Must See Sports - Second Weekend of July 2013

Last week's advantage/disadvantage record, excluding series: 2-2
Last week's advantage/disadvantage record in series: 1-1
2013 Advantage/Disadvantage Record, excluding series: 27-27 

2013 Advantage/Disadvantage Record (series only): 3-4-1

It's all baseball this week, guys!


Friday, July 12

Major League Baseball

Cincinnati Reds at Atlanta Braves

Bronson Arroyo (7-7, 3.55 ERA) - Reds vs Kris Medlen (6-8, 3.45 ERA) - Braves

Both pitchers appear to have shaken off rocky start to the year. Arroyo appears to have settled down and found his groove after giving up a lot of runs in the month of April and into early May. Medlen was the victim of some hard-luck losses (and no decisions) early in the year, but has won five of his last seven decisions.

Medlen was torched in his last start against the Philadelphia Phillies and Arroyo posted a loss in spite of a quality start in his last appearance against the often punchless Seattle Mariners. Both men are looking to get back on track.

This could be a playoff preview. Both teams are among the best in the National League, though the Reds are embroiled in an N.L. Central division dogfight with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates, with two of the three best records in Major League Baseball. This game and this series appear very even on paper, but the Braves are very tough at home and I think that gives them the edge in this pre-All-Star matchup.

Advantages: Game – Braves, Series – Braves

Arroyo's got his groove back. 1

Saturday, July 13

Major League Baseball

Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles Dodgers

Tyler Chatwood (5-2, 2.74 ERA) - Rockies vs Zack Grienke (7-2, 3.91 ERA) - Dodgers

I don’t know much about third year Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood, but any Rockies pitcher with an ERA under 3.00 through 11 starts has my attention. Greinke has also been hot. He has won five straight decisions. He’s anything if not a seasoned game manager.

The Dodgers are on fire after being in last place last month. Unless you’ve been in a coma, you’ve heard about the rapid ascension of rookie right fielder Yasiel Puig (.397, 8 HR, 19 RBI) to stardom. However, shortstop Hanley Ramirez’s (.402, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 1.185 OPS, 36 GP) hot streak since returning to the lineup last month has flown under the radar. He has reached base in 22 of the last 23 games and is tearing the cover off of the ball.

Puig, Ramirez, and the starting pitchers have helped L.A. close to within a game and a half of the first place Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rockies have a couple of hot hands in outfielders Carlos Gonzalez (.307, 25 HR, 64 RBI) and Michael Cuddyer (.332, 15 HR, 52 RBI). It is also not clear if Puig, who left yesterday’s game with a hip injury, will play. But the Dodgers are hot and I like them in this series.

Advantages: Game – Dodgers, Series – Dodgers

Things are looking up for Hanley Ramirez and the Dodgers. 2

Sunday, July 14

Major League Baseball

Texas Rangers at Detroit Tigers

Martin Perez (3-1, 2.08 ERA) - Rangers vs Justin Verlander (9-6, 3.71, 122 Ks) - Tigers

The young Venezuelan Perez is off to a rapid start, with three wins in five starts this year. However, the first place Tigers are hot right now and the Rangers appear to be cooling off, being passed this week by the Oakland A’s for first place in the American League West division.  

Tigers third baseman and reigning American League Most Valuable Player Miguel Cabrera (.366, 30 HR, 94 RBI, 1.138 OPS) is playing like some kind of superman right now. Also, the Rangers will be without designated hitter Lance Berkman (.254, 6 HR, 34 RBI), who is on the 15 day Disabled List with a hip injury. Berkman has been dogged all season with nagging injuries. That’s enough to tip the scales in the Tigers’ favor on Sunday, in my opinion.

Advantages: Game – Tigers, Series – Tigers

Miguel Cabrera is the first MLB player, ever, to hit 30 home runs and 90 RBIs before the All-Star break. 3

Monday, July 15

MLB Home Run Derby presented by Chevrolet

The best sluggers in the National League go head-to-head with their American League rivals. American league headliners include Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees, former two time (2009, 2012) derby champion Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers, and Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles. National Leaguers include New York Mets third baseman David Wright, Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, and Carlos Gonzalez of the Colorado Rockies.

Well, he is a vegan. 4

Tuesday, July 16

MLB All-Star Game

American League All-Stars at National League All-Stars

The Midsummer Classic pits the best against the best for the fans. For the players? One unlucky team will not have home field advantage in the World Series as a result of this exhibition game played by players and managed by managers who won’t give a damn the next day.

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Lies Damned Lies and Statistics – MLB – July 20, 2012

The pennant races are getting really hot. With two additional Wild Card teams being invited to the playoffs this season, there are very few teams already looking ahead to next year. There are some players on teams that will be involved in some important series with some factoids on their resumes that might surprise you.

Jamie Moyer is Major League Baseball’s active leader in career wins.

The 49 year old Colorado Rockies pitcher has been in the big leagues since before I was old enough for the “12 and over” doses of Tylenol. I’m in my late 30s. To my knowledge, he is the sole remaining active professional athlete in a major sports league who played when I was in elementary school.

In fact, for contrast, there are only six active NHL players, two NFL players (Jason Hanson of the Detroit Lions and John Kasay of the New Orleans Saints), and no remaining active NBA players who played when I was in high school. The college contemporaries are growing thin, too.

Moyer has always been a solid contributor to his teams’ starting rotation, but never a dominating pitcher for an extended period of years like several of the men just beneath him on this list. Nonetheless, Moyer, with 269 career wins, leads all other active major leaguers. Unfortunately, playing for the Rockies, he will not add to that total very much.

Moyer in 1986. With good health and a little luck, a man can pile up a lot of wins in a quarter century.

C.C. Sabathia is the fifth in career MLB wins among active players.

C.C. Sabathia is one of the best pitchers in the game; many would argue the best left hander. But at a position in which players can remain active less than a year before their 50th birthdays, the fact that C.C., who debuted in 2001 and turns 32 tomorrow, is among the top five active win leaders is a powerful statement about just how dominant he is.

To put this in perspective, the active career wins leader born after Sabathia is 31 year old Carlos Zambrano of the Miami Marlins. Zambrano is 18th among active pitchers with 130 wins. The active career wins leader among lefties who are C.C.’s junior? Twenty-eight year old Zack Greinke of the Milwaukee Brewers, tied for 49th in wins among active pitchers with Cole Hamels of the Philadelphia Phillies with just 85 career wins.

The big question is can C.C.'s career win total ever exceed his weight in pounds? 2

Albert Pujols is 10th in career runs scored among active players.

Again, the fact that arguably the game’s best player is in the top 10 for active career achievements sounds intuitive. He is the best complete hitter of his time, has average speed, and is a smart baserunner, so why wouldn’t he be high on the career run list? However, at age 32, a healthy baseball player like Pujols is not in the twilight of his career, as players in other sports would be; he’s in (the back end of) his career peak. This is what makes this statistic somewhat incredible.

Pujols has scored 1,341 runs in his career as of this morning. Comparing him similarly to Sabathia, the active career leader, younger than Pujols, in runs scored is 32 year old Mark Teixeira of the New York Yankees with 926. That ranks Teixeira 32nd among active players. In fact, Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies is the next-highest active career leader in runs scored after Pujols among players under the age of 35, ranked 18th with more than 200 fewer runs scored.

Pujols is no diva; he isn't afraid to bring it to the catcher at the plate. Sometimes that doesn't work out so well. 3

The active career leader in triples, Carl Crawford of the Boston Red Sox with 112, is not even in the top 100, all-time for career triples.

This stat is as big of an illustration as any showing how much the game of baseball has changed. The top three all-time leaders are Hall of Famers Sam Crawford, Ty Cobb, and Honus Wagner, all Dead Ball Era hitters. If Crawford left the game today, he would rank 118th all-time.

What has changed? What are the characteristics of a play resulting in a triple? Typically there are three elements: a very hard hit line drive (all the way into the outfield), an awkward bounce off of the right centerfield or right field wall, and a speedy baserunner. The majority of the time a triple is hit, it comes from a left handed hitter. Lefties, of course, are more likely to put the ball in right field, which is almost a necessity for a triple since the greatest distance from the outfield to third base is from right field.

In the Dead Ball Era, some outfield walls were often farther back than modern walls, sometimes upwards of 500 feet to centerfield, meaning that, in some parks, a righty could pull the ball to left, get a quirky bounce off the wall, and still reach third. Sports nutrition supplements did not exist. Endurance and strength conditioning were not in the lexicon of any major professional sports, let alone the one sport in which an out of shape person could thrive – baseball. Fielding was not as crisp and synchronized as today. Outfielders were not as fast, and baserunners were willing to take more risks because hitters were less able to bring them home during the Dead Ball Era than today. In short, it was easier to reach third.

Hall of Famer Sam Crawford is the MLB all-time leader in career triples. 5

No relation to Carl Crawford, sliding to third. 4

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The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

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Jamie Moyer Was ___ When

Last night, 49 year old Jamie Moyer (1-2, 2.55 ERA) of the Colorado Rockies pitched seven innings without giving up any earned runs (charged with two unearned runs) and earned a win in an N.L. West Division game against the San Diego Padres. The win made Moyer the oldest pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball to earn a win. Moyer debuted in the majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1986.

A lot has changed in the world since Moyer entered the big leagues. Even more has changed since he entered the world. The Daily Hat Trick, today, will put Moyer’s longevity against the backdrop of events that have taken place during Moyer’s life time.

Jamie Moyer
Born: November 18, 1962
Age: 49

Event: Kennedy Assassination
Date of Event: November 22, 1963
Moyer’s age: 1
Still alive: Gracie Allen, wife of George Burns (born 1895)
Not Yet Born: Brad Pitt (current age: 48)

Event: Apollo 11 lands on the moon.
Date: July 20, 1969
Moyer’s age: 5
Still alive: Mary Jo Kopechne, Ted Kennedy’s passenger killed at Chappaquiddick
Not yet born: Alonzo Mourning (current age: 42)

One small step for man. One large step for 5 year old Jamie Moyer. 1

Event: Richard Nixon resigns from the Presidency as a result of the Watergate scandal.
Date: August 9, 1974
Moyer’s age: 10
Still alive: Larry Fine, best know for his role as Larry of The Three Stooges (born 1902)
Not yet born: Eric Hatfield, Editor of The Daily Hat Trick (current age: 37)


Event: Elvis Presley dies
Date: August 16, 1977
Moyer’s age: 13
Still alive: Ford Frick, former Major League Baseball Commissioner and Baseball Hall of Famer (born 1894)
Not yet born: Ashton Kutcher (current age: 35)

Event: President Ronald Reagan is shot
Date: March 30, 1981
Moyer’s age: 18
Still alive: Jack Dempsey, former heavyweight champion of the world (born 1895)
Not yet born: Britney Spears (current age: 30)

Event: Challenger Explosion
Date: January 28, 1986
Moyer’s age: 23
Moyer’s current team: Pittsfield Cubs (AA)
Still alive: Dezi Arnaz (born 1917)
Not yet born: Megan Fox (current age: 25)

Megan Fox: Sex symbol to many, jailbait for Moyer. 2

Event: Magic Johnson retires, announcing he is HIV-positive
Date: November 7, 1991
Moyer’s age: 28
Moyer’s current team: St. Louis Cardinals
Still alive: Jim Garrison, DA who prosecuted Clay Shaw in the death of President Kennedy as featured in Oliver Stone’s “JFK” (born 1921)
Not yet born: Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers (current age: 19)


Event: Bill Clinton is impeached
Date: December 19, 1998
Moyer’s age: 36
Moyer’s current team: Seattle Mariners
Still alive: Cal Ripken, Sr. (born 1936)
Not yet born: Willow Smith, a.k.a. “Willow” (current age: 11)

"I...did not...have...sexual relations with that woman, Ms. Lewisnky." Neither did Moyer, nor would he. Have you seen his wife, Karen? MILF! MILF! MILF! MILF! 

Event: 9/11
Date: September 11, 2001
Moyer’s age: 38
Moyer’s current team: Seattle Mariners
Still alive: Dudley Moore (born 1936)
Not yet born: Alexa Gerasimovich, Natalie Snyder from As The World Turns (current age: 10)


Event: Hurricane Katrina
Date: August 29, 2005
Moyer’s age: 42
Moyer’s current team: Seattle Mariners
Still alive: Saddam Hussein (born 1937)
Not yet born: Maddie Aldridge, daughter of Jamie Lynn Spears (current age: 3)


Event: Jamie Moyer becomes the oldest MLB pitcher to earn a win.
Date: April 17, 2012
Moyer’s age: 49
Moyer’s current team: Colorado Rockies
Still alive: Dick Clark (born 1929)

Congratulations, Jamie! Keep it going! 4

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Jamie Moyer Was Dealt a Good Hand

Some guys have all the luck. As you may have heard, 49 year old Jamie Moyer, starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, pitched seven innings and earned a win over the San Diego Padres. The victory made him the oldest winning pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball.

I cannot help but think of the expression, "You are only as old as you feel." This beautiful creature pictured below is Karen Moyer, Jamie's wife, age 47. By the way, she has seven children. I cannot help but think that a 47 year old woman with Mrs. Moyer's appearance with seven children must have a youthful disposition, which must rub off on Jamie.

That entire family has some good genes!



She made sure he ate his veggies so he could mow batters down in his late 40s. 1

1) Image from www.moyerfoundation.org

A Few More Logs in the Hot Stove

The Daily Hat Trick recently reviewed some of the bigger offseason transactions in Major League Baseball, the biggest, of course, being the signing of first baseman Albert Pujols by the Los Angeles Angels. Since then, a few more transactions of note have taken place. Some key players stayed with their current teams and some headed for greener pastures. In either case, MLB fans have plenty to look forward to while waiting around the proverbial hot stove.


Philadelphia Phillies

Jimmy Rollins, SS, 6 years/$46.5 million - This resigning was a no brainer for the Phillies. Fortunately, Rollins felt the same about the Phillies offer. Rollins is one of the best shortstops in the game and the Phillies are one of the best organizations in baseball over the last five years. This marriage is an ideal one and I am sure that Phillies fans are happy that the union will continue.

Hat Trick Grade: A



Rollins has taken one for the team plenty of times. The Phillies have reciprocated to Rollins in 46 million ways. 1 


Colorado Rockies

Michael Cuddyer, RF, 3 years/$31.5 million - Colorado has lost good power hitters to trades and free agency during the past two years. This deal helps fill in the gap. Cuddyer has hit 70 or more RBIs in five of his last six years with the Minnesota Twins. He should be expected, if healthy, to hit 20 or more home runs, especially playing in Denver. He has consistently hit decently for contact. I think the Rockies got better with this move.

Hat Trick Grade: B+

The Rockies get Cuddyer and Cuddyer gets out of injury plagued winning-challenged, and rebuilding Minnesota. That sounds like a win-win. 2

St. Louis Cardinals

Carlos Beltran, CF, 2 years/$26 million - You can never...ever...ever, ever, ever, ever, ever replace Albert Pujols. However, not singing Pujols freed up some funds that would have otherwise gone to resigning him. Carlos Baltran, while inconsistent at times, is an upgrade for the Redbirds. Beltran is coming off of yet another season in which he has either hit .300 or hit 20 or more home runs (doing both in 2011). His on base plus slugging percentage was higher than his career average, at .910. He also had a three-year high for RBIs, with 84. Beltran is a higher risk, higher reward investment. Given the defending World Series champion Cardinals' market size and the available free agents, think this signing offered St. Louis the best value to replace some of Pujols' bat.

Hat Trick Grade: B

Santa tried to bring the Cards some sympathy gifts. 3

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

The Daily Hat Trick is sponsored by Sports N Stuff. For great deals on jerseys, shirts, cologne, and other guy stuff, visit http://www.sportsnstuff.biz/.

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Must See Sports – fourth Weekend of June 2011

Slim pickings this week, Hat Trick readers!

Thursday, June 23

2011 NBA Draft

Time to see which moves your favorite team will make to get one step closer to the 2012 NBA Championship. Who will go first? Will it be Duke’s Kyrie Irving? Will it be Arizona’s Derrick Williams? Who will get traded? Steve Nash, Lamar Odom, or Tony Parker? Find out at 6:00 pm tonight!


Friday, June 24

Toronto Blue Jays at St. Louis Cardinals
Brandon Morrow (3-4, 5.02 ERA) – Blue Jays vs Jake Westbrook (6-4, 5.16 ERA) – Cardinals

Westbrook has won four of his last five decisions and will need to continue to be at his best if the Cardinals are to stay near or at the top of a tight National League Central race. Only three games separate the first place Milwaukee Brewers from the fourth place Pittsburgh Pirates.

The bright, early spring star of the Blue Jays is fading quickly. After a competitive start, the Jays have fallen behind the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox in the tight American League East race. They will not have to face the Cardinals’ slugger, Albert Pujols (.279, 17 HR, 45 RBI), who is out for at least the next month with a wrist injury. Still, the Cards are at home and playing well.

Advantages – Game: Cardinals Series: Cardinals


Saturday, June 25

Colorado Rockies at New York Yankees
Aaron Cook (0-2, 4.67 ERA) – Rockies vs C.C. Sabathia (9-4, 3.39 ERA)

Aaron Cook will be taking the mound for only the fourth time this season. He faces C.C. in Yankee Stadium. Any questions?

Advantages – Game: Yankees, Series: Yankees


Sunday, June 26

Cleveland Indians at San Francisco Giants
Fausto Carmona (4-9, 6.17 ERA) – Indians vs Madison Bumgarner (3-9, 4.06 ERA) - Giants

I would not expect a repeat of Bumgarner’s catastrophic start against the Minnesota Twins, in which he gave up 8 earned runs, but recorded only one out. The Indians have cooled off significant after a hot start and have to travel a long way for this interleague contest with the Giants, who are neck-and-neck with the Arizona Diamondback for the lead in the National League West.

Advantages – Game: Giants, Series: Giants


Wednesday, June 29

Boston Red Sox vs Philadelphia Phillies
John Lackey (5-6, 7.36 ERA) – Red Sox vs Roy Oswalt (4-5, 3.38 ERA) – Phillies

I don’t need to tell you that this could be a preview of the World Series. Unlike the days before interleague play, you can get a preview. John Lackey has won three of his last four starts after starting the year in a horrific fashion. Roy O, on the other hand, has been steady on the mound. The fact that the Phillies have won 10 of their last 12 and are at home doesn’t hurt the National League pennant contender, either.

Advantages – Game: Phillies, Series: Phillies