to.

MFS62 wrote: Whew! When I heard the name, I thought it might be this guy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Btfsplk Later There'd be a lot of rain-outs if we signed him.

Brian Kenney (sp?) of MLBN put it as simply as he could during the award presentation show (I've heard him do the same elsewhere) without even getting into WAR or how it's calculated or whether it's accurate. -- He started by acknowledging the superiority of Cabrera's hitting this year but then factored in Trout's edge in all "the little things" that the anti-stats voters/fans claim to know, see, and value so much more than those shut-in nerds. He showed the differences in net stolen bases, plus extra bases taken (1st-3rd or 2nd-home on singles, 1st-to-home on 2Bs, etc.), plus the huge gulf in GiDPs ([u:3nhdzytg]28 vs 7 !!![/u:3nhdzytg]) and with simple addition & subtraction showed how those factors more or less (depending on how heavily one wants to weight such things) made up for the difference in raw offense that traditional stats give to Cabrera. And that's all before we even get to defense. Once one calculates, or even guess-timates, the gap between what no one disputes is a superior defensive CF vs a pedestrian-at-best corner infielder, it's not crazy at all to think that the non-TC winner was actually valuable and it doesn't even require an advanced math degree.

I love the whole notion of the Trout-ites being basement shut-ins with their laptops who deal only in numbers and never watch the games while the "real" fans/writers know that Cabrera was superior because they consider the whole product ... and considering the whole product apparently means acting as if nothing but the TC-stats matter while things like glove-work, throwing, base-running and GiDPs must be irrelevant to the topic or else someone would have thought to concoct a simple stat for them decades ago. I have no problem if someone wants to make an argument in Miggy's favor but, fer crissakes, make it an intelligent one!

NY Times, Friday 11/16 47 ACROSS: BIG-HEADED BASEBALL MASCOT ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

And in the AL the BBWAA (in the view of many) keeps the world safe from statisticians with calculators by giving the award to the guy who proved his worth by ... by leading the league in a combination of statistics. PLAYERTEAM1st2nd3rd4th5thTOTALMiguel CabreraTigers226000362Mike TroutAngels621100281Andrian BeltreRangers011690210Robinson CanoYankees006101149Josh HamiltonRangers00036127Adam JonesOrioles00128124Derek JeterYankees0021473Justin VerlanderTigers0002358Prince FielderTigers0000156 Also Yoenis Cespeds - 41 Edwin Encarnacion - 33 David Price - 26 Fernando Rodney - 24 Jim Johnson - 22 Alex Rios - 17 Josh Reddick - 14 Albert Pujols - 8 Ben Zobrist - 7 Joe Mauer - 6 Rafael Soriano - 5 Matt Weiters - 4 Felix Hernandez - 2 Jered Weaver - 2 Raul Ibanez - 1

Commish Bud is going under the hood for the purpose of reviewing the evidence and deciding whether he should overturn the trade. "I am aware of the anger (among some Marlins fans)," Selig said. "I'm also aware that in Toronto, they're very happy." But then goes on to say that he's talked to baseball people who believe the Marlins "in terms of young players, did very well."

Sugarpants finishes as high as he could considering he was the guy not invited to the prom. PLAYERTEAM1st2nd3rd4th5thTOTALBUSTER POSEYGiants274100422Ryan BraunBrewers3151040285Andrew McCutcheonPirates0613111245Yadier MolinaCardinals268130241Chase HeadleyPadres00019127David WrightMets0000786Adam LaRocheNationals0000686Craig KimbrelBraves0100373Aramis RamirezBrewers0000147 Also Jay Bruce - 46 Matt Holiday - 34 Aroldis Chapman - 20 Brandon Phillips - 18 Joey Votto - 18 RA Dickey - 16 Clayton Kershaw - 15 Ian Desmond - 15 Michael Braun - 12 Allen Craig - 10 Gio Gonzlaez - 8 Alfonso Soriano - 8 Kris Medlen - 8 Martin Prado - 8 Ryan Zimmerman - 7 Giancarlo Stanton - 7 Carlos Beltran - 6 Aaron Hill - 6 Carlos Ruiz - 4 Jason Heyward - 4 Johnny Cueto - 2 Bryce Harper - 2 Chipper Jones - 1 Miguel Montero - 1 Angel Pagan - 1 Hunter Pence - 1

Edgy DC wrote: Dickey has done more than win. He's broken the glass ceiling. He's a Cyoneer. He broke the glass nail file ceiling.

Voters listing Dickey 2nd: - Tim Brown, Yahoo Sports; LA Chapter -- Voted for Kershaw 1st - Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com, Philadelphia Chapter (Kershaw) - John Fay, Cincinnati Inquirer, Cincinnati Chapter (Cueto) - Tim Kurkjian, ESPN, Washington DC Chapter (Kimbrel) - Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, Denver Chapter (Gonzalez) http://bbwaa.com/12-nl-cy/

Yeah, I think the raw stats indicated a closer race among the top three but that the totality of the Dickey-story (whacko pitch, old guy, career minor leaguer, missing ligament, etc) made for the bigger gap. I could make a good case for RA, just not sure I could make a 27-2-1 case. And did three voters actually think that Gio (1) and Kershaw (2) weren't in the top five?

Zvon wrote: Edgy DC wrote: On it, but... hard. VERY hard. Unless you're Ed himself. Shyeeet, I'd be surprised if Ed could get half of them.