# MLB: May 2012 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [May 1, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514 "2012-05-01T14:36:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/81 "2012-05-07T01:14:34Z")
> [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](#): > > All the same, striking out five times in a row and hitting into a double play the sixth time up makes the victory even sweeter for the guy and for the team, don’t you think?? Besides, I doubt I’ve ever been in the park when someone struck out 5 times in a row–not sure I’ve even seen someone go 4 for 4 in the K department. So that’s a pretty noteworthy achievement on its own. Sure, it just wasn’t exactly what i was focused on in my happiness after a 17-inning game. ---
**Author:** ![Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Ulf\_the\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulf_the_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/82 "2012-05-07T01:50:02Z")
Oh, of course not. I just like to imagine the phone conversation between Davis and his SO after the game: SO (who didn’t see the game and doesn’t know anything about it): How did you do today, sweetie? CD: Well, um…I’m afraid I struck out a few times. SO: (sympathetically) Ohhh, I’m sorry. How many times? CD: Five. SO: (giving a sharp intake of breath) Five times! Oh my! Poor you. CD: Also I hit into a double play. SO: Sounds like a terrible day on the job. I’m so sorry. (Pause) If you struck out five times and hit into a DP, then it must’ve been an extra inning game…? CD: Ah, you could say that. SO: (hope creeping into the voice) So–did you get up another time or two, or were those six plate appearances all you got? CD: Yeah, I got up twice more. Unfortunately, no hits. Oh for eight on the day. Pretty lousy couple of days at the plate. SO: (feeling a little helpless here) Oh, sweetie. Was there…I hope there was _some_thing good you could take away from the game… CD: Besides being the winning pitcher, you mean???! ---
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/83 "2012-05-07T02:32:41Z")
As a lifelong Cubs fan (surprise) I’ve been barely interested in baseball the past few years but after living in DC for the last 4 I’ve adopted the Nats as my number 2 team. This year my interest has skyrocketed and I listen to or watch every single Nats game. What awesome pitching they’ve got and Harper seems to be the real deal. It’s weird having an actual decent team to cheer for and care about. I’ve hardly noticed the Cubs. Go Nats! ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/84 "2012-05-07T15:42:20Z")
> [@etv78](#): > > **fruitbat** -Harper got plunked in the 1st. went to 1B w/o incident, came around to score. And Hamels acknowledged he hit him on purpose. Is anybody going to suspend him? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_the\_Turtle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_the_turtle/32/2926_2.png) [@Fear\_the\_Turtle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_the_Turtle)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/85 "2012-05-07T16:21:48Z")
That O’s - Red Sox game may have been the most exciting game I have ever seen. When the O’s brought in Davis in the bottom of the 16th, you figure they are throwing in the towel - better to fight another day. But he gets the first 2 outs, and then an error lets the winning run on 1st. A deep drive to the outfield that should ice the game, but an oustanding relay to home nails the winning run at the plate and we go to the 17th. The Sox bring in their position player to pitch (MacDonald) and Adam Jones promptly hits a 3 run shot. You might figure at this point the O’s might bring in a rested starter to ice the game, but no - Davis trots out to pitch the 17th. The 1st 2 get on and your thinking “Oh no, here we go again”. But he strikes out Adrian Gonzalez. McDonald then comes to the plate with a chance to redeem himself. But Davis coaxes a double play and the O’s leave town with a sweep! Hopefully the pitching can keep it up for the O’s and they may be able to so something this year. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/86 "2012-05-07T17:00:03Z")
Dodger fans: Are we concerned about Javy Guerra yet? Is this problem mental? Or is three blown saves and an ERA of nearly 6 nothing to sweat a month into the season? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/87 "2012-05-07T17:05:56Z")
It is something to be concerned about, to be sure. Is there anybody out there we can get to take his place is the question. Without a solid closer it is going to be a looong season. ---
**Author:** ![Yaxche](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8dc957/32.png) [@Yaxche](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yaxche)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/88 "2012-05-07T17:30:33Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > Dodger fans: Are we concerned about Javy Guerra yet? Is this problem mental? Or is three blown saves and an ERA of nearly 6 nothing to sweat a month into the season? I’m not one of those that thinks you have to have ‘the’ guy closing, you can alternate based on matchups… but, yeah, they need to quit trotting him out there right now. Remember, he needed a fluky triple play to get another one of those saves, and he just doesn’t seem to have it right now. I think they need a veteran guy in the bullpen, not necessarily a closer, to settle those guys down. Wright’s the oldest, but he’s bounced all over and was lucky to make the cut, they really don’t seem to have a ‘leader’ down there. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/89 "2012-05-07T17:45:51Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > It is something to be concerned about, to be sure. Is there anybody out there we can get to take his place is the question. Without a solid closer it is going to be a looong season. > [@Yaxche](#): > > I’m not one of those that thinks you have to have ‘the’ guy closing, you can alternate based on matchups… but, yeah, they need to quit trotting him out there right now. > > \ > > I think they need a veteran guy in the bullpen, not necessarily a closer, to settle those guys down. Wright’s the oldest, but he’s bounced all over and was lucky to make the cut, they really don’t seem to have a ‘leader’ down there. I wonder if Bellisario might be able to fill that role, at least part-time, now that he’s back. I only saw one of his appearances this weekend (assuming he made more than one), but he looked pretty sharp from what I saw. I had assumed that the starting rotation was going to be a much bigger question mark than the bullpen this year (and, considering it’s early, that could still turn out to be the case). But starting pitching has held up really well so far, and we can’t afford to screw that up while we have it. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/90 "2012-05-07T17:47:09Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > Dodger fans: Are we concerned about Javy Guerra yet? Is this problem mental? Or is three blown saves and an ERA of nearly 6 nothing to sweat a month into the season? Not a Dodger fan, but he’s on my Fantasy team, along with Heath Bell. It’s been a nightmare season for my Save stats so far. ---
**Author:** ![NAF1138](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naf1138/32/3245_2.png) [@NAF1138](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NAF1138)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/91 "2012-05-07T17:47:31Z")
> [@Asimovian](#): > > Dodger fans: Are we concerned about Javy Guerra yet? Is this problem mental? Or is three blown saves and an ERA of nearly 6 nothing to sweat a month into the season? We should have been worried about him before the season started. He is an ok pitcher, but he doesn’t have great stuff. His numbers have always pointed to him being a little more lucky than good. I would say Jansen should close, but as the best pitcher in the pen I am afraid that he won’t be used in serious situations if he gets the “closer” title. I like Mattingly and his willingness to not be handcuffed to all the old school philosophies (sort of), but he manages a bullpen just like Joe Torre did, and I worry that Jansen will only get called in when it’s a “save situation” if he is made the closer. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/92 "2012-05-07T21:07:44Z")
[Bye-bye](http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/07/giants-reliever-guillermo-mota-suspended-100-games-for-second-positive-ped-test/) Guillermo Mota. 100 game suspension for PED. Stick a fork in him, he’s done. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/93 "2012-05-07T21:30:46Z")
> [@bup](#): > > And Hamels acknowledged he hit him on purpose. Is anybody going to suspend him? [Yes.](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120507&content_id=30639402&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb) Five-game suspension, and an undisclosed fine. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/94 "2012-05-07T21:35:43Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > [Bye-bye](http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/07/giants-reliever-guillermo-mota-suspended-100-games-for-second-positive-ped-test/) Guillermo Mota. > > 100 game suspension for PED. Stick a fork in him, he’s done. I can’t work up more than a shrug about it, honestly. I liked the guy well enough when he was a Dodger, and haven’t really cared since. The only thing about it that makes me happy is that the Dodgers start their first series against the Giants tonight, and the Giants are already hurting a bit in the pitching department. ---
**Author:** ![Yorikke](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yorikke/32/4335_2.png) [@Yorikke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yorikke)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/95 "2012-05-07T22:00:57Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > [Bye-bye](http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/07/giants-reliever-guillermo-mota-suspended-100-games-for-second-positive-ped-test/) Guillermo Mota. > > 100 game suspension for PED. Stick a fork in him, he’s done. No fucking way. Mother FUCKER! ETA : Nice contrast with **Asimovian** … Joe ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2012, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/96 "2012-05-07T22:36:17Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > [Yes.](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120507&content_id=30639402&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb) > > Five-game suspension, and an undisclosed fine. OK then. Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/97 "2012-05-08T00:57:23Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Man, I almost forgot about the Jayson Werth deal. What on earth were they thinking? According to MLB, Werth is out for the next three months after having surgery on his wrist today. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2012, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/98 "2012-05-08T02:12:32Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > [Yes.](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120507&content_id=30639402&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb) > > Five-game suspension, and an undisclosed fine. Kind of a toothless penalty, no? If you’re going to suspend a guy, make him at least miss a start! I mean, as far as I’m concerned, they already settled it on the field; he plunked Harper, Nats plunk him, I’d call that even. OTOH, you can’t _admit_ you were aiming for a guy. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2012, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/99 "2012-05-08T04:21:36Z")
> [@NAF1138](#): > > I would say Jansen should close, but as the best pitcher in the pen I am afraid that he won’t be used in serious situations if he gets the “closer” title. I like Mattingly and his willingness to not be handcuffed to all the old school philosophies (sort of), but he manages a bullpen just like Joe Torre did, and I worry that Jansen will only get called in when it’s a “save situation” if he is made the closer. According to Vin, Mattingly’s decided to start using Guerra “all over” and will give Jansen first shot at the closer’s role. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2012, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514/100 "2012-05-08T04:52:52Z")
Nice game in Seattle tonight. Mariners went into the bottom of the 9th down 2-0 to the Tigers. Tigers closer Dotel proceeded to walk [del]Dustin Ackley[/del] Brendan Ryan, walk Ichiro, unleashed a couple wild pitches, and then gave up an RBI double to Jesus Montero. Dotel was replaced by Duane Below, who gave up a walk-off 2 RBI sac fly to DH John Jaso. Schweet! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-may-2012/620514.md?page=6)