THAT is how you respond...

[engie]

No legend here. Not in the bottle either. I also haven't judged this team yet bc the season isn't over. For being such a great and the best baseball mind on the board you have an extremely obtuse view. Which in baseball makes you just arrogant which means you aren't as hotshit about the game as you think you are. But I know you played so I'll give you a little more credit than blackout, but not much. You're the other end of the spectrum from that posters mentality. You know enough to think you know it all.

Every single word of that can be used to describe you as well. It's funny that you actually said it.

[I seen it dawg]

I "get" it. It's just bullshit. It's a handful of you thinking that "he's just being unorthodox for the sake of it -- we understand baseball better than him -- he's a moron". That's what YOU don't get. He's not making moves to try and lose games just to be able to say at the end of the day that he didn't do it by the book. He's making moves to try and win games. The motivation aspect of the moves is important even if you still think they are stupid. And rather than spending your time here telling everyone how big of idiot he is -- listening to an occasional post game press conference would show that he's generally got pretty good answers for the reasons he makes his moves even when people disagree with them. You disagree with the moves(but only when they don't work). I get it. I still think Cody Brown should be our every day right fielder too -- and Reid Humphreys is a .240 hitter that should never get an AB against a RHP**. Another viewpoint that Cohen has caught everliving hell from you about for well over half a season -- that has been completely abandoned and forgotten now that stats are bearing out that he's been right all along.

Another football example that isn't even close to the same thing -- but fine. When Gordon becomes this year's Porter as a pinch hitter in the stretch run with a couple of big hits for us when we need a ball mashed(you already forgot about the games he's won us in the role THIS YEAR in the role) -- you can ignore it -- lock it without comment -- and move on to the next topic for meltdown. I already know you will.

I've already said Hump made the adjustments he would have to make as I said he would have to do or he should never play, therefore yes I haven't talked about it anymore. I've also said Cody stinks at this point and others have surpassed him and now he shouldn't play, therefore yes I abandoned that. No absolutes in baseball.

Gordon hasn't been to the plate on a weekend in what a month? So now he's gonna be Porter? If he continues the next 3 weekends to get consistent PH abs then maybe so bc we need a power threat off the bench and he should be that guy. But with our injury issues right now hard to just do some #engieing and roll a PH out in the 5th inning in the hopes he runs into a solo shot.

Dude you generalize my opinions as if I'm some guy that gripes about Cohen calling a bunt but when it gets thrown into right field say how great it was. Don't be stupid I had held your opinions in more regard.

#engieing

[I seen it dawg]

And don't be a moron I know he's not making moves to try and lose games. But there damn sure a few that looking back at them he should think he was.

#engieing

[I seen it dawg]

Every single word of that can be used to describe you as well. It's funny that you actually said it.

I don't know it all...just more than you

[CadaverDawg]

And to add I looked it up and Billingsley has appeared in 11 games this year. That's one more than Pilkington. Including three SEC games not including the Governor's Cup.

Come on, Todd. Billingsley has one good outing in his career vs an SEC team....and that came this past week vs Ole Miss. You really gonna compare that to experience starting against USM, @Florida, A&M, @LSU? Don't be ridiculous.

Cohen & Wes fell in love with Billingsley over 1 outing, so they went to the well too soon and got cute yesterday, when they should have let Sexton roll. It was what it was. Why even defend it?

I don't give a shit what Billingsley did midweek vs OM....that 1 good outing doesn't mean he bypasses all of the other bullpen guys that have proven more than once that they can do a job in SEC play. I said it when we were making the change, and I still believe it....that was nothing but overreacting to a good midweek appearance by Cohen & Wes, & it never should have happened. You either leave in Sexton, or bring in Rigby, Brown, Houston, etc.

Y'all need to quit stating the obvious that people deserve chances, and they looked good last outing, etc....and look at the damn situation in the game. You don't put a guy into a 2-1 game/2-2 game on the road, in a series clincher, with a National Seed on the line, bc he deserves a chance or bc he had a good midweek outing or looked good for the first time in his career last game. You want to put them in during the 12-5 lead Thurs night? Fine. But you don't trot Billingsley or Ethan Small out there in a huge spot when they've shown zero consistency in their careers, and you have some guys with big game experience available (like the guy that never should have come off the mound).

That's all I'm saying. It's being spun into a different argument, so I'm trying to keep it on track here. And comparing Billingsley to Pilk at this point is just silly. I'm actually shocked you even went there, bc you seem to "get it". That was an engie comment where you say something you don't even believe, just to try & keep from acknowledging that my point is valid.

If you think bringing in Billingsley & Small & Young into a tight SEC game that could have gotten us a sweep & a Nat. Seed, that's your opinion. But I firmly disagree. Sexton, Rigby, Brown, Houston, Smith, would have all been (left in) put in before Billingsley, Small, or Young. Not bc I don't like the last 3, or bc I don't think they can be good (they can, except Young)...just bc they haven't earned that spot, or proven they are ready for that spot, yet. Hell it took Pilkington weeks of starting midweek & looking good before we let him attempt a Sunday start that started 0-0 with 9 innings to play....yet you are wanting to bring Billingskey into a 2-1 game in the last innings of an SEC series clincher with a 2 strike count & the tying run in scoring position bc he had one eye opening appearance midweek? Makes no sense. And it was proven when he didn't deliver. That was a bad decision by Cohen. And then he doubled down with Small and Young, and even Cyr. Just got too cute, again.

[engie]

I've already said Hump made the adjustments he would have to make as I said he would have to do or he should never play, therefore yes I haven't talked about it anymore. I've also said Cody stinks at this point and others have surpassed him and now he shouldn't play, therefore yes I abandoned that. No absolutes in baseball.

Gordon hasn't been to the plate on a weekend in what a month? So now he's gonna be Porter? If he continues the next 3 weekends to get consistent PH abs then maybe so bc we need a power threat off the bench and he should be that guy. But with our injury issues right now hard to just do some #engieing and roll a PH out in the 5th inning in the hopes he runs into a solo shot.

Dude you generalize my opinions as if I'm some guy that gripes about Cohen calling a bunt but when it gets thrown into right field say how great it was. Don't be stupid I had held your opinions in more regard.

#engieing

Obviously not -- you would beat me head to head with the same team 8 out of 10 and all.

I simply disagree that using a PH at that point puts us in a bind. Holland played a lot of first last year. Hump had practiced there. Collins had practiced there. It's not a position that you have to play every day for the team to not be totally screwed by needing you over there for an inning or two.

But this type of post is all I'm asking for. I'll leave it alone and still continue to respect your baseball opinion. At least until we drop game one against Mizzou and all hell breaks loose.

[engie]

I don't know it all...just more than you

Of course. You've proven it by bringing up all the stuff I've gotten wrong either in prediction or analysis about the team this year. If you dig hard enough -- maybe there is actually something out there to be found.

[Taog Redloh]

Of course. You've proven it by bringing up all the stuff I've gotten wrong either in prediction or analysis about the team this year. If you dig hard enough -- maybe there is actually something out there to be found.

Engie you and Cohen both do value statistical this/that a little too much for my taste. These guys are correct that Cohen needs to quit making so many decisions based on numbers. But you are also right that they simply never give the man praise for his countless good decisions.

You do realize that an ego fight on a message board is usually won by the moderator though, right?

[engie]

You do realize that an ego fight on a message board is usually won by the moderator though, right?

Goat pls

[basedog]

Main thing, we won 2 out of 3, we might, could or maybe catch or pass the Aggies for the West title. We also might, could or maybe host for a Super Regional. Cohen might, could or maybe be the Sec COY.

Point being we all should be ok with where we are right now as we are heading down the stretch and playing pretty good baseball. We look great winning, we look bad losing, we get some luck winning, we get bad luck losing, we make good strategy moves, we make bad strategy moves. So in saying all of this, ain't it fun when we are ranked so high and the national media is giving us the "IT"?

Let's turn the page on the second game lost Saturday, things look much better the rest of the Sec schedule.

[Taog Redloh]

Goat pls

Not sure what you mean here. Are you saying you are too important to be banned?

[baseballfan]

So much focus on the pitching. Bottom line we were playing Alabama. We had 3 hits in the last game. 7 hits in the 2nd game. Now what is the true problem?

[CadaverDawg]

So much focus on the pitching. Bottom line we were playing Alabama. We had 3 hits in the last game. 7 hits in the 2nd game. Now what is the true problem?

Alabama has one of the best pitching staffs in the SEC. And realistically, 7 inning games only make their staff stronger. I'm not worried about our bats too much, we scored 12 in game 1.

[baseballfan]

Come on, Todd. Billingsley has one good outing in his career vs an SEC team....and that came this past week vs Ole Miss. You really gonna compare that to experience starting against USM, @Florida, A&M, @LSU? Don't be ridiculous.

Cohen & Wes fell in love with Billingsley over 1 outing, so they went to the well too soon and got cute yesterday, when they should have let Sexton roll. It was what it was. Why even defend it?

I don't give a shit what Billingsley did midweek vs OM....that 1 good outing doesn't mean he bypasses all of the other bullpen guys that have proven more than once that they can do a job in SEC play. I said it when we were making the change, and I still believe it....that was nothing but overreacting to a good midweek appearance by Cohen & Wes, & it never should have happened. You either leave in Sexton, or bring in Rigby, Brown, Houston, etc.

Y'all need to quit stating the obvious that people deserve chances, and they looked good last outing, etc....and look at the damn situation in the game. You don't put a guy into a 2-1 game/2-2 game on the road, in a series clincher, with a National Seed on the line, bc he deserves a chance or bc he had a good midweek outing or looked good for the first time in his career last game. You want to put them in during the 12-5 lead Thurs night? Fine. But you don't trot Billingsley or Ethan Small out there in a huge spot when they've shown zero consistency in their careers, and you have some guys with big game experience available (like the guy that never should have come off the mound).

That's all I'm saying. It's being spun into a different argument, so I'm trying to keep it on track here. And comparing Billingsley to Pilk at this point is just silly. I'm actually shocked you even went there, bc you seem to "get it". That was an engie comment where you say something you don't even believe, just to try & keep from acknowledging that my point is valid.

If you think bringing in Billingsley & Small & Young into a tight SEC game that could have gotten us a sweep & a Nat. Seed, that's your opinion. But I firmly disagree. Sexton, Rigby, Brown, Houston, Smith, would have all been (left in) put in before Billingsley, Small, or Young. Not bc I don't like the last 3, or bc I don't think they can be good (they can, except Young)...just bc they haven't earned that spot, or proven they are ready for that spot, yet. Hell it took Pilkington weeks of starting midweek & looking good before we let him attempt a Sunday start that started 0-0 with 9 innings to play....yet you are wanting to bring Billingskey into a 2-1 game in the last innings of an SEC series clincher with a 2 strike count & the tying run in scoring position bc he had one eye opening appearance midweek? Makes no sense. And it was proven when he didn't deliver. That was a bad decision by Cohen. And then he doubled down with Small and Young, and even Cyr. Just got too cute, again.

My how soon we forget. Small struck out the side at #1 Florida and Georgia when starting an inning. Look at the strength and is it the right way

[CadaverDawg]

My how soon we forget. Small struck out the side at #1 Florida and Georgia when starting an inning. Look at the strength and is it the right way

Far more bad appearances than good. And even in good outings, he showed little control. So you bring him in with a 2-0 count in a tight game? Horrendous decision. Glad that wasn't the spot that beat us, or Cohen would be catching tremendous hell from our fans.

Winning 2 out of 3 on the road is huge. It just eats at you when you're 2 outs from a road sweep and making the road to a Natl. Seed much easier. We can still get it done. I think we have an excellent shot at sweeping Mizzou & Auburn....Arkansas will be tough. They're playing well right now suddenly

[Todd4State]

Come on, Todd. Billingsley has one good outing in his career vs an SEC team....and that came this past week vs Ole Miss. You really gonna compare that to experience starting against USM, @Florida, A&M, @LSU? Don't be ridiculous.

Cohen & Wes fell in love with Billingsley over 1 outing, so they went to the well too soon and got cute yesterday, when they should have let Sexton roll. It was what it was. Why even defend it?

I don't give a shit what Billingsley did midweek vs OM....that 1 good outing doesn't mean he bypasses all of the other bullpen guys that have proven more than once that they can do a job in SEC play. I said it when we were making the change, and I still believe it....that was nothing but overreacting to a good midweek appearance by Cohen & Wes, & it never should have happened. You either leave in Sexton, or bring in Rigby, Brown, Houston, etc.

Y'all need to quit stating the obvious that people deserve chances, and they looked good last outing, etc....and look at the damn situation in the game. You don't put a guy into a 2-1 game/2-2 game on the road, in a series clincher, with a National Seed on the line, bc he deserves a chance or bc he had a good midweek outing or looked good for the first time in his career last game. You want to put them in during the 12-5 lead Thurs night? Fine. But you don't trot Billingsley or Ethan Small out there in a huge spot when they've shown zero consistency in their careers, and you have some guys with big game experience available (like the guy that never should have come off the mound).

That's all I'm saying. It's being spun into a different argument, so I'm trying to keep it on track here. And comparing Billingsley to Pilk at this point is just silly. I'm actually shocked you even went there, bc you seem to "get it". That was an engie comment where you say something you don't even believe, just to try & keep from acknowledging that my point is valid.

If you think bringing in Billingsley & Small & Young into a tight SEC game that could have gotten us a sweep & a Nat. Seed, that's your opinion. But I firmly disagree. Sexton, Rigby, Brown, Houston, Smith, would have all been (left in) put in before Billingsley, Small, or Young. Not bc I don't like the last 3, or bc I don't think they can be good (they can, except Young)...just bc they haven't earned that spot, or proven they are ready for that spot, yet. Hell it took Pilkington weeks of starting midweek & looking good before we let him attempt a Sunday start that started 0-0 with 9 innings to play....yet you are wanting to bring Billingskey into a 2-1 game in the last innings of an SEC series clincher with a 2 strike count & the tying run in scoring position bc he had one eye opening appearance midweek? Makes no sense. And it was proven when he didn't deliver. That was a bad decision by Cohen. And then he doubled down with Small and Young, and even Cyr. Just got too cute, again.

You are blindly ignoring Billingsley's outings against LSU and Florida where he allowed no runs. It wasn't falling in love with a guy over one performance.

Cohen himself explained why he made the decision and didn't mention anything about Billingsley's midweek performance. You are way off base in your opinion of him and there is mounting evidence against your stance.

You may not agree with taking Sexton out but replacing him with a guy with an ERA of 1.89!pn the year is hardly a bad move if you are going to replace him.

[Todd4State]

http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/1680...16/plyr_45.htm

These are Billingsley's stats he is and should be one of our main relief pitchers. His ERA is better than Rigby, Houston and comparable to Daniel Brown's relief only appearances. Explain to me why he is undeserving of a role in our bullpen?

[engie]

Not sure what you mean here. Are you saying you are too important to be banned?

I'm saying you are the worst poster in the history of MSU message boards to be giving advice about how to go about arguing with moderators. There is prettymuch no similarity between what always gets you banned and what I'm doing here.

Arguing the positive side is a win/win if you can take the heat when things go wrong. I feel like I've prettymuch worn my blunders over the years. Started threads to call myself a dumb ass on all the major ones. If you are going to approach arguing the way I do, you've got to approach admitting defeat the same way sometimes.

The bottom line is that when the results are better than people expect, they don't mind being wrong so much. It's arguing the negative side and then crowing about being right when people are already pissed off about the on field results that ends in vacations.

And I admit to generally being a sports optimist. It's a decision I made consciously in the last couple of years rather than a thought process I can't escape. My actual life/work is spent as a realist that leans toward pessimism. I can revert to that in my approach to sports just as naturally. But at that point, sports are no different than the real world -- when I actually watch them as an escape from all that.

[I seen it dawg]

Engie you and Cohen both do value statistical this/that a little too much for my taste. These guys are correct that Cohen needs to quit making so many decisions based on numbers. But you are also right that they simply never give the man praise for his countless good decisions.

You do realize that an ego fight on a message board is usually won by the moderator though, right?

Only when morons are involved...about your size shoe

[I seen it dawg]

Not sure what you mean here. Are you saying you are too important to be banned?

Probably saying he's not an idiot. And the fact it's possible to get really heated in a debate without going full retard smashing keyboards.