4/6 Cheering, Venting, Spring Break & KY Luebke

[bigh0rt]

Because of my new schedule and hours being at a Middle School this year instead of a High School, I won't be able to do these this season frequently; however, given that I'm enjoying my Spring Break right now, you're welcome wrs

News, Notes, & Nonsense...
- Brett Lawrie started 0/6 in yesterday's 16 inning extravaganza. If he pulls that crap again today I'm trading him for whoever goes 3/4
- Jose Bautista belted his first HR of what should be 40+ this season
- Matt Kemp showed some of why he was taken in the Top 3 of almost every draft
- Justin Masterson, Ryan Dempster, and Justin Verlander all threw gems, and had their bullpens destroy their chances to earn a single Win between them
- Blown Saves galore! Jose Valverde, the Melancon/Aceves duo, Chris Perez, nearly Brad Lidge... but not Frank Francisco
- Sergio Santos wasn't ready when called upon to close in the bottom of the 16th in Cleveland, so he came in for the final 2 outs and did not record a SV. His owners (me) are furious.
- Today's my brother's 33rd birthday... hooray
- Javy Guerra recorded his first SV of the season while Kenley Jensen didn't look good -- Guerra to hold the job all year
- I was suckered into spending $179 on the MLB Extra Innings package yet again this year... I'm a fool
- Please feel free to add your own nonsense

Today's Matchups...
John Danks (L) @ Colby Lewis (R) (-180)

Carl Pavano (R) @ Jake Arrieta (R) (-135)
- May be the first and last time Jake Arrieta isn't an underdog ever... apparently Vegas doesn't think much of the Twins

C.C. Sabathia (L) (-125) @ James Shields (R)

Jamie Garcia (L) @ Yovani Gallardo (R) (-125)

Jeremy Guthrie (R) (-125) @ Wandy Rodriguez (L)
- Jake Arrieta comment applies here for Guthrie too

Tim Lincecum (R) @ Ian Kennedy (R) (-115)
- Very interesting seeing Timmy be a dog to Kennedy... I was shocked

Chad Billingsley (R) @ Cory Luebke (L) (-140)
- Thrilled to watch this game to see how Luebke looks today

Bruce Chen (L) @ Jered Weaver (R) (-220)

Jason Vargas (L) @ Brandon McCarthy (R) (-150)
- Japan 2.0 -- Same result

[Pogotheostrich]

Colby Rasmus 0-7 with an error.
I can't tell you how many people in St. Louis sent me this text yesterday.

[Tennessee Jed]

love these threads. thanks for doing it!

[rotoquest]

There were errors yesterday, and that's to be expected this early. However, did anyone else see Raja Davis pop up a bunt yesterday toward third base, and then just stand at home plate and watch while the ball fell and the indians turn a double play. I guess he missed that little league lesson about hustling to 1st base every time.

[Mookie4ever]

- Justin Masterson, Ryan Dempster, and Justin Verlander all threw gems, and had their bullpens destroy their chances to earn a single Win between them

Strasburg? 7.0 IP 0.86 whip 1.29 era no decision

[Skin Blues]

Strasburg pitched a great game, but the bullpen didn't lose the game for him. The offense did.

[Mookie4ever]

Strasburg pitched a great game, but the bullpen didn't lose the game for him. The offense did.

Ah.
right
I read it too quickly as the "good pitcher, no win" category

[GardnerRunsRampant]

- Justin Masterson, Ryan Dempster, and Justin Verlander all threw gems, and had their bullpens destroy their chances to earn a single Win between them

Strasburg? 7.0 IP 0.86 whip 1.29 era no decision

Tyler Clippard, 1.0 IP 0.00 whip 0.00 era 1 W. Clip owners are partying like it's 2010. Double digit W's here we go!

[BronXBombers51]

Probably going to leave John Danks on the bench in Texas today. Hopefully my bats come alive though.

[Skin Blues]

Another note on last night's games: Johan Santana did well but fastball velocity was under 88 MPH. For a pitcher that relies so heavily on a fastball/changeup combination, that's not so promising. The change-up isn't likely to fool many people when they don't need to worry about catching up to his fastball.