Friday, May 23, 2014

Luis Valbuena Era Begins. 15-30 thru 15 Series

America's fantasy team, the Pandas, got clobbered again this week by CCL Cup foe and league leadging pitching machine Dire Straits. Pandas hit the ball with Heyward busting out, Lucroy staying hot, and Frazier bouncing back from a very bad spell for 14, 19, 18 or 51 of the teams 69 points in a losing cause.
Starters were abysmal. Kendrick continues to lose, Chacin scuffled in 2nd start and Cueto got bombed.

Other than perpetually shaky Carlos Quentin, Pandas starters are remaining on the field and competitive. Pandas continue to lead the league in doubles and the outlook is positive for a hitting winning streak.

Pitching faces an unlikely pitching outcome with only two starters but the weekday set offers up all six healthy hurlers. Could Pandas win 5 of 6 and be 20-31 this time next week?  Stay tuned.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Panda blog: May Blues

Unrelated Story: Pandas Japan Scout, Domo, Demands Raise.
With 14 series of 43 to play done, the season has hit its one-thrid point, with the mid-way coming in about a month near June 21.

May and June need to be excellent months for the Pandas. With a expected sweep over lowly VTs this weekend, we'd have been 18-24 and in striking distance of .500
But Kershaw faltered, as did Rosenthal, Toddd Todd Frazier, Aaron Hill combined for -10.

At 15-24, the clock is clicking on this club heavy with veterans like Utley, Howard, Ruiz who are bound to start wilting as they pant to the Allstar Break. With a Matt Latos return possible, and Kershaw and Chacin already arrived, this team has the pitching to compete, get back to .500 and start dogging it for the top bracket.

If Latos returns looks probable, would trade Wheeler for young hitter.
Dire Stratis comes into town for a 3 game set and a 5-4 edge in starters and 2-1 edge in closers this week.
A series victory of any kind will be huge and a gut check against the CCL Cup leading, but recently inury poked Jeffs.

Hitting 813pts   .269/.413  - This really needs to come up via contributions from Marte and Heyward.
Pitching 778pts  13-26 record - This can and should improve with Kershaw, Chacin, maybe Latos.
Rosenthal's recent immolations are of great concern.
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Most Suprising Player Who Will Hopefully Keep it Up:          Johnny Cueto 9 for 9 QS, 248 pts.
Must Surprising Player Who Will Probably Fade Out:            Chase Utley .339/.550, Pagan .321

Most Disappointing Player Who Might  Scuffle More:   Zack Wheeler, 4.89 ERA, 9th round

Most Disappointing Player Were Counting on to Turn it Around:    Jason Heyward  .215/.316


Biggest Question Mark: Starling Marte - Can he dominate again?
Anticipated Regular Season Finish if things go Well as Hoped:  3rd  - alot has to go right!
Aniticipated Finish if they Dont: 8th Place -  Am close now but think I can stay out of the cellar region and the dreaded Cialis Weekend Playoff Playin. My prostate cannon handle that but will if it has to.