Z.V. Sanders's Seattle Sonics fan blog

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that the Cubbies have been discussions with Billy Beane (wow, two references in 1 day!) about the A's oft-injured righty. From Chris De Luca's article:

"The Cubs have spent a lot of time on the phone recently with Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane trying to pry away right-hander Rich Harden. Expect the phone lines to start burning a little hotter beginning today.

Beane's in a tough spot. This season was supposed to be about rebuilding -- at least, that's what he told us last winter after dealing pitcher Dan Haren to the Arizona Diamondbacks and outfielder Nick Swisher to the White Sox for a combined nine prospects, including five starting pitchers. Then the A's -- even after dropping two straight to the White Sox over the weekend -- made a run in the watered-down AL West, sitting six games behind the fragile Los Angeles Angels."

Continue reading "Harden to the Cubs?"

The Mariners lost a good one. The M's lost 4-3 at the expense of the Oakland Athletics.

On the night after the Mariners lost in 15 innings, they needed a solid start from Jarrod Washburn. The bullpen was so tired, that Jamie Burke had to pitch an inning last night. Washburn knew this going in. He made sure he got it done. Washburn went 8 innings, and threw 102 pitches. He gave up 4 earned on 7 hits, no walks and 5 Ks. Sure, it's not perfect, but it usually should be good enough to win a game.

On the other hand, Dana Eveland was good enough to get the win. He could not quite make it a quality start however, only making it through 5 and 1/3 before being replaced by Ziegler. Ziegler extended his scoreless inning streak to 18, going 2 innings while only giving up 1 hit.

Face it people, the A's are a good team. Beane's team (there it is, my token Billy Beane reference in an A's column) has been built to win in the long run, but are also getting it done in the short term. The sad thing? Despite their 48-41 record, they only had 11,000 people at the McAfee Colisuem today. Only a 33% capacity. This is a true shame. The people in Oakland should know that these Oakland As will always be competitive in the Moneyball era. Maybe more people in the Bay Area should read the book by Micheal Lewis, and appreciate the wonder of the Billy Beane era.

Continue reading "Washburn Solid, but A's still provail"

For some of you who don't know, I am a fantasy sports fanatic. I enjoy the crunching of number, and the drafting of players. This is an example from one of my leagues (my team is SPeff Starz, having an unusually bad season for my standards.)

With the All-Stars being announced, I decided to do a study of All-Stars per fantasy team, and whether they really help you win or not.

Team --- # of All Stars

GW III ---------2
S.P. War -------3
Dutchman -------3
Plug'N'Play --- 4
Down Under ---- 4
Hijackers2 ---- 5
CADS -----------5
Se. Pilots -----6
GG_AW ----------7
RedDirt R ------7
Speff Starz --- 8
Young Blood --- 9

This, compared to standings (worst to best again)

Plug'N'Play ----12

Continue reading "All Stars and Winning Fantasy Baseball: Relation?"

Jamie Burke is a team player. He proved that yesterday. Not only does he never complain that he is the #3 Catcher on the active roster, he is willing to play wherever needed to help the team. Even Pitcher.

Burke was no slouch on the mound. He may have been only the 4th position player to receive a decision since 1969 (he was the losing pitcher of record), but he still pitched well for a catcher. He threw an 86 mph fastball that seemed to be effective in taming the Tigers lineup. His only problem, was his "curveball". He decided to try to throw a curveball to Marcus Thames, but it sailed over his head and allowed the runner to move to third base. Thames later hit a sac fly to score the run, and effectively win the game.

From the Seattle Times:
"'I had a couple of guys come to me and say, 'Hey, skip, I can pitch,' " Riggleman said.

Continue reading "Jamie Burke: Man Of The Hour...Bedard: Man on the Move"

Jim Riggleman: The Key to the Mariners Success? Since Jim Riggleman took over, the Mariners are 9-5 and have won 6 out of their last 8. Here is some analysis on why the team is having more success.

 - Over the past 14 games, the team has averaged 5.14 runs scored, while giving up only 3.57 runs.

 - The Mariners hitting has come alive. They are averaging 10.14 Hits per game in Rigglemans's tenure. The teams' average is 8.82 per for the season.

 - The team is being more patient at the plate. They are averaging 3.21 BB per game under Riggleman, compared to 2.86 on the season.

I cannot believe I am saying this, but maybe McLaren was to harsh as a manager? He was known as a player's bench coach, being the go between for the players and Piniella. The problem is, this team is very, very

Continue reading "Mariners Learning How To Riggle Out Some Wins"

Here are my thoughts about the city of Seattle letting the Sonics leave

1. Seattle/Washington legislature are all idiots
If you are a Washington resident, I implore you to not re-elect our Governor (Christine Gregoire). If you live in Seattle, we need a new city council and Mayor. These people had a chance to keep the team here, twice! Yet, nothing was done. We need change if we are to ever get basketball back here again.

2. David Stern is a bastard...
I used to respect David Stern. Needless to say I no longer do. Because of him, I will no longer be able to hear him announce "The Seattle SuperSonics select..." during the NBA draft. I used to think he was the best commish in sports. He used to be the only one who would speak frankly, openly, and honestly. Before this ordeal, he had done a hell of a lot of good for this league. David Stern, you have lost the respect of everyone in the state of Washington. I hope you enjoy it.

Continue reading "It finally sets in, and I am pissed"

In case you didn't hear, the Sonics have made a deal with the city of Seattle and will be leaving for Oklahoma City for this season. In return, the City will recieve 45 million dollars from owner Clayton Bennett, and could recieve an extra 30 million if the City does not recieve a new NBA team by 2013. The City also keeps the Sonics' names, records, etc.

Mayor Greg Nickles spoke at a press conference and addressed many factors. Some of them include that the NBA will notify the city if any teams become available. The NBA also decided that the Key Arena would be a viable option if the proposed 300 million dollar renovation plan goes through.

By letting the Sonics go, the city gets back on David Stern's good side. Supposedly, the Grizzlies are going to become available for sale soon (if they are not already), so Seattle could have a new team very soon. 

Continue reading "Seattle loses Sonics, but gains NBA's respect"

Note: All statistics are through Monday's (6/30) games

All season, people can debate about how the Mariners should have been a better team. I, personally, hate speculating when something can be proved. Because I am such a geek, I know the sabermetrics that can determine if this season is a fluke, or was bound to happen.

First, the Pythagorean expectation. This is a way of determining win% based on the teams runs scored and allowed. Based on the Mariners 331 runs scored and 392 runs allowed, the M's should have a winning percentage of .416. Currently, the Mariners have a winning percentage of .378. This is really not that far off. Throughout a 162 game season, the M's would be expected to have 67 wins. On their current pace, they will have 61 wins. 6 wins is not all that far off. This shows a small amount of bad luck has been in play against the Mariners losing games, but overall the games they have lost are for a reason.

Continue reading "Mariners: Bad or Unlucky?"

ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that Baron Davis has an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers to join the team for the 08-09 season and beyond. Details of the contract are not yet available (5 yr, 65 mil as rumor has it)

If the Clippers can bring back Elton Brand, as they are expected to do fairly quickly, they could be real contenders next season. Here is what their lineup could look like:

C: Chris Kaman
PF: Elton Brand
SF: Al Thornton
SG: Eric Gordon
PG: Baron Davis

With Shaun Livingston's return (assuming he resigns), and Cuttino Mobley on the bench, this team would have moderate depth as well.

The signing of Davis also signifies the end of the Corey Maggette era in L.A. Where will he sign? My guess is the Grizzlies or 76ers, who have the cap room necessary to acquire him at a high contract. Rumor has it, the world champions Celtics have contacted Maggette and offered him the mid-level exception (approx. 5.8 mil).

Continue reading "Davis to be a Clipper"

Well, another NBA Draft has come and gone. There were a few surprises, and more than a few things went as projected. Here's a rundown

Rose and Beasley went 1/2, respectively

OJ Mayo was selected 3rd by Minnesota, who eventually traded him to Memphis for Kevin Love in an 8 player deal

The Sacramento Kings selected Jason Thompson at 12. Don't know what they were thinking. At that point, he isnt even the most skilled big man in the draft, or the one with the most potential. The least you could do is move down, I mean c'mon. Can't say I was shocked though, after all it is the Sactown Queens.

J.J. Hickson (NC State) was selected by the Cavs at 19. I cannot begin to tell you how much I LOVE this pick. Hickson will be a very solid post presence for years to come. I see him averaging 13 and 8 if he gets good playing time. Hickson has all the tools; Strength, Size, Athletiscism, Inside Scoring, Mid-range Scoring. If he doesn't turn out, I will be shocked.

Continue reading "NBA Draft: Dishing out the Love"