That has got to be just about the stupidest way to lose a game. If you walk a guy hitting .082/.167/.184 with the bases loaded in the 14th inning, you’re not seriously trying to win.

On to the links:

• Mid-Season Blockbusters: June (Part Three: 1975-2005) (Hardball Times). The analysis of Gary Sheffield for Trevor Hoffman is a bit flawed. Yes, Sheffield has had a brilliant career, but most of that didn’t come as a member of the Florida Marlins.
• Keeping the Baserunners (Baseball Crank). The Crank looks at which teams have been most successful at keeping and advancing baserunners this season. My description totally doesn’t do his work justice. Go read it.
• Crucial Situations: Part 3 (Hardball Times). I’ve only had a chance to glance at this one. Looks pretty chewy — hardcore sabermetrics types will enjoy it.
• Mike Napoli (Minor League Ball). Why am I linking to John Sickels’ writeup on an Angels prospect? First, I’m a fan of Sickels’ work. Second, there’s some excellent discussion in ensuing comments about the adjustment Napoli has made in going from strictly a pull hitter to a guy who uses the entire field, and how this potentially changes his future upside. It’s a good point to remember with prospects, whether we’re talking, say, about Josh Barfield’s defense or Cesar Ramos’ lack of a strikeout pitch.
• Grading the Milulik’s Managerial Meltdown (Minor League Dugout). You’ve seen minor-league manager Joe Milulik’s tirade, now read one person’s critique of the performance. Milulik gets big points for the water-bottle slam and general losing of mind. I love the minor leagues.
• A Bite of the Onion (View from the Bleachers). Some folks have been talking about bringing local product Mark Prior back to San Diego. The Onion has other ideas.
• Southern League All-Stars Announced (BayBear Beat). Matt gives us the lowdown on which Padres minor leaguers will represent Mobile this year.
• Walter Roark has put together an aggregator of baseball blogs and other news sources called Baseball Nooz that looks promising.

I’m wiped. Go read stuff.