Protecting the Shields -- The Nick Cafardo Thread
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WTF?
This was as bad as of a Baseball Notes column as I can remember. From the Yankees as the leading candidate to land Mike Trout to the Red Sox including Brock Holt as a key component in getting Trout to the Giants getting Trout because, "Hey, they had Barry Bonds once!" Cafardo was way out of his depth on this one. Aside from a few Yankees, there wasn't any talk of specific low-level minor league prospects (Benintendi or Moncada, for instance) going to the Angels (not even Sox ones -- at least that I could see).
Then he gets into the idea that maybe Cherington was railroaded out of Boston because people in Boston "aren't patient enough" and one 'AL GM' said that it takes a year for big-time free agents (he cites Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval by name) to acclimate themselves to "big markets". As you recall both Sandoval and Ramirez came from those back-water, one-horse-town burghs of San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively.
Scott Boras is kindler gentler and wants to only do right by his player. Why he's such a good guy, that he'll probably give all teams home town discounts! GOLLY!
But the funniest blurb was "Ryan Hannigan recalls how he once caught an Adolis Chapman fastball clocked at 106 MPH." That's literally it. There was no quote, nothing even Cafardo-esque lame as, "Boy, man hand hurt for a week after that one!"
As bad as Cafardo was this week, nothing could top the banality of Kevin Paul DuPont's hard-hitting essay on Cracker Jacks -- they've been a baseball staple longer than Fenway Park!* I'm really surprised that the Globe Spotlight team let this one slide past their desk.
* And I'm not making this up. This was an article that was featured in the May 15, 2016 issue of the multi-award-winning Boston Sunday Globe.
Then he gets into the idea that maybe Cherington was railroaded out of Boston because people in Boston "aren't patient enough" and one 'AL GM' said that it takes a year for big-time free agents (he cites Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval by name) to acclimate themselves to "big markets". As you recall both Sandoval and Ramirez came from those back-water, one-horse-town burghs of San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively.
Scott Boras is kindler gentler and wants to only do right by his player. Why he's such a good guy, that he'll probably give all teams home town discounts! GOLLY!
But the funniest blurb was "Ryan Hannigan recalls how he once caught an Adolis Chapman fastball clocked at 106 MPH." That's literally it. There was no quote, nothing even Cafardo-esque lame as, "Boy, man hand hurt for a week after that one!"
As bad as Cafardo was this week, nothing could top the banality of Kevin Paul DuPont's hard-hitting essay on Cracker Jacks -- they've been a baseball staple longer than Fenway Park!* I'm really surprised that the Globe Spotlight team let this one slide past their desk.
* And I'm not making this up. This was an article that was featured in the May 15, 2016 issue of the multi-award-winning Boston Sunday Globe.
"Here are some long-term contracts for pitchers that worked out. Here are a few others that didn't. Here are several more where it's too early to tell. I have no idea what any of this means."
WadeMileyJameShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJameShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWade MileyJameShieldsWadeMilyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJameShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWade MileyJameShieldsWadeMilyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJameShieldsWadeMileyJamesShieldsWadeMileyJamesShields
And I love that Ben Cherington's only gaffe is signing Sandoval, Ramirez and trading for and signing Porcello. Other than he fired 100% on everything
One sad part of one aspect of that pathetic piece of dreck is that there is a germ of an idea in there regarding Cherington which he "shockingly" does not develop. The "Boston is impatient" theme is off and not the point.*
He could have built on the notion that Sandoval and Rusney, at this point, look like the only real stinker decisions.
In addition to Hanley and Porcello, he could have pointed out Cherington's role in:
- the Koji signing, which was criticized by some in light of Koji's age, and now looks pretty good
- critically, the moves Ben did not make...he resisted trading any of the core young players and he undoubtedly received calls on all of them...that is perhaps his biggest achievement
- the draft picks
- Steven Wright
- Brock Holt
- no doubt JWH played a large role in this, but keeping Papi signed and not fumbling that negotiation at any point
I purposefully left off the John Lackey trade which also looks downright stinky. My assumption, there, is that Lackey forced Ben's hand in some way because there is simply no way to justify trading a veteran, accomplished starter in line to make $500k for Craig/Kelly at their rates, so I think we are almost forced to assume that something external was going on. Our inquisitive Nicky has never, as far as I know, gone down that path.
As is often the case, Cafardo, even when he stumbles on an interesting topic that is multi-dimensional, completely fumbles the opportunity.
* JBJ is a good current example of that. How many chances did WMB get? Look at Buck now. Remember Pedey's start. Sure, this is a demanding market and players, managers and front office personnel do not get forever. But to reduce Ben Cherington's departure to that is a bit simplistic. Three last place finishes in four years, along with some very big economic blunders, will lead to that outcome in many markets, I suspect.
He could have built on the notion that Sandoval and Rusney, at this point, look like the only real stinker decisions.
In addition to Hanley and Porcello, he could have pointed out Cherington's role in:
- the Koji signing, which was criticized by some in light of Koji's age, and now looks pretty good
- critically, the moves Ben did not make...he resisted trading any of the core young players and he undoubtedly received calls on all of them...that is perhaps his biggest achievement
- the draft picks
- Steven Wright
- Brock Holt
- no doubt JWH played a large role in this, but keeping Papi signed and not fumbling that negotiation at any point
I purposefully left off the John Lackey trade which also looks downright stinky. My assumption, there, is that Lackey forced Ben's hand in some way because there is simply no way to justify trading a veteran, accomplished starter in line to make $500k for Craig/Kelly at their rates, so I think we are almost forced to assume that something external was going on. Our inquisitive Nicky has never, as far as I know, gone down that path.
As is often the case, Cafardo, even when he stumbles on an interesting topic that is multi-dimensional, completely fumbles the opportunity.
* JBJ is a good current example of that. How many chances did WMB get? Look at Buck now. Remember Pedey's start. Sure, this is a demanding market and players, managers and front office personnel do not get forever. But to reduce Ben Cherington's departure to that is a bit simplistic. Three last place finishes in four years, along with some very big economic blunders, will lead to that outcome in many markets, I suspect.
There are very few teams that could put together a package for Trout... but here are ten (1/3 of the league)... even though half don't make any sense but I talk to some of them so I'll pull something out of my rear end...
Even if Lackey forced a trade, you would have to blame Ben for the return. There were other offers and he could have went the prospect route. Maybe Kelly makes it a moot point anyway and wins a Cy Young award.
Of the ten, one team is in their division (Houston) and the other plays across the city (Dodgers). I doubt that the Angels would make a deal with either team.
But eight isn't a round number.
What is Nick's goddamn obsession with wanting X to hit for more power? He mentions it in every single thing he writes about the kid, and I simply don't understand it. His SLG has gone from 364 to 362 to 421 to 503 in each of the last 4 seasons; he IS hitting with more power.
Of course what infantile morons like Nick mean when they say they want more power is more home runs, but X is a shortstop and wanting the kid to bulk up to hit more home runs is just stupid as that would hurt his defensive value. Nick hasn't noticed that X hit 35 doubles last year and is on pace for about 53 this year, which would be an incredible number. But no. MOAR POWER, Nick cries. Might as well be saying "Give us Barrabus!"
Of course what infantile morons like Nick mean when they say they want more power is more home runs, but X is a shortstop and wanting the kid to bulk up to hit more home runs is just stupid as that would hurt his defensive value. Nick hasn't noticed that X hit 35 doubles last year and is on pace for about 53 this year, which would be an incredible number. But no. MOAR POWER, Nick cries. Might as well be saying "Give us Barrabus!"
"Nick on the car phone: you're next!"
"yeah...hi....I have a trade I wanna run by ya...."
.503 is also the 4th highest SLG% among qualified MLB SS.
At least Nick has stopped pining for Iglesias.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/06/27/xander-bogaerts-jose-iglesias-debate-rages/iltz5CCTBvP87ifrTc1tKK/story.html
I guess Xander hadn't hit that moonshot over everything (truly Manny-esque) when Nick wrote that, but it's still like Nick isn't watching the games.
X is hitting in front of Papi, putting up a .390 OBP and is clearly just focused on getting on base to let the big man do his thing. If I could design a #3 hitter to be in front of Papi, I think I'd start with Xander, look at him for three seconds, and then just declare, "I'm done."
When pitchers throw him obvious mistakes, Xander loses them, but, in general, he's focused on ripping line drives to all fields. That you could possibly look at what he's doing and say, "you know, he should hit for more power," is being almost willfully ignorant.
He leads the league in hits!
X is hitting in front of Papi, putting up a .390 OBP and is clearly just focused on getting on base to let the big man do his thing. If I could design a #3 hitter to be in front of Papi, I think I'd start with Xander, look at him for three seconds, and then just declare, "I'm done."
When pitchers throw him obvious mistakes, Xander loses them, but, in general, he's focused on ripping line drives to all fields. That you could possibly look at what he's doing and say, "you know, he should hit for more power," is being almost willfully ignorant.
He leads the league in hits!
It's the perfect storm. Ultimate Fence Straddler Nick Cafardo says the Sox have a problem because they have to make some decisions about their pitching, as Kelly and Rodriguez return to health and Buchholz is ineffective. The problem isn't that all the options are bad; or that they don't have enough viable options. Just that they have to make a decision, unlike in 2004 when the same 5 guys rolled start after start.
It's all about stability uber alles. I bet Nick dumps every dollar of his retirement savings into a passbok savings account.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2016/05/16/red-sox-have-some-decisions-make-pitching-front/9MEySuYpiAbJJRC1UdbWUM/story.html
It's all about stability uber alles. I bet Nick dumps every dollar of his retirement savings into a passbok savings account.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2016/05/16/red-sox-have-some-decisions-make-pitching-front/9MEySuYpiAbJJRC1UdbWUM/story.html
I realize that Nick's memory sucks but does he realize that the defending champs starting staff was ranked 12th out of 15 AL teams in ERA and 14th out of 15th in BAA? Last. GD. Year.
I'm laughing.
An actual interesting article may have been to say that the Royals' blueprint last year was to have a so-so staff of starters and a great bullpen but the (jury is still out, may questions lay ahead) Red Sox and the (sleeping giant) Yankees have copied that plan this year with mixed results. Of course this would be hard to do since Nick's not in Kansas City right now or anything.
The Royals last year were 3rd in the league in runs allowed and 7th in runs scored. 2nd in BA.
If you include the bullpen the pitching numbers look great.
The starters only, not so much: http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/pitching/year/2015/split/127/league/al/sort/opponentAvg/order/false
Sure, but I guess that's my point. It doesn't matter how you prevent runs so long as you do it. The Royals showed one way it's possible to do so and win.
Of course Nick misses the forest for the trees.
Of course Nick misses the forest for the trees.
Yup. As usual.
I'm too busy to look at the list of recent WS winners and correlate to home run hitting Shortstops but I think we know what the answer is and why it's also a dumb argument.
It's the Nick Cafardo edition of Point-Counterpoint:
(Edited to clean up bbcode.)
We hit three major themes. Quotes from players with no analysis, quotes from anonymous GMs or scouts with no analysis, and an overlying theme (the leagues are so different, never mind how much interleague play there is) that bears little relation to reality.
(Edited to clean up bbcode.)
Nick has zero critical thinking skills. Jim Kaat tells him he cured a UCL injury with rest and Nick doesn't question it? If Kaat had an elbow injury and it cleared up with rest, guess what? It wasn't a UCL.
Christ.
Christ.
Nick's note on the lack of Latino managers was emblematic of his laziness.
That Nick did not mention a few likely and known candidates -- Dave Martinez immediately comes to mind -- seemed odd. Then again, why should anyone be surprised?
Particularly days after a former Red Sox player who's often mentioned as a managerial candidate -- Alex Cora -- publicly makes the same argument
Heard Cora on the radio during a 10 minute drive last night during the game. He did sound pretty sharp.
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Did Kaat blow his elbow out TWICE without surgery? You would think Nick would remember this particular "blow-out", a rather significant event in a very significant Red Sox season.
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20070928/NEWS/309289961
It'd be pretty funny if Alex Cora actually turned out to be a genius.
Hah, I saw that line too and wondered how the OPS+ would check out. Of course Nick had access to a computer to check for himself, but he didn't bother.
Then again, Nick googling for a stat that he does not recognize as relevant is pretty unlikely in the first place.
My guess is that Nick has begrudgingly accepted OBP and OPS as "advanced stats" that he is required to know and cite on occasion and regards every other metric as something he can safely ignore.
Yaz catches a lot of flak for being a guy who hung on forever just to compile stats, but he was literally never a bad player. His OBP in 1983 was .359, league average was .328.
Nick apparently has a whole column now called "Apropos of Nothing," which is like a restaurant having a menu section touting food that neither tastes good nor is healthy or inexpensive; but anyway, on automatic intentional walks he says:
I happen to agree, but wasn't he championing this very initiative not long ago? (I can't find it).
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And he had 11 intentional walks (one more than Jim Rice), so he was obviously lousy. Yaz did have a crappy September/October (195/253/247), but that just makes the season up until then look better.
joe, back on October 8, 2014, you wrote:
"Nick doing cartwheels over the AFL automatic intentional walk rule, which might shorten 1 out of 3 games by 25 seconds or so. After all, nothing unusual can ever happen on an intentional walk."
No cite for Nick, but here is the post:
http://sonsofsamhorn.net/index.php?threads/way-above-my-intellectual-capacity-aka-the-wisdom-of-nick-cafardo.69/page-56#post-182533
Found it, thanks:
just to have it all in one place, now he says:
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2014/10/05/sunball/9juQaprOADR37zqsvmABdI/story.html
just to have it all in one place, now he says:
Nick's take on Clay is predictably terrible.
There aren't many quotes from Clay in this piece and not many specifics either, just a general 'he's kind of an enigma' resignation. Feel free to fill in some examples and quotes to back up your points, Nick, since you're around the team all the time. He writes as if he watches the games from home and doesn't travel with the team or have access to the principle characters in his morality plays. For an insider, he has very little inside knowledge to share.
Oh okay, I guess that didn't count, then?
Ah yes, Nick's Personal Moxie Binky rears its head once again. We all just need to try harder and play everyday as if our job was on the line. Does Nick own a mirror? Also, a sidenote, interesting how Lackey has gone from Chicken and Beer Problem to Intensity Role Model for our youth in hindsight.
That's as close as you can come without coming right out and saying 'I hate your lazy, entitled generation and everything it stands for' and a generalization that isn't true unless I missed the part where he didn't have to prove himself on the Major League level at a young age.
There aren't many quotes from Clay in this piece and not many specifics either, just a general 'he's kind of an enigma' resignation. Feel free to fill in some examples and quotes to back up your points, Nick, since you're around the team all the time. He writes as if he watches the games from home and doesn't travel with the team or have access to the principle characters in his morality plays. For an insider, he has very little inside knowledge to share.
Didnt he pitch with a fractured vertebra for like a year one time? Didnt he pitch the entire 2013 world series run while clearly injured? Sometimes I think maybe I imagined these things because they were forgotten the instant they happened.
I'm tired of watching the guys shitty pitching too but it would be cool to read something other than this boring narrative.
I'm tired of watching the guys shitty pitching too but it would be cool to read something other than this boring narrative.
Yup. He's never been the same since 2013. But I guess it's just his lack of character that's the difference. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Just think of all the adversity Nick has written through: That time the buffet didn't get put out in the media room until 30 minutes before gametime; the time the elevator to the press box was out; the time the caps lock key on his keyboard was stuck for at least a minute after he spilled a little of his smoothie.
Thank god we've got a warrior like him around to analyze Clay's fortitude.
Thank god we've got a warrior like him around to analyze Clay's fortitude.
Wasn't he pretty good since 2013....or does the first half of last year not count for some reason?
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