The boys of summer! (Baseball Thread)

[Irish2155]

How Matt Barnes made the All Star team this year is beyond me. He’s brutal.

 

[Irish#1]

Headed out to Fenway next week to catch a couple games vs Cleveland then off to Martha’s Vineyard to watch the Irish kickoff on Sunday.

Proposing to my girlfriend while in town. RedSox were kind enough to display it on the big board (at cost of course) during our tour next Thursday. Wish me luck…

It's about time you slacker. Good luck!

 

[Irish#1]

Congrats!

Now tell us about the important stuff and of course... we'll need pictures.

Jake's second home is the Brass Flamingo. I'm sure the girls will give him a good send off! lol

 

[Rogue219]

How Matt Barnes made the All Star team this year is beyond me. He’s brutal.

Having a bad August. All Star Game was last month. Voting was in May and June.

 

[Irish2155]

It's about time you slacker. Good luck!

Thank you, Jim. 9 years and finally decided it was time... She picked out the ring back in February and it's been sitting in the bedroom dresser ever since.

 

[Irish2155]

Jake's second home is the Brass Flamingo. I'm sure the girls will give him a good send off! lol

Haven't seen the inside of the Brass since COVID hit. Trying to tone it down a little in my old age....

 

[Irish2155]

Having a bad August. All Star Game was last month. Voting was in May and June.

Yeah, having a bad August is an understatement. Hopefully, he can turn that around for a possible playoff push. Maybe it's just me but seems like he always had runners on base before the All Star game too...they're just scoring a lot more often now. Devers saved his ass big time yesterday before Shaw hit the walk off.

 

[Rogue219]

Yeah, having a bad August is an understatement. Hopefully, he can turn that around for a possible playoff push. Maybe it's just me but seems like he always had runners on base before the All Star game too...they're just scoring a lot more often now. Devers saved his ass big time yesterday before Shaw hit the walk off.

Tough division, and they all get to play the Orioles more than enough times. Yankees are rolling right now.

Can't help but pull for the Rays.

 

[Irish#1]

 

[Irish#1]

Haven't seen the inside of the Brass since COVID hit. Trying to tone it down a little in my old age....

Probably a good idea. LOL

 

[Irishize]

Blake Snell & Walker Buehler pitched gems last night only to see neither of them get a decision. Dodgers give up one run due to error w/ Buehler on the bump and Snell gives up a HR to Will Smith to tie it in the 8th before he is relieved. Game proceeds to go 16 innings. So much for starting a runner on 2nd. That rule needs to go away IMO. That game went through four extra innings w/ zero runs scored. Isn’t the point of the extra runner starting on 2nd supposed to eliminate that? It’s a no for me moving forward. Let them scrap together one run (especially if it forces more small ball) and go back to the original rules.

 

[Rogue219]

Blake Snell & Walker Buehler pitched gems last night only to see neither of them get a decision. Dodgers give up one run due to error w/ Buehler on the bump and Snell gives up a HR to Will Smith to tie it in the 8th before he is relieved. Game proceeds to go 16 innings. So much for starting a runner on 2nd. That rule needs to go away IMO. That game went through four extra innings w/ zero runs scored. Isn’t the point of the extra runner starting on 2nd supposed to eliminate that? It’s a no for me moving forward. Let them scrap together one run (especially if it forces more small ball) and go back to the original rules.

This was the first real extra inning game of the "Manfred Era" that went this far. To this point it has been the exception rather than the rule. I get why they are doing it, but I think it sucks. And watching pitchers hit also sucks and should be done away with.

If the Padres don't make the postseason...my goodness.

 

[Irishize]

This was the first real extra inning game of the "Manfred Era" that went this far. To this point it has been the exception rather than the rule. I get why they are doing it, but I think it sucks. And watching pitchers hit also sucks and should be done away with.

If the Padres don't make the postseason...my goodness.

Wasn’t there one that went 13 innings? It just doesn’t move the needle for me even if it does save time. At one point, the additional runner on 2nd scored more than 75% of the time. IIRC, that runner is charged to the pitcher despite the pitcher not being responsible for him being on 2nd base to start the inning. I could be wrong but if that’s the case, it’s just dumb.

Definitely bring the DH to NL. It was so refreshing last season. To go back to a pitcher failing to get a bunt down or just checking the box by taking three straight strikes insults the fan’s intelligence.

 

[Rogue219]

Wasn’t there one that went 13 innings? It just doesn’t move the needle for me even if it does save time. At one point, the additional runner on 2nd scored more than 75% of the time. IIRC, that runner is charged to the pitcher despite the pitcher not being responsible for him being on 2nd base to start the inning. I could be wrong but if that’s the case, it’s just dumb.

Definitely bring the DH to NL. It was so refreshing last season. To go back to a pitcher failing to get a bunt down or just checking the box by taking three straight strikes insults the fan’s intelligence.

I honestly don't recall. I just know this one has been the longest yet.

The idea that it messes up some of the numbers is certainly not lost on anyone in this day and age. Part of me doesn't like it for that very reason.

I think anyone who actually likes watching pitchers hit is either lying or a complete idiot. There is nothing likable about it.

 

[Irish2155]

Hopefully, your Yanks can stay hot just a little longer and sweep the A’s over the weekend. Lord knows that Sox’s bullpen could use as much distance from Oakland as possible for that last Wild Card spot.

Sale struck out 8 over 5.1 last night included an immaculate inning in the third. 3-0 since his return.

Watch out if Bobby Dalbec finally figures out the strike zone. That guy has some serious pop.

 

[Irish#1]

My Pinstripes on a roll, but still not making up much ground on TB.

 

[NDdomer2]

This was the first real extra inning game of the "Manfred Era" that went this far. To this point it has been the exception rather than the rule. I get why they are doing it, but I think it sucks. And watching pitchers hit also sucks and should be done away with.

If the Padres don't make the postseason...my goodness.

Looking at the wildcard standings you would think "padres certainly can beat out the reds" and as a team they are infinitely better, however, the padres dont have the luxury of playing in the NL central like the reds. Should be interesting following down the stretch.

 

[Rogue219]

Looking at the wildcard standings you would think "padres certainly can beat out the reds" and as a team they are infinitely better, however, the padres dont have the luxury of playing in the NL central like the reds. Should be interesting following down the stretch.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were making an argument for abandoning interleague play and going to a balanced schedule.

I have not seen the schedules but suffice to say that the Reds likely have a lot of games remaining with the Pirates and Cubs. That's good. Cardinals are around .500.
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The Padres may have home games against the Diamondbacks and Rockies, both of whom are absolute dog meat on the road, which is also good. Would not want to be facing the Giants and Dodgers, however.

 

[Irish#1]

I honestly don't recall. I just know this one has been the longest yet.

The idea that it messes up some of the numbers is certainly not lost on anyone in this day and age. Part of me doesn't like it for that very reason.

I think anyone who actually likes watching pitchers hit is either lying or a complete idiot. There is nothing likable about it.

Well call me a complete idiot! I grew up with pitchers batting and being a Yankee fan I was excited when the AL introduced the DH, but I've started leaning back to having pitchers bat.

 

[Rogue219]

Well call me a complete idiot! I grew up with pitchers batting and being a Yankee fan I was excited when the AL introduced the DH, but I've started leaning back to having pitchers bat.

I think you're lying. Or you're a complete idiot. On this subject anyway.

In this instance, I'd rather call someone a liar, because if you're telling the truth you may have some baseball sensibility issues.

 

[ACamp1900]

I miss baseball in that baseball has hit and runs, squeeze plays, pinch hitters, double steals,… And adding yet another swing for the fences or strike out guy who provides none of those things to the day to day line up isn’t gonna help with bringing excitement back to the game. So yeah, I don’t want a uni DH,… in fact get rid of it entirely. If someone thinks that makes me a moron then go with God,…

 

[Rogue219]

I miss baseball in that baseball has hit and runs, squeeze plays, pinch hitters, double steals,… And adding yet another swing for the fences or strike out guy who provides none of those things to the day to day line up isn’t gonna help with bringing excitement back to the game. So yeah, I don’t want a uni DH,… in fact get rid of it entirely. If someone thinks that makes me a moron then go with God,…

I'd think with an extra hitter that we'd be able to see more hit and runs, squeeze plays, etc. Why would the DH be a "swing for the fences or strike out guy"? Clubs like the White Sox, for example, currently have guys like Hamilton or Goodwin that could fill the role on certain days depending on match ups. If there is a rule stating the DH has to be some big dumb orgre that's either going to homer, walk or K then I'd suppose we have a problem. I think teams would be able to incorporate it in different ways. This is a completely new era, and while it isn't perfect, I'd be willing to bet certain clubs would utlize a DH in exactly the way you are referencing.

Getting rid of the DH entirely will not help this game right now in the present or future. They need to attract a new audience and they need to do it fast. That starts with the product on the field and then access to it. There is absolutely no way they do this by having Jacob deGrom out there bunting.

 

[Irishize]

I miss baseball in that baseball has hit and runs, squeeze plays, pinch hitters, double steals,… And adding yet another swing for the fences or strike out guy who provides none of those things to the day to day line up isn’t gonna help with bringing excitement back to the game. So yeah, I don’t want a uni DH,… in fact get rid of it entirely. If someone thinks that makes me a moron then go with God,…

It doesn’t make you a moron. We can still have differing opinions and the sky will not fall. I get frustrated with the all or nothing hitters too. I also remain frustrated with pitches who can’t get a sacrifice bunt down to advance the runners. That’s inexcusable as well so it goes both ways IMO.

Believe it or not there a plenty of players who don’t have eye-popping exit velo & launch angles who are still All-Star caliber. Off the top of my head this season: David Fletcher, Chris Taylor, Adam Frazier all are solid hitters with respectable numbers who can be counted on every day in the lineup.

My bottom line is that if the pitchers could give us a reason to keep the DH, then I’d be more open to keeping status quo. Instead they’ve gotten worse over the past decade and seem to have zero interest in getting better. I can’t care more than they do.

 

[Rogue219]

Something has to give. Either get rid of Interleague play and keep it as is or keep interleague play and have a universal DH.

2020 gave us a taste, albeit during a shortened covid season:

• In 2020, an average American League DH batted .229 with a .724 OPS.
• The average National League DH batted .235 with a .731 OPS.
• The average National League pitcher batted .131 with a .329 OPS in 2019.

That's 80 runs per 600 plate appearances to their team compared to just an average guy.

Consider also:

• Madison Bumgarner has a .177 career batting average. He’s also 0 for 27 in the playoffs. He is considered a pitcher that hits well.
• Clayton Kershaw crushes on Opening Day (9 for 22, career .391 hitter) but bats .152 the rest of the time.
• Stephen Strasburg is one of seven active pitchers with at least 10 doubles yet his career batting average is .154 with a .204 slugging rate.
• NL pitchers are batting .134 since 2006, the first year MLB instituted its leaguewide drug testing policy, with a high of .146 in 2007.

Seems bad for the game and bad for business.

On the flipside, I think the boppers who get shifts put on them should lay down bunts for base hits. Keep doing it until they stop shifting on you.

 

[Irishize]

Something has to give. Either get rid of Interleague play and keep it as is or keep interleague play and have a universal DH.

2020 gave us a taste, albeit during a shortened covid season:

• In 2020, an average American League DH batted .229 with a .724 OPS.
• The average National League DH batted .235 with a .731 OPS.
• The average National League pitcher batted .131 with a .329 OPS in 2019.

That's 80 runs per 600 plate appearances to their team compared to just an average guy.

Consider also:

• Madison Bumgarner has a .177 career batting average. He’s also 0 for 27 in the playoffs. He is considered a pitcher that hits well.
• Clayton Kershaw crushes on Opening Day (9 for 22, career .391 hitter) but bats .152 the rest of the time.
• Stephen Strasburg is one of seven active pitchers with at least 10 doubles yet his career batting average is .154 with a .204 slugging rate.
• NL pitchers are batting .134 since 2006, the first year MLB instituted its leaguewide drug testing policy, with a high of .146 in 2007.

Seems bad for the game and bad for business.

On the flipside, I think the boppers who get shifts put on them should lay down bunts for base hits. Keep doing it until they stop shifting on you.

It’s great seeing an uptick in the shift busting. Even big hitters like Bryce Harper & Joey Gallo won’t hesitate to lay one down if the defense is going to give up the 3B side of the field. Thanks to the Padres & Marlins we are seeing more steals & hit & runs this season. Maybe the tide is slowly turning. I think a good number of hitters have too much pride (regardless of salary) to continue their anemic batting averages to not make major adjustments for long term success. Watching a pitcher bat has become watching a punter trying to complete a pass on a bobbled snap…embarrassing

 

[Rogue219]

It’s great seeing an uptick in the shift busting. Even big hitters like Bryce Harper & Joey Gallo won’t hesitate to lay one down if the defense is going to give up the 3B side of the field. Thanks to the Padres & Marlins we are seeing more steals & hit & runs this season. Maybe the tide is slowly turning. I think a good number of hitters have too much pride (regardless of salary) to continue their anemic batting averages to not make major adjustments for long term success. Watching a pitcher bat has become watching a punter trying to complete a pass on a bobbled snap…embarrassing

I can't remember the last time I looked at a batting average by choice. Even if the game starts to change back a bit in the next few years, and I think it will, the metrics teams actually need to measure production and value will still be there. In this instance, I don't think I am going to revert back to looking at batting average and RBI ever again. Even OBP, which was the golden calf of Moneyball, can be shelved now for better and more meaningful metrics.

Tactically, if teams shift you, lay one down or got the opposite way. Those skills need to be taught to some extent. You get 27 outs in a 9 inning game. Those outs are precious. Avoid outs at the dish, get outs on the mound and in the find. I think that part of it needs to change a little bit. Bunting and throwing away an out? Not a fan. Trying to get on base with a walk, going oppo or laying one down versus the shift? Yes.

The sport has always been random but it took a century for people to figure it out. Many have not been able to accept this. Ultimately, I think too much of a good thing can be bad, and that's where we have arrived right now with baseball. The is a lot of talent and front offices are not only smarter than ever but you have owners that are putting on the kabuki show of not having money. I loved this trade deadline last month because you saw teams TRYING to win and going to get players. They aren't mortgaging their futures for two month rentals like the old days, but they're going for it. Too many clubs are not even trying right now.

I still contend people should be more upset with what the franchise in Cleveland as done trading away their talent than what they choose to all themselves. It also begs the question are mascots stupid in the first place, but that's another topic.

 

[Rogue219]

As a suffering Pirates fan, I love the A's and Rays. I think they're good models for what the Pirates could be. Or should be.

That said, the Oakland Coliseum and Tropicana Field are both horrible venues. PNC Park is one of the best in baseball. It really is a model for city planning and civic achievement. Just hasn't had much of a product in it 81 times a year since it opened.

A's and Rays need new ballparks. Maybe not necessarily new cities, but new ballparks for sure.

Camden Yards is still my favorite. I have been to 20 ballparks that are currently open. Camden is fantastic.

 

[Rogue219]

Max Scherzer has started 8 games for the Dodgers. They're 8-0 in those games.

 

[Irish2155]

Dead heat for the AL wild card spots with three teams from the East. All with 65 Ls. Should be a fun stretch.

BoSox have 8 of their last 13 against Baltimore or the Nats…sprinkle in a few against the Empire and a couple vs the Mets…schedule is in our favor. Yanks and the Jays still play each other again and both have TB on the schedule.

 

[Irishize]

Max Scherzer has started 8 games for the Dodgers. They're 8-0 in those games.

In total he has had a CY YOUNG worthy season. If they don’t use him in their Wild Card game, they will lose & their season will be over.