3:10 To Joba

Billy Beane should be listening

2008-07-24T07:30:00.000-04:00

Via Athletics Nation: More than a few Oakland A's fans are wondering what their team is doing this current season to keep them happy, my guess is that trading the entire starting rotation did little to ease their displeasure.

So this is what a real bullpen tastes like...

2008-07-24T06:30:00.001-04:00

Delicious, with a hint of winning streak.

Since Joba Chamberlain left the bullpen to make his first official Major League start on June 3rd, here is the breakdown of the Yankee relievers' performance. This is what the supposedly unstable bridge to Mariano Rivera has done. All statistics are courtesy of the wonderful folks over at Baseball-Reference.

David Robertson - 11.3 IP, 0.97 WHIP, 1.59 ERA, 14 K. Hopefully he gets to see some more action as he has an absolutely electric arm.

Edwar Ramirez - 20.1 IP, 9ER, 0.88 WHIP, 28K. If he continues to pitch this well, maybe he can get a raise to finally afford the missing consonant on the end of his name. /lame joke.

Kyle Farnsworth - 16.2 IP, 3 ER, 0.90 WHIP, has thrown 9 consecutive hitless innings. Perhaps we should just give Girardi the manager of the year award now for all the usefulness he has been able to squeeze out of Farnsworth's suckitude.

Jose Veras - 21.2 IP, 6 ER, 1.31 WHIP, 22 K

Remember all this talk? "MOTHER OF GOD, JOBA HAS TO STAY IN THE PEN!!!! HOW ELSE ARE WE GOING TO GET TO MARIANO RIVERA!??! YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

Where is all that now?

Make it so, Number One

2008-07-23T15:10:00.003-04:00

As many people have probably heard by now, your favorite team and mine, the New York Yankees are interested in acquiring the services of Mariners lefty Jarrod Washburn. The mere fact that the Yankees consider Washburn to be part of the solution signifies GM Brian Cashman's dedication to the "Let's Throw Shit Against the Wall and See What Sticks" style of management. Exhibits A and B of this seen below:

But, there remains an interesting possibility in these Washburn trade talks. Take it away Jon Heyman.

The Yankees are believed to want to send disappointing lefthander Kei Igawa to Seattle to offset Washburn's contract. Meanwhile, the Mariners could counter by asking that almost-as-disappointing designated hitter Jose Vidro be sent to New York along with Washburn.

Of course, if the sides can't agree on the other players, a transaction involving Washburn alone still could be a possibility. The Yankees have admired Washburn from afar, and it's no wonder, considering his lifetime 2.56 ERA against the storied Bronx team. The Yankees also would prefer to add pitching without surrendering any of their better prospects, and this may be one way to do it.

My thoughts:

DO IT NOW! DO IT NOW! TRADE IGAWA PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CASHMAN.

That is all. Oh, an acquire Jason Bay.

(Ponson image courtesy of here, Sexson image from here)

Bring me your higher glove

2008-07-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

Via Deadspin: Not sure the world is ready for this, but there's apparently a sex tape of A-Rod and Madonna, impure thoughts do not follow.

Weekend Warrior: Why so serious?

2008-07-20T06:30:00.001-04:00

Every weekend (read: when we feel like it), 3:10TJ will award a person related to Major League Baseball the title of Weekend Warrior for making the most newsworthy piece of news from the past week. The Weekend Warrior runs every umm weekend, check it out.

This week's Weekend Warrior is... The Dark Knight... and being totally off topic.

Congratulations, Batman, you had yourself quite the weekend and since baseball was basically non-existent this weekend except for the All Star Game, you get the nod as being the most talked about and newsworthy item of the week.

To say that I was anticipating this movie would be a drastic understatement. Despite feeling like a total nerd, July 18th was marked quite clearly on my calendar and also included some arrows drawn from other dates etc. to make sure that I didn't forget when the greatest movie ever in the history of everything ever was going to be coming out. Clearly, many, many (many) other people felt the same way.

After going to a midnight showing, the movie was nothing short of pants-shitting awesome and in the opinion of yours' truly was well worth the hype and the acclaim. Am I going to see this movie again? Fuck yes. It was that good. If you haven't yet seen it, get off your ass.

That's all for this abbreviated, off-topic installment of the Weekend Warrior. When baseball returns to full swing this upcoming week, there will be more stuff to write about. Until then, enjoy yourselves, people and enjoy this video courtesy of Fitzy over at Townie News as he reviews the awesome flick in his very Fitzy way.

(Image courtesy of here.)

Cashman busts a move

2008-07-17T18:25:00.003-04:00

The Yankees added another player to their bench today when they signed the recently released Richie Sexson to be the right-handed complement to Senor Stache over at first base.

Sexson fits in New York because the Yankees needed a right-handed slugger to match up against left-handed pitching -- and Sexson had a .344 average with five home runs in 71 at-bats against lefties this year.
Assuming the deal is completed, he'll be in the lineup Saturday against Oakland.
The Yankees will have to pay Sexson only the prorated minimum of $390,000 from his $14 million salary with the Mariners. Seattle is eating the remainder of the nearly $6 million Sexson is owed for the season.
Sexson was batting .218 with just 30 RBIs in 74 games when the Mariners cut him loose, on July 10. He hit a career-worst .205 with 21 homers and 100 strikeouts in 2007.

Sexson's woes with the bat have been well documented, however a small change in his batting stance led him to produce slightly better. He is not a viable starter because he can barely outhit Shelly Duncan, but is definitely an above average backup at this point in his career. Also, the fact that he is better defensively than Giambi (this is not saying much as the Stache has what can best be described as "fall down range") and Wilson Betemit (ewwww) makes him a nice addition to the bench. On the whole, a pretty solid signing to bolster the reserves. Who knows, maybe Sexson goes on a little hot streak and alleviates the loss of Matsui. Then again maybe Red Sox fans will stop hating black people.

One thing remains certain, Sexson will never be able to top the awesome that is Jason Giambi.

Glug, glug, glug.

A 3:10 To Joba Off-Topic Post

2008-07-16T19:00:00.001-04:00

I am posting this link is because it has to deal with local source of hate-inspiring madness that is Mike Fatcessa err Francesca and because KSK is awesomely hilarious. Also, there was no baseball on today and I had to fill the hole in my soul some how. Enjoy.

Via KSK: Mike Francesca discusses the future of Brett Favre, demonstrates omnipresent level of douchebaggery, hilarity ensues.

And for the record, Brett Favre ought to be beaten to death with a shovel and buried in a shallow grave. "Unclassy, whiny, old fuckhead" doesn't quite sum him up well enough at this point but it's all I got.

(Image courtesy of Can't Stop the Bleeding)

Chase Utley is a classy guy.

2008-07-15T22:00:00.000-04:00

Via The Sports Hernia (and many others):

All Star Game 2008 Extblogaganza!

2008-07-15T19:45:00.000-04:00

Announcing a 3:10 To Joba Live Blog Extblogaganza: The All Star Game

2008-07-14T15:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the folks over at Cover It Live, another 3:10TJ live blog extravaganza (extblogaganza) will take place this Tuesday, 7/15/08, at 8:00 PM as AL and NL meet up to do battle at the final All Star game in Yankee Stadium history. Remember, even though this one counts, it's still going to be terribly boring and anti-climactic. Alas, because of a particularly strong feeling of self-loathing there will be a live blog for this one.

Tune in for appearances by the staff as we offer live commentary on the hilarity of a single game again. Visitors will be allowed to offer real time commentary as well which is exciting for everyone.

(Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

Some Links from Around Blogfrica

2008-07-14T14:50:00.001-04:00

Here are some links from various sites that do it way better than we do. Give them the old looky loo.

Via Lion in Oil: One Indians fan is taking the loss of C.C. Sabathia a little bit too seriously. Getcha Ebay ready!

Via It is High...: A rundown of the ladies in the life of Alex Rodriguez, it is definitely as hilarious as you think it is.

In Case You Missed It: The All Star Game Looms Large

2008-07-14T06:30:00.003-04:00

Here's what you may have missed from Sunday's action while partaking of some pants-shittingly awesome television.

- Justin Verlander suddenly doesn't suck anymore, Tigers eek out a win vs. the Twins.

- The Rays can't buy a win, strongly consider re-adding "Devil" back into their name to change their luck.

- The Phillies beat the Diamondbacks with some late inning heroics from Pat Burrel, city of Philadelphia still finding a way to hate "The Bat." Brandon Webb pitched well again.

- C.C. Sabathia wins his second start for the surging Brew Crew, hits a tater in support of his own cause, then eats 300 taters in support of Idaho economy.

- Not cool.

- Tim Lincecum rebounds from his tough outing against the Mets, something something mancrush something something.

- Chad Billingsley was flat out filthy, shuts down the Marlins to help the boys in blue avoid a sweep.

- Ryan Ludwick continues to show why it helps to be in the same lineup as Albert Pujols, Cardinals score 11 runs to beat the Bucs, avoid consecutive walkoff disasters.

- Francisco Rodriguez makes another save situation way too interesting, Arte Moreno considering handing out defibrillators as a promotional gift to fans who stay until the ninth inning.

That's it for this installment. Enjoy the Home Run Derby tonight in all of it's eventually way too boring glory.

Revisiting an old friend

2008-07-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

Via Fire Joe Morgan: The crew over at FJM takes some umbrage at a persona in a new blog by Kansas City Star columnist Jeffrey Flanagan, hilarity and piss-poor writing ensue.

You may remember from way back in 3:10TJ's early days, I had a little bit of an outburst about this same fellow...

Weekend Memorial: R.I.P Bobby Murcer

2008-07-12T20:45:00.000-04:00

In lieu of the scheduled Weekend Warrior, we offer a very special post because it truly is a very sad day.

Bobby Murcer, a five-time All-Star outfielder who spent nearly four decades with the New York Yankees as a player, executive and announcer, has died. He was 62.
Bobby Murcer played 17 seasons in the majors with the Yankees, Giants and Chicago Cubs.

The Yankees said Murcer died Saturday due to complications from brain cancer. He was surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in his hometown of Oklahoma City, the team said. "Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."

Mr. Steinbrenner is not alone in this statement. Although many of us were too young to see Bobby play during his excellent career, it was always a great joy to hear him broadcasting as he demonstrated time and time again a vivid understanding of the game he enjoyed so much. His love of the game was always readily apparent and his behavior was nothing short of always classy. You will be sorely missed Bobby, enjoy the baseball diamond in the sky.

For a great video of Bobby Murcer, check out this Youtube page.

(Image courtesy of here.)

ESPN Continues to Set High Standards

2008-07-12T20:30:00.000-04:00

See if you can catch what's wrong with this image, screen grabbed from ESPN.com earlier today (Click to enlarge).

First response gets a cookie.

Who To Watch in the Second Half/Yay All Star Game

2008-07-09T12:11:00.001-04:00

I do apologize for missing a week with my posts, but I’ve been busy doing the whole “going away for Fourth of July” thing. But, I am back and this time I wanna talk briefly about players who should have big second halfs, even if they had poor first halfs. I have to start off with Robinson Cano, because as he’s had an awful first half, throughout his career, he’s hit an average of .334 after the break. Another guy to look out who’s had a bad first half is Richie Sexon who has averaged raising his 48 points in the second half. The guy who has consistently raised his average the highest in the second half of the season has been Jack Wilson of the Pirates who hits an average of 61 points higher in the second half.

Guys who are consistently worse in the second half are led by Kevin Youkilis, who has averaged a drop of 60 points in his batting average after the All-Star break. Brian Roberts (-57), Derrek Lee (-48) and Joe Mauer (-43) are all guys who have traditionally struggled in the second half. Just some stuff to think about heading into the All-Star break. Now onto the players of the week…..

Hitter of the Week
Cody Ross-Even though he did have a four game set in Colorado last week, he had 3 hits in each of those 4 games, and he had 15 RBIs last week. He hit two homers and scored 7 runs. He has been playing everyday for a while now, but in the past month he’s raised his average almost 60 points. The Marlins need to keep their hitting up with the Mets playing better under Jerry Manuel.

Pitcher of the Week
Mike Pelfrey-I never thought I’d be writing about Pelfrey, but the dude may be coming into his own for the Amazin’s. He’s won 5 consecutive starts and in the past week, he’s pitched 14 innings and allowed only 1 run. He’s struck out 11 as compared to 9 hits and last night he didn’t walk anybody. With Pedro being iffy and Oliver Perez only being able to pitch well against the Yankees, Pelfrey could be that weapon the Mets need in the second half.

Sucking It Up
Aaron Harang-He once was the ace of the staff in Cincy, but he’s pretty much hit rock bottom. Last night’s 7 walk, 6 earned performance dropped him to 3-11. He’s given up 10+ hits 4 times this season, and has an ERA of 4.76. Strangely, the Reds are 5-1 when he gets a no decision, which makes it a more bearable 8-12 when he starts.

Diamond in the Rough
Brian Buscher-After being recalled on June 14, Buscher has filled in nicely at 3rd for the Twins, who have just been soaring up the AL Central. He’s had a hit in every game he’s played in except 4, which is impressive because he has started in 17 games since being recalled. He’s hitting .314 with 1 HR and 17 RBIs.

That’s it for me. Enjoy the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game next week. I’m rooting for Dan Uggla in the Derby.

Stat of the Week
Career: 36-19, 3.42 ERA, 2/1 K/BB ratio, 6 DL trips in 6 years. That’s what the Cubs got when they traded for Rich Harden yesterday. If he can stay healthy, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball.

Peace homes.

You know your in good hands...

2008-07-08T06:45:00.002-04:00

When the American Mustache Institute has your back! And who could blame them!

Giambi is one of five AL candidates in the "Final Vote" competition, which adds a player to each league's team after fan and player voting selected the starters and reserves.

A press release put out by the Yankees states, "The American Mustache Institute officially offered their support for Giambi's All-Star candidacy today."

"It doesn't take a mathematician to figure out that Jason Giambi's hitting prowess, plus a fashionable mustache, equals a bona fide All-Star," Aaron Perlut, executive director of The American Mustache Institute, says in the release.

"Giambi's significant first-half production as well as his powerful lip fur -- indicating great intellect and good looks -- make two very compelling reasons for his place on the American League All-Star roster."

I'm sorry, but "powerful lip fur" just sounds so utterly appalling I can't function properly right now. I'm just waiting for some sort of feminist backlash at this point. Anyway, here's to hoping Giambi rides the handlebars of the AMI (totally made up acronym) to victory!

/lame joke.

(Screen grab from last night's Yankees/Red Sox game and the awesome 'stache courtesy of here.)

In Case You Missed It: Large Men Unite!

2008-07-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

Reader/ new part-time contributor Grant coming at you with an edition of In Case You Missed It.

Here's what you may have missed from the long weekend action while making some unexpected headway in life.

- Extra innings, rain delays, and head-scratching heroes dotted the baseball landscape this past Sunday. Here’s what you may have missed while your jaw dropped at either Federer vs. Nadal or Jason Varitek’s selection to the AL All-Star team:

- If it was Sunday, the Orioles lost. In dropping the rubber match of their series with the Rangers 11-10, the birds lost their 13th consecutive Sunday game. However, O’s pitchers were delighted to hold the Rangers to just over one-third of their potential output.

- Elsewhere, O’s crush Mark Teixeira singled to the wall in the bottom of the 17th to give the Braves a 7-6 win over the Astros. Rain delayed the start of the five-and-a-half hour game by almost two hours.

- In another endless affair, the hapless Mariners trotted out third-string catcher Jamie Burke to pitch in the 15th inning, whereupon he allowed the go-ahead run to the Tigers but otherwise survived the frame unscathed. Perhaps subscribing to Danny Glover’s Angels in the Outfield philosophy (“Are we gonna fall out of last place?”), Seattle manager Jim Riggleman was accepting pitching requests in the dugout; Ichiro, Willie Bloomquist, and Adrian Beltre offered; Erik Bedard, meanwhile, took a sudden interest in a fly on the ground.

- Meanwhile, in the where-have-they-gone department, Fernando Tatis homered in the 12th to propel the Mets back to .500 with a 4-2 win over the Phillies. Mets closer Billy Wagner coughed up his sixth blown save courtesy of a two-out, two-run Jayson Werth homer, but neither that nor a nearly three-hour rain delay could deter Tatis, who is proving that one 34-homer season can keep you employed nine years later.

- Break up the Rays! The Devils won their seventh straight over the Royals, Evan Longoria contributing his 16th homer to boost his All-Star chances.

- What’s the bigger surprise — someone named Brett Gardner knocking home the winning run for the Yanks against Boston’s Jonathan Papelbon, or the entire Yanks-Sox series getting less pub than Tampa Bay?

- The Brew Crew swept the Pirates, and after the game Milwaukee skipper Ned Yost said of J.J. Hardy’s recent hitting, “I don’t think Babe Ruth had stretches as good as this right now.” Maybe not, but Rick Ankiel has.

- And then Monday morning, the Brewers completed a trade for Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia, who is scheduled to make is debut today. Sabathia is just pleased that he’s no longer the largest player on his team. (Ed. note: Prince Fielder's moobs take exception to this remark.)

Announcements!

2008-07-03T21:00:00.003-04:00

Like everybody else, we're taking the extended weekend off. That means no Weekend Warrior/ other meaningless bullshit from this site. Enjoy the holiday weekend. Go see some fireworks, grill out and partake of some libations. There's also baseball. Red Sox/Yanks blah blah blah. We'll catch you on Tuesday.

An article that makes my man crush seem tame...

2008-07-03T19:25:00.001-04:00

Via SI: Tom Verducci writes a glowing article (read: teabagging) of my favorite major league pitcher, Tim Lincecum. I love every single word of this so much it's unhealthy.

Thanks to reader Sean, who directed this to me from this Walkoff Walk post.

So A-Rod splits from his wife?

2008-07-03T12:25:00.002-04:00

According to the NY Daily News, A-Rod has finally split from his fugly wife Cynthia. Or maybe she split from her tranny-loving husband. It's unclear at this point, so let's just assume it's a mutual split. In any case, holy God, could A-Rod be any more of a social fuck up?

I mean, looking at his long list of "transgressions" in New York, it's hard to pick just one that you really want to make fun of on a blog. You've got him caught out with shemales, his wife wearing the "fuck you" T-Shirt to the baseball game, his awkwardly and gratuitously admitting to his love of shrinks, and now this Madonna scandal (and his wife goes for Lenny Kravitz? Look out Aerosmith, you're next).

A-Rod is an invaluable team asset. Dude is probably the best player in the game and one of the best players to ever play baseball. But, wow, what a wack job.

What exactly is A-Rod's taste in me...women? Does he go for women that look like his mother or is it just any woman that resembles a potato is okay? He makes 900 billion dollars an hour and he's into Cynthia and Madonna (who looks good for 84, I admit)?

I've always figured A-Rod was a little less than..."on the straight and narrow"...but this is just a little too bizarre.

Just admit your love for Derek, A-Rod. Everyone knows he's gay anyway.

Welcome back!

2008-07-03T06:45:00.000-04:00

A little late in getting to this but I do have a somewhat real job.

Take it away, USA Today:

Harold Reynolds, off national TV since being fired by ESPN in July 2006, is back working on national TV.

Reynolds will debut Sunday as a studio analyst on a special where TBS will announce the All-Star Game rosters. Then he'll appear on TBS' regular-season coverage.

TBS also is negotiating with Reynolds and Dennis Eckersley, now a studio analyst for local Boston Red Sox TV games, to work its postseason coverage of the first-round playoff games and American League Championship Series.

In April, Reynolds and ESPN settled Reynolds' wrongful termination lawsuit, which he filed in October 2006.

This is great news. I for one couldn't be happier that Reynolds is back in the mainstream. He was the only Baseball Tonight analyst that could transcend the stupidity of those around him (read: KRUK) to provide meaningful analysis. Let's see you try that one, Chris Singleton.

You Can't Always Get What You Want...

2008-07-03T06:30:00.001-04:00

But if you try sometimes...

Thank you, Marc Ecko. I can't believe I just said those words.

Deadspin: This is the *Ball That Will Grace the Hall

Games to Watch: July 1st and July 2nd

2008-07-01T06:30:00.000-04:00

At what point does this image not scream "Child Molester"

Reader/ new part-time contributor Grant coming at you with a preview of the games for the next few days.

Here's what you should be watching while being in denial about important matters in your life.

Tuesday

– Braves vs. Phillies – 7:00 P.M.

A poll on MLB.com reveals that 42% of participants don’t think Brave pitcher John Smoltz is a Hall of Famer. Suddenly Brian Roberts being nowhere near the top of the All-Star voting makes more sense.

– Rangers vs. Yankees – 7:05 P.M.

Joba Chamberlain faces the majors’ highest-scoring team. Would ESPN spend more time talking about him if he continues his strong pitching or falters? Does a dog care whether it chases its tail or a cat?

– Red Sox vs. Rays – 7:10 P.M.

In the opener of a series between two teams battling for AL East Supremacy, the Red Sox send up…a guy who has no idea where his pitches are going. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, signer of perhaps the dumbest contract for a player of all-time (the Red Sox possess a perpetual $4 million, one-season option) will oppose Matt Garza, a legitimate pitcher, at the Trop.

– Nationals vs. Marlins – 7:10 P.M.

Ronnie Belliard, who imitates Manny Ramirez in every way except the hitting, invited a beaning yesterday by spending ten seconds walking up the first-base line admiring his walk-off homer against the O’s. Unfortunately for the Gnats, they’re done with their “rivalry” series, and so they have to get up for a three-gamer at Dolphin Stadium. Collin Balester, 9-3 in AAA with a 4.00 ERA, makes his MLB debut against Mark Hendrickson.

– Athletics vs. Angels – 10:05 P.M.

The best pitching match-up of the night—enjoy it while you can. 5-0 Rich Harden, who’s learned how to stay on the field, faces 9-3 Ervin Santana, who’s apparently learned how to pitch on the road. Fantasy owners and managers hold their breath.

Wednesday

– Tigers vs. Twins – 1:10 P.M.

Each team’s hot coming into the series, so why not ignore the anonymity of the starters (Eddie Bonine and Nick Blackburn) and catch a midseason divisional match-up from the Metrodome? It beats your other option—Gnats at Fish—but then again, what doesn’t?

– Indians vs. White Sox – 8:11 P.M.

Cleveland hopes C.C. Sabathia, he of the sub-2 ERA over his last 14 starts, can keep building his trade value, while Chicago simply enjoys its 7-11 partnership that accounts for the unique starting time.

– Padres vs. Rockies – 9:05 P.M.

How bad is the NL West? Entering Monday’s play, the Rockies had lost seven straight games; not to be outdone, the Pads had dropped eight in a row. The Friars went 3-15 in interleague play. The Diamondbacks lead the division with a .500 record, which would be good enough for fifth in the AL East. OK, I’ll stop.

– Cubs vs. Giants – 10:15 P.M.

One more embarrassing NL West stat: going into this series, the Giants are 14-24 at home. Five more wins by the bay and they’d be tied with the D’Backs. Pitching Kevin Correia (1-5, 4.79) against Ryan Dempster (9-3, 3.26) isn’t a good place to start.

Every little thing that you say or do...

2008-06-30T18:45:00.000-04:00

Via Deadspin: Madonna and A-Rod doing the naughty together? Fuck and yes. Red Sox Nation is going to love this!