Mlb 2019

[chazoe60]

Well, football is over (in disgusting fashion) but that's fine because that means spring is around the corner and Baseball, the greatest sport known to man, is close. As of this post pitchers and catchers report in 5 days. Woohoo!!!

Let's talk baseball.

P.S if a Mod sees this could you please change the title and capitalize MLB for me? That is going to bug the crap out of me.

[chazoe60]

I'll start with this

https://www.purplerow.com/2019/2/6/18212811/colorado-rockies-major-rule-changes-in-2019-while-brendan-rodgers-nearing-major-league-debut


What do you guys think of the idea of 3-batter minimum for relief pitchers and universal DH?

[CoachChaz]

I don't have much to look forward to this season other than the #1 pick in the draft...and a season that will likely end with the #1 pick next year as well.

But...I disagree with the 3 batter minimum and I am fine with the DH in both leagues. The latter will happen eventually anyway.

[MOtorboat]

:subscribe:

[MOtorboat]

I'll start with this

https://www.purplerow.com/2019/2/6/18212811/colorado-rockies-major-rule-changes-in-2019-while-brendan-rodgers-nearing-major-league-debut


What do you guys think of the idea of 3-batter minimum for relief pitchers and universal DH?

I don’t why they are being introduced, because I don’t think either will cut much time off the games. That said, at face value, I hate the 3-batter minimum and am indifferent to the universal DH.

[chazoe60]

I don't have much to look forward to this season other than the #1 pick in the draft...and a season that will likely end with the #1 pick next year as well.

But...I disagree with the 3 batter minimum and I am fine with the DH in both leagues. The latter will happen eventually anyway.

I'm kinda old school when it comes to baseball. I don't like the 3-batter minimum thing. I have come to grips with universal DH because it's bound to happen and probably sooner rather than later. I will miss the strategic nuances that happen in the game without the DH though.

The Rockies will be helped by a DH, not gonna lie.

[CoachChaz]

I'm kinda old school when it comes to baseball. I don't like the 3-batter minimum thing. I have come to grips with universal DH because it's bound to happen and probably sooner rather than later. I will miss the strategic nuances that happen in the game without the DH though.

The Rockies will be helped by a DH, not gonna lie.

One of the things I like about the DH, that often goes unmentioned, is it allows aging players that can still hit to not only play longer and still help their team...but it allows them to stay with a team if the interest is mutual. The amount of roster turnover each year is one of the things I think hurts baseball when it comes to financials. I think fans are more likely to purchase the jersey of a retired player than that of a current player because who wants to spend $100 or $200 on something that might be irrelevant in a few months?

I think that's what defines the purist portion of me. Seeing a player be able to stay with his team longer is more important than watching the strategy of pinch hitting. Then again, I'm a fan of a franchise where most of our HoFers were with only our franchise for 20+ years, so maybe I'm spoiled by the past.

[slim]

I don’t why they are being introduced, because I don’t think either will cut much time off the games. That said, at face value, I hate the 3-batter minimum and am indifferent to the universal DH.

Why do you say they wouldn't shorten the game?

FTR, I think implementing rules solely to shorten the game is asinine, but it seems like these two things would do just that.

[Dreadnought]

Tigers are gonna suck. Maybe not as bad as the Orioles (sorry, Coach) but its gonna be bad

[CoachChaz]

Tigers are gonna suck. Maybe not as bad as the Orioles (sorry, Coach) but its gonna be bad

No offense taken. The O's will be historically bad.

[chazoe60]

Tigers are gonna suck. Maybe not as bad as the Orioles (sorry, Coach) but its gonna be bad

Your co-worker's son (If I recall the story correctly it was Hoffman) has a chance of being in the rotation this year for the Rockies. I read a story a couple of weeks ago that stated he's the favorite to win the 5th spot in the rotation.

[OrangeHoof]

I despise the DH because it's like Managing For Dummies - write out 10 names and then sit on your ass the rest of the night.

If the two leagues need to have a unified rule regarding the DH, the best idea I've heard is to tie the DH to the starting pitcher. If you take out one, you take out the other. This allows the game to start like an AL game and end like an NL game with all the late inning strategy but without the pitcher hitting in the early innings so (God forbid) DH fans won't bitch about watching pitchers strike out when a well-paid aging slugger can strike out instead. This rule adds strategy rather than subtracting from it - do you keep that pitcher in longer so the DH gets up the next inning? Do you bat the DH lower in the lineup so your replacement isn't stuck in the heart of the lineup?

The starting pitchers will never hit and the relievers will only hit when a double-switch or a pinch-hitter isn't needed. Honestly, you'll rarely see it unless a bunt is needed or it goes deep into extra innings. The DH stays in the sport but their role is diminished so fielding-inept players like David Ortiz have less value than a guy who can actually play defense.

[Dreadnought]

I wonder about the extent that groupthink has hit MLB in re: using pitchers. I know I'm partly guilty of nostalgia when I look back on complete games, at least from your Ace, and the new conventional wisdom is that pitchers are less effective after two times through the order, but I read a piece recently (can't remember where) talking about how with the truly great pitchers if you didn't get to them early forget it. Fernando Valenzuela was cited as a guy who statistically was often not so hot in the first inning but if he weathered that was usually OK for the duration and got better as the game went on. Same article cited Tom Seaver in '69 as having gotten into the 9th @ half the time, and during that entire season gave up zero runs in the 9th. Now we have teams carrying 13 pitchers on a 25 man roster.

[chazoe60]

I wonder about the extent that groupthink has hit MLB in re: using pitchers. I know I'm partly guilty of nostalgia when I look back on complete games, at least from your Ace, and the new conventional wisdom is that pitchers are less effective after two times through the order, but I read a piece recently (can't remember where) talking about how with the truly great pitchers if you didn't get to them early forget it. Fernando Valenzuela was cited as a guy who statistically was often not so hot in the first inning but if he weathered that was usually OK for the duration and got better as the game went on. Same article cited Tom Seaver in '69 as having gotten into the 9th @ half the time, and during that entire season gave up zero runs in the 9th. Now we have teams carrying 13 pitchers on a 25 man roster.

I wonder if technology and training methods have helped people figure out how to maximize velocity but at the cost of arm injuries and longevity. Nolan Ryan had some games where he threw 200 pitches. Now-a-days it's extremely rare to see a guy throw 100 pitches. Part of it is the monetary investment in these guys makes clubs extremely careful with how they use them. I also wonder how much of it is that seemingly every starting pitcher throws 95+ now.

[MOtorboat]

Why do you say they wouldn't shorten the game?

FTR, I think implementing rules solely to shorten the game is asinine, but it seems like these two things would do just that.

The average game time in the AL is 15 seconds shorter.

[Dreadnought]

I wonder if technology and training methods have helped people figure out how to maximize velocity but at the cost of arm injuries and longevity. Nolan Ryan had some games where he threw 200 pitches. Now-a-days it's extremely rare to see a guy throw 100 pitches. Part of it is the monetary investment in these guys makes clubs extremely careful with how they use them. I also wonder how much of it is that seemingly every starting pitcher throws 95+ now.

Plus, scouts are more focused on pure velocity. Did you watch Tom Glavine pitch? Or going back furth, Mike Cuellar? Those guys couldn't break a pane of glass, but they would make batters look like Special Olympians with location, movement, and off speed stuff. Most fun pitcher I remember watching was Charlie Hough, a knuckleballer who would get guys tied up in knots...or get clubbed like a baby seal if the knuckler wasn't working that day. These guys could pitch a ton of innings without getting tired, and go on for decades - see also, the Niekro brothers.

I wonder if a lot of potentially effective pitchers never get the shot because their fastball barely breaks 90

[chazoe60]

Plus, scouts are more focused on pure velocity. Did you watch Tom Glavine pitch? Or going back furth, Mike Cuellar? Those guys couldn't break a pane of glass, but they would make batters look like Special Olympians with location, movement, and off speed stuff. Most fun pitcher I remember watching was Charlie Hough, a knuckleballer who would get guys tied up in knots...or get clubbed like a baby seal if the knuckler wasn't working that day. These guys could pitch a ton of innings without getting tired, and go on for decades - see also, the Niekro brothers.

I wonder if a lot of potentially effective pitchers never get the shot because their fastball barely breaks 90

The best example of that of all time was Greg Maddux. Look up Greg Maddux 3-0 count stat. It's unbelievable.

[Dreadnought]

The best example of that of all time was Greg Maddux. Look up Greg Maddux 3-0 count stat. It's unbelievable.

Yes - perfect. I think I got Glavine mixed up w/ Maddux

[CoachChaz]

I despise the DH because it's like Managing For Dummies - write out 10 names and then sit on your ass the rest of the night.

If the two leagues need to have a unified rule regarding the DH, the best idea I've heard is to tie the DH to the starting pitcher. If you take out one, you take out the other. This allows the game to start like an AL game and end like an NL game with all the late inning strategy but without the pitcher hitting in the early innings so (God forbid) DH fans won't bitch about watching pitchers strike out when a well-paid aging slugger can strike out instead. This rule adds strategy rather than subtracting from it - do you keep that pitcher in longer so the DH gets up the next inning? Do you bat the DH lower in the lineup so your replacement isn't stuck in the heart of the lineup?

The starting pitchers will never hit and the relievers will only hit when a double-switch or a pinch-hitter isn't needed. Honestly, you'll rarely see it unless a bunt is needed or it goes deep into extra innings. The DH stays in the sport but their role is diminished so fielding-inept players like David Ortiz have less value than a guy who can actually play defense.

I guess I'd rather see a non-fielding David Ortiz at the plate than a Gold Glover, like say...Nick Ahmed...who has a career OPS under .650. Just my opinion

[CoachChaz]

Plus, scouts are more focused on pure velocity. Did you watch Tom Glavine pitch? Or going back furth, Mike Cuellar? Those guys couldn't break a pane of glass, but they would make batters look like Special Olympians with location, movement, and off speed stuff. Most fun pitcher I remember watching was Charlie Hough, a knuckleballer who would get guys tied up in knots...or get clubbed like a baby seal if the knuckler wasn't working that day. These guys could pitch a ton of innings without getting tired, and go on for decades - see also, the Niekro brothers.

I wonder if a lot of potentially effective pitchers never get the shot because their fastball barely breaks 90

Add Bob Tewksbury to that list. No velocity, but amazing location and control.

[OrangeHoof]

Plus, scouts are more focused on pure velocity. Did you watch Tom Glavine pitch? Or going back furth, Mike Cuellar? Those guys couldn't break a pane of glass, but they would make batters look like Special Olympians with location, movement, and off speed stuff. Most fun pitcher I remember watching was Charlie Hough, a knuckleballer who would get guys tied up in knots...or get clubbed like a baby seal if the knuckler wasn't working that day. These guys could pitch a ton of innings without getting tired, and go on for decades - see also, the Niekro brothers.

I wonder if a lot of potentially effective pitchers never get the shot because their fastball barely breaks 90

Scouts seem to live and die by the JUGS gun although the best pitcher in the last quarter-century was Greg Maddux who won because of his unreal control. The most amusing pitcher I've ever seen (other than Verditte, the ambidextrous pitcher) was Doug Jones whose change up was so slow that batters would double- and triple-clutch waiting for the pitch to cross the plate. The bigger the slugger, the worst they flailed. I doubt Jones would even make a roster today even though he became an All-Star.

I hear all this groupthink about not going more than 100 pitches so you now have teams that just wait out the starting pitcher so they can feast on the bullpen where they'll trot out someone who throws 100-mph but can't get the ball over the plate. I can't even remember the name of that Met pitcher who regularly topped 100-mph but he couldn't throw a strike to save his life.

Another item I never hear discussed is that the rise in MRIs discover arm injuries that pitchers used to just work through because they felt a "tired arm". The irony is that there is more time on the DL today than there was before all these low pitch counts and medical advancements supposedly *saved* pitchers from the scrap heap.

[MOtorboat]

Plus, scouts are more focused on pure velocity. Did you watch Tom Glavine pitch? Or going back furth, Mike Cuellar? Those guys couldn't break a pane of glass, but they would make batters look like Special Olympians with location, movement, and off speed stuff. Most fun pitcher I remember watching was Charlie Hough, a knuckleballer who would get guys tied up in knots...or get clubbed like a baby seal if the knuckler wasn't working that day. These guys could pitch a ton of innings without getting tired, and go on for decades - see also, the Niekro brothers.

I wonder if a lot of potentially effective pitchers never get the shot because their fastball barely breaks 90

I would argue that Glavine and Maddox would have every bit the same career today that they had 25 years ago, their velocity would just be up a few mph.

[slim]

The average game time in the AL is 15 seconds shorter.

I see. What about the other point? You don't think changing pitchers after every out slows down the game?

[MOtorboat]

I see. What about the other point? You don't think changing pitchers after every out slows down the game?

It does. Anecdotally I’d say there are, by far, more pitching changes in the National League than the American League (I’d have to see if there’s numbers on that) and the game time is about the same.

I think any legitimate attempt to shorten games has to be in time between pitches, rather than in between batters/pitchers.

[Buff]

I think it's time to go to a universal DH. I despise bunting and taking a crap hitter out of the lineup seems objectively good from a fan's perspective.

I'm kind of indifferent on the 3 batter rule - on one hand it will speed up the game, OTOH I kind of appreciate the strategy that goes into deciding if and when to use your bullpen. There would be tradeoffs either way. From a statistical perspective, I've always thought it's a bit silly that a guy can come in and throw 1 pitch and get a save or a hold, so at least this would make them earn it.

...

It looks like there will be another work stoppage between 2021-2022... Something needs to give on the CBA. The owners are obviously colluding to try and tamp down the free agent market on the top end... But I can hardly blame them when you look at the Pujols, Fielder and Cabrera deals... For instance - Nolan Arenado could very well be the best 3B of all time, and even I have my doubts about signing him to a 8-10 year deal at $25mil+ per year when he'll be over 30 for the bulk of the deal. Seems like they ought to have something more akin to the NBA where there is a specified max deal.

[chazoe60]

I think it's time to go to a universal DH. I despise bunting and taking a crap hitter out of the lineup seems objectively good from a fan's perspective.

I'm kind of indifferent on the 3 batter rule - on one hand it will speed up the game, OTOH I kind of appreciate the strategy that goes into deciding if and when to use your bullpen. There would be tradeoffs either way. From a statistical perspective, I've always thought it's a bit silly that a guy can come in and throw 1 pitch and get a save or a hold, so at least this would make them earn it.

...

It looks like there will be another work stoppage between 2021-2022... Something needs to give on the CBA. The owners are obviously colluding to try and tamp down the free agent market on the top end... But I can hardly blame them when you look at the Pujols, Fielder and Cabrera deals... For instance - Nolan Arenado could very well be the best 3B of all time, and even I have my doubts about signing him to a 8-10 year deal at $25mil+ per year when he'll be over 30 for the bulk of the deal. Seems like they ought to have something more akin to the NBA where there is a specified max deal.

I think MLB needs a salary cap. I also think it needs a salary floor.

[MOtorboat]

I think it's time to go to a universal DH. I despise bunting and taking a crap hitter out of the lineup seems objectively good from a fan's perspective.

I'm kind of indifferent on the 3 batter rule - on one hand it will speed up the game, OTOH I kind of appreciate the strategy that goes into deciding if and when to use your bullpen. There would be tradeoffs either way. From a statistical perspective, I've always thought it's a bit silly that a guy can come in and throw 1 pitch and get a save or a hold, so at least this would make them earn it.

...

It looks like there will be another work stoppage between 2021-2022... Something needs to give on the CBA. The owners are obviously colluding to try and tamp down the free agent market on the top end... But I can hardly blame them when you look at the Pujols, Fielder and Cabrera deals... For instance - Nolan Arenado could very well be the best 3B of all time, and even I have my doubts about signing him to a 8-10 year deal at $25mil+ per year when he'll be over 30 for the bulk of the deal. Seems like they ought to have something more akin to the NBA where there is a specified max deal.

The 6 years of initial player control might be up for discussion. Three years of arbitration is excessive. You take a 22 year old rookie (and that’s pretty young), he’s not hitting free agency until 28 and he’s not making market value until he’s 25, and that’s if he doesn’t sign a usually-team friendly contract at under-market value to avoid arbitration.

I don’t, however, know what chip the players have to play to be able to negotiate that six years down to four or five. Maybe lose arbitration in year four in exchange for mutual-option year five and free agency year six?

[Buff]

The 6 years of initial player control might be up for discussion. Three years of arbitration is excessive. You take a 22 year old rookie (and that’s pretty young), he’s not hitting free agency until 28 and he’s not making market value until he’s 25, and that’s if he doesn’t sign a usually-team friendly contract at under-market value to avoid arbitration.

I don’t, however, know what chip the players have to play to be able to negotiate that six years down to four or five. Maybe lose arbitration in year four in exchange for mutual-option year five and free agency year six?

Most definitely owners will have to give up some control on the front end in order to manage the deals on the back end... Which seems reasonable - and it seems like there is a model out there if you look at the NBA or NFL. The MLB model feels broken.

[OrangeHoof]

I read these stories and it seems like every option is what the union wants. What do the owners get? Other than a shorter game (eh, fewer ads between innings would solve that), where's their benefit? Reducing the years of club control is a great deal if you're the Yankees or Dodgers. It's damaging to the Royals, Pirates, Marlins, Padres and other small-market teams.

[Dapper Dan]

I think the relief pitcher rule would be pretty lame. I’m all for a universal DH.

[chazoe60]

Frank Robinson passed away today. RIP to one of the best.

[Poet]

I look forward to turning my phone off, logging out of my email, and just turning on the game.

[MOtorboat]

Bryce Harper to the Giants?

[Dapper Dan]

I hope people will hurry up and sign somewhere.

[CoachChaz]

I hope people will hurry up and sign somewhere.

Likely be 1 year deals so they can play this game again next year. But it is kind of nice seeing teams be hesitant to go to 30 million dollar deals.

[Poet]

I wish L.A. had signed Harper.

[MOtorboat]

https://twitter.com/royals/status/1095770245577486336?s=21

[Dreadnought]

Likely be 1 year deals so they can play this game again next year. But it is kind of nice seeing teams be hesitant to go to 30 million dollar deals.

No kidding. Those can cripple a team for years if you guess wrong. I watched the Tigers have to eat Victor Martinez' contract for years after it was pretty clear he was washed up, all while we were unable to compete to keep guys like JD Martinez

[CoachChaz]

No kidding. Those can cripple a team for years if you guess wrong. I watched the Tigers have to eat Victor Martinez' contract for years after it was pretty clear he was washed up, all while we were unable to compete to keep guys like JD Martinez

Tell me about it. The albatross that it Chris Davis' contract is the number one reason Manny Machado is no longer an Oriole.

[Dapper Dan]

Tell me about it. The albatross that it Chris Davis' contract is the number one reason Manny Machado is no longer an Oriole.

I've never seen a player go so downhill so fast. What is up with Davis? I feel like Adam Dunn could hit better right now.

[Poet]

Am I crazy for picking the Cardinals to win their division?

[CoachChaz]

I've never seen a player go so downhill so fast. What is up with Davis? I feel like Adam Dunn could hit better right now.

That's the magic question. First problem is he was never deserving of the contract he got and idiot Angelos ended up just negotiating against himself. But since then, it seems Davis almost just forgot how to hit. Maybe with the new management in place and using more metrics, it will help him a bit this year, but I'm not holding my breath.

[CoachChaz]

Am I crazy for picking the Cardinals to win their division?

STL is never really a bad bet...but Chicago and Milwaukee may have something to say about it

[Poet]

That division is brutal.

[Dapper Dan]

Am I crazy for picking the Cardinals to win their division?

Yes. **** the Cardinals.

[Dapper Dan]

That's the magic question. First problem is he was never deserving of the contract he got and idiot Angelos ended up just negotiating against himself. But since then, it seems Davis almost just forgot how to hit. Maybe with the new management in place and using more metrics, it will help him a bit this year, but I'm not holding my breath.

It's not like there was a massive need to use that money for starting pitching or anything. /s

[CoachChaz]

It's not like there was a massive need to use that money for starting pitching or anything. /s

Except the fact that quality starting pitching is expensive and Angelos refuses to pay for quality starting pitching...and refuses to pay for international talent...and refuses to improve his minor league development system. So, basically, he is waiting for some mid-level pitcher or some draft pick to magically become a superstar.

[chazoe60]

Machado to the Padres.

[MOtorboat]

Machado to the Padres.

I wonder if they’re continuing to court Harper too? They offered both last week, according to the rumor mill.

[chazoe60]

I wonder if they’re continuing to court Harper too? They offered both last week, according to the rumor mill.

Didn't they make a bunch of moves last off-season too?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Manny Machado has agreed to the biggest free-agent contract in American sports history -- a 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres, league sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday.

Machado, a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner at third base, made $16 million between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles last season.

The deal with the Padres includes an opt-out after the fifth season, sources told Passan.

rest - http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26031051/manny-machado-san-diego-padres-reach-deal

[MOtorboat]

Didn't they make a bunch of moves last off-season too?

Hosmer. I didn’t think there was anyone else. Hosmer and Harper will make $50 of their $110 payroll at the moment.

[MOtorboat]

Apparently they acquired Kinsler, too, somewhere. I didn’t remember that happening.

[chazoe60]

Hosmer. I didn’t think there was anyone else. Hosmer and Harper will make $50 of their $110 payroll at the moment.
Hosmer and Machado you mean?

[MOtorboat]

Hosmer and Machado you mean?

Him too. Harper, Machado and Hosmer will soon make $80 of their $140 payroll.

:coffee:

[MOtorboat]

In seriousness, Harper is probably signing with Philly and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t today.

[CoachChaz]

Focus now has to be on pitching and I wouldn't be shocked to see them go after Keuchel and Kimbrel. They have a truckload of good prospects to fill out the infield and outfield spots, so Harper doesn't make sense and adding pitching via FA or trade is likely the next solution.

[MOtorboat]

Focus now has to be on pitching and I wouldn't be shocked to see them go after Keuchel and Kimbrel. They have a truckload of good prospects to fill out the infield and outfield spots, so Harper doesn't make sense and adding pitching via FA or trade is likely the next solution.

I know their outfield is completely full, but two counterpoints, Harper is better than all of those outfielders and did Hosmer and Machado really make sense?

[Poet]

Machado to the Padres.

This sucks.

[Buff]

I know their outfield is completely full, but two counterpoints, Harper is better than all of those outfielders and did Hosmer and Machado really make sense?

I will never fault a team for signing good players. Especially when there is no salary cap. Now they can be opportunistic in filling in the rest of the pieces.

Definitely not a great landing spot from a Rockies fan or fantasy perspective though - Machado in the AL and that Chicago launch pad would have bee preferable on both fronts.

[MOtorboat]

I will never fault a team for signing good players. Especially when there is no salary cap. Now they can be opportunistic in filling in the rest of the pieces.

Definitely not a great landing spot from a Rockies fan or fantasy perspective though - Machado in the AL and that Chicago launch pad would have bee preferable on both fronts.


I will never fault a team for trying to get better, especially during the tanking era. But, that said, their window kind of appears to be the middle or back end of his contract and after Hosmer’s has run out. That doesn’t mean that can’t change, but that’s what I meant by the signing not making sense.

[CoachChaz]

I know their outfield is completely full, but two counterpoints, Harper is better than all of those outfielders and did Hosmer and Machado really make sense?

Good points. I would imagine that Myers is gone after this season, so minus him, then Machado makes sense...assuming he's going there to play SS, because Tatis is better at 3rd. Hosmer never made sense because they had Myers, but in a lineup with Machado, Myers, Tatis, Urias and Mejia...I think he looks better. But his contract will never look good. If they could find a trade partner for Myers, then pay Harper, it would all look better, but who takes on Myers contract and they still need to get some pitching until guys like Gore, Paddack, Petino, etc. are ready.

I think Machado and Hosmer were done more for the long term to have veteran stability in the lineup while the farm catches up.

[Dapper Dan]

13737

[Dapper Dan]

13742

[Poet]

Someone ******* hold me.

[MOtorboat]

Someone ******* hold me.

Suck it up. It’s February for ****’s sake.

[Poet]

Suck it up. It’s February for ****’s sake.

Appreciate my passion at least, infidel!

[MOtorboat]

Appreciate my passion at least, infidel!

Corey Seager’s 2016 was better than any year Manny Machado has had and he’s two years younger.

[Poet]

Corey Seager’s 2016 was better than any year Manny Machado has had and he’s two years younger.


King wants dem homers.

King wants both in the lineup.

King got styled on. No Machado. No Harper. Dodgers waste money spending more resources than any other team on the farm system when they could be signing future Hall of Famers.

[MOtorboat]

King wants dem homers.

King wants both in the lineup.

King got styled on. No Machado. No Harper. Dodgers waste money spending more resources than any other team on the farm system when they could be signing future Hall of Famers.

YOU JUST MADE THE WORLD SERIES TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

:tsk:

[chazoe60]

Corey Seager’s 2016 was better than any year Manny Machado has had and he’s two years younger.

and he's not a piece of shit.

[Poet]

YOU JUST MADE THE WORLD SERIES TWO YEARS IN A ROW!

:tsk:

Do you think adding Harper and retaining Machado might help get over the hump?

[Poet]

Do you think adding Harper and retaining Machado might help get over the hump?

I'm being obtuse - and I thought it was clear when I was bitching about spending big bucks on a farm system.

Did you guys see the Yanks are favored to win the ALE?

[MOtorboat]

Do you think adding Harper and retaining Machado might help get over the hump?

I don’t understand why you wanted Machado. Corey Seager might be better than Machado and Justin turner is a fine third baseman.

Harper made more sense. But add neither the team was still good enough to win the World Series. How do we know this? Because they were there two years in a row. Don’t confuse having the ability to do something with actually doing something. They ran up against two buzzsaws. Even if they had added Machado or Harper, there’s zero guarantee they get back to the World Series.

[Poet]

It is time to become the buzzsaw.

[Dapper Dan]

March 28 can’t get here soon enough. Earliest opening day ever!

[chazoe60]

March 28 can’t get here soon enough. Earliest opening day ever!

I hope the Rockies are on the road for the first month or so. :laugh::laugh:. Feels like the weather is gonna suck for the first month. My son is playing HS baseball, he's a freshman, they're supposed to have their first scrimmage next weekend, I'm looking out the window and I don't see that happening.

[Dapper Dan]

I hope the Rockies are on the road for the first month or so. :laugh::laugh:. Feels like the weather is gonna suck for the first month. My son is playing HS baseball, he's a freshman, they're supposed to have their first scrimmage next weekend, I'm looking out the window and I don't see that happening.

I’m not gonna lie. I wish local opening day would be like May or something. I ain’t ready.

[Poet]

Mlb baseball package!

[CoachChaz]

I hope the Rockies are on the road for the first month or so. :laugh::laugh:. Feels like the weather is gonna suck for the first month. My son is playing HS baseball, he's a freshman, they're supposed to have their first scrimmage next weekend, I'm looking out the window and I don't see that happening.

Growing up in PA, we had "spring" scrimmages and tournaments where it snowed every year it seemed. Sucked picking up a slider in that weather...sucked even more being a catcher when it was 30 degrees.

[Buff]

I hope the Rockies are on the road for the first month or so. :laugh::laugh:. Feels like the weather is gonna suck for the first month. My son is playing HS baseball, he's a freshman, they're supposed to have their first scrimmage next weekend, I'm looking out the window and I don't see that happening.

I didn't play HS baseball after my freshman year because 1.) It overlapped with my hockey season for at least a month... 2.) Basically the entirety of the season is still winter in NW Colorado. I liked playing baseball in the summer as it's meant to be played. Playing in the gym, fielding ground balls on the airport runway, and taking BP in freezing weather wasn't much fun.

[chazoe60]

I didn't play HS baseball after my freshman year because 1.) It overlapped with my hockey season for at least a month... 2.) Basically the entirety of the season is still winter in NW Colorado. I liked playing baseball in the summer as it's meant to be played. Playing in the gym, fielding ground balls on the airport runway, and taking BP in freezing weather wasn't much fun.

Chuck loves baseball so much that he's fine playing in shit weather. Also the summer program he plays in has more games than his HS schedule. We're going to Omaha this year during the College WS to play in a tournament.

[OrangeHoof]

Bryce Harper a Phillie - 13 years, $330 million. Dayum.

[Poet]

My heart breaks. Dodgers really did everything wrong this offseason.

[MOtorboat]

Interesting. That’s less, per year, than both Machado and Arenado.

[chazoe60]

Interesting. That’s less, per year, than both Machado and Arenado.

Probably a good deal for both sides really. Harper gets a shit ton of money and long term security while the Phillies get a superstar who will always play hard and be a solid contributor.

I don't particularly care for Harper that much but he does play the game the right way in terms of his hustle. Machado is the one guy of the three major contract getters this off-season that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole. I can see Machado's production declining sharply. He flat out admitted that he's not a 'hustler" and that alone would make me if I was an owner, stay clear of him.

[Poet]

Maybe we can eek out a WC berth.

[Dapper Dan]

Interesting. That’s less, per year, than both Machado and Arenado.

13 years with no opt out.

[Dapper Dan]

Maybe we can eek out a WC berth.


You’re dumb.

[Nomad]

I didn't play HS baseball after my freshman year because 1.) It overlapped with my hockey season for at least a month... 2.) Basically the entirety of the season is still winter in NW Colorado. I liked playing baseball in the summer as it's meant to be played. Playing in the gym, fielding ground balls on the airport runway, and taking BP in freezing weather wasn't much fun.

Sounds like my boys up here. The field, all high school games were played on, was field turf except the outfield. A couple years the boys played, they had to get all the teams together to snow blow & shovel the field to get it ready for games to start at the end of April because there was a few feet of snow still left

Night and day difference from growing up in Louisiana when we thought 60 degrees was chilly for practice and games in Feb & March. LoL.

[SR]

Bryce Harper a Phillie - 13 years, $330 million. Dayum.

Makes me nervous for what Alex Bregman will demand in the next couple years.

[OrangeHoof]

He can't because he still has all his arbitration years ahead of him. Incidentally, he has expressed willingness to sign a long-term extension.

[SR]

He can't because he still has all his arbitration years ahead of him. Incidentally, he has expressed willingness to sign a long-term extension.

He has, and he does have arbitration ahead of him, but he's still going to be paid eventually. He's 24 and one of the top three or four third basemen in baseball.

Did Keuchel sign anywhere yet?

[OrangeHoof]

As far as I've heard, Keuchel is unsigned and bummed that he's not fielding top-dollar offers. He hasn't truly distinguished himself since his Cy Young year of 2015 but somebody convinced him he deserves to be paid ace money.

[SR]

As far as I've heard, Keuchel is unsigned and bummed that he's not fielding top-dollar offers. He hasn't truly distinguished himself since his Cy Young year of 2015 but somebody convinced him he deserves to be paid ace money.

I read the other day that there's still the possibility Houston will try to bring him back on a multi-year deal. Would make sense with JV and Cole both free agents after this season. McHugh or Peakock would be the odd man out and it could possibly slow the development of Josh James, Framber Valdez, and (most importantly) Forest Whitley, but it would be good to have that familiarity and experience back especially if he can return to his 2016 or 2017 form.

[CoachChaz]

As far as I've heard, Keuchel is unsigned and bummed that he's not fielding top-dollar offers. He hasn't truly distinguished himself since his Cy Young year of 2015 but somebody convinced him he deserves to be paid ace money.

I guarantee the fact he has a fastball that tops out in the mid-80's plays into this.

[SR]

I guarantee the fact he has a fastball that tops out in the mid-80's plays into this.

His fastballs aren't great, but his off-speed stuff is pretty nice. McCullers doesn't have a great fastball either, but his curveball is flat out nasty. Take the good with the bad.

[CoachChaz]

His fastballs aren't great, but his off-speed stuff is pretty nice. McCullers doesn't have a great fastball either, but his curveball is flat out nasty. Take the good with the bad.

Not saying he isn't a quality pitcher...but he isn't one that dominates with hard stuff and that is likely the reason he isn't getting the 20 mil per year offers he seems to be waiting on

[OrangeHoof]

His whole game is nibbling the outside corner with a curve ball and occasionally surprising with a fastball. He gets a lot of ground balls and fields his position very well. His downside is when his curve ball isn't hitting his spots, he's highly vulnerable. That's true of almost everyone who lives on their breaking pitches.

[SR]

Not saying he isn't a quality pitcher...but he isn't one that dominates with hard stuff and that is likely the reason he isn't getting the 20 mil per year offers he seems to be waiting on

He's high on drugs if he thinks anyone will pay him JV money.

[Poet]

He's high on drugs if he thinks anyone will pay him JV money.

I’m now imagining him smoking dope and wailing “why won’t they paaaay me.”

[chazoe60]

King, have you ever considered becoming a sports agent? I think a lot of them start out as attorneys.

[SR]

I’m now imagining him smoking dope and wailing “why won’t they paaaay me.”

Looking at pictures of himself naked in that Sports Illustrated Body magazine.

[Poet]

King, have you ever considered becoming a sports agent? I think a lot of them start out as attorneys.

I’m not smart enough for that.

[WTE]

Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright suspended 80 games for HGH.

What a dummy. He would have got away with it if he simply had the package mailed to his wife!

[OrangeHoof]

Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright suspended 80 games for HGH.

What a dummy. He would have got away with it if he simply had the package mailed to his wife!

Always enjoyed his standup act.

[WTE]

Always enjoyed his standup act.

"I walked into an office building. I said my name is Lease. I heard you have some space for me."

[WTE]

My house is on the median strip of a highway. You don't really notice, except I have to leave the driveway doing 60 MPH

[chazoe60]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26306935/sources-angels-trout-new-430m-deal


Wow! :shocked:

[BroncoJoe]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26306935/sources-angels-trout-new-430m-deal


Wow! :shocked:

Good grief.

[MOtorboat]

And if his WAR numbers continue he will be underpaid.

Yep, you read that correctly.

[SR]

That's just ridiculous.

Glad to see the Astros got a deal done with Bregman before he got any more expensive.

[OrangeHoof]

I'm sure half of Trout's salary will be eaten away with taxes and California property costs.

As for Bregman, he still had three years of arbitration eligibility ahead of him where he would probably be underpaid so 6/$100mil balances out the cost-control years and the first free agency years. Bregman should also send a large fruit basket to Arenado at minimum. That contract opened the vault for a lot of players but particularly third basemen.

[SR]

I'm sure half of Trout's salary will be eaten away with taxes and California property costs.

As for Bregman, he still had three years of arbitration eligibility ahead of him where he would probably be underpaid so 6/$100mil balances out the cost-control years and the first free agency years. Bregman should also send a large fruit basket to Arenado at minimum. That contract opened the vault for a lot of players but particularly third basemen.

I think I read that Bregman sent him a fruit cake from Harry and David.

[chazoe60]

Ichiro announced his retirement. He's one of my son's favorites. Imagine if he'd played his entire career in MLB. Just an amazing baseball player.

[Hawgdriver]

Ichiro announced his retirement. He's one of my son's favorites. Imagine if he'd played his entire career in MLB. Just an amazing baseball player.

Swagger, presence, and production in all facets of game. Really enjoyed watching him ball.

[chazoe60]

Swagger, presence, and production in all facets of game. Really enjoyed watching him ball.

One of the top ten contact hitters of all time? He had 3089 career MLB hits but didn't start his MLB career until he was 27 years old. That almost seems impossible.

[Hawgdriver]

Career 4,000 is a decent guess. That puts him in good company.

He gets dinged for being a singles guy, but he had legit power. I read an interview about it, and my takeaway was that he bought into the analytics of run production and shaped his game in conformance.

[BroncoWave]

Career 4,000 is a decent guess. That puts him in good company.

He gets dinged for being a singles guy, but he had legit power. I read an interview about it, and my takeaway was that he bought into the analytics of run production and shaped his game in conformance.

Yeah apparently he could have hit for 40 or 50 homers a year if he wanted, but he valued getting on base more, which makes total sense.

[chazoe60]

Yeah apparently he could have hit for 40 or 50 homers a year if he wanted, but he valued getting on base more, which makes total sense.

Not 40 or 50. Probably closer to 20 to 25. 40 or 50 is basically Babe Ruth or Roided up Bonds territory.

Ichiro was like a modern day Ty Cobb. A reporter once told Cobb he couldn't hit HRs so Cobb hit something like 5 HRs in 3 games then went back to his contact hitter ways just to prove a point.

[Hawgdriver]

Not 40 or 50. Probably closer to 20 to 25. 40 or 50 is basically Babe Ruth or Roided up Bonds territory.

Ichiro was like a modern day Ty Cobb. A reporter once told Cobb he couldn't hit HRs so Cobb hit something like 5 HRs in 3 games then went back to his contact hitter ways just to prove a point.

Yeah, I don't think he was a power hitter by any means...but he sacrificed extra bases for overall greater production. I just like his approach to the game. Played 162 games three times, every other time was 157+ when no major injury. Owned it. Styled.

[Hawgdriver]

Should Ichiro have hit homers? (https://www.theringer.com/2016/7/28/16041992/should-ichiro-have-hit-homers-c96633a61262)


Odds are that Ichiro’s 3,000th major league hit — like his first and his 1,000th — will be a single; only 15 percent of his hits this season have gone for extra bases. We know, though, that there’s more oomph in there. As ESPN’s Tommy Tomlinson wrote in a recent profile, “In batting practice, Ichiro is the Babe. He parks pitch after pitch into the right-field stands. A few land in the upper deck.” That description came on the heels of an endorsement from Marlins hitting coach Barry Bonds, who became the latest in a long line of awed observers who’ve claimed that Ichiro could win the Home Run Derby if he wanted to. Tomlinson also tells a tantalizing story from Ichiro’s first spring training, when Mariners manager Lou Piniella, doubting the efficacy of Ichiro’s slappy approach, told him to pull the ball. The next time up, Tomlinson says, Ichiro “jacked a home run into the right-field bullpen.” It was the spiritual sequel to the time Ty Cobb successfully swung for the fences for a single series, just to prove a point.

[chazoe60]

Should Ichiro have hit homers? (https://www.theringer.com/2016/7/28/16041992/should-ichiro-have-hit-homers-c96633a61262)

I think that guy is plagarizing me. :laugh::laugh:

[MOtorboat]

Should Ichiro have hit homers? (https://www.theringer.com/2016/7/28/16041992/should-ichiro-have-hit-homers-c96633a61262)

Love Ben Lindbergh’s work.

[Hawgdriver]

Love Ben Lindbergh’s work.

For good reason. That was excellent analysis and he has a nice style.

[MOtorboat]

For good reason. That was excellent analysis and he has a nice style.

I’ve listened to Effectively Wild, his podcast, for five or six years, I think. Maybe even longer.

[Hawgdriver]

I’ve listened to Effectively Wild, his podcast, for five or six years, I think. Maybe even longer.

Did you see Dave Cameron got picked up by the Padres?

[MOtorboat]

Did you see Dave Cameron got picked up by the Padres?

Cistulli by the Blue Jays, I believe. And Jeff Sullivan by the Rays.

Teams are mining Fangraphs.

[Hawgdriver]

Cistulli by the Blue Jays, I believe. And Jeff Sullivan by the Rays.

Teams are mining Fangraphs.

About time.

[MOtorboat]

About time.

They do good work. I think they were overshadowed a little by Prospectus because of history, but Prospectus ran into some hard times the last two years. They still put out quality content, but they were having trouble with ownership. A team of their writers bought it this offseason. I want to say Brett Sayre is one of them.

[MOtorboat]

Yeah, Sayre is President/CEO now, so hopefully that changes some of their fortunes.

Eno was part of the Athletic pilfer. He’s excellent, as well.

[Hawgdriver]

They do good work. I think they were overshadowed a little by Prospectus because of history, but Prospectus ran into some hard times the last two years. They still put out quality content, but they were having trouble with ownership. A team of their writers bought it this offseason. I want to say Brett Sayre is one of them.

Going back and reading some 2000's content, that was really the time to buy. Now they are the mainstream.

[MOtorboat]

Going back and reading some 2000's content, that was really the time to buy. Now they are the mainstream.

I don’t disagree. The last owner, not sure who it was, was basically just going to let the site die. Couldn’t pay the writers or the bills.

[Dapper Dan]

13905

[OrangeHoof]

Which explains why Hamilton, despite all his speed, has a career that is hanging by a thread. Running at superhuman speeds is nice but if you can't hit, it won't work. Anyone seen Anthony Gose lately?

[MOtorboat]

https://twitter.com/ryanhodge/status/1110171544234397696?s=21

[MOtorboat]

Good morning!

[CoachChaz]

Good morning!

National holiday!!

[MOtorboat]

National holiday!!

Is for me. I got nothing to do but watch beisbol.

[CoachChaz]

Is for me. I got nothing to do but watch beisbol.

Me too. Already sent off the contract I needed to get signed...brief meeting in 30 minutes...then I get to start off watching as much of my sad Orioles as I can stand.

[SR]

I'm leaving early today to watch the Astros game.

[CoachChaz]

I'm leaving early today to watch the Astros game.

Haven't done a Rangers opening day in years. It's a nightmare getting in and out of there.

[SR]

Haven't done a Rangers opening day in years. It's a nightmare getting in and out of there.

The Astros are playing in Tampa. I'm going to my house.

[CoachChaz]

The Astros are playing in Tampa. I'm going to my house.

I work from home, so I'm doing the same...all day

[MOtorboat]

Haven't done a Rangers opening day in years. It's a nightmare getting in and out of there.

Miss Opening Day. Been eight years. Kaufman is a pretty easy place to get in and out of. The consequence is there’s nowhere to get a beer unless BYOB.

[CoachChaz]

Miss Opening Day. Been eight years. Kaufman is a pretty easy place to get in and out of. The consequence is there’s nowhere to get a beer unless BYOB.

When we use to do OD, we'd go early and tailgate. Pretty close to hammered by the time the game started

[MOtorboat]

Cano homers off Scherzer immediately. NL East going to be an interesting division.

[CoachChaz]

Cano homers off Scherzer immediately. NL East going to be an interesting division.

Always comes down to pitching. I'm going Nats, Phils, Braves, Mets, Marlins

[CoachChaz]

And......O's down 3-0 in the first. O's suck...Yankees are scary

[MOtorboat]

And......O's down 3-0 in the first. O's suck...Yankees are scary

Yeah, not a good start.

[CoachChaz]

Yeah, not a good start.

If not for the wind, it could be 4-0. 4 hits so far in 2/3 of an inning. I cant wait for Opening Day 2023.

[MOtorboat]

If not for the wind, it could be 4-0. 4 hits so far in 2/3 of an inning. I cant wait for Opening Day 2023.

My DFS team needed that homer to be Andujar’s, not Voit.

[CoachChaz]

My DFS team needed that homer to be Andujar’s, not Voit.

Andujar had one knocked down by the wind in the very next at bat

[MOtorboat]

Andujar had one knocked down by the wind in the very next at bat

Yeah. Got both games on.

[OrangeHoof]

Poor Orioles. They have no chance. So who else is tanking for #1 this year? Marlins. Royals. Rangers.

Reported today that three teams will exceed the MLB luxury cap of player salaries. Two of them reside in the AL East. The other is the Cubs.

Poor Orioles. They have no chance.

[CoachChaz]

Poor Orioles. They have no chance. So who else is tanking for #1 this year? Marlins. Royals. Rangers.

Reported today that three teams will exceed the MLB luxury cap of player salaries. Two of them reside in the AL East. The other is the Cubs.

Poor Orioles. They have no chance.

A few years with the #1 draft pick and actually looking into the international pool and we should be just fine. Adley Rutschman come on down.

[SR]

JV with a first inning HR. Sad face.

[OrangeHoof]

JV with a first inning HR. Sad face.

No problem. Springer, Brantley and Altuve to the rescue. Third straight season Springer has homered on Opening Day - that's a record.

[OrangeHoof]

A few years with the #1 draft pick and actually looking into the international pool and we should be just fine. Adley Rutschman come on down.

IIRC, the Orioles hired away one of the Astros' brains to run their front office. Of course, as long as you have that terrible owner, the Orioles will stay in the basement.

[SR]

No problem. Springer, Brantley and Altuve to the rescue. Third straight season Springer has homered on Opening Day - that's a record.

Springer's homer was a BLAST. Loved seeing Brantley hit a homer in his first game as an Astro. Tuve being Tuve.

JV turned it on in the third and was money through seven. If he and Cole can duplicate last season and with the addition of Miley plus McHugh and a combination of Fromber Valdez/Josh James/Brad Peacock I think they have the best starters in baseball. They have one of the best relief pitchers in the league in Ryan Presley and a stud closure in Roberto Osuna. I would love to see 2017s offense with 2018 pitching.

[Dreadnought]

Tigers shut out the Jays in 10! 7 innings, 1 hit, best performance by Zimmermann in a long time, and this is a guy I think by rights ought to be a #5 starter, not an opening day guy. Maybe he'll up his trade value!

[MOtorboat]

He was perfect through 6 1/3, Dread.

[CoachChaz]

IIRC, the Orioles hired away one of the Astros' brains to run their front office. Of course, as long as you have that terrible owner, the Orioles will stay in the basement.

The good news is Pete is getting old and handing daily operations over to his sons more and more each day. That's the reason they've woken up and gone to a more analytics approach by hiring Elias and Mejdal.

And let's not forget, from 2012-2015, the O's won more game over a 4 year span than any other team in MLB. So, we don't suck all the time under the Angelos regime. Just most of the time. That said...as it pertains to the next few years of rebuilding...Go Phillies!!!

[OrangeHoof]

The good news is Pete is getting old and handing daily operations over to his sons more and more each day. That's the reason they've woken up and gone to a more analytics approach by hiring Elias and Mejdal.

And let's not forget, from 2012-2015, the O's won more game over a 4 year span than any other team in MLB. So, we don't suck all the time under the Angelos regime. Just most of the time. That said...as it pertains to the next few years of rebuilding...Go Phillies!!!

I would lament being in the same division as the free-spending Red Sox and Yankees would be like being in the same NFL division with the Patriots and Steelers. It's gotta suck.

[CoachChaz]

I would lament being in the same division as the free-spending Red Sox and Yankees would be like being in the same NFL division with the Patriots and Steelers. It's gotta suck.

The more frustrating part hasn't so much been their ability to sign whoever they want, but more their ability to run a quality organization that is capable of developing players and making smart decisions. The O's dont have home grown talent like Judge/Hicks/Severino/Betts/Bradley/etc. Instead we had Machado...and then failed to offer him an extension before his free agency came up. We'll never be able to afford Stanton's and Sale's, so we have to get it right with our development.

[Hawgdriver]

I'm going to root for Chaz's Rockies this year.

[Buff]

I'm going to root for Chaz's Rockies this year.

Whose Rockies?

[SR]

Chazoe?

Anyone who knows anything about anything knows Coach is an Oreo's fan.

[CoachChaz]

Chazoe?

Anyone who knows anything about anything knows Coach is an Oreo's fan.

O's/Phils. Fortunately, one of them is worth watching this year.

[Hawgdriver]

Whose Rockies?

Chazoe. He's a big Rockies fan. Are you one too? :heh:

[MOtorboat]

O's/Phils. Fortunately, one of them is worth watching this year.

So, I’ve always kind of not liked Bryce Harper. But I watched that game last night, and maybe it’s my Andrew McCutcheon man crush speaking here, but I like that Phillies team.

[CoachChaz]

So, I’ve always kind of not liked Bryce Harper. But I watched that game last night, and maybe it’s my Andrew McCutcheon man crush speaking here, but I like that Phillies team.

I wasn't a huge fan of Harper in the earlier years, but I think it's because there was always so much hype and attention around him since he was 15, that he got big-headed. Fortunately, it seems he latched on to a few veterans that have helped him along the way. Throughout the free agency process and since his signing in Philly, I've seen what appears to be a ton of growth in him. Maybe it's scripted, but lately, he seems very grounded and always seems to say the right things. We'll see.

I've always been a fan of Cutch as well, and I think Klentak has done a good job rebuilding this team. They could probably use another starter and a closer, but it's early, so I guess we'll see what pans out. I think if Keuchel and Kimbrel were willing to take shorter term deals, they might already be in a Phillies uniform. Maybe they budge and it works out that way.

[chazoe60]

So, I’ve always kind of not liked Bryce Harper. But I watched that game last night, and maybe it’s my Andrew McCutcheon man crush speaking here, but I like that Phillies team.

I've always had a McCutcheon man crush too. Plus they have JT Realmuto, that dude is a badass too.

[CoachChaz]

I've always had a McCutcheon man crush too. Plus they have JT Realmuto, that dude is a badass too.

He wore on me a bit last year when he was whining to be traded, but there is no denying the talent.

[OrangeHoof]

I enjoy and respect McCutcheon also. He gives intelligent answers and not just jock talk.

[Hawgdriver]

Anyone know a good 2019 league team by team guide to get up to speed on all the teams?

[SR]

GD Astros are pissing me off.

[CoachChaz]

GD Astros are pissing me off.

They'll figure it out. No chance the standings look the way they do today come September

[CoachChaz]

Anyone know a good 2019 league team by team guide to get up to speed on all the teams?

Go here and you can access every team's media guide

https://pressbox.athletics.com/Publications/MLB%20Media%20Guides/

[SR]

They'll figure it out. No chance the standings look the way they do today come September

Of course. Pitching hasn't been bad, but the batters can't find the ball. Springer has been hitting well, Correa too, but Bregman, Altuve, and Brantley haven't been. They'll come alive sooner than later.

I'm not sure if you watched any of the Astros or highlights of last nights game, but the home plate umpire was a certified moron. His strike zone was all over the map. Hinch and the batting coach got tossed. When Hinch and the umpire were going at it, you could see the umpire yelling "I can do whatever I want" at Hinch. Gerrit Cole went off on him after the 7th inning. It was ridiculous. I haven't been that ticked off watching a baseball game in a long time.

[CoachChaz]

Of course. Pitching hasn't been bad, but the batters can't find the ball. Springer has been hitting well, Correa too, but Bregman, Altuve, and Brantley haven't been. They'll come alive sooner than later.

I'm not sure if you watched any of the Astros or highlights of last nights game, but the home plate umpire was a certified moron. His strike zone was all over the map. Hinch and the batting coach got tossed. When Hinch and the umpire were going at it, you could see the umpire yelling "I can do whatever I want" at Hinch. Gerrit Cole went off on him after the 7th inning. It was ridiculous. I haven't been that ticked off watching a baseball game in a long time.

Yeah, I was watching it at the bar. Gotta say, I think umpires need an extended spring training this year. Not sure if it's just the games I've been watching or what, but I haven't seen a consistent strike zone yet. Seems like most are small as hell so far. Can'y say I've watched a game where there hasn't been at least 7-10 walks.

[SR]

Yeah, I was watching it at the bar. Gotta say, I think umpires need an extended spring training this year. Not sure if it's just the games I've been watching or what, but I haven't seen a consistent strike zone yet. Seems like most are small as hell so far. Can'y say I've watched a game where there hasn't been at least 7-10 walks.

I think Cole had four or five walks last night after not walking one and striking out 10 in Tampa last week. The umpire last night was calling pitches that were damn near in the dirt strikes. Cole had one in the second or third inning that was inside the strike zone top left that should've been strike three on a full count, but the fool called it a ball. I get that there's a certain amount of interpretation and human error to account for, but the inconsistency so far this season is pretty frustrating, especially when balls that should clearly be called as strikes aren't and it's affecting the outcomes of games.

[CoachChaz]

I think Cole had four or five walks last night after not walking one and striking out 10 in Tampa last week. The umpire last night was calling pitches that were damn near in the dirt strikes. Cole had one in the second or third inning that was inside the strike zone top left that should've been strike three on a full count, but the fool called it a ball. I get that there's a certain amount of interpretation and human error to account for, but the inconsistency so far this season is pretty frustrating, especially when balls that should clearly be called as strikes aren't and it's affecting the outcomes of games.

Every game has been crazy it seems. I was watching the Cards and Pirates on Monday and the ump had a microscopic strike zone. Then he took a foul tip to the head and had to leave the game and the ump that replaced him expanded the strike zone by what seemed to be 6 inches in each direction. No consistency at all. I know there are solid arguments against a digital strike zone, but everything I keep seeing makes me want it more and more.

[OrangeHoof]

Astros, Red Sox and Yankees are all off to bad starts. They should turn it around eventually.

[MOtorboat]

The Royals are going to really suck. Lucky to get to 70 wins, probably. They’ll go through stretches of awful hitting. The bullpen is awful. But they are going to be entertaining. They have a track team and Ned Yost is just going to let them go. Whit Merrifield just hit the team’s fifth triple.

[SR]

Every game has been crazy it seems. I was watching the Cards and Pirates on Monday and the ump had a microscopic strike zone. Then he took a foul tip to the head and had to leave the game and the ump that replaced him expanded the strike zone by what seemed to be 6 inches in each direction. No consistency at all. I know there are solid arguments against a digital strike zone, but everything I keep seeing makes me want it more and more.

I was waiting for Cole to smoke the umpire with a 99 MPH fastball last night. Would've been pretty priceless IMO.

[MOtorboat]

I was waiting for Cole to smoke the umpire with a 99 MPH fastball last night. Would've been pretty priceless IMO.

I’ve only seen highlights and heard some audio. It was bad.

[slim]

Every game has been crazy it seems. I was watching the Cards and Pirates on Monday and the ump had a microscopic strike zone. Then he took a foul tip to the head and had to leave the game and the ump that replaced him expanded the strike zone by what seemed to be 6 inches in each direction. No consistency at all. I know there are solid arguments against a digital strike zone, but everything I keep seeing makes me want it more and more.

There a exactly zero good reasons to not have a digital strike zone.

[SR]

I’ve only seen highlights and heard some audio. It was bad.

It was. I'm not as big in to baseball as you and Coach so I don't know as much about what else is going on around the league, but it just completely baffled me. And the fact that he had the gall to yell "I can do whatever I want" at AJ Hinch...the arrogance...

[OrangeHoof]

I was waiting for Cole to smoke the umpire with a 99 MPH fastball last night. Would've been pretty priceless IMO.

I watched part of the game and saw where Cole was tossing his warm ups and Kulpa moved in front of the plate to debate Cole. The catcher Stassi made his return throw from in back of the plate right past Kulpa's head. Kulpa didn't react but I thought that sent a message.

[SR]

I watched part of the game and saw where Cole was tossing his warm ups and Kulpa moved in front of the plate to debate Cole. The catcher Stassi made his return throw from in back of the plate right past Kulpa's head. Kulpa didn't react but I thought that sent a message.

I saw that too. It was ridiculous.

[Hawgdriver]

Edwards (Cle pitcher) pulled after 7 2/3ds into a no-hitter. Bases loaded now. Feel bad for the dude, getting a no-hitter in the majors is a lifetime achievement.

[MOtorboat]

Edwards (Cle pitcher) pulled after 7 2/3ds into a no-hitter. Bases loaded now. Feel bad for the dude, getting a no-hitter in the majors is a lifetime achievement.

Trevor Bauer was the starting pitcher. He, too, was pulled in a no-hitter. Edwards was the second pitcher in what is a combined no-hitter with Brad Hand on the mound now.

Bauer is an analytics guy, and super weird and quirky, so probably was fine with getting pulled after 117 pitches in seven innings.

[Hawgdriver]

Trevor Bauer was the starting pitcher. He, too, was pulled in a no-hitter. Edwards was the second pitcher in what is a combined no-hitter with Brad Hand on the mound.

Bauer is an analytics guy, and super weird and quirky, so probably was fine with getting pulled after 117 pitches in seven innings.

Ok, thx. I was half-way watching and thought I saw a different guy, posted after I saw Edward's self-deprecating head-shake walking back to the dugout.

I liked Bauer immediately for no good reason.

[MOtorboat]

https://twitter.com/crawford_milb/status/1113995168380637184?s=21

[Hawgdriver]

:laugh:

Are Smoak-bombs still a thing?

[MOtorboat]

:laugh:

Are Smoak-bombs still a thing?

Probably.

[SR]

Trevor Bauer was the starting pitcher. He, too, was pulled in a no-hitter. Edwards was the second pitcher in what is a combined no-hitter with Brad Hand on the mound now.

Bauer is an analytics guy, and super weird and quirky, so probably was fine with getting pulled after 117 pitches in seven innings.

117 pitches in seven is a lot. He was probably getting smoked at that point.

[SR]

https://twitter.com/crawford_milb/status/1113995168380637184?s=21

That's ******* priceless! Laughed pretty good at that.

[Dreadnought]

Tigers @ 5-3, batting .166 with all of 2 HR's. Starting pitching has been unworldly. Boyd seems to have figured it all out, 23 K's in 11 IP, getting fine starts from the others.

[Dapper Dan]

Belli-bombs. Cody is on Fire. I think the dodgers might have a HR in every game so far.

[Hawgdriver]

Tim Beckham seems ok.

[MOtorboat]

Tim Beckham seems ok.

Finally the prospect who was promised?

[Hawgdriver]

Finally the prospect who was promised?

What a journey for that young man. Perhaps the main reason the M's went from a 75-win projection to 83-win after 10 games. Interesting team result so far with Cano and Cruz gone and Seager on the 60 day.

[MOtorboat]

What a journey for that young man. Perhaps the main reason the M's went from a 75-win projection to 83-win after 10 games. Interesting team result so far with Cano and Cruz gone and Seager on the 60 day.

Several abandoned players have started hot on that team, Domingo Santana especially. It’ll be interesting to see if they can keep pace with the Astros. Logic says they’ll need to battle for the wild card.

[OrangeHoof]

Hot of the press, a primer on the Mariners:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAj83rIIVP4

[Hawgdriver]

Yeah, but it's ok. Enough dick punches and you build callouses.

It's pretty remarkable though, squandering A-Rod, Ichiro, Big Unit, King Felix, Edgar Martinez, and Griffey Jr. Seeing virtually every great prospect find success elsewhere. Turning a 116-win season into a stepping stone for another Yankees WS.

[SR]

I went to the Astros game yesterday. Great game to be at, but a really weird one.

[CoachChaz]

I went to the Astros game yesterday. Great game to be at, but a really weird one.

Walk off walks aren't very exciting. lol

[SR]

Walk off walks aren't very exciting. lol

The whole game was really weird. The first inning when the ball hit the rafters through everyone off, especially Brantley. Then the Astros scored five in the bottom. Another ball hit the rafters later in the game but from my seats I lost the ball in the stadium lighting so all I saw was Bregman catch it. Just a really up and down game, then with the bases loaded in the 9th on one of the best closers in baseball Altuve gets a walk-off walk. The one thing that threw me off at the end was why Bregman was so adamant about taking Jose's jersey off.

Our seats were great though.

[Dapper Dan]

14015

[SR]

He's a stud. I could see it when the Dodgers/Astros played in the World Series.

[Dreadnought]

So...Chris Davis. Words fail me

[SR]

Yeah...he's on a tear...

But let's talk about Altuve's 448' HR last night. Holy hell.

[CoachChaz]

So...Chris Davis. Words fail me

And alas...we are saddled with that contract for another 3 years after this one. If only he'd do the world a favor and retire.

[OrangeHoof]

Why should he? Due to the MLBPA, he has a guaranteed contract and the only way he voids it is to retire. If he wants to stink up the joint and keep cashing the checks, he ought to do it.

Then when they howl and complain that teams are afraid to be active in free agency, maybe ownership should just hold up a picture of Chris Davis.

[CoachChaz]

Why should he? Due to the MLBPA, he has a guaranteed contract and the only way he voids it is to retire. If he wants to stink up the joint and keep cashing the checks, he ought to do it.

Then when they howl and complain that teams are afraid to be active in free agency, maybe ownership should just hold up a picture of Chris Davis.

I didn't say he should...more like I wish he would. That said, I only hope the money is worth the embarrassment and constant ridicule.

[Dreadnought]

Beat the Indians, beat Trevor Bauer 4-1. 1st place? Who woulda thunk it...

[Shazam!]

Beat the Indians, beat Trevor Bauer 4-1. 1st place? Who woulda thunk it...

Its not even mid-April.

[MOtorboat]

Its not even mid-April.

Let him dream. April is for hope.

[chazoe60]

Beat the Indians, beat Trevor Bauer 4-1. 1st place? Who woulda thunk it...

Dread, you should read this book.
14029

[Dreadnought]

Let him dream. April is for hope.

Exactly. I was expecting a 100 loss year. Even .500 seems like an impossible dream...but maybe, just maybe

[Hawgdriver]

Beat the Indians, beat Trevor Bauer 4-1. 1st place? Who woulda thunk it...

Yeah, a hot start means you get to enjoy at least a little bit of the season...:lol:

[chazoe60]

The Rockies are on pace to lose 200 games this season. Impressive, considering the season is only 162 games.

[Hawgdriver]

Let him dream. April is for hope.

We are at the equivalent of an NFL team winning week 1.

[MOtorboat]

We are at the equivalent of an NFL team winning week 1.

That we are.

[Shazam!]

More like the first half of the first game...

[Hawgdriver]

More like the first half of the first game...

Well, let's see.

16 games in NFL
~160 games in MLB

Hm. Someone help me out here.

[Hawgdriver]

How many games are we up to?

10-15?

[Hawgdriver]

Shazam, give me a hand with the math on this one...

[Shazam!]

My bad I saw 4x1 thought it was 5.games

[Hawgdriver]

My bad I saw 4x1 thought it was 5.games

I figured that was it, just couldn't resist. I'm so immature.

[Dapper Dan]

Dread, you should read this book.
14029

Why? Dread grew up watching Cobb play.

[Dapper Dan]

Going to watch the Reds/Braves in a couple weeks. My best friend is a Braves fan. Atlanta is only an hour longer drive than Cincy. Idk why he never opts to go there.

[Hawgdriver]

Hey Mo, did you see the Merrifield bunt just now?

[MOtorboat]

Hey Mo, did you see the Merrifield bunt just now?

That I did.

[Hawgdriver]

That I did.

Pretty dope.

[MOtorboat]

Pretty dope.

He’s the man. I think you see the underdog become a star more in baseball than any other sport. Maybe football. There was nothing in what he did at South Carolina that would make him a big leaguer. He was a five win player last year and led the league in hits and stolen bases.

[Hawgdriver]

Oof. Sorry MO.

[MOtorboat]

Oof. Sorry MO.

Eh. Their pitching is awful this year. They’re going to be fun to watch because of all the speed, but they’re going to lose 100.

[Dapper Dan]

Hey Mo, did you see the Merrifield bunt just now?

I like that dude. This guy in my fantasy league is a baseball nerd like Mo so I always take his advice. He has high praise for Merrifield years ago so I got him.

[MOtorboat]

I like that dude. This guy in my fantasy league is a baseball nerd like Mo so I always take his advice. He has high praise for Merrifield years ago so I got him.

He’s great for average and stolen bases, which are two categories that fantasy owners can struggle to find in the current baseball climate.

[Dapper Dan]

He’s great for average and stolen bases, which are two categories that fantasy owners can struggle to find in the current baseball climate.

Also, the league is deep af. At least 20 teams.

[MOtorboat]

Also, the league is deep af. At least 20 teams.

Sounds like a fun league. ;)

[Dapper Dan]

Sounds like a fun league. ;)

I think you’d like it.

[Hawgdriver]

Altuve can ead, but I like him.

[SR]

Altuve can ead, but I like him.

Altuve is incredible. He's on a freaking tear right now. Must be trying to make up for last season! Was really glad to see Yuli get his first homer of the season. Miley sucks.

[Hawgdriver]

Great. We get Verlander tonight. 538 has the game at 63% 'Strohs. Maybe King Felix will find that old magic...but I'm not holding my breath.

[SR]

Well...Astros...

JV was lights out yesterday. Best game he's pitched this season IMO...even better than the matchup against Snell on opening day.

[Hawgdriver]

Yeah, Felix wasn't too awful but the M's had nothing for Verlander.