#julio “july” jimenez
Text
Batman Beyond arc concept: the semi-retired Matthew "Matches" Malone + his new apprentices, Cameryn "Cam" Min-Jun and Julio "July" Jimenez
Idk it's just a set up and some vibes. But uh. I don't think Alvin Draper (Tim Drake's underworld cover in the comics) ever made an appearance in the DCAU helping out Matthew "Matches" Malone (Bruce's underworld/henchman cover identity across several universes). so.
Welcome (back) to the underworld, Terry.
After years of surviving in the Gotham underbelly, feeding Batman information and dodging both the cops and angry mafia dons, Matches Malone had decided to retire.
But money didn't go as far as it used to. After a few decades of disappearing, his nest egg ran out. Batman had also vanished in the meantime. He thought he had a few connections, some street kids he fed and put through school, but it didn't work out. They'd made it clear that they'd steal whatever pittance he had left.
So. he thought he'd go out with a bang, burning down one more warehouse in the name of his arson hobby and disappearing into the flames.
That's when Cameryn comes in. Hotheaded and lacking some street knowledge, but with some spit and polish he could be great. A notable lackey for one of the big Rogues. Cam is from Bludhaven, scrounged up his savings to make it big in the mega city of Gotham. It didn't go well. He was homeless and squatting in the aforementioned warehouse where Matches wanted his funeral pyre. Cam tackles Matches away from the flames, angrily demanding why he was trying to kill himself.
Realizing that he couldn't find an answer, Matches decides to take Cam on as an apprentice. Teaching him sneaking techniques, the main families, the history of Gotham and Old Town. They become this duo of gossipers, of grifters and information brokers. Cam is - per his name, good with cameras. Using them, hacking them, hiding from them. Eventually Matches finds out that Cam was sent here by one of his old contacts - it's unclear if it's one of his kids that can't partner him full time like Cam can, or if it was Batman, trying to both help him and train a new underworld contact.
It goes well. Then they get noticed.
A young man named Julio "July" Jimenez thought he recognized Cameryn. But he thought his name was Terry McGinnis. And Cam knew their secret handshake, but disappeared before July could check.
A few days later, Terry shows up at Julio's door, apologetic. Cameryn was a cover story.
Matches is actually his boss, Bruce Wayne. Bruce, after a lifetime of living in Gotham, finally cracked. Back in the day, Bruce was interested in helping people from the ground, not just through donations and social movements. So he created an identity he used to get information that the police and Batman could not.
Now that Bruce is elderly, sometimes the memories between "philanthropic CEO" and "mob mole" end up blurred. Sometimes Bruce doesn't recognize Wayne Manor or Terry. Matches picked up where he left off, defending fellow henchmen, but also being really tempted to just burn everything down.
It took some improv work, but Terry was able to convince Matches that he was an ally. And when Neo Batman realized their predecessors friend was back in the game, they offered help as well. They point Matches to missions and work with him while he's going through his "episodes".
But Barbara had to mess it up by giving Terry a civil service award. (Not exactly for this, no one can really know how bad Bruce got, but.) Now he's burned, he can't be on the streets with Matches. He's stuck as mission control at Wayne Manor.
Terry explains all of this to July. And sits and breathes for a moment. "I haven't actually told anyone else."
"Why not?"
"I can't tell my folks because they'd get worried and make me stop working for Mr. Wayne. Last two times I went to a shrink for myself they turned out to be connected to Rogues, I don't want to risk Mr. Wayne's rep. Powers wants any excuse to get rid of him, and if he's fired, then I'm out of the job too. I told the commissioner because she was a family friend but that got me the award and now my cover is blown." Terry puts his head in his and. "Matches and Bruce ain't bad, they're just. Needing some help."
"I see. Why tell me?"
"I didn't want you to think I was screwing up my life again."
"Wayne was as straightforward as they come. I can't believe you found that skeleton, Terry. Just your luck, huh?"
"yeah."
Another pause. July reaches, starts to hope. "you really believe in him? You think you can take them down?"
Terry immediately knows where this is going. "July. It's dangerous. I can't ask you to do this. You're trying to get out, not go in."
"I'm trying to support myself and my family. You're my family too."
He gets an ear piece and instructions, memorizes faces and places the gangs go to. July gets a stipend, weekly payments that help him and his family out. Terry says he's not paying him his PA salary but July knows better. Terry was right about Mr. Wayne and Matches: they aren't bad, just a bit rough.
Later, when it goes to heck in a hand basket and Neo Batman has to intervene and bail July out:
"You used that same voice when trying to intimidate Charlie. Try again."
Neo Batman pauses, flicks his hand under his chin and then signs "I love you" with narrowed eyes.
Commissioner Barbara Gordon gives July a witness protection deal and a new job in a better part of town.
Terry visits, eventually confirming he's Neo Batman. July is in the loop, helping out where he can. Even if it's just an ear and a break.
Idk it's an outline I don't know how to end it but it ends well. I ❤️ you.
#terry mcginnis#bruce wayne#julio “july” jimenez#dcau#matches malone#batman beyond#Tw suicide#Tw arson#lazlo's lulls#Idk I feel like this could be a nice change of pace kind of episode even a mini arc#With just Terry and Bruce in ep 1 then intro July in ep 2#Terry is just barely telling the truth here and we love him for that#The matryoshka doll plan contingencies within contingencies an innocent explanation for everything#Terry has an escape hatch deal with Commissioner Barbara Gordon that she's offered him several times to get out of Batman's employ#That Terry gives to July so he can get on his feet#And be in witness protection like the comics#He could have been so good!!! I'd love to see him animated!#Anyway this is only because alliterative names are amazing#and you guys were talking about july in the tags so. thank you batman beyond fandom!!!
4 notes
·
View notes
Text
So, recently I've been rereading the Batman Beyond tie-in comics & one of @theycallme-ook fics, which brought me back to a character that's criminally underrated: Julio "July" Jimenez.
(You can read the full story using this link. Sadly, it's his first & only appearance.)
I really wished the writers had utilized him more bcz good lord, he has so much potential as a character. We know Terry once mixed with the wrong crowd. However, Charlie's the only character from that part of Terry's past who made an appearance. Now, he was a pretty good antagonist (esp how he paralleled & subverted Bruce & Harvey's friendship) but at the end of it all, he's, again, the only character from that part of Terry's past that a wide audience got to see.
It would've been refreshing if July got to show up on the screen too bcz he would've been a perfect foil to Charlie in these 2 words.
Charlie -> greed
July -> hope
July is one of the people Terry managed to successfully save. Whereas Charlie remained alone & went back to crime for personal gain; July was one of many who was pushed into it to support his family. However, unlike Charlie who manipulated & betrayed Terry's trust, when Terry offered July hope, he took it. He accepted Terry's hand & found himself standing on better ground with his own two feet.
If writers wanted to take it a step further, July could've been brought into the loop, having been inspired to pick up a Red Hood-esque mantle to help other ppl in his place (or remain a family guy, that works too. Man has a wife & 3 kids after all). Maybe Melanie & Jack could've bumped into him after they left the Gang, sensing kindred spirits in each other.
(Maybe he, Jack & his wife could've become a throuple bcz god knows that guy deserves love & a chance at a decent family after what his bio one put him through but that's a rare asf ship for another post on another day.)
Anyways, yeah. Batman Beyond has an amazing cast but this is one side character that has sadly remained unrecognized. I hope this post can change that.
#batman beyond#wrote this instead of completing my assignment#julio 'july' jimenez#charlie bigelow#terry mcginnis#melanie walker#jack walker#actually this would fit in well with my bludhaven beyond au#might do another post abt that someday
28 notes
·
View notes
Text
Is It A Crime?
read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/8INREuC
by Letmelickyaspit
Word around Gotham City is that there's a new cat in town and Bruce is determined to find out who and why.
Words: 6313, Chapters: 5/?, Language: English
Fandoms: Batman Beyond
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con, Underage
Categories: Multi, Other
Characters: Charlie "Big Time" Bigelow, Julio "July" Jimenez, Bruce Wayne, Matt McGinnis, Maxine Gibson, Melanie Walker
Relationships: Terry McGinnis/Bruce Wayne, Terry Mcginnis/ Charlie "Big Time" Bigelow, Terry McGinnis & Melanie Walker, Terry McGinnis & Julio "July" Jimenez, Maxine Gibson & Terry McGinnis
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Stripper/Exotic Dancer, Sex Work, Underage Drug Use, Sexual Assault, Homelessness, Underage Drinking, Underage Prostitution, Gotham City is Terrible, Abusive Relationships, Terry Mcginnis is Trans, Terry is a orphan, Manipulative Relationship, Strippers & Strip Clubs, Burlesque, Emotions, Trauma, Tears, Terry Mginnis is Catlad in a way
read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/8INREuC
0 notes
Text
DOD Featured Photos
Flying Formation
Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets fly in formation over the Pacific Ocean, July 8, 2023, as part of Marine… Photo Details >
Climbing Higher
Navy Seaman Julio Vasquez-Jimenez climbs the stairs during a fire drill aboard the USS McFaul in the… Photo Details >
Sailing Away
The USS Canberra sails during training in the Pacific Ocean, June 2, 2023. Photo Details >
View All Photos
ABOUT…
View On WordPress
0 notes
Photo
BARRERA DE SOL
JARDIN DE ESPAÑA
Manolo de la Laguna
Tenemos a Alexa con españolerías y música instrumental; Alexa nos hace la tarde porque estamos solos, aunque toda la semana fue de puro "Vino, Mujeres y Canto", en compañía de la distinguida señora Manchega y familia, debido a graduaciones y cumpleaños. Estamos que reventamos, pero no nos rajamos.
Javier y Plácido nos deleitan los tímpanos con sus magistrales voces y de allí tomamos el título de esta colaboración, porque nos referiremos a la hermosa ciudad de Valencia, que se apresta a celebrar su serial taurino del 20 al 23 de julio, según las noticias andaluzas.
Serán 3 corridas 3 y una novillada, por lo pronto están acartelaos "El Juli", Manzanares (?) (al parecer está en recuperación), Morante de la Puebla, Talavante, Rocarrey y Calletano. Para estas corridas las reses serán de Juan Pedro Domecq, Hnos. García Jimenez, Miura y Cuadri, en tanto que para la novillada, los utreros llegarán de La Cercada.
Ganas nos sobran para estar en Valencia, tanto que nos hizo recordar algunos versos o mejor dicho, copiar de nuestros apuntes, algunos versos de poetas españoles que sus nombres se nos escapan:
Valencia, jardín de España, ciudad de la comida y el vino, donde se cocina la paella y se vierte er vino. Valencia, ciudad de música y danza donde las guitarras se rasguean y los pies golpean. Valencia es la tierra de las flores, de la luz y del amor y todas sus mujeres tienen de las rosas el color. ¡Olé!.
Y rematando con un forzao de pecho al estilo Machado: Andalucía, hiija leal, tierra mía, de España y la humanidad. Vale.
(Manolo de la Laguna)
...
0 notes
Text
The Wild Years
OOC: This was a belated birthday present for a great friend, @kirameku, who wanted to know my thoughts on Terry during his wild and crazy years. So here is a short drabble for your entertainment.
~ ~ ~
For Terry McGinnis, being sent to his own room was getting easier and easier. He could get himself in trouble, say how he was failing science class or even mention he was cutting classes to be sent upstairs, but he didn’t need to. These days, his folks were arguing more and more and wouldn’t even notice if Terry slid upstairs. They were arguing about anything these days. If his Mom was out with friends, his Dad would begin to ask who she was with. If his Dad came home late from work, his Mom would be arguing that his Dad was avoiding time with the family. When this almost daily event happened, Terry could sneak into his bedroom to play video games, text his friends, or do what he had been up to for the last bit: see his friends.
Everyone at school was always checking on him, seeing how he was or making comments that Terry would be joining the “Split Family Club”. Dana checked in on him and usually wanted to hang, but she brought up Terry’s family situation all the time. He needed to ignore everything and there was one friend he knew he could trust.
Terry had texted his friend earlier today and agreed to meet him down the block. Terry would just have to prepare and make his way there in the next five minutes. He stuffed the bed with pillows and locked the door. Even if his parents could force the lock, they would just see a figure resting in the bed. It was full proof and would do well until Terry could sneak back inside at 2 or 3.
Terry opened the window and poked his head out to check the coast. No one was in the backyard and his baby brother’s room was dark. His Mom wouldn’t be in there to get a break from all the dumb drama going on.
He shimmied onto the window ledge and closed the window shut. This was old hat for him and he could do this in his sleep. Terry braced himself and lept towards the nearby tree branch. The leaves rustled and the branch jerked up and down from the sudden weight. The bark dug into his palms, but Terry held on. He ignored the all too familiar pain before climbing his way towards the trunk. Shimmying himself down, Terry glanced up at the two story McGinnis home one last time. No one was looking out and most of the house lights were off. He was almost home free.
Finally at a comfortable leve, Terry jumped down, his legs taking the fall to the ground with a hard thump. He needed to work on his landing, but he didn’t want to be late. Terry rushed down the sidewalk. Terry and the McGinnis family lived in the 30s of Neo-Gotham and didn’t have to worry about nosy neighbors. It was too late and too dark for anyone to recognize the young teen going down to the end of the block.
He came to the corner, looking around for a moment. Very few people were out and those that were were busy moving. It was Gotham and no one, not even the night owls had time to stop. Terry checked his old phone again to check the time. He didn’t need to wait long as a salvation came in on a loud, beat up black truck.
“Hey there shrimp, you lost or something?” The driver, poking his head out of the window, was sporting the biggest grin on his face. Terry couldn’t help but match his smirk with his own as Charlie ‘Big Time’ Bigelow motioned for Terry to get on in. “You’re right on time Tiny!”
“Like I’d be late, Charlie!” Terry said as he scrambled around the car. Traffic honked but Terry ignored them as he planted himself firmly in the shotgun sheet and slammed the door shut.
He had met Charlie some time ago. He was the cool older kid that everyone insisted was bad. Charlie wasn’t though. If schway could be a person, Terry was certain it would be Charlie. He was free from his parents and was always looking to make a day brighter. Right now, Terry needed it.
Charlie didn’t ask questions. He was the one lone person that was willing to give Terry a break from life and never tried to dig up any of Terry’s life drama. While everyone was asking Terry what was wrong, how he was feeling, and where he was going to go, Charlie instead stole a six pack of beer and gave it over to him when Terry admitted his family life wasn’t doing well. It was the first beer Terry ever had and it tasted god awful. It was like warm gasoline and hot ass mixed together. The young teen had coughed and sputtered and Charlie just laughed, telling him to try again. Terry eventually mastered it and could now handle any beer that was given to him.
“So where are we going?” Terry asked. “Down to the 5th to break some windows? The club?”
“Nah, kid. July’s got a party going on and we need to bring some favors” Charlie said as he swerved around a nice looking car. The driver honked and Charlie held out his finger, twirling his middle finger out with a cocky grin. Terry couldn’t help but laugh, mimicking Charlie. He couldn’t get away with this anywhere and instead of being scolded, Charlie laughed. “That’s the spirit!”
“They deserved it” Terry pipped in. Terry was happy to see Julio though. Julio “July” Jimenez was another friend that ran with Charlie. He could fight just as well as Charlie could, having been raised in the lower levels. He was also the one person who had a place of his own and no family. It meant more often than not, July’s place was where everyone wanted to be.
"We’re gonna get some goods at the gas station” Charlie insisted as he turned onto the highway to start going down the various levels of Gotham. “Snatch and grab. You in?”
~ ~ ~
This wasn’t Terry’s first time with Snatch and Grab. He had seen Charlie and his friends do it plenty of times before. This was just the first time Terry was doing it and he had the harder job. Armed with an empty backpack, Terry was going to focus on the snatching part after Charlie finished pumping gas. They couldn’t go in together and Terry would need to act fast. He’d go to the snack section and began stuffing his backpack with anything good. Chips, dips, drinks, but nothing kiddie like soda. If he could grab extra stuff like any condoms, lighters, even some booze, it would really make the party better.
Charlie had a tough task too. While Terry snatched, Charlie would be distracting the guy at the counter. It made sense since Charlie was of age and could ask for things behind the counter without looking weird. Cigarette packs and even detergent pods were all back there. If Terry pulled this off, he’d even lend Terry one of the magazines in the back as a reward.
Terry would have done it for free, but the idea of getting his own nude magazine was too good to pass up. Besides, if he could sneak out of the house, he could easily do this. Charlie had pulled his truck up and was getting it gassed. Grabbing a dirty Gotham Knight’s ball cap, he stuffed it on Terry’s head. Terry grimaced and swatted Charlie’s hands.
“Be quick, Terry” Charlie insisted. “In and out; no slowing down. Got it?”
“Got it.” Terry fought back the nerves working through his body as he watched as Charlie entered. He wanted to prove himself and this was a great chance to do it. Some of Charlie’s gang, especially some of the girls Charlie was having a thing with, thought Terry was a dreg just following along. Terry wasn’t and was going to show them how he could hang with guys like Charlie and Julio.
A minute passed, the time that Charlie said he needed. Terry tugged his backpack straps and began heading inside. The gas station was run down and not in some kind of retro way. Everything was tiled brown, tan and beige from the floors, the walls and the counters. The few splashes of colors advertised coffee, the pretzel dogs, and a turkey sandwich. No one else was here except for Charlie, thumbing through the magazines and the cashier who was keeping his eyes mostly on Charlie.
Terry didn’t stay still for long. He began moving quickly to the back. Terry had seen Charlie and Julio do this plenty of time, where one of them would loop around the store and begin stocking up on goods. It was plenty of time for Charlie to get whatever he needed before launching the next step in their plan. Terry did his best to be silent, his shoes sticking on the floor from dry soda or dirty mop water before he wrenched them free. He passed the the sizzling hot dogs, the stench drenching the air in heavy meat. Terry gagged, but didn’t stop there, passing by the sandwiches, some cheap truck supplies before spotting what was on the list: beer.
There weren’t any single bottles or cans Terry could grab. Instead, he was going to have to grab a six pack and hope he was strong enough. Opening the door, he felt the cool refrigerator air hit him before glancing back. Terry was in the far back now and from where he was, hidden from the cashier. Darting back to the beer, Terry quickly looked around before grabbing two six packs of Lit Beer. As tempted as he was to get the Buzz Soda, he snapped the door shut and pressed ahead.
“Heeeey, I’m ready to check out.” Charlie’s recognizable voice carried inside the store. Terry could hear him crystal clear and knew it was time to start heading the front. Hoping the residual gunk from his shoes didn’t make too much noise, Terry scampered with the aisle, ignoring the beer weighing down his bag. The cashier had a thick accent, asking Charlie if the magazines was all he wanted and that he’d have to see Charlie’s ID.
“I need some other stuff too. Got any Silk Cuts? The filters if you got ‘em.” Terry was at the snacks now. His heart was racing, the thrill consuming him as he looked back and forth. There was still no sign of anyone and he couldn’t see any cameras. His face was hidden and they’d be long gone by the time anyone saw them. That was what Charlie said anyways.
Terry waited for a moment as Charlie fished out his fake ID. He gave it five seconds before he quickly began grabbing what he needed. Dip was easy to grab and stuff in but chips were noisier. They’d crinkle and alert anyone listening that someone was grabbing them. A little noise was fine but too much and he’d be caught red handed.
Terry worked quickly before grabbing three bags. His backpack was ready to burst and his back was already screaming in agony with the weight. The beer was weighing everything down. Terry just hoped the back would stay together long enough to--
“YoHOOOOOOO!”
A hearty laugh cut through the store. Terry looked around and saw a clown walk in, totting what Terry thought was a laser gun the cops had only been given recently. He looked as old as Charlie and had the same amount of muscle as him, but he looked like a dreg with all the grease paint on him. Terry knew what this was: a Jokerz member.
The clerk and Charlie froze in place, as the Jokerz laughed again. The dreg was clearly happy about this as he aimed the gun right them. “Your ATM wasn’t working outside, so I figured I’d ask for a cash deposit.”
Charlie was bigger and could have decked this guy into next Tuesday, but he wasn’t armed. Instead, he stepped back, arms raised as the cashier began to hurriedly open the cash drawer. Terry didn’t even have to see his face that Charlie was giving this guy the evil look and wanted nothing more than to deck him.
Terry hadn’t been noticed despite taking a quick peek to see what was going on. The snack counter was his cover from anyone in the store. His mind was racing as fast as his heart. His friend was stuck at gunpoint and could be shot. Terry looked around, trying to figure out something. Should he rush out and tackle the guy? No, Terry told himself, he'd get shot. He could try and distract the gunman, but Terry was stuck on the how.
Looking down at his backpack, Terry saw one of the cans of Lit Beer. An idea struck him and with little options left, he hoped it would be enough. Terry dove his hand down into the bag, snapping the can from the plastic rings. The chips rustling from the bag was distracted as the drawer clung open, the dreg saying “In the bag! In the bag now! Come on!” His gun was shifting too and from Charlie and the cashier so neither or them would get any funny ideas.
Terry moved back around, going down one of the aisles until he saw what he was looking for: the sandwich containers. It was filled with all sorts of sandwiches: the only good sandwiches like chicken, turkey, turkducken, fish, and then the not so good ones like the hamburgers that were dry and crumbly and a BLT that had more green and plant life on it than was advertised. It also just so happened to be in the complete opposite direction of the cashier.
Terry took aim and hurled the can of Lit Beer. It spun in the air before crashed into the side of the container with a loud THUNK! The can crashed to the ground, ruptured from the two sudden impacts as the beer splashed out in all directions. It was too far away to hit anyone but the noise was enough for the gunman to spin around. “WHO’S THAT?!” he called out.
Everything happened so fast. Charlie stepped forward and sucker punched the Jokerz thug with a hard right hook. The goon crashed to the ground, the gun clattering to the ground. Terry floored it, now rushing past the beer puddle as Charlie moved forward and kicked the gunman in the gut. The man wretched as Charlie kicked him again, and again. Terry was moving fast, heart pounding in his ears as Charlie lept over the man, scooped something up and rushed forward. All the while, the cashier was grabbing his own gun, aiming the old shotgun right at the Jokerz who was quivering and coughing on the floor.
Terry and Charlie didn’t look back. They didn’t even look to see if anyone else was in the parking lot. They hopped into Charlie’s truck before flooring it. The truck lurched forward, peeling out of the parking lot before another CRASH could be heard. Charlie and Terry were jolted forward but kept driving as quickly as they could. Terry looked back, only to realize they had never pulled the fuel nozzle out of the truck as it flailed behind them, the pump now effectively ruined.
Charlie laughed. It was an adrenaline filled guffaw before he let out a long cry of victory. “TT! That was the schwayest! Did you see that? DID YOU SEE THAT?!”
“Y-YEAH!” Terry was also laughing now. His body was shaking, trembling in his seat as Charlie continued to laugh. That was incredible and they had managed to get away with everything they had. They had done it! They had won!
~ ~ ~
They pulled the pump out a few blocks away. Charlie said that someone would probably want it for scraps and it could be useful. It didn’t even matter though. TT and Big Time had taken down a Jokerz dreg and were riding high off that all the way to Julio’s party. "Wait ‘til I tell everyone what we did! You’re moving up TT. Maybe we’ll do some bigger stuff soon.”
“Bigger?” Terry asked, but was clapped on the shoulder by Charlie. Terry hid the wince so he couldn’t get an arm punch for flinching. “How much bigger?”
“Bigger than you or me kid.” Charlie looked behind the chair and grinned. Terry got a look and noticed the Jokerz’s gun had been lifted instead of the magazines or the cigarettes. “Now come on. Let’s party.”
24 notes
·
View notes
Text
The 1964 Tour de France, Part III
The third and final part of the series looking at the 1964 Tour de France is a look at what made it such a good Tour. If you’re in a hurry it came down to a contest between two riders and was close right until the end… but there’s more to it than that.
A Tour de France doesn’t happen in isolation and there were long term and short term factors that helped set things up for July. France was booming and this made a difference, more could afford time away from the fields or factories to watch the race go by; rising car ownership allowed many to travel to the race and plenty could afford a holiday in July. For those staying at home, television ownership was soaring (from 20% of households in 1961 to 50% by 1966) enabling a new audience to follow the race. More people were able to enjoy this race in new ways.
Anquetil (L) and Poulidor (R), the pre-race picks in Miroir’s preview
Jacques Anquetil and Raymond Poulidor were both having excellent seasons and the public was looking forward to the contest long before it started. Poulidor won the Vuelta, the held between April and May. Anquetil had just won the Giro. The Giro-Tour double is a tough task but more so in 1964 when the Giro ended on 7 June and the Tour started just two weeks later. The fatigue probably contributed to Anquetil’s troubles on the climbs in the Tour, this helped to keep the contest close.
The duel aspect plays a big part, it simplified the contest. By contrast, imagine if five riders were in with a chance of winning overall come the final time trial? It would be remarkable, uncertain but probably unsatisfying, especially for the mass audience, as if the preceding three weeks had not sufficient.
Better still for the Tour, this was a duel between the two best Frenchman in an age when a quarter of the peloton was French and most of media and audience were French. It mattered too, the riders were national figures and household names. Friends, families and workplaces were divided, France was split between anquetilistes and poulidoristes. Not the whole population, let’s not pretend this was the Dreyfus affair, but plenty took sides to the point where history books about France covering the 1960s with no interest in cycling often mention this. Each became a proxy for two different types of France with onto which people projected ideas and were wedged apart. Anquetil was modern, efficient, consumerist; Poulidor was traditional, amateur, a son of the soil or rather they were stereotyped this way much like Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali a decade before. Many fans nurtured a vested, visceral interest in the outcome of the race.
If Poulidor and Anquetil were caricatured as opposing figures, then their respective team managers really were. Antonin Magne and Raphaël Géminiani were successful professional riders and both came from the Auvergne region of central France but they were very different in character and method. Magne was an introvert who used the formal vous with his riders. He tried to study the sport, many of his ideas were ahead of their time, “Tonin la méthode” knew the importance of recovery, diet and training methods and ran recon rides major stages. Some methods were eccentric, for example using a divining pendulum to rate riders, where Magne found Poulidor to be an exceptional athlete but with a negative energy in June and July. Géminiani, “Gem” or “grand fusil” (“big gun”) was – or is, he’s in a retirement home these days aged 94 – the son of Italian immigrants fleeing Mussolini and a charismatic rider and manager, often ready with a quote and a sharp one liner. It was Magne who planned the hour long warm-up ahead of the Andorra ambush, it was “Gem” who saved Anquetil with an alcoholic tonic at the top of the climb.
The route helped make it a good edition, it was something Christian Prudhomme might deploy with early incursions into the middle mountains of the Vosges and Jura and more frequent use of short stages, albeit in relative terms, as stages under 200km were viewed as short. This made for complaints among the riders of a nervous race run at high speed because the opening week hadn’t already begun to prove much of a hierarchy among the overall contenders but this tension just made things more exciting. The Alps and the Pyrenees were dramatic but not decisive, huge altitudes but the time gaps stayed small.
Time bonuses were big with one minute to the stage winner each day and 30 seconds for second place, and time trials offered 20 seconds and 10 seconds. But this was an era when time gaps from racing were generally bigger too. In the end they didn’t skew the race: Anquetil earned 120 seconds in time bonuses while Poulidor gained 110 seconds. We can wonder what could have been in Monaco with Poulidor sprinting a lap too soon but overall the time bonuses didn’t distort the race as much as you might think, in part because the likes of Federico Bahamontes and Julio Jimenez were banking them in the mountains.
Away from Poulidor and Anquetil, the mountains competition was excellent with Bahamontes and Jimenez contesting the jersey right until the end, even after the Puy-de-Dôme summit finish on Stage 20 the competition is still open until Bahamontes’ team mate takes the points on an early climb to put it out of reach of Jimenez. Both Spaniards enjoyed two stage wins and featured plenty. There were sprints but breakaways often thwarted and the points competition was tight between Ward Sels and eventual winner Jan Janssen. There were fairy tale stories like German rider Rudi Altig taking the yellow jersey the first time the race visits Germany them. Georges Groussard had a long spell in yellow too, he’s all but forgotten now but held the jersey through the Alps and Pyrenees, a surprise factor like Julian Alaphilippe last summer.
If it came down to a duel this contest took time to emerge. Anquetil and Poulidor went into the race as pre-race picks but the first Alpine stage saw Anquetil look ragged on the Galibier, prompting TV commentator to pronounce Poulidor as the main contender. The chart above shows the standings of Anquetil and Poulidor on the overall classification. Poulidor poaches some time after Stage 7 crosses the Jura and a thunderstorm split the race with Anquetil on the receiving end. Stage 9 saw Poulidor bungle the sprint in Monaco so Anquetil collected the time bonus and Anquetil pulls ahead on the Stage 10 TT. Stages 14 and 15 are the big events with Poulidor’s crash on the road to Toulouse and forlorn chase costing him time but the next day he surges clear on the Col du Portillon to win in Luchon and now takes back time. But Anquetil is always ahead on GC and then opens up the gap in Stage 17’s time trial and takes the race lead. Poulidor comes close on the Puy-de-Dôme but can’t see the deal.
For Poulidor this might have been his best chance to win the Tour de France. The Monaco mix-up saw him gift a one minute time bonus to Anquetil and he lost over two and half minutes on the stage to Toulouse after the bungled bike change and crash. But this was a dynamic race, had Poulidor won the time bonus in Monaco perhaps he would have been marked more closely? If he hadn’t lost so much time to Toulouse, would anyone have left him attack on the Col du Portillon the following day, and would he have attacked as hard if he hadn’t suffered the reversal the day before?
Too many questions and impossible answers but as Anquetil mocked atop the Puy-de-Dôme if he had 14 seconds on Poulidor it was “13 seconds too much”, he was calculating his race on Poulidor. As long as he was ahead he would race all the way to Paris with the final time trial stage like a card up his sleeve. The what ifs contribute to Poulidor’s popularity, people saw someone who could win if only he could get a lucky break and this became part of the legend.
What might be more true though is that Poulidor lost this race. He had chances to win it but didn’t take them. Both Julio Jimenez and Federico Bahamontes approached Poulidor and his team before the Puy-de-Dôme showdown according to ex-pro Hubert Fraisseix (translation):
“The evening before Bahamontes and Jimenez asked for 5,000 francs each to let “Poupou” [Poulidor] win. Magne never wanted to pay. In the end they finished ahead of Raymond who, with the one minute time bonus for the stage winner, would have won the Tour de France”
Fraisseix is no gossip merchant looking to stir, he was a friend and near-neighbour of Poulidor and perhaps the payment would have helped. Poulidor also confessed to another mistake in the pages of L’Equipe in 2013, he’d gone to ride a criterium rather than recce the climb (translation):
“I lied to Antonin Magne. He’d asked me to go and check out the Puy de Dôme. I had 42×24, too big. At the stage start in Brive, when he saw Bahamontes had fitted a 25 tooth sprocket, he asked if I’d been to see the climb, yes or no. I didn’t dare tell him the truth. But in those days we had such small salaries and three days before the Tour we rode criteriums.”
So instead of a reconnaissance for the climb as Magne wanted, Poulidor rode a criterium to earn some cash. It sounds greedy and foolhardy today but should be judged in the context of the time when criteriums formed the staple earnings provider for pros, but it’s still another mistake and makes Poulidor look at least the co-author of some of his misfortunes.
Conclusion
A vintage edition with the winner unknown until about 1,500m to go and the closest winning margin. Like other celebrated editions, the reduction to two riders helped make it a famous contest and a slim winning margin kept the suspense to the end with plenty of sporting drama along the way with both Anquetil and Poulidor suffering setbacks and then reversing the situation and in the end the inevitable result of Anquetil winning again and Poulidor losing despite his best efforts, each conforming to the stereotype but only at the conclusion. More than this, it happened an era when the Tour de France was reaching new audiences and involved two protagonists whose popularity reached well beyond cycling.
Finally the photo from the Puy-de-Dôme has its own short story. It was taken by Roger Krieger of L’Equipe. “Krikri” was a regular on the Tour in the 1960s and would shoot from the back of a motorbike. As Poulidor and Anquetil rode side by side, the photographers were desperate to shot the moment but on the 10% slopes the racing was slow and the motorbikes clumsy. Two touch, one veers sideways towards Poulidor and its exhaust pipe sears Poulidor’s leg and for a second he flicks right and bumps into Anquetil in the split second Krieger takes the photo that encapsulated up the race… even if an exhaust pipe was really to blame. Oddly the negative has gone missing, copies today are reproductions of the photograph.
1964 Tour de France – Part I to set the scene
1964 Tour de France – Part II a stage-by-stage account of the race
The 1964 Tour de France, Part III published first on https://motocrossnationweb.weebly.com/
0 notes
Text
Each MLB team’s biggest weakness to address
The MLB season is in full swing, and advantages and flaws for teams are becoming quite obvious. Even the best teams have issues that could use addressing. It may be through calling up prospects, making trades, or simply hoping that people with a track record ultimately come good and start producing as they have in the past.
Here are the biggest weaknesses that each MLB team needs to consider.
Arizona Diamondbacks — Offense
Yes, we could easily single out one position here, but it wouldn’t make sense to do that, because the entire Arizona offense has been brutal. Most of the team’s players are hitting under .250, and Alex Avila, Jarrod Dyson and Chris Owings are all hitting under .200. On the whole, the team average is .213, the worst in baseball. That simply isn’t going to cut it, and it has to be fixed mostly internally, too.
Atlanta Braves — Back of the rotation
Surprisingly, the Braves haven’t shown many weaknesses so far this season. Their offense has produced and the bullpen has been more or less airtight. The one exception has been the back of the rotation, which hasn’t been quite as sharp as the rest of the team thanks in part to injuries and also some underperformance on the part of Julio Teheran. It’s premature to say it must be addressed, but it’s something to watch going forward.
Baltimore Orioles — Starting rotation
Very little about the Orioles is particularly good — in fact, it’s more or less limited to Manny Machado, who’s probably getting traded. That said, the real big issue is the starting rotation, which has long been a problem with the organization and only seems to be getting worse. Only Kevin Gausman has an ERA under 4, and the team has allowed Chris Tillman to make seven starts despite an ERA over 10. That’s either entirely too much patience or an admission that the other options are even worse.
Boston Red Sox — Center field
It’s an odd and surprising thing, as not long ago Jackie Bradley Jr. was considered one of the sport’s better young outfielders. He’s still good defensively, which is most of the reason he’s still allowed to play, but the guy has not hit above .233 at any point in the season and hasn’t shown much power either. His numbers are unacceptably bad, even for a defense-first player, and you have to wonder how long Boston can justify sticking with him.
Chicago Cubs — Back of the rotation
Similar to the Braves, the Cubs have guys whose numbers have underwhelmed so far despite a strong history. Jose Quintana and Yu Darvish have both been very good MLB pitchers, but they have ERAs over four right now. It’s nitpicky, but the Cubs’ roster is solid, and most of their issues are down to underperformance. Anthony Rizzo’s issues are another big one. Given time, they’ll probably straighten themselves out.
Chicago White Sox — Rotation
Only Reynaldo Lopez has performed well for the White Sox, and that could well be down to smoke and mirrors — his FIP is 4.80 and his underlying numbers indicate that regression is coming. Outside of Lopez, the White Sox rotation has been awful, with ERAs of 4.62, 7.53, and 8.07 among the other three starters who have received the most work (James Shields, Lucas Giolito, and Carson Fulmer, respectively). Even for a rebuilding operation, that’s bad.
Cincinnati Reds — Rotation
Seeing a trend? Only one Reds starter has an ERA under 5, and it’s Tyler Mahle with an unremarkable 4.53 mark. Homer Bailey is at 6.21, and the since-demoted Brandon Finnegan was at 7.40. With pitchers putting up numbers like those, it’s not that difficult to figure out why the team was so willing to give Matt Harvey a shot.
Cleveland Indians — Bullpen
Once one of the Indians’ strengths, the Cleveland bullpen has become something that manager Terry Francona has to be wary of turning to. Cody Allen has done a good enough job, but almost everyone else who has come out of the ‘pen to throw at least ten innings for Cleveland has an ERA over 5. The exception is Andrew Miller, but even he has struggled at times, missing time due to injury and then looking unconvincing upon his return.
Colorado Rockies — First base
Ian Desmond is very much not getting the job done. The Colorado first baseman has been hitting under .200 most of the season, and his eight home runs aren’t a big enough saving grace to make anyone happy. The five-year deal he signed with the team looks worse and worse, as he’s not known for his defense and he’s not hitting at all. They’re stuck in a bad place with him. One has to wonder how long they can send him out there every day.
Detroit Tigers — Bullpen
It’s always been the issue, hasn’t it? Though the Tigers don’t really excel in any department, the bullpen has been particularly deficient, with only youngster Joe Jimenez looking like he might have some long-term staying power. Shane Greene is alright, but he’s not a closer on a good team, and the remainder of the arms are not top quality at all.
Houston Astros — Outfield offense
The Astros have been so good that you have to squint to find anything wrong with them, but they could be getting more out of their outfield offensively. George Springer has been his typically solid self, but demoted Jake Marisnick was hitting just .157, while Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Reddick are under .230. These players have value in other ways — Reddick has a .331 OBP, for instance — but the averages are lower than they’d like.
Kansas City Royals — Rotation
If there’s one common thread among the bad teams in baseball this year, it’s that their rotations are overwhelmingly poor. The Royals are no exception, with only Jakob Junis looking like someone worth keeping around. Most of the Royals’ starters have ERAs over 5.00, including Danny Duffy, who has looked and sounded completely lost.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — Offense
In spite of Shohei Ohtani, the Angels offense has had its struggles this season, with even Mike Trout going through an unprecedented slump. They’re towards the bottom in the AL in bating average, weighed down by the likes of Ian Kinsler and Kole Calhoun, who have really struggled. These are generally players who have hit in the past, and they will be given the opportunity to turn it around, but for now, it’s an issue.
Los Angeles Dodgers — Offense
There must be something in the water in Southern California. The Dodgers have struggled even more than the Angels have offensively, sitting 10th in the NL with a .236 team average. It’s ugly virtually across the board: Cody Bellinger is hitting .243, Chase Utley just .229, Yasiel Puig .224, and Corey Seager is out for the season. Perhaps Justin Turner’s return will help matters some.
Miami Marlins — Pitching
The less said about the Miami pitching staff, the better. Their team ERA is the worst in the National League, and most of the individual numbers are ugly. Jose Urena, who leads the team in innings, has a 4.55 ERA, and high-priced Wei-Yin Chen continues to be a bust with a 6.55 ERA. The bullpen hasn’t been much better outside of Kyle Barraclough, and none of it looks like it’s going to change anytime soon.
Milwaukee Brewers — One more starter
If the Brewers make a trade before July 31, one would have to figure that the rotation will be targeted. While Jhoulys Chacin, Chase Anderson, and Junior Guerra have been solid, the underlying numbers are alarming, and none of them would be considered aces. One more high-quality starting pitcher would really shore up the rotation and do wonders for a Milwaukee team that has legitimate playoff aspirations.
Minnesota Twins — Offense
On the whole, the Twins can’t hit. The exceptions have been Eduardo Escobar and Eddie Rosario, while Joe Mauer and Max Kepler have also contributed. Miguel Sano can provide a huge boost, but Byron Buxton is off to a very slow start, shortstop and DH haven’t produced much, and starting catcher Jason Castro is out for the season. They may have to fill one or two of these openings externally.
New York Mets — Catcher
The back of the rotation has plenty of issues too, but it’s impossible to ignore what’s happened to the Mets’ catching position. Between injuries to Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki and total underperformance from their replacements, the position is hitting below .200 for the Mets this season. Devin Mesoraco, acquired from the Reds in the Matt Harvey deal, is the latest roll of the dice. It’s no surprise they’ve been linked to a bigger deal.
New York Yankees — Back of the rotation
Luis Severino has been outstanding and CC Sabathia has been mostly solid, but the rest of the rotation is some cause for worry for the Yankees. Sonny Gray has been a huge disappointment since the Yankees made a big deal for him last summer. Masahiro Tanaka has not been up to his usual high standards, either. They may have to go trade for a starter if this keeps up, though Tanaka in particular stands a good chance of rebounding if he can limit the home runs.
Oakland Athletics — Outfield bats
The Athletics have been a pleasant surprise in the AL West, with a solid all-around team coming together. One issue remains their outfield bats, which haven’t been great. Center fielder Mark Canha has been alright, but Matthew Joyce is hitting around .200 and Stephen Piscotty has been scuffling a bit, though the circumstances he’s dealt with must be considered. Perhaps Dustin Fowler can provide a boost now that he’s back on the field.
Philadelphia Phillies — First base
It’s safe to say the Carlos Santana signing hasn’t worked out the way the Phillies hoped it would, at least so far. He’s hitting below .200, though he’s been walking plenty and hitting for power to at least give the Phillies some production. The Phillies don’t have much of a recourse here — they’ve committed $60 million to Santana through 2020 — so they’re just going to have to hope he picks it up.
Pittsburgh Pirates — Rotation
The Pirates have settled into the post-McCutchen era surprisingly well, jumping out to a strong start. If they want to keep it going, they’ll probably have to add to their rotation. Trevor Williams has done a very solid job with a 3.05 ERA, and Jameson Taillon has been mostly reliable. Chad Kuhl and Ivan Nova have had their struggles, and while they’re not downright bad, it’s not quite what the Pirates would like to see.
San Diego Padres — Offense
The Padres have never really been known as a high-quality offensive team, but they have three regulars hitting under .200 in Austin Hedges, Manuel Margot, and Carlos Asuaje, who started for much of April but has since been sent to the minors. They have one of the worst offenses in baseball and have the record to match that.
San Francisco Giants — Rotation
Injuries and poor performance have conspired to make the Giants’ rotation a huge disappointment. Johnny Cueto was doing amazing before an injury sidelined him, and Madison Bumgarner broke his hand in spring training. He’s closing in on a return, which is a relief, as the rest of the rotation has really struggled. Ty Blach’s 4.37 ERA is the best of all of their healthy starters right now, and Jeff Samardzija in particular has had an ugly season with a 6.23 ERA.
Seattle Mariners — Second base
A week ago, the rotation would have been Seattle’s biggest problem. It still is, but Robinson Cano’s suspension has thrown things for a loop. Outfielder Dee Gordon moved there, which created a hole in center field, and then Gordon promptly fractured his toe, leaving the Mariners with huge problems on offense. It’s hard to see them filling them effectively before Cano returns in August.
St. Louis Cardinals — Second base
Kolten Wong’s situation is a problem. The Cardinals second baseman is hitting just .179 with three home runs this season, leaving St. Louis in a very difficult spot. Wong is a player the Cardinals have put a lot of faith in, but his sub-.600 OPS won’t cut it. To make matters worse, Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler have also struggled, so it’s hard for the Cardinals to lean on anyone but Tommy Pham and Jose Martinez.
Tampa Bay Rays — Rotation
Things have gotten rough for the Rays to the point that they’re experimenting with one-inning reliever stints to open ballgames to try to grab platoon advantages through pitching. Chris Archer looks increasingly like a player the Rays should have sold high on when they had the chance, though he’s starting to get it together. They’re limited to a four-man rotation, and two of those four haven’t been very good.
Texas Rangers — Offense
Whoever would have thought that the once high-octane Texas Rangers team that bats in one of the league’s more favorable hitters’ parks would end up last in the AL in batting average? That’s where they are, though, and only the Diamondbacks have a lower team average than Texas does. Adrian Beltre’s hamstring injury was a huge blow, as it took away the lineup’s only .300 hitter. Robinson Chirinos, Ryan Rua and Rougned Odor are hitting under .200. Joey Gallo is flirting with the Mendoza Line but has at least shown power.
Toronto Blue Jays — Rotation
J.A. Happ leads all Toronto starters with an ERA right under 4.00, and it only gets worse from there. Aaron Sanchez is next, then Marco Estrada, and from there it’s into the 6 and 7 range, particularly the hugely disappointing Marcus Stroman, who is at 7.71. None of Toronto’s starters have pitched effectively. Even if their offense were better, the rotation would be torpedoing their shot at contention.
Washington Nationals — Bullpen
Long an issue for the Nationals, the bullpen remains a problem outside of closer Sean Doolittle. Brandon Kintzler, Sammy Solis, and Ryan Madson all have ERAs over four, with Madson landing on the disabled list to make a bad situation worse. It’s a big reason why, despite Max Scherzer spearheading a great rotation, the Nats aren’t higher in the NL in team ERA.
from Larry Brown Sports https://ift.tt/2ksfAFk
0 notes
Text
What are the Dodgers and Astros hunting to do at the deadline?
New Post has been published on https://othersportsnews.com/what-are-the-dodgers-and-astros-hunting-to-do-at-the-deadline/
What are the Dodgers and Astros hunting to do at the deadline?
Andrew Friedman’s close friends in the sector and executives who’ve dealt with the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ president of baseball functions by the a long time can attest that he is no supporter of July transactions. Friedman prefers to form his roster in the tranquil of winter season, when trade conversations have time to marinate and deals aren’t pushed by emotion or an externally created “sense of urgency.” This is the way he rolls.
Final summer, when the Dodgers were being scrambling for a postseason berth, Friedman went outdoors his comfort and ease zone and traded pitching prospects Jharel Cotton, Frankie Montas and Grant Holmes to the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Prosperous Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick. The Dodgers went on to acquire the Nationwide League West, but it was the form of quick-phrase offer that Friedman studiously tried using to keep away from over a 10 years with the budget-mindful Tampa Bay Rays.
This summer, Friedman is running from a placement of energy. The Dodgers are taking part in .760 ball considering the fact that April 24, and they direct the West by 11 games over the Colorado Rockies. They can nap and drink lattes by the July 31 non-waiver deadline and however be assured house-field gain all through the NL playoffs — and very perhaps the Environment Series.
“I assume all the function Andrew did was to set himself in a placement where by he didn’t require to be determined in July,” claimed an American League front-business office man. “They have a definitely deep workforce, so they don’t automatically require much more depth. They require effect.”
With a massive direct in the NL West, the Dodgers don’t have quite a few holes to fill in their lineup. Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire
Jeff Luhnow, Friedman’s counterpart with the Houston Astros, is in the same way at liberty to do what he prefers fairly than what others count on him to do. The Astros are sixty three-32 and 15½ games up on Seattle in the American League West. Even the decline of shortstop and MVP applicant Carlos Correa for six to 8 weeks to a torn thumb ligament will never discourage their joyride to a division title.
Luhnow, who retains a limited circle of advisers and likes absolutely nothing much more than beating Twitter with his trade bulletins, hasn’t shared quite a few hints about his deadline intentions. But he’s much more of a swashbuckler than his stathead popularity indicates, and he’s prepared to pounce if the option arises.
“Understanding what I know about Jeff, there are some critical aggressive machinations to find that starter or bullpen person,” claimed an AL talent evaluator.
Now that the Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees have built significant deadline acquisitions, the attention is about to change to MLB’s twin juggernauts and their trade-deadline activity. Will the Dodgers make a press for Oakland A’s starter Sonny Grey, fortify the bullpen or include a right-handed outfield bat? And will the Astros include a pitcher to assist complement MLB’s most prolific offense?
Amid the deadline drama, the respective front places of work have two points in frequent: (1) They’re concentrating on postseason effect, offered that the playoffs are inevitable and (two) they both equally have the versatility to say no.
The Dodgers, in the midst of a 31-4 operate, have to ponder if they’re tempting fate by messing with a superior thing. But this a lot is apparent:
They have a respectable fascination in Baltimore reliever Zach Britton, and they assume he’s able of teaming with nearer Kenley Jansen to convey a 2014-15 Wade Davis–Greg Holland Kansas Town Royals dynamic to Chavez Ravine. But the Dodgers are skeptical that Orioles owner Peter Angelos will indication off on a trade for Britton, and they’re not sure if he’s prepared for the grind of substantial-leverage appearances immediately after missing two months with a forearm pressure. Britton has however to pitch consecutive times considering the fact that his return from the disabled listing July five.
The Dodgers have explained to probable trade associates they’re particularly hesitant to component with minimal league outfielder Alex Verdugo and pitchers Walker Buehler and Yadier Alvarez. It may be a arrive at to classify these 3 prospects as “untouchable,” but they’re the closest thing the Dodgers have to the hallowed floor occupied by Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger and Julio Urias in new a long time.
The Dodgers regard on their own as “opportunistic buyers” due to the fact the workforce has no evident weak point. They’re third in the Nationwide League in operates, direct the league in starter (three.09) and bullpen (two.ninety two) Period and rank second to Cincinnati in defensive operates saved, so they’re the definition of a very well-rounded club. Final year, manager Dave Roberts‘ lineup was susceptible versus remaining-handed pitching. This year, Justin Turner, Logan Forsythe and Chris Taylor have remedied that dilemma. The Dodgers rank 1st between NL clubs with 43 homers and an .818 OPS vs. lefties.
Although Friedman and his team are frequently churning thoughts and staying mild on their toes, they’ve however to come upon a proposal that has enticed them to acquire the plunge. An damage or sudden change in the market could change that, but it will never occur as a large shock if they chorus from a massive headline maker of a offer. Issues are a minimal much more complex in Houston, where by Luhnow has many pitching targets on his radar. But the mix of a slim market and Luhnow’s substantial specifications has clouded the photograph.
The Astros have sufficient depth and sufficient of a direct in the standings to stand up to the damage to Carlos Correa. Bob Levey/Getty Illustrations or photos
The Astros direct the American League in starter Period (three.87) and batting typical versus (.241), and they have a pair of All-Stars at the leading of the rotation. Dallas Keuchel showed that overpowering velocity is just not a prerequisite for October achievement versus the Yankees and Royals in the 2015 playoffs. Lance McCullers Jr. offers a pleasant distinction with his power things from the right aspect, and the Astros have the latitude to lessen his workload down the extend so that he can be new heading into October.
So who will come immediately after that? “My guess is, if they get a starter, it will be an individual who begins a playoff video game for them,” claimed an American League basic manager. The Astros considered former White Sox starter Jose Quintana in that mild, but the Cubs snatched him away with a deal of outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez and 3 other minimal leaguers. Most of the other starters that Luhnow covets are possibly unattainable or cost-prohibitive in conditions of the talent outlay needed.
Chris Archer is just not heading everywhere with Tampa Bay in the wild-card hunt. The Toronto Blue Jays would transfer Marco Estrada, Francisco Liriano and perhaps J.A. Happ, but Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez are off restrictions. The Detroit Tigers have built Justin Verlander out there, but prefer to hold on to Michael Fulmer.
For all the Julio Teheran speculation creating the rounds, the Atlanta Braves are inclined to retain him due to the fact they regard him as component of the team’s long-phrase potential. Teheran has been only so-so this year, regardless. Gerrit Cole would need a big prospect haul for Houston to make a offer with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are near sufficient to the wild card to dissuade them from getting sellers. And baseball would formally freak out if the Texas Rangers traded Yu Darvish or Cole Hamels to Houston to assist the Astros make a Environment Series operate.
If Luhnow cannot land a starter, manager A.J. Hinch has many inside selections. Possibly he goes with Mike Fiers, who’s five-two with a two.fifty Period considering the fact that Might 30. Or Charlie Morton, who has struck out 78 batters in 68⅔ innings. Or Collin McHugh, who returns to the rotation Saturday immediately after missing 3½ months with an elbow impingement.
The Cleveland Indians arrived at the Environment Series last year with a rotation so slim that Ryan Merritt arrived up from Triple-A to pitch versus Toronto in the choosing video game of the American League Championship Series. By that definition, Houston is just not in such dire straits.
The Astros in the end have to make a decision if Grey is sufficient of an improvement over their other starters to acquire a dive into the prospect bin.
“Do you give up [outfielder] Kyle Tucker or [pitcher] Francis Martes for a modest, marginal variance in that Video game three?” claimed a scout. “I don’t know. Do you give it up to get Britton? Possibly you do.”
Beneath a Approach B state of affairs, Luhnow has the solution of strengthening the back again conclusion. If he can include Britton or San Diego lefty Brad Hand to a bullpen blend that involves Ken Giles, Chris Devenski, Will Harris and Luke Gregerson, 5 innings may be a good deal. As the Royals and Indians have revealed in new a long time, all these off times in the program make it much easier for teams to cobble jointly twelve outs a video game in the postseason.
Houston’s offense presents the pitching personnel lots of margin for mistake. The Astros direct MLB with 557 operates and a .500 slugging percentage. They have struck out a majors-low 634 times and rank 10th between the 30 clubs in stolen bases, so they’re a diverse workforce than the strikeout-laden team that dropped to Kansas Town in the playoffs two a long time ago. That mix of power, contact and pace helps make it rough to imagine them staying shut down in October, regardless of the opposition.
“Operate-scoring is undoubtedly suppressed in the playoffs, but this workforce is heading to rating in the postseason,” a scout claimed. “I don’t assume they require lockdown pitching with an under-two.00 Period to acquire it.”
Like their fellow powerhouses in Los Angeles, the Astros have invested 4 months proving how superior they are. Over the up coming 10 times, they’re going to have to make a decision the selling price they’re inclined to spend to get much better.
Resource connection
0 notes
Text
Is It A Crime?
by Letmelickyaspit
Word around Gotham City is that there's a new cat in town and Bruce is determined to find out who and why.
Words: 6313, Chapters: 5/?, Language: English
Fandoms: Batman Beyond
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con, Underage
Categories: Multi, Other
Characters: Charlie "Big Time" Bigelow, Julio "July" Jimenez, Bruce Wayne, Matt McGinnis, Maxine Gibson, Melanie Walker
Relationships: Terry McGinnis/Bruce Wayne, Terry Mcginnis/ Charlie "Big Time" Bigelow, Terry McGinnis & Melanie Walker, Terry McGinnis & Julio "July" Jimenez, Maxine Gibson & Terry McGinnis
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Stripper/Exotic Dancer, Sex Work, Underage Drug Use, Sexual Assault, Homelessness, Underage Drinking, Underage Prostitution, Gotham City is Terrible, Abusive Relationships, Terry Mcginnis is Trans, Terry is a orphan, Manipulative Relationship, Strippers & Strip Clubs, Burlesque, Emotions, Trauma, Tears, Terry Mginnis is Catlad in a way
via https://ift.tt/8INREuC
0 notes
Photo
New Post has been published on https://www.madpicks.com/sports/mlb/5-curious-decisions-made-baseballs-contending-teams/
The 5 most curious decisions made by baseball’s contending teams
These teams are as win-now as win-now gets, but they calmly and quietly filled these roster holes.
You are tasked with writing a series of offseason previews. Congratulations. You get to pour over 30 rosters and figure out what each team needs. Some teams are easy because they need younger, cheaper players (Reds). Some teams are harder because they’re at a crossroads (White Sox).
You make a list of what each team needs, and then you set about your business. You spend time researching it all, analyzing the free agent market and trade candidates, and you come up with your ideas.
These are the teams that didn’t listen to a single lousy word you wrote.
Here are five teams that don’t want you to worry your pretty little head about what they need. They’ve got it figured out, and they’re smarter than you. Shoo.
1. The Cubs preferring the fifth starter in the bush to the one in the hand
There are teams that did less with their rotations. The Astros never snagged their ace. The Orioles are still counting on Ubaldo Jimenez. The Yankees are bringing back the same starting pitchers from last year’s underwhelming season.
The Cubs, though, are different. They had a rotation. They were set. They’re the defending champions, and no one would have begrudged them for avoiding the entire hot stove league.
Jed Hoyer: “We were already pretty good, you know”
But instead of exercising their option on Jason Hammel — for a reasonable one-year salary of $10 million — they paid him $2 million to test the open market. It saved them $8 million, and it was reasonable to speculate what they had up their sleeves. Sonny Gray? Julio Teheran? Chris Sale?
Brett Anderson.
Which is fine! The difference between Hammel and Anderson ended up being $4.5 million, and that turned out to be more than half of Jon Jay’s salary. It’s exactly 1/45th of the total number of “CUBS WORLD CHAMPS” aprons they’ve sold in the time it took you to read this paragraph, but now we’re quibbling. A reasonable person could suggest that Anderson is preferable to Hammel, even if their salaries were equal. I disagree, but not so strenuously that I’d spend more than five seconds debating it.
It just seems like an exchange of cost certainty for a pitcher who has topped 50 innings in just one of the last five seasons. If the Cubs had pitchers spilling out of their system, it would make more sense, but that’s not how they’re built. Not yet.
They’re smarter than I am. From here, though, it’s a move that seems to have a concealed explanation that we’re not privy to. Fair enough.
2. The Red Sox and Mitch Moreland
The Red Sox, like the Cubs, are stacked. They have talented players at nearly every position, but that’s selling them short. They’re young players. Stars, some of them. Their best starting pitcher is the one without a Cy Young.
Even considering that, though, the Red Sox made a weird decision at first base. Here are Mitch Moreland’s WAR totals for his career, from highest to lowest, according to Baseball-Reference:
2.2
0.9
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.1
-0.1
That’s one good year, and six years a well-managed organization should be able to find at a yard sale. If WAR isn’t your thing, that’s fine — Moreland did win a Gold Glove last year, even if defensive stats and the eye test weren’t so sure — but there’s no way to argue that he’s been more than a generic first baseman for several seasons now. He’s a career .254/.315/.438, even though he’s played in Texas his entire career.
The Red Sox sought him out. Paid him $5.5 million. Then they suggested that Moreland’s platoon-mate would be Chris Young, a lefty-thumper who has never played anywhere but the outfield.
Color me curious! And confused. But, like with the Cubs, I’m willing to appeal to authority. I’m just a dumb blogger, kicking rocks.
The only thing that bugs me is that the Rangers are also a smart team, and they were fine with letting Moreland walk. They didn’t think there was any more nectar to squeeze out of the 31-year-old. It’s hard to appeal to authority when there’s another authority that might be more authoritative. This is so confusing!
3. The Rangers gambling with 40 percent of their rotation
The Rangers are about to sign Mike Napoli to play first base. He’ll work with James Loney, who also signed. This is not a position of concern for them, considering they have Joey Gallo in reserve and Jurickson Profar without a position. They had a first base arrangement already if they wanted to focus on something else. Now they have another first base arrangement.
Meanwhile, they’re entrusting their final two rotation spots to a pair of pitchers who both had ERAs over 5.00 last year. One of them was closer to 6.00, even.
A.J. Griffin and Andrew Cashner were the bee’s knees in 2013, we’re talking the snake’s hips. But that was 2013, which is about 50 years ago in pitcher years. Since then, Cashner has been disappointing-to-awful, and Griffin has thrown 119 innings in the majors. There are fine reasons for a smart team to want to take a chance on both of them.
There are also reasons to be skeptical. Griffin gave up 28 homers in 119 innings, which is one of the highest rates in baseball history for any pitcher over 100 innings. Cashner’s tenure with the Marlins was an absolute debacle. He’s trending in the wrong direction, and he’s doing it violently.
If the Rangers were a destitute, revenue-sharing franchise, fine. You do what you do, if that’s what you have to do. If the Rangers didn’t have prospects or trade chips of interest (see the Giants, who are sticking with Matt Cain), the raffle tickets make sense.
The Rangers, though, have that conundrum up there, with Joey Gallo and Jurickson Profar, who won’t get playing time. There wasn’t a way to turn a logjam into a pitcher? what about good ol’ Bartolo Colon or R.A. Dickey? Just one more starter in the Colby Lewis mode, steady and stable, would have done so much.
Tyson Ross might come back in May or June. The only thing that makes me feel remotely confident about this arrangement is that Cashner and Ross combining for 300 outstanding innings for the Rangers would be so, so, so, so overwhelmingly Padres that I can’t stand it. The rotation is still filled with a lot of ifs and maybes for a team looking to defend a division title.
Eh, they’re smarter than me. I’m OK with this, even if I have to repeat it every section, self-flagellating to obscure the fact that at least one of these teams is totally going to eat it with their underwhelming offseason decision to be so calm and self-assured.
4. The Giants don’t have a left fielder you’ve heard of
The last All-Star outfielder developed by the Giants was Chili Davis, who was drafted the year that Star Wars came out. They’ve had a good left fielder or two since then — that surly guy, with the records — but they’re in something of a drought over the last decade. They can get one-year stopgaps, but nothing like a long-term solution.
They had a hole in left field. It was an obvious hole. They hit 130 homers, and one of their leading home run hitters, Angel Pagan, was leaving in free agency. Also, one of their leading home run hitters was Angel Pagan. That seems important.
The Giants also had a gaping, bleeding, oozing bullpen hole that needed to be cauterized last July, but was left festering. It got infected by October. So they focused on that first, which made sense.
When it came to left, though, they went in house. Mac Williamson is a strong, athletic outfielder straight out of central casting, and Jarrett Parker is a high-whiff, big-power left-hander who hasn’t been intimidated by the dimensions at AT&T Park, but neither of them have the statistical pedigree that a win-now team might want. The Giants, who have cycled through Fred Lewis, Dan Ortmeier, Nate Schierholtz, Armando Rios, Calvin Murray, Jason Ellison, Todd Linden, John Bowker, Roger Kieschnick, and Gary Brown since the new ballpark opened, are willing to count on one of Williamson or Parker in a contending season where every extra win will be exponentially valuable.
Fine, great, grand. They see something. I’m the dummy. There is a reason for this, at least, in that they’re going to pay the salary-cap tax, which they have for two years now, and they’re maxed out on their budget. That, and they’re devoid of the top prospects needed to trade for a younger outfielder that would allow them to fit that budget.
If there were a year to sell out — Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and Madison Bumgarner are excellent now, but there are no guarantees in two years — this would be it. As is, the Giants are going to start either Williamson and Parker and fix things at the deadline if it doesn’t work. That’s a fair solution for a team with budget constraints. It’s just hard to believe they’re so comfortable with it.
5. The Nationals are going in-house with their closer
The last time we saw Shawn Kelley was in that picture at the top of the page. He was hurt. The two-time Tommy John survivor was hurt, and his postseason was over. He’s the closer now.
This makes sense because he’s ridiculously talented. He was the steal of last offseason, and he makes the Nationals much better. But he’s also a closer that will need to be treated carefully. Kelley’s 58 innings last year was a career high, so the Nationals shouldn’t expect any Andrew Miller-like marathons if they reach the postseason again.
This is fine … except the Nationals, of all teams, should be on the hunt for those Miller marathons. They’ve made the postseason three times since they were the Expos, and each one of those appearances has included a devastating bullpen-fueled loss. There was the Pete Kozma Experience in 2012, the Jordan Zimmermann Yank in 2014, and the Sweet Crap Did You Really Use Five Pitchers In One Inning fun of 2016. For a team that’s so tightly constructed, with such an obvious ultimate goal, it’s always felt like they were one ultra-reliever short.
They still might trade for David Robertson five seconds after this is published, which is fine. But I would think this was the team that could justify an absurd stretch for Kenley Jansen or Aroldis Chapman. This was the team that could have traded their best prospects for Miller last year. Instead, they’re making do. They have a cavalcade of high-walk, high strikeout pitchers, the types with an eternal chance of metamorphosing into trusted late-inning options. But they don’t have that guy, the one who could have saved them in ‘12, ‘14, or ‘16.
Do I have to keep going with the theme? The Nationals are smart. They’re old-SABR smart when it comes to spending millions on a bullpen. Forget it, move along. The rotation is as good as any in the National League, so there are worse weaknesses to have.
If we’re back in here eight months, though, talking about the danged Nationals bullpen, I’m going to use cuss words. I don’t want to, but, consarnit, what choice do I have? This is a team that needs to prepare for a possible post-Bryce apocalypse, so I get why they aren’t ditching their formidable collection of prospects. But just one more reliever would do so much to help their ability to not do what they’ve done in the recent past.
Five teams. All contenders. Weird decisions. Maybe correct. They’re the big shots around here, and I’m just some schnook that likes to get slapped around. But there’s at least a chance that some of them will have regrets by the end of the season, even if we could spot the problems way back in February.
0 notes
Text
The 5 most curious decisions made by baseball’s contending teams
These teams are as win-now as win-now gets, but they calmly and quietly filled these roster holes.
You are tasked with writing a series of offseason previews. Congratulations. You get to pour over 30 rosters and figure out what each team needs. Some teams are easy because they need younger, cheaper players (Reds). Some teams are harder because they’re at a crossroads (White Sox).
You make a list of what each team needs, and then you set about your business. You spend time researching it all, analyzing the free agent market and trade candidates, and you come up with your ideas.
These are the teams that didn’t listen to a single lousy word you wrote.
Here are five teams that don’t want you to worry your pretty little head about what they need. They’ve got it figured out, and they’re smarter than you. Shoo.
1. The Cubs preferring the fifth starter in the bush to the one in the hand
There are teams that did less with their rotations. The Astros never snagged their ace. The Orioles are still counting on Ubaldo Jimenez. The Yankees are bringing back the same starting pitchers from last year’s underwhelming season.
The Cubs, though, are different. They had a rotation. They were set. They’re the defending champions, and no one would have begrudged them for avoiding the entire hot stove league.
Jed Hoyer: “We were already pretty good, you know”
But instead of exercising their option on Jason Hammel — for a reasonable one-year salary of $10 million — they paid him $2 million to test the open market. It saved them $8 million, and it was reasonable to speculate what they had up their sleeves. Sonny Gray? Julio Teheran? Chris Sale?
Brett Anderson.
Which is fine! The difference between Hammel and Anderson ended up being $4.5 million, and that turned out to be more than half of Jon Jay’s salary. It’s exactly 1/45th of the total number of “CUBS WORLD CHAMPS” aprons they’ve sold in the time it took you to read this paragraph, but now we’re quibbling. A reasonable person could suggest that Anderson is preferable to Hammel, even if their salaries were equal. I disagree, but not so strenuously that I’d spend more than five seconds debating it.
It just seems like an exchange of cost certainty for a pitcher who has topped 50 innings in just one of the last five seasons. If the Cubs had pitchers spilling out of their system, it would make more sense, but that’s not how they’re built. Not yet.
They’re smarter than I am. From here, though, it’s a move that seems to have a concealed explanation that we’re not privy to. Fair enough.
2. The Red Sox and Mitch Moreland
The Red Sox, like the Cubs, are stacked. They have talented players at nearly every position, but that’s selling them short. They’re young players. Stars, some of them. Their best starting pitcher is the one without a Cy Young.
Even considering that, though, the Red Sox made a weird decision at first base. Here are Mitch Moreland’s WAR totals for his career, from highest to lowest, according to Baseball-Reference:
2.2
0.9
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.1
-0.1
That’s one good year, and six years a well-managed organization should be able to find at a yard sale. If WAR isn’t your thing, that’s fine — Moreland did win a Gold Glove last year, even if defensive stats and the eye test weren’t so sure — but there’s no way to argue that he’s been more than a generic first baseman for several seasons now. He’s a career .254/.315/.438, even though he’s played in Texas his entire career.
The Red Sox sought him out. Paid him $5.5 million. Then they suggested that Moreland’s platoon-mate would be Chris Young, a lefty-thumper who has never played anywhere but the outfield.
Color me curious! And confused. But, like with the Cubs, I’m willing to appeal to authority. I’m just a dumb blogger, kicking rocks.
The only thing that bugs me is that the Rangers are also a smart team, and they were fine with letting Moreland walk. They didn’t think there was any more nectar to squeeze out of the 31-year-old. It’s hard to appeal to authority when there’s another authority that might be more authoritative. This is so confusing!
3. The Rangers gambling with 40 percent of their rotation
The Rangers are about to sign Mike Napoli to play first base. He’ll work with James Loney, who also signed. This is not a position of concern for them, considering they have Joey Gallo in reserve and Jurickson Profar without a position. They had a first base arrangement already if they wanted to focus on something else. Now they have another first base arrangement.
Meanwhile, they’re entrusting their final two rotation spots to a pair of pitchers who both had ERAs over 5.00 last year. One of them was closer to 6.00, even.
A.J. Griffin and Andrew Cashner were the bee’s knees in 2013, we’re talking the snake’s hips. But that was 2013, which is about 50 years ago in pitcher years. Since then, Cashner has been disappointing-to-awful, and Griffin has thrown 119 innings in the majors. There are fine reasons for a smart team to want to take a chance on both of them.
There are also reasons to be skeptical. Griffin gave up 28 homers in 119 innings, which is one of the highest rates in baseball history for any pitcher over 100 innings. Cashner’s tenure with the Marlins was an absolute debacle. He’s trending in the wrong direction, and he’s doing it violently.
If the Rangers were a destitute, revenue-sharing franchise, fine. You do what you do, if that’s what you have to do. If the Rangers didn’t have prospects or trade chips of interest (see the Giants, who are sticking with Matt Cain), the raffle tickets make sense.
The Rangers, though, have that conundrum up there, with Joey Gallo and Jurickson Profar, who won’t get playing time. There wasn’t a way to turn a logjam into a pitcher? what about good ol’ Bartolo Colon or R.A. Dickey? Just one more starter in the Colby Lewis mode, steady and stable, would have done so much.
Tyson Ross might come back in May or June. The only thing that makes me feel remotely confident about this arrangement is that Cashner and Ross combining for 300 outstanding innings for the Rangers would be so, so, so, so overwhelmingly Padres that I can’t stand it. The rotation is still filled with a lot of ifs and maybes for a team looking to defend a division title.
Eh, they’re smarter than me. I’m okay with this, even if I have to repeat it every section, self-flagellating to obscure the fact that at least one of these teams is totally going to eat it with their underwhelming offseason decision to be so calm and self-assured.
4. The Giants don’t have a left fielder you’ve heard of
The last All-Star outfielder developed by the Giants was Chili Davis, who was drafted the year that Star Wars came out. They’ve had a good left fielder or two since then — that surly guy, with the records — but they’re in something of a drought over the last decade. They can get one-year stopgaps, but nothing like a long-term solution.
They had a hole in left field. It was an obvious hole. They hit 130 homers, and one of their leading home run hitters, Angel Pagan, was leaving in free agency. Also, one of their leading home run hitters was Angel Pagan. That seems important.
The Giants also had a gaping, bleeding, oozing bullpen hole that needed to be cauterized last July, but was left festering. It got infected by October. So they focused on that first, which made sense.
When it came to left, though, they went in house. Mac Williamson is a strong, athletic outfielder straight out of central casting, and Jarrett Parker is a high-whiff, big-power left-hander who hasn’t been intimidated by the dimensions at AT&T Park, but neither of them have the statistical pedigree that a win-now team might want. The Giants, who have cycled through Fred Lewis, Dan Ortmeier, Nate Schierholtz, Armando Rios, Calvin Murray, Jason Ellison, Todd Linden, John Bowker, Roger Kieschnick, and Gary Brown since the new ballpark opened, are willing to count on one of Williamson or Parker in a contending season where every extra win will be exponentially valuable.
Fine, great, grand. They see something. I’m the dummy. There is a reason for this, at least, in that they’re going to pay the salary-cap tax, which they have for two years now, and they’re maxed out on their budget. That, and they’re devoid of the top prospects needed to trade for a younger outfielder that would allow them to fit that budget.
If there were a year to sell out — Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford, and Madison Bumgarner are excellent now, but there are no guarantees in two years — this would be it. As is, the Giants are going to start either Williamson and Parker and fix things at the deadline if it doesn’t work. That’s a fair solution for a team with budget constraints. It’s just hard to believe they’re so comfortable with it.
5. The Nationals are going in-house with their closer
The last time we saw Shawn Kelley was in that picture at the top of the page. He was hurt. The two-time Tommy John survivor was hurt, and his postseason was over. He’s the closer now.
This makes sense because he’s ridiculously talented. He was the steal of last offseason, and he makes the Nationals much better. But he’s also a closer that will need to be treated carefully. Kelley’s 58 innings last year was a career high, so the Nationals shouldn’t expect any Andrew Miller-like marathons if they reach the postseason again.
This is fine ... except the Nationals, of all teams, should be on the hunt for those Miller marathons. They’ve made the postseason three times since they were the Expos, and each one of those appearances has included a devastating bullpen-fueled loss. There was the Pete Kozma Experience in 2012, the Jordan Zimmermann Yank in 2014, and the Sweet Crap Did You Really Use Five Pitchers In One Inning fun of 2016. For a team that’s so tightly constructed, with such an obvious ultimate goal, it’s always felt like they were one ultra-reliever short.
They still might trade for David Robertson five seconds after this is published, which is fine. But I would think this was the team that could justify an absurd stretch for Kenley Jansen or Aroldis Chapman. This was the team that could have traded their best prospects for Miller last year. Instead, they’re making do. They have a cavalcade of high-walk, high strikeout pitchers, the types with an eternal chance of metamorphosing into trusted late-inning options. But they don’t have that guy, the one who could have saved them in ‘12, ‘14, or ‘16.
Do I have to keep going with the theme? The Nationals are smart. They’re old-SABR smart when it comes to spending millions on a bullpen. Forget it, move along. The rotation is as good as any in the National League, so there are worse weaknesses to have.
If we’re back in here eight months, though, talking about the danged Nationals bullpen, I’m going to use cuss words. I don’t want to, but, consarnit, what choice do I have? This is a team that needs to prepare for a possible post-Bryce apocalypse, so I get why they aren’t ditching their formidable collection of prospects. But just one more reliever would do so much to help their ability to not do what they’ve done in the recent past.
Five teams. All contenders. Weird decisions. Maybe correct. They’re the big shots around here, and I'm just some schnook that likes to get slapped around. But there’s at least a chance that some of them will have regrets by the end of the season, even if we could spot the problems way back in February.
0 notes
Last Seen Blogs
nilnco
Nil n' Co
carlosdiazcamilosstuff
carlosdiazcamilo
screamingsatyrs
PEACHES
noricosplay
Untitled :)! ...
gay-among-us
(it/its)