Friday, April 30, 2010

SoSG Glossary: The MSB

Since we've been around here for a number of years now, we've developed a series of terminology germane to our site--our own "language", if you will. And for those of you who are newer to SoSG, we want to make sure you don't feel out of the loop.

One term that has required explanation a couple of times in the last two weeks is "MSB". MSB refers to "Mini Sirloin Burger", a new product that was heavily promoted during the 2009 season by Jack in the Box. Let's roll the tape, so those of you who are out of market can hear the catchy tune (and those of you who are in-market can thank us for getting said tune stuck echoing in your skull for the rest of the weekend).

On SoSG, we use the term to describe a specific type of player. And I had forgotten that Orel was kind enough to add this term (and defintion) to Pitchers and Poets' "Rogue's Baseball Index" glossary a while back:

The MSB

The MSB is a pejorative term for a tiny, annoying player, often a middle infielder. The Mini Sirloin Burger at Jack in the Box? Tasty. Getting beat by a player who looks small enough to fit in Ryan Howard’s back pocket? Like a mouthful of ashes. Such annoying players can be identified by these media-friendly descriptors: Pesky. Grit. Hustle. (The non-media-friendly version? Pain in the ass.) The MSB rarely puts up impressive numbers, but always seems to be knocking in the game-winning run against your team — on a bloop single, naturally.

Current MSBs include:

  • * David Eckstein (listed at 5′7″)
  • * Craig Counsell (amazingly, listed at 6′0″)
  • * Maicer Izturis (listed at 5′8″)

We can do more of these glossary entries if you all think this is helpful. Just post a comment on a term on which you'd like more context. Thanks!

(You think that song is catchy? Just remember, they followed up with this one.)

25 comments:

MR.F said...

I thought Eckstein was THE msb.

Kyle Baker said...

Eck is the original MSB, and the inspiration. But there are more out there, and they know where we play.

I was just thinking the other night that we needed a glossary, so I'm glad you are remaining at the cutting edge of niche bloggery. Maybe a permanent link to the glossary on the sidebar or something that could take one to a different page of the blog.

Could even incorporate nicknames for players as sometimes this is confusing to newer readers. (Or to older readers; I remember the time Karina finally got that I was calling James Loney "J-Lo" and she remarked that it totally made more sense in the baseball context than it did with her trying to understand a Jennifer Lopez reference.)

MeanieBreanie said...

I saw the reference to mini sirloin burgers in a previous post. I remember thinking, what does that have to do with Jack? It only proved the point that I didn't know Jack. Thanks for bringing us newbies up to speed.

Kyle Baker said...

@MB

"Didnt' know Jack" - nice! Heh...you could be a GM for Dodgers.

MeanieBreanie said...

@DB
Truly a frightening thought. I am having a horrible visual of myself against Colletti in the battle of the incompetents.

Kyle Baker said...

@MB

No, you would win.

I mean, not at being the most incompetent.

MeanieBreanie said...

@DB
I love your diplomacy. Perhaps you should be the next Dodger GM.

Yes, I probably would win. I'm only 5'1" however I am very feisty or so my friends say : )

Kyle Baker said...

@MB

You and Kim Ng would really go at it, then!

MeanieBreanie said...

@DB
STOP -YOU'RE KILLING ME!
I now have another terrible vision of a cage match battle between the bitches.

I would like to clarify that although I can be a bitch, I am rarely if ever mean. The bitchy part comes from having a very low tolerance for BS. I should change my user name but it was given to me by friends for some ruthless Ebay bidding tactics.

QuadSevens said...

I had completely forgotten about this term. I refuse to play the song though, because I'm sure it would be stuck in my head all day long.

I thought of some other terms people might want clarification and/or origin on:

Rancho Ardiendo (bases loaded)
"My Son" (Martin, I believe)
Beard Mode (Casey Blake, obviously. The origin might be more important here)

I like the idea of a glossary link in the sidebar too. I'm sure it would be useful and I'd bet you'd get plenty of ideas for new additions.

MR.F said...

I didn't click on the song but I still have it in my head =X.

Neeebs (The Original) said...

Don't forget "Hangnail" as a term for underacheiving Dodgers (currently referred to James Loney)

rbnlaw said...

FJL for James Loney.
Matt Kemp is "Bison."
The Giants are either the Jints, the Gnats, or that fucking team from that place by the water.
Philly is Phiwwy.
"Fuck me in the armpit" Needs no explanation.

karina said...

@Dusty Baker guess my mind is quicker getting baseball references than certain bits of pop culture

@QuadSevens "my son" is indeed Russell Martin,because his 2007 season was so wonderful, i started "loving him as a son". As we all know parents love their children no matter what, hence the nickname will be used forever.

I think "King James" has to be explained. Most people think it is used to mention LeBron James but on this blog it is used to mention James Loney.

While we're at it, calling King James "Hangnail" is disrespectful. That's why i can't leave you guys alone ;)

Kyle Baker said...

DSBG = Don't Stop Believin' Guy

Neeebs (The Original) said...

@Karina: You KNOW how we get when things aren't going right.

BTW, never made it to Maricaibo, as my friend said that its not a pleasant time to visit right now.

Nostradamus said...

I'm forced to take credit for the "hangnail" moniker. I would clarify that I should be applied to the milder of the underachievers. As in the initial example, Loney's poor work and the plate was but a hangnail compared to the bludgeoning by the beortized bullpen baboon.

NicJ said...

i feel a like everyone has a catchphrase. I need one now.

Nostradamus said...

Everyone's doing it.

Josh S. said...

The only term I've coined is off the team, thank God.

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I started DAMMIT

Josh S. said...

@MLASF: And wall fisting! It's the new JFIDJDHHDHSDUFJD););/$/&:!!

Kyle Baker said...

@NicJ

"Don't have a cow, man!" is already taken.

karina said...

@Mr Customer i see, obviously i needed some context :)

@Neeebs i've always hoped you all catch on some irrational optimism, but i love this site for what you all make of it :)

it's a shame you couldn't come over here but maybe your friend is right. However, if you still want to come, i'd love to serve as a hostess and if it is baseball season here, i'd love to hang out with you and Mrs Neeebs.

rbnlaw said...

Nic,
Don't feel bad. I don't have a catch phrase either. Unless, of course, you count, "Meet me at the Shortstop!"