2015 MLB thread

[Vince, Pt. II]

I'm guessing a part of it is that he was still a friend and teammate of the current players, and his death, even if it was his own doing, surely impacts them. Maybe best way was to remember him and his girlfriend before the first game and then move on. The year long patch is unnecessary and a bit too much of a tribute.

But I'm not a Cards fan.

I'm in this line. Also not a Cardinals fan.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Weird stuff for Volquez. His first start, he was hit pretty hard, yet still only gave up a run and won the game. Tonight, he's WAY better than his first start, yet he's losing. Overall, very happy with the signing thus far, but his results haven't mirrored how he pitched in each start.

[Fonzie]

I'm guessing a part of it is that he was still a friend and teammate of the current players, and his death, even if it was his own doing, surely impacts them. Maybe best way was to remember him and his girlfriend before the first game and then move on. The year long patch is unnecessary and a bit too much of a tribute.

But I'm not a Cards fan.

I'm a Cards fan and I agree with you wholeheartedly. There were others in the Cardinals "family" who were remembered that day, and I would've preferred that they keep Taveras' simple as with the others.

That said, if the Cardinals were going to do a video tribute to him would it have been too much to ask for them offer some brief message about drunk driving? The video was, after all, being played directly below the word "Budweiser".

Or perhaps that's why they didn't mention drunk driving. Hmm...

Get rid of the patch. Hate it.

[Ryche]

Nice start for the Rockies. Could be a dangerous team if they stay healthy. That's a huge if though.

Still going, swept the Giants in SF. Encouraged that they were smart enough to move Hawkins out of the closer role quickly rather than letting it drag out.

[Lathum]

What a joke in the Mets game. What's the point of replay if you overturn it without conclusiive evidence?

[Lathum]

Mets are 7-3,have won 5 in a row, and have their top 3 starters going next 3 games. Could not be more excited about this team.

[MizzouRah]

What a game by Lackey today!!!

[EagleFan]

Mets are 7-3,have won 5 in a row, and have their top 3 starters going next 3 games. Could not be more excited about this team.

Don't allow the 3 wins against the Phillies to get you over hyped. Thanks to Amaro they are a AAA team... :(

When is the NFL draft?

(sorry, this has been a crappy year to be a Philly sports fan)

[IlliniCub]

Bryant coming to Chicago tomorrow!!! I'm so stoked!

[stevew]

Whew, he got enough seasoning so fast!

[panerd]

Bryant coming to Chicago tomorrow!!! I'm so stoked!

I think the Cubs are going to be a monster team in 2-3 years but see a similar beginning for Bryant that Javy Baez had last year. The guy strikes out a lot and big league pitchers don't just rely on their fastball like some of the AA/AAA guys. (And spring training stats mean about as much as Baez's line last spring) Hope I'm wrong but I think the hype machine got way out in front of this kid.

[MrBug708]

No Kris Bryant update? :)

[Lathum]

Bartolo Colon clearly hit the batting cages in the offseason. When he wasn't at Golden Corral.

[Grover]

"Latissimus Dorsi, that's what I call the hood of the cobra." - Rex Hudler

[Buccaneer]

No Kris Bryant update? :)

The Pads took care of that. :)

[miami_fan]

How many samples will they be taken from A-Rod tonight?

[Lathum]

Mets win again, loving the early season. This team is doing everything right and against division opponents.

[MizzouRah]

How many samples will they be taken from A-Rod tonight?

He uses vapor roids now.

[kingfc22]

Dear MLB app. I don't care if Kris Bryant got his first hit. Signed, every non-Cubs fan.

[IlliniCub]

I really liked Bryant's eye against some really nasty pitches today. It just feels good to be excited about Cubs baseball again.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

There's about to be an absolute shit-storm in the Royals-A's game. The umpires have totally mishandled this situation. I'll be floored if we don't see an A's batter plunked in the next few innings. Yost has already been tossed after Cain was hit.

[miked]

Didn't it extend with an intentional beanball ejection from the Royals pitcher yesterday?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Didn't it extend with an intentional beanball ejection from the Royals pitcher yesterday?

They handled it differently yesterday than they did today. Yesterday was an immediate pre-game warning due to the dirty play by Lawrie in Friday's game, which resulted in immediate ejection of Ventura. Today, no pre-game warning was issued, so when Kasmir hit Cain, he issued a warning. So basically the Royals have no way to retaliate without losing another pitcher.

There were two ways to better handle it by the umpires.

1. Issue a pre-game warning again, warning them to keep it clear or face immediate ejection.

2. Let Cain walk down to first base and issue no warning. The home plate umpire actually was going to do exactly that, but then crew chief Jim Joyce decided to interject himself. You could clearly see the home plate umpire saying he didn't want to issue a warning, but Joyce overruled him in the ensuing conversation.

[cougarfreak]

My son and I went to Stl. as Reds fans this weekend. The fans,ushers, etc couldn't have been nicer to us. Great place to watch a game. Plus I got a Yadier Molina bobblehead to use as a toilet paper roll holder:D

[EagleFan]

So the Royals are looking to get into it with every team in the league?

[kingfc22]

So the Royals are looking to get into it with every team in the league?

Mainly just Ventura.

[Grover]

Shit-storm achieved.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So the Royals are looking to get into it with every team in the league?

The Royals have more HBP than any team in the league. We've been on the losing end of this repeatedly and have lost two players to injury as a result.

As I type this, Lawrie just had a 100 MPH heater go behind his back. Another tossed pitcher due to the bad ruling by the umpires. Also, the Royals have now had three acting managers thrown out in a single game. The third acting member just got tossed twice, if that's possible. The umps have lost all control at this point.

[Lathum]

Mets win again to go to 10-3 despite Harvey nit being at his best. The bigger issue is our dynamic your catcher Travis D'arnaud gets hit by a pitch and breaks his hand. He was hitting .317 with 2 HR and 10 RBI. We also lost our lefty specialist. Going to be a lot to overcome.

[cartman]

Actually, the Rangers have the most batter HBP. They seem to manage to not get their managers and coaches ejected from games.

[Zinto]

The Royals have more HBP than any team in the league. We've been on the losing end of this repeatedly and have lost two players to injury as a result.

As I type this, Lawrie just had a 100 MPH heater go behind his back. Another tossed pitcher due to the bad ruling by the umpires. Also, the Royals have now had three acting managers thrown out in a single game. The third acting member just got tossed twice, if that's possible. The umps have lost all control at this point.


Well Herrera did yell something at Lawrie and point at his head implying that he was headhunting. This really hasn't been a good look for the Royals at all.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well Herrera did yell something at Lawrie and point at his head implying that he was headhunting. This really hasn't been a good look for the Royals at all.

Lawrie should count himself as blessed that Herrera accuracy decreases when he throws at batters.

Lawrie has been a jerk through this whole thing. He could have diffused the tension on multiple occasions and did just the opposite.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Dear Bob Melvin,

Thanks for taking out your ace.

Sincerely,

The Royals

[Zinto]

Lawrie should count himself as blessed that Herrera accuracy decreases when he throws at batters.

Lawrie has been a jerk through this whole thing. He could have diffused the tension on multiple occasions and did just the opposite.


Lawrie made a bad decision sliding like he did. Here are the awful things he has done since:

1. Apologized repeatedly after the game. Saying multiple times that he didn't mean to hurt him.
2. Sent a text to Escobar after the game apologizing to him(Escobar may or may not have gotten it.)
3. Took his beaning the next game and walked to first base. Was one of the most calm people during the fake tough guys fight.

I am not sure what more you want him to do. Sit out the rest of the weekend because the Royals don't want to let it go?

[kingfc22]

Lawrie made a bad decision sliding like he did. Here are the awful things he has done since:

1. Apologized repeatedly after the game. Saying multiple times that he didn't mean to hurt him.
2. Sent a text to Escobar after the game apologizing to him(Escobar may or may not have gotten it.)
3. Took his beaning the next game and walked to first base. Was one of the most calm people during the fake tough guys fight.

I am not sure what more you want him to do. Sit out the rest of the weekend because the Royals don't want to let it go?

But, but...we just want to be mad. Don't try to reason. It's a losing battle.

[stevew]

The Royals are stinky vaginas

[stevew]

Can I start an NL only thread.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lawrie made a bad decision sliding like he did. Here are the awful things he has done since:

1. Apologized repeatedly after the game. Saying multiple times that he didn't mean to hurt him.
2. Sent a text to Escobar after the game apologizing to him(Escobar may or may not have gotten it.)
3. Took his beaning the next game and walked to first base. Was one of the most calm people during the fake tough guys fight.

I am not sure what more you want him to do. Sit out the rest of the weekend because the Royals don't want to let it go?

They threw at the Royals again today knowing they wouldn't lose a pitcher. All bets are off. Lawrie should have known he was at the crosshairs. If he's fortunate, he'll be out of the lineup when the Royals go to Oakland. He was anything but calm today.

The Royals hit them where it hurt anyway with a three run 8th inning. That's the best way to retaliate. It's not surprising they came alive after Herrera was tossed.

FWIW......It's been a fantastic series. Can't wait to see the games in Oakland.

[Chief Rum]

Word out of the Angels clubhouse is that Trout is shocked--SHOCKED!-- that a docile team like the Royals could be involved in anything like this!!

[heybrad]

Poor Royals. Always getting picked on.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

And Cain fans the Oakland flames in the post-game interview. It's definitely not over.

[Johnny93g]

Lawrie should count himself as blessed that Herrera accuracy decreases when he throws at batters.

Lawrie has been a jerk through this whole thing. He could have diffused the tension on multiple occasions and did just the opposite.

So you basically call out Brett Lawrie for instigating and being responsible for continuing all the trouble.

Lawrie made a bad decision sliding like he did. Here are the awful things he has done since:

1. Apologized repeatedly after the game. Saying multiple times that he didn't mean to hurt him.
2. Sent a text to Escobar after the game apologizing to him(Escobar may or may not have gotten it.)
3. Took his beaning the next game and walked to first base. Was one of the most calm people during the fake tough guys fight.

I am not sure what more you want him to do. Sit out the rest of the weekend because the Royals don't want to let it go?

Zinto posts some facts about how what you said was completely inaccurate and how Lawrie pretty much did all he could to diffuse tension.

They threw at the Royals again today knowing they wouldn't lose a pitcher. All bets are off. Lawrie should have known he was at the crosshairs. If he's fortunate, he'll be out of the lineup when the Royals go to Oakland. He was anything but calm today.

The Royals hit them where it hurt anyway with a three run 8th inning. That's the best way to retaliate. It's not surprising they came alive after Herrera was tossed.

FWIW......It's been a fantastic series. Can't wait to see the games in Oakland.

Your response ignores you incorrectly called the guy out, ignores every fact posted. Maybe acknowledging that you said something stupid, or incorrect might be a good idea............ NAH!!!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

So you basically call out Brett Lawrie for instigating and being responsible for continuing all the trouble.

Zinto posts some facts about how what you said was completely inaccurate and how Lawrie pretty much did all he could to diffuse tension.

Your response ignores you incorrectly called the guy out, ignores every fact posted. Maybe acknowledging that you said something stupid, or incorrect might be a good idea............ NAH!!!

Lawrie injured our player intentionally. Any apology (which there's no evidence he did so in person or via phone which contradicts his claim that he did so) falls totally on deaf ear. He just didn't want to get a fastball in the earhole and was begging his way out of it, which only pissed off the Royals even worse. His denials and lies didn't diffuse anything. If the A's don't want Lawrie to be targeted, don't throw at Cain.

Also, as I already pointed out, the umpires botched this situation terribly, only making the situation worse than it already was. As a result, not only did we see what happened later in the game, it's very clear judging from the post-game reactions that poor decision is now going to cause problems in further games. Just a terrible job by the umpires in this case.

[Atocep]

Lawrie injured our player intentionally. Any apology (which there's no evidence he did so in person or via phone which contradicts his claim that he did so) falls totally on deaf ear. He just didn't want to get a fastball in the earhole and was begging his way out of it, which only pissed off the Royals even worse. His denials and lies didn't diffuse anything. If the A's don't want Lawrie to be targeted, don't throw at Cain.

Also, as I already pointed out, the umpires botched this situation terribly, only making the situation worse than it already was. As a result, not only did we see what happened later in the game, it's very clear judging from the post-game reactions that poor decision is now going to cause problems in further games. Just a terrible job by the umpires in this case.

There actually is evidence and Escobar admitted that Hosmer probably gave him his old phone number.

There’s some drama about Brett Lawrie apologizing to Alcides Escobar | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/18/theres-some-drama-about-brett-lawrie-apologizing-to-alcides-escobar/)

[AENeuman]

They handled it differently yesterday than they did today. Yesterday was an immediate pre-game warning due to the dirty play by Lawrie in Friday's game, which resulted in immediate ejection of Ventura. Today, no pre-game warning was issued, so when Kasmir hit Cain, he issued a warning. So basically the Royals have no way to retaliate without losing another pitcher.

There were two ways to better handle it by the umpires.

1. Issue a pre-game warning again, warning them to keep it clear or face immediate ejection.

2. Let Cain walk down to first base and issue no warning. The home plate umpire actually was going to do exactly that, but then crew chief Jim Joyce decided to interject himself. You could clearly see the home plate umpire saying he didn't want to issue a warning, but Joyce overruled him in the ensuing conversation.

Gosh, I can't imagine the indignation you would have if your team didn't win the series...oh wait :p

According to the replay of Ventura's disgusting and potentially deadly bean ball of fire and spikes, there were no warnings issued.


As someone who saw Matt Holliday probably ruin Suctaro's career with a slide, I too wish he would get hit every time he came to bat. But after the first hit by pitch, it seemed the players moved on, so should I.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

There actually is evidence and Escobar admitted that Hosmer probably gave him his old phone number.

There’s some drama about Brett Lawrie apologizing to Alcides Escobar | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/18/theres-some-drama-about-brett-lawrie-apologizing-to-alcides-escobar/)

He could have walked his ass over and put it to bed if that was the case. He didn't. It's clear from Escobar's reaction today when Lawrie had a fastball go behind his back that the 'apology' was not accepted.

[Atocep]

He could have walked his ass over and put it to bed if that was the case. He didn't. It's clear from Escobar's reaction today when Lawrie had a fastball go behind his back that the 'apology' was not accepted.

Which is where the Royals push it too far. Lawrie did something you see on a weekly basis in MLB and every other level of baseball. It just so happened Escobar was injured doing so. The Royals get a free pass to hit Lawrie in the ribs and everyone should move on. He apologized and took his beaning without a reaction. Coming back and throwing shoulder high behind him with a 100mph fastball takes things too far.

Yes, a Royals player got hit today and if they're so sensitive they feel the need to go out and hit someone in retaliation you don't go back at Lawrie and you keep it thigh or rib high if you do. What is clear is the Royals are the team that continue to escalate things.

[JPhillips]

The Royals were a good story last year. Please don't make us all hate them.

[miked]

Royals are a bunch of bitches. I don't think Lawrie meant to hurt anyone. That hard slide happens about 30% of the time with somebody miscalculating or trying to push the line. I have seen it too many times and it's silly. That being said, all he did was apologize repeatedly and take a beaning. Meanwhile, every Royals pitcher and coach has taken it to bitch levels. It's going to be a long season if they can't start acting like they've been there before (because they actually have now). Fans too.

[cartman]

When did 'beaning' stop meaning getting hit in the head?

[Fonzie]

When did 'beaning' stop meaning getting hit in the head?

It never did. Beaning means hitting someone in the head, period. THIS SEMANTIC MADNESS STOPS NOW PEOPLE.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Just from the recaps & what not, seems as though if the A's don't plunk Cain today then this would have ended. Best I can tell, that's what brought Lowrie back to bullseye city.

{shrug} More interesting this way than it would be without the drama.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The Royals were a good story last year. Please don't make us all hate them.

The Royals haven't been hated in over a quarter century. It's a problem that should be embraced. People don't hate teams that suck. They just ignore them.

[PilotMan]

Seven straight for the dodgers now. Nice to see a good homestand this early after the rough start. Next up is SF on the road. we'll see if they can keep it up.

[heybrad]

This feels like it's becoming the MLB version of the Sony Playstation thread.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lawrie trying to take the high road as only he can, saying that Herrera 'needs to pay for it' and that 'punishment is 100% needed'.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGAd6EVceEI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Atocep]

Lawrie trying to take the high road as only he can, saying that Herrera 'needs to pay for it' and that 'punishment is 100% needed'.

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AGAd6EVceEI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I can only imagine what this thread would look like right now if the roles were reversed.

[stevew]

Pedro Alvarez seems to have found his long stroke again. Seems like a great time for him, with FA just around the corner. Maybe he can put together a must see season of at bats.

[cartman]

I can only imagine what this thread would look like right now if the roles were reversed.

Same amount of bullshit, just spun 180 degrees.

[cartman]

The Rangers looked like their late 80s/early 90s vintage teams, scoring 10 runs yet still losing to Seattle.

[kingfc22]

Same amount of bullshit, just spun 180 degrees.

:lol:

[Johnny93g]

Lawrie trying to take the high road as only he can, saying that Herrera 'needs to pay for it' and that 'punishment is 100% needed'.


Answer this question. Only this question. Yes or No.

Do you think it would be good if Herrera hits Brett Lawrie in the head with a pitch the next time he faces him?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Answer this question. Only this question. Yes or No.

Do you think it would be good if Herrera hits Brett Lawrie in the head with a pitch the next time he faces him?

No. Of course not. He shouldn't have said it if he did. For all we know, Herrera could have said that he was out of his mind when pointing to his head. But I guess we'll have to take Lawrie's word for it, much like the profuse amount of apologies he's claimed to make over the weekend.

In the end, it never should have reached that point anyway. It was over last night. Then the A's threw at Cain. Then the umps botched the handling of the situation. MLB really needs to address how they handle the situation because right now, there's very little chance of retribution without losing a player for the team that was originally wronged (or whatever you'd like to term it).

[cartman]

MLB handled it just fine. The Royals, however, didn't.

[Atocep]

You know, at least the Braves were good for the better part of 20 years before they started acting as the unwritten rules police.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

You know, at least the Braves were good for the better part of 20 years before they started acting as the unwritten rules police.

That's just a ridiculous comment. Everyone knows that the Cardinals have been the unwritten rules police for at least the last 50-60 years.

[JPhillips]

That's just a ridiculous comment. Everyone knows that the Cardinals have been the unwritten rules police for at least the last 50-60 years.

It must be something about Missouri.

[Chief Rum]

When did 'beaning' stop meaning getting hit in the head?

I must have missed this definition. I always thought a beaning was simply another term for a hit by pitch. Never heard it referred to as being a specific aiming at the head.

[cartman]

I must have missed this definition. I always thought a beaning was simply another term for a hit by pitch. Never heard it referred to as being a specific aiming at the head.

Nope, it has always referred specifically to the head.

Bean - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bean)
bean: definition of bean in Oxford dictionary (American English) (US) (http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/bean)
Beanball - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beanball)

[JonInMiddleGA]

I must have missed this definition. I always thought a beaning was simply another term for a hit by pitch. Never heard it referred to as being a specific aiming at the head.

Beaned is head specific in all my years (and we know there's been a shit ton of those)

I suspect "plunked" might be the most common for any other part of the body.

[Chief Rum]

Cool. Somewhere along the way I musta fuzzed up the different meanings.

[Logan]

Can I start an NL only thread.

Please.

[panerd]

Please.

Meh. He certainly is annoying in threads but people respond only to antagonize him and are the majority of the posts cluttering up the thread. Same as always whether its Playstation, Mizzou, KC BBQ, Royals, Chiefs... a group of bullies picking on the weird kid. Don't know why it is so hard to use an ignore list or just to ignore the posts.

[lungs]

The Brewers are terrible, that's all I've got.

[Buccaneer]

Can I start an NL only thread.

Please, as well.

[cartman]

You guys forget there are interleague games.

[Subby]

Thought you might enjoy a cool baseball story from my hometown from this past weekend (with MLB player cameo):

McLean 6-year-old critically injured in sledding accident bounces back - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/mclean-6-year-old-critically-injured-in-sledding-accident-bounces-back/2015/04/18/55c8fbb0-e537-11e4-b510-962fcfabc310_story.html)

[cartman]

That LL prez sounds like a monster. :D

Cool story. The kid seems bound and determined to overcome everything put in his path.

[Calis]

As a lifelong Royals fan this thread now depresses me to come visit.

Figures, finally a solid team in the internet age and I get this! :)

Nobody was "right" in this situation. Everyone looked pathetic.

It's amazing how quickly the Royals have gone from lovable underdogs to loathed..here on this board I can clearly understand why, but lots of other places also. Too bad, I think it's actually a pretty good group of guys but some of them are just over the top pumped and I can see that being aggravating.

I'd go on a rant about getting rid of the DH, but that's a waste of everyone's time.

[ISiddiqui]

Mets win again to go to 10-3 despite Harvey nit being at his best. The bigger issue is our dynamic your catcher Travis D'arnaud gets hit by a pitch and breaks his hand. He was hitting .317 with 2 HR and 10 RBI. We also lost our lefty specialist. Going to be a lot to overcome.

It's the Mets fan in me, but when I heard about D'arnaud, I immediately flashed to Ike Davis, who was having a fantastic breakout season until he got injured and was never the same again. I know it's not the same, but still... I'm scared.

[Grover]

Royals fan voice of reason: everything up to Ventura hitting Lawrie was fine. Everything after it makes them look like immature dicks. Grow up and be the loveable team you were last season.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Royals fan voice of reason: everything up to Ventura hitting Lawrie was fine. Everything after it makes them look like immature dicks. Grow up and be the loveable team you were last season.

I'm interested to see how they play in this next series. A team can't stay as high-strung all year as they have been this past weekend. Got to settle in and get back to business.

[Grover]

I'm interested to see how they play in this next series. A team can't stay as high-strung all year as they have been this past weekend. Got to settle in and get back to business.

Well, with Gibson going today, I'm chalking up a loss ;)

[lungs]

I still remember back in 2007? (I think) Ned Yost more concerned about retaliation over a Tony LaRussa ordered beanball than winning the game in the heat of a pennant race.

[cougarfreak]

The Brewers are terrible, that's all I've got.

Don't worry, the Reds and all their suckitude are on their way.

[stevew]

Cubs-Pirates Delayed By Woman Getting Drilled In The Head By Foul Tip (http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/cubs-pirates-delayed-by-woman-getting-drilled-in-the-he-1699094058)

[cartman]

Cubs-Pirates Delayed By Woman Getting Drilled In The Head By Foul Tip (http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/cubs-pirates-delayed-by-woman-getting-drilled-in-the-he-1699094058)

I wonder how many Royals are gonna get thrown out of the game

[Fonzie]

How does that happen? Is the netting really that close to the seats?

[stevew]

Holy shit...people think batting around in an an inning means only 9 people came up? Like if you pass your appetizer around the table, it comes back to you eventually. How does anyone think 9?


9= batting thru the orde
10= batting around in the inning
(Reading a deadspin thing)

[lungs]

Don't worry, the Reds and all their suckitude are on their way.

Nah. The Brewers really do suck.

[Scoobz0202]

How does that happen? Is the netting really that close to the seats?

I saw a Vine of it. She was standing up and shimmying(sp?) down the aisle with her back to the field to get to the stairs to go up to the concourse. Just a unbelievable stroke of bad luck.

[Scoobz0202]

dola -

So Reds manager Bryan Price went on a tirade where he dropped 70+ f-bombs about some shit that is just.. weird. Like, dude. You're not in the CIA.

Updated: A profane Bryan Price vents frustration (http://www.cincinnati.com/story/redsblog/2015/04/20/bryan-price-reds/26101107/)


The basis of Price's argument was that he was not fond of sharing information with the media that could be used to his opponent's advantage.
Price was also upset that The Enquirer reported that Mesoraco and Tucker Barnhart were on the same flight to St. Louis (http://www.cincinnati.com/story/redsblog/2015/04/17/bar-devin-mesoraco-tucker-barnhart-headed-to-st-louis/25926631/) last Friday as an Enquirer reporter. Price said he hadn't gotten a chance to tell catcher Kyle Skipworth that he'd be returning to the minors before the news that Barnhart was on his way to St. Louis had been reported.



Transcript with the entire interview in the link. My favorite bit.




What do you got? If you don't got anything, get out and I'll do this f****** interview with Marty. You don't have anything? Just get out, please.

[Scoobz0202]

another dola -

Hey guys, might want to stay away from Kaufman stadium ;)

The Royals Are Serving Fans Moldy Garbage Hot Dogs (http://deadspin.com/the-royals-are-serving-fans-moldy-garbage-hot-dogs-1699066858)

[Buccaneer]

Really loving this new Padres offense.

[JPhillips]

dola -

So Reds manager Bryan Price went on a tirade where he dropped 70+ f-bombs about some shit that is just.. weird. Like, dude. You're not in the CIA.

Updated: A profane Bryan Price vents frustration (http://www.cincinnati.com/story/redsblog/2015/04/20/bryan-price-reds/26101107/)




Transcript with the entire interview in the link. My favorite bit.

A different manager wouldn't change the record, but Price sure hasn't impressed in his year plus.

[MrBug708]

another dola -

Hey guys, might want to stay away from Kaufman stadium ;)

The Royals Are Serving Fans Moldy Garbage Hot Dogs (http://deadspin.com/the-royals-are-serving-fans-moldy-garbage-hot-dogs-1699066858)

Saved from last year?

[Logan]

I remember reading an article after the season about a ton of violations they found there...thought I linked it here. Good to see progress!

[stevew]

Well I guess shit flows from and into the moths of Royals fans.

[EagleFan]

Nah. The Brewers really do suck.

If we want to talk about teams that suck...

:cry:

(can someone please take Amaro?)

[SackAttack]

If we want to talk about teams that suck...

:cry:

(can someone please take Amaro?)

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/73/732b0b61628088b3e0c41ad6fdbad98c04581515e682478399edc9b40adc271e.jpg

[Neuqua]

The Cubs are calling up Addison Russell tomorrow who is apparently going to play 2nd base. Lots of eyes on the young guys on the North side right now.

[Coffee Warlord]

If Russell does well, there's giong to be even more trade rumors involving Castro flying around.

[panerd]

If Russell does well, there's giong to be even more trade rumors involving Castro flying around.

But Baez's spring was a disaster (on top of last year) and his sister recently died so he has been MIA in the minors. I think he has gone from potential all-star to likely bust. Since they don't have a major league 2B I could see Russell there until a new plan is put in place or Baez gets his head straight.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The meltdown by the Reds manager last night was epic. Reminded me a lot of the Hal McRae meltdown minus the phone throwing.

[Butter]

A different manager wouldn't change the record, but Price sure hasn't impressed in his year plus.

It certainly doesn't inspire confidence.

[Grover]

The meltdown by the Reds manager last night was epic. Reminded me a lot of the Hal McRae meltdown minus the phone throwing.

It was almost as good as former Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear, who once started out a press conference thusly.

"Which one of you is Simon Hunt?"
"I am."
"You're a c***."

[rowech]

It certainly doesn't inspire confidence.

Tough to say -- they haven't given him a lot to work with. Patchwork pen, old left fielders, bad contract for your star, aging has been at second, and some guys who aren't living up to potential everywhere.

He's probably not a manager. That said, not sure he has had a great shot at proving himself.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The appeal of Herrera's suspension is going to be interesting to watch. They made it clear that his gesture had nothing to do with the suspension (shocking that they didn't believe Lawrie), but the number of games for a reliever is unprecedented.

I'm good with it as long as this shows a shift in how MLB will handle people throwing at batters going forward.

As for no punishment for Lawrie trying to severely injure a player, it's ridiculous. If you watch all the take-out slides from that series by the A's, the Lawrie incident sticks out like a sore thumb in regards to how high his cleats were and the distance he slid through the bag. All the other A's slides stopped at the bag and shoes were on the ground.

[AENeuman]

The appeal of Herrera's suspension is going to be interesting to watch. They made it clear that his gesture had nothing to do with the suspension (shocking that they didn't believe Lawrie), but the number of games for a reliever is unprecedented.

I'm good with it as long as this shows a shift in how MLB will handle people throwing at batters going forward.

As for no punishment for Lawrie trying to severely injure a player, it's ridiculous. If you watch all the take-out slides from that series by the A's, the Lawrie incident sticks out like a sore thumb in regards to how high his cleats were and the distance he slid through the bag. All the other A's slides stopped at the bag and shoes were on the ground.

Even worse, I heard he once injured an infinitive so purposefully and severely, he split it!

[cartman]

WHY WAS MOUSTAKAS TRYING TO INJURE PERALTA???!!!???

http://www.fofc-bbcf.com/moustakas.jpg

[markprior22]

If Russell does well, there's giong to be even more trade rumors involving Castro flying around.

I hope they don't trade Castro. I think he's finally growing up to the point where we won't see the ridiculous brain farts he's shown in the past. And, for as much crap as he gets, offensively he has done very well in his first few years.

[Chief Rum]

WHY WAS MOUSTAKAS TRYING TO INJURE PERALTA???!!!???

http://www.fofc-bbcf.com/moustakas.jpg

I have had Peralta on past fantasy teams, and I gotta tell ya, I would come in spikes high.

[stevew]

We're bitching about a FIVE game suspension? holyfuckballs

[Atocep]

But Baez's spring was a disaster (on top of last year) and his sister recently died so he has been MIA in the minors. I think he has gone from potential all-star to likely bust. Since they don't have a major league 2B I could see Russell there until a new plan is put in place or Baez gets his head straight.

Russell should be a much better defensive shortstop than Castro and a better overall hitter. If Russell sticks (and IMO he's the best of the Cubs prospects) I expect Castro to be moved this offseason. Between Alcantara and Baez they should be able to figure out 2nd base.

[Atocep]

but the number of games for a reliever is unprecedented.

Not really

[cartman]

He has an issue with the comprehension of the word 'unprecedented'

2014 Video Games Thread - Page 23 - Front Office Football Central (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?p=2973662&highlight=unprecedented#post2973662)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Epic response swing by Bautista tonight. Lawrie should take some notes on how you handle a ball whizzing behind your back.

Another great comeback win by the Royals. Last seven wins have been come from behind victories. Awfully fun to watch.

[EagleFan]

:banghead:

[Grover]

Epic response swing by Bautista tonight. Lawrie should take some notes on how you handle a ball whizzing behind your back.

Another great comeback win by the Royals. Last seven wins have been come from behind victories. Awfully fun to watch.

Love that it was Moose spraying a single to left.

[Butter]

Tough to say -- they haven't given him a lot to work with. Patchwork pen, old left fielders, bad contract for your star, aging has been at second, and some guys who aren't living up to potential everywhere.

He's probably not a manager. That said, not sure he has had a great shot at proving himself.

Whether or not they have given him a lot to work with, his rant was borderline nonsensical. It was certainly very old-school... and I feel like we had enough old-school with Toothpick.

[Bobble]

Whether or not they have given him a lot to work with, his rant was borderline nonsensical. It was certainly very old-school... and I feel like we had enough old-school with Toothpick.

Note to Price: If you want the local sports writers to "work with you, here" then probably don't blow up at them in a public forum, intentionally embarrass them, and make a national story out of it.

Secondly, the B.S. statement that "we didn't even have time to tell so-and-so that he was being called up" just makes you look lazy and incompetent. The Cincy paper can publish a news story before you have time to make a phone call?

[Lathum]

Mets win again. Crazy.

Ten in a row and back to the front of the rotation.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Giants take the first two from the Dodgers in epic trolling fashion.

First game, Dodgers hit into roughly 85 double plays and the Giants had roughly 17 infield singles.

Tonight, Dodgers lose a protest of a non-call on Aoki going out of the baseline to avoid being picked off, then the umps completely miss the winning run coming into contact with the third base coach the play before he scores in the bottom of the ninth.

I will totally take this in what looks to be a very long year.

[Grover]

Terrible question to ask.

But how long has Rob Neyer been at Fox Sports? He seems to have a significantly smaller following than he had at ESPN.

[lighthousekeeper]

So what's the deal with Rafael Soriano? Is he still a free agent? Why? Is his arm shot?

[ISiddiqui]

He had a bad 2nd half in 2014. But still, he should be somewhere, you'd think.

[ISiddiqui]

An interesting viewpoint making the rounds. Chris Rock on why baseball isn't capturing African Americans:

Chris Rock Gives a Strong Take on African-Americans and Baseball | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2439826-chris-rock-gives-a-strong-take-on-african-americans-and-baseball?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national)

Some of what he says makes perfect sense. While tradition can be fun and interesting, for African-Americans 'tradition' meant a separate league or Jim Crow. And these unwritten rules take out the fun, the celebration, in the game. It makes it come across as 'sit straight, don't make a fuss' and thus boring (as Rock says you have to play it the 'right way, the white way').

I know some will disagree, but I thought it adds to the discussion.

[molson]

I think you're allowed to celebrate more in baseball than college or NFL football. Just not when you're running the bases.

[cartman]

Looks like the end might be here for Joe Nathan. Hurt his arm yesterday throwing in a rehab stint, and he'll have to have a 2nd Tommy John surgery. Since he's already 40, there likely isn't much left in the tank.

[Grover]

Looks like the end might be here for Joe Nathan. Hurt his arm yesterday throwing in a rehab stint, and he'll have to have a 2nd Tommy John surgery. Since he's already 40, there likely isn't much left in the tank.

Hard to believe he's 40.

[Ramzavail]

From a fantasy baseball standpoint, its ridiculous what they are doing with Devin Mesoraco.

[stevew]

So what's the deal with Rafael Soriano? Is he still a free agent? Why? Is his arm shot?

Clubhouse poison.

[cuervo72]

Terrible question to ask.

But how long has Rob Neyer been at Fox Sports? He seems to have a significantly smaller following than he had at ESPN.

I totally forgot about Neyer. Stopped reading him after he went behind the ESPN paywall.

[Grover]

I totally forgot about Neyer. Stopped reading him after he went behind the ESPN paywall.

Ditto! I saw his blog JABO (Just a Bit Outside) recently. He also only has around 1,000 followers on facebook.

[Logan]

Mets-Braves just had its third overturned call of the day.

[Logan]

Mets finished off a 10-0 homestand today. Apparently they're the 7th team in the modern era to finish off a 10+ game stand undefeated.

[Lathum]

Mets finished off a 10-0 homestand today. Apparently they're the 7th team in the modern era to finish off a 10+ game stand undefeated.

What a ride its been.

Oh, and they head to the Bronx with DeGrom then Harvey on the hill.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Rather fond of the Giants-Dodgers series. Can we get more pitching like that, please?

[cuervo72]

There go those Royals again...

[SirFozzie]

Yeah, the one common factor in all this is the Royals, Occam's Razor states it's the Royals who are the issue, not the rest of the league

[Atocep]

I think every kid on my 13u team is more mature than Yordano Ventura.

[SirFozzie]

So the Royals have 9 ejections this year.. The other 29 teams average 0.55 ejections.

[cuervo72]

Also, "he gone" is annoying as shit.

[kingfc22]

So the Royals are looking to get into it with every team in the league?

Mainly just Ventura.

Well maybe both. Can't wait to hear MBBF spin this one to how it's not the Royals who are clearly the A-holes of the league right now. :popcorn:

[PilotMan]

Rather fond of the Giants-Dodgers series. Can we get more pitching like that, please?

This feeling is purely sports related and in no way my personal feelings toward you ----- fuck you.


:banghead:

[PilotMan]

There go those Royals again...

and seriously, what the fuck is wrong with the Royals right now? They're acting like Carrie at the prom. Everyone loved them and fawned (but it was all a ruse) over them and they they went fucking psycho cause they found out people were talking shit about them behind their backs and now they're all like "BATHE ME IN THE BLOOD OF DEMONS!" I don't think they will keep many friends with this attitude.

[EagleFan]

and seriously, what the fuck is wrong with the Royals right now? They're acting like Carrie at the prom. Everyone loved them and fawned (but it was all a ruse) over them and they they went fucking psycho cause they found out people were talking shit about them behind their backs and now they're all like "BATHE ME IN THE BLOOD OF DEMONS!" I don't think they will keep many friends with this attitude.

You win the thread. :D

[JonInMiddleGA]

Recaps aren't saying much in the way of details so: was there some history with Eaton/Ventura previously or something?

I mean, okay, earlier one guy got hit from each & teams were warned ... but barking something or other at a guy who just tapped back to the mound seems kinda random.

[Calis]

No history really, but from what I've been reading there was a lot of jawing between teams in that inning leading up to that.. Saw some things about Samardziga yelling at Colon from dugout.

Also read something that said from other angle you can see Eaton yapping at Ventura first, apparently unhappy with a quick pitch... No idea if that's true though, haven't seen it and either way Ventura needs to chill the hell out soon.

[Grover]

Ventura needs to take the dickishness down a notch or two.

Royals are turning into a team for everybody to hate. Go back to being loveable, guys.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Also read something that said from other angle you can see Eaton yapping at Ventura first, apparently unhappy with a quick pitch... No idea if that's true though, haven't seen it and either way Ventura needs to chill the hell out soon.

This. Even the White Sox own TV announcing crew noted that Eaton was the one that instigated it. Ventura still should have let the out speak for itself rather than saying something. The rest of the fight actually had little to do with what started it all.

The MLB Network guys did a great job of breaking it all down. They also did a great job discussing media perception vs. reality of the situation.

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7417714/v86806783/mlb-tonight-on-benchesclearing-incident-in-chicago

[CraigSca]

Ventura needs to take the dickishness down a notch or two.

Royals are turning into a team for everybody to hate. Go back to being loveable, guys.

They were the same thing last year, between the Guthrie t-shirt crap and the quote about the series not returning to Baltimore.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Jeff Passan summed up what caused most of the secondary fight. Eaton and Ventura didn't do much other than exchange a few words.

Retweeted Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal):

Seconded RT @JeffPassan: Here's one truth: Samardzija should get longest suspension of everyone involved. Actively sought out Cain.

And then there's this:

@goldbergkc: RT @nate_bukaty: Was told by a good source that Sale came to the Royals clubhouse in the 8th inning, looking to fight Ventura.

[Easy Mac]

Well maybe both. Can't wait to hear MBBF spin this one to how it's not the Royals who are clearly the A-holes of the league right now. :popcorn:

Challenge accepted

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Challenge accepted

I suppose MLB Network was the one who took the challenge. They did a great job of breaking it down and taking the time to present the full picture rather than a small snippit that would only give part of the story. It was very well done.

[Buccaneer]

Rather fond of the Giants-Dodgers series. Can we get more pitching like that, please?

To that, I say thank you. Pads only got a 4-game split in Colorado but because the @%#$! Dodgers lost three, Pads managed to come out with a tie for first place.

[Chief Rum]

I suppose MLB Network was the one who took the challenge. They did a great job of breaking it down and taking the time to present the full picture rather than a small snippit that would only give part of the story. It was very well done.

I didn't watch the brawl or look at MLB network's breakdown of the whole affair, so I can't really speak to this incident.

But regardless of fault, yet again, it's the Royals. Yet again it's Ventura. This is a problem.

[EagleFan]

I didn't watch the brawl or look at MLB network's breakdown of the whole affair, so I can't really speak to this incident.

But regardless of fault, yet again, it's the Royals. Yet again it's Ventura. This is a problem.

But it can't be them. They should all be nominated for sainthood. :D

[cartman]

I hope they hand this to Ventura before his next start.

http://www.snickers.com/Resources/images/share/snickers.jpg

[Grover]

I hope they hand this to Ventura before his next start.

http://www.snickers.com/Resources/images/share/snickers.jpg

They should give him some Midol as well. I'm pretty sick of the issues. Regardless of whether he started this one or not (he didn't, Eaton did) he still decided to respond.

[Chief Rum]

I hope they hand this to Ventura before his next start.

http://www.snickers.com/Resources/images/share/snickers.jpg

Naw, he would get pissed because he has to take the candy bar out of the wrapper.

[Logan]

Naw, he would get pissed because he has to take the candy bar out of the wrapper.

I bet he'll do it quickly though.

[lighthousekeeper]

Phillies Phucking Phun Phacts:

Batting (Runs Scored): Rank 30th out of 30 teams
Phielding (Fielding Percentage): Rank 30th out of 30 teams
Pitching (WHIP): Rank 29th out of 30 teams

[Grover]

Phillies Phucking Phun Phacts:

Batting (Runs Scored): Rank 30th out of 30 teams
Phielding (Fielding Percentage): Rank 30th out of 30 teams
Pitching (WHIP): Rank 29th out of 30 teams

Kinda surprised the defense is worse than the Nats.

[EagleFan]

Phillies Phucking Phun Phacts:

Batting (Runs Scored): Rank 30th out of 30 teams
Phielding (Fielding Percentage): Rank 30th out of 30 teams
Pitching (WHIP): Rank 29th out of 30 teams

They need to do better. 29th in WHIP is unacceptable. At least run the board in suckage...

:(

[EagleFan]

They must be near the top in most strikeouts as well. Hell, Howard may put them there alone. He has fallen completely off the table.

[claphamsa]

rangers bringing back Hamilton...i assume its for a not prospect and the angels pay 100% of the salary...

[cartman]

If that trade goes through, his first game back in Arlington is gonna be real interesting. He burned a lot of bridges when he left.

[miami_fan]

Jeff Passan summed up what caused most of the secondary fight. Eaton and Ventura didn't do much other than exchange a few words.



And then there's this:

Going to the clubhouse to go after a guy? Zack Randolph and Kendrick Perkins approve.

[stevew]

Wonder how much $$$ the angels are eating. Gotta be between 60-70 million.

[Lathum]

ah well.

DeGrom wasn't sharp and the Mets finally lose a game. At least it was to an interleague opponent.

[SirFozzie]

Wonder how much $$$ the angels are eating. Gotta be between 60-70 million.

According to folks on twitter, Hamilton drops some, Rangers pay $15 million, Angels pay the rest

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not sure how this Royals/White Sox game hasn't been halted. I've never seen puddles/lakes this big on the infield during a major league game.

[JPhillips]

According to folks on twitter, Hamilton drops some, Rangers pay $15 million, Angels pay the rest

I can't imagine the player's association will let him drop any money. That's what killed the ARod to Boston deal years ago.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like the bigger suspensions for the latest brawl just got announced. Ventura gets 7 games, Volquez gets 5 games, Samardzija gets 5 games, and Sale gets 5 games. Basically, everyone misses one start. Cain and Herrera each get two games.

[miked]

Unprecedented!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Unprecedented!

Not really. The starter suspensions are pretty much in line with what you'd expect.

Though I am a bit surprised that Ventura gets seven games for being a potty mouth to the instigator (who got no suspension), while the guy who attempted to enter the opponents locker room to start a fight only gets five and the guy who picked a fight with the opponent also gets five.

[miked]

Maybe because Ventura was ejected a few days ago and fined.

[Lathum]

Plaweki!

[kingfc22]

Sounds like Wainwright likely out for the season.

[PilotMan]

That blows for baseball fans in general. He is a guy you want to see pitch all year long.

[TroyF]

Not really. The starter suspensions are pretty much in line with what you'd expect.

Though I am a bit surprised that Ventura gets seven games for being a potty mouth to the instigator (who got no suspension), while the guy who attempted to enter the opponents locker room to start a fight only gets five and the guy who picked a fight with the opponent also gets five.

Oh, gee, I dunno? maybe because the guy has been thrown out of just about every start he's been in this year? The guy is amazing to watch. He's an idiot though, and if the Royals don't reign him in, he's going to do something really stupid.

For the record, I did see the MLB network piece and think it's a bunch of garbage. He stares down Trout in a 7-0 game because why exactly? Trout hit a shot up the middle? The slide was not horrible by Lawrie and your manager admitted it after the game.

The thing is, we can analyze all these incidents if you want and you can come out and assign blame to any percentage you want. You think Trout was in the wrong? I think your opinion is terribly wrong, but lets do it. Lets call it 70% 30% in favor of the Royals. Then we'll call the next one 85% 15% in favor of the Royals. Then we'll call the next one 95% vs 5% in favor of the Royals.

Why is it that it's always the Royals and almost always this guy? Are they the only team that's been "wronged" in major league baseball this year?

This is really simple. it keeps happening because the Royals and specifically Ventura continue to act like immature idiots. I don't care if you disagree with this opinion or not, the Royals had better get this kid under control or he's going to lose his cool and hurt someone on the field. Furthermore, they are going to lose a key member of the team in a stupid brawl. It doesn't matter if you are right or wrong, stop getting in these situations. only bad things can happen.

[cartman]

Congrats, Royals. You were able to finish the suspended game without any players getting ejected.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

OMG. Early candidate for catch of the year by Alex Gordon. Just ridiculous.

[stevew]

That blows for baseball fans in general. He is a guy you want to see pitch all year long.

Not really, but I'm sure the Cards will just reach deeper into their roid factory and pull someone else out.

[Lathum]

Mets jump out early and everything they hit was tattooed. Let's hope Niese got out in order.

[Thomkal]

Sounds like Wainwright likely out for the season.

crap. Hope its not a career-ender.

[Lathum]

Someone in the stands has a sign that says Arod wears Matt Harvey underwear. Lol.

[kingfc22]

Disappointed. Came for my daily Royals update and nothing.

[MrBug708]

You missed the greatest catch in history!

[MizzouRah]

Not really, but I'm sure the Cards will just reach deeper into their roid factory and pull someone else out.

:lol::rolleyes:

[TroyF]

You missed the greatest catch in history!

To be fair, it was one hell of a catch. Arenado had one going into the crowd, the Toronto guy scaling the wall. That would be my top 3 of the season so far and I really couldn't complain what order someone put them in.

[corbes]

An honest question as the "NL needs a DH" things flares up. Assume for a moment that NL pitchers shouldn't hit. But why must we therefore have a DH? Why not just bat 8?

[EagleFan]

Nice catch.

I thought that you had to stay in the field of play for a catch to count?

[EagleFan]

An honest question as the "NL needs a DH" things flares up. Assume for a moment that NL pitchers shouldn't hit. But why must we therefore have a DH? Why not just bat 8?

No DH...

[Lathum]

Nice catch.

I thought that you had to stay in the field of play for a catch to count?

nope,just have to hold on to the ball

[panerd]

An honest question as the "NL needs a DH" things flares up. Assume for a moment that NL pitchers shouldn't hit. But why must we therefore have a DH? Why not just bat 8?

Sucks Wainwright got hurt but he could have just as easily been pitching or fielding or doing pre game warmups. The DH needs to be revisited at some point but not because of pitchers hitting. If anything the Ventura nonsense in the AL should make the AL consider getting rid of the DH. Sometimes the hotheads aren't as tough when they actually have to bat.

Plus to answer your bat 8 suggestion. Some players would bat 700 times. Stats would be completely out of whack.

[MrBug708]

nope,just have to hold on to the ball

Could you imagine the NBA using these rules?

[EagleFan]

Just looked it up, not a fan of that one. Should be more like football (if nothing more than to prevent injuries to players or fans). They should make it that the player needs to get his feet back down in the field of play.

[EagleFan]

Could you imagine the NBA using these rules?

NFL I could see, but NBA?

[EagleFan]

Can you imagine the replay crap we would have to sit through if the NFL tried this? Were his feet still above the field of play when he made the catch?

[Lathum]

Just looked it up, not a fan of that one. Should be more like football (if nothing more than to prevent injuries to players or fans). They should make it that the player needs to get his feet back down in the field of play.

So any ball caught in foul territory is just a foul ball?

[TroyF]

An honest question as the "NL needs a DH" things flares up. Assume for a moment that NL pitchers shouldn't hit. But why must we therefore have a DH? Why not just bat 8?

I had always been in the no DH crowd, but I've been leaning the other way the last few years. Watching pitchers bat is simply painful. Pitchers have trouble bunting now.

If it ever happens you go to a DH, it has to be 9 IMHO.

I don't think we'll be going DH for a long time, but I think the debate will start getting warmer as the hitting continues to drop. What was it last year, .121? Something like that? Yuk.

[corbes]

But why does it have to be 9? I guess that's my question. Just because it's always been 9? What would it really matter?

[EagleFan]

So any ball caught in foul territory is just a foul ball?

No, if your feet can't get back down on the field it's not a catch. Would prevent diving into the stands. But the will wait until someone ends their season doing that before they think about changing it.

[EagleFan]

But why does it have to be 9? I guess that's my question. Just because it's always been 9? What would it really matter?

Try to cut it to eight and watch the union scream.

[TroyF]

But why does it have to be 9? I guess that's my question. Just because it's always been 9? What would it really matter?

As someone else said, the union would go crazy.

Beyond that, this goes even further than going from 156 to 162. you add another 25 or so PA's for hitters who would play everyday.

In this case, at a minimum, the leadoff hitters would get another 150 to 200 PA's a year (as would most of the top 3 hitters due to the fact offensive output would rise. That could skew the record books in a pretty major way.

But really, this goes back to the union. You try pitching these two ideas to them;

Option 1: Major league teams will keep an extra MR/5th starter on the roaster at the league minimum.

Option 2: You pay a 39 year old 10 million dollars to be the DH.


Hmmmm. . . . lets see here, which one do you think they'll allow? I'm gonna say they'll tell you to take your extra middle reliever and shove it where the sun doesn't shine.

[cartman]

Hamilton to the Rangers is official. Evidently the Angels are going to eat over 90% of the $83 million still on the contract.

[Grover]

Hamilton to the Rangers is official. Evidently the Angels are going to eat over 90% of the $83 million still on the contract.

That's impressive.

[BillJasper]

Hamilton to the Rangers is official. Evidently the Angels are going to eat over 90% of the $83 million still on the contract.

The Angels owner and front office handled the situation poorly.

[Chief Rum]

The Angels owner and front office handled the situation poorly.

Really, it was handled everywhere poorly, including by baseball and by Hamilton.

[stevew]

Mark Teixeira is having a nice bounce back season. The Bill James favorite toy gives him a 0% chance at 500 if you strictly count his last 3 years, but a 25% chance if you use his last 3 healthy years. He's at 371 right now, if he doesn't mind playing for 4-5 more years I'd say he's got a reasonable shot at 500.

[cartman]

Hamilton to the Rangers is official. Evidently the Angels are going to eat over 90% of the $83 million still on the contract.

I guess the Angels share of the contract won't be quite that high, it'll be about $60 million. The Rangers are only going to have to cover about $7 million, and Hamilton is apparently giving up about $12 million, to cover the tax difference between California and Texas.

Josh Hamilton disagrees with Angels&apos; assertion he lacked accountability - LA Times (http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-josh-hamilton-exception-angels-accountability-20150427-story.html)

Even if Hamilton can only bat .250 with 15 homers each season over the next three, getting that for $7 mil is a bargain.

[SackAttack]

fuckitty fuck fuck

2/5 of the rotation is out of order

[cuervo72]

Nats are looking like a fucking mess right now.

[cartman]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>It looks like Indians Trevor Bauer came expecting to fight the Royals today. <a href="http://t.co/Ig0BnA1BEz">pic.twitter.com/Ig0BnA1BEz</a></p>&mdash; Ryan Walton (@RyanWaltonMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanWaltonMLB/status/592814866953539584">April 27, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[Suicane75]

So the Phillies suck, granted. But I'm watching this game tonight and this kid his making his major league debut on the mound, and he's probably not ever gonna be very good and he got beat up pretty good (didn't make it out of the 3rd), but there's this...I dunno how to describe it, the way the team huddled around him when he got pulled, the way the younger guys play with piss and vinegar and seem to ignite some of the vets.

I know it's early in the season and once you get 15 games under .500 or whatever some of that energy dissipates, but even though the world knows they just aren't a good team, and I'm sure they realize they aren't a good team and they aren't winning anything this year, they still try their damnedest and really seem to care about putting out the maximum effort, and that's fun to watch.

[TroyF]

Archie Bradley just took a shot off the face in Arizona. Cargo hit one back through box hard and drilled him.

he walked off the field after some time on the deck. Hope the kid is ok. First time I've seen him, he looks like one hell of a pitcher.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Boy, Kendrys Morales has been one hell of a welcome surprise. Excellent clutch hitter thus far and he actually runs the bases better than Billy did for a big guy.

[Grover]

That Red Sox staff is full of belly itchers.

[Easy Mac]

I'm not sure which is worse, giving up 13 runs to the Nats or 12 runs to the Braves.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, but that was one heck of a story in that Braves/Nats game. Like the plot of a movie - the winning run was a HR in the 9th inning by Dan Uggla of all people! And he had a triple a few innings earlier scoring 2 runs. After being down 9-1 at one point in the game as well.

[Chief Rum]

Yeah, but that was one heck of a story in that Braves/Nats game. Like the plot of a movie - the winning run was a HR in the 9th inning by Dan Uggla of all people! And he had a triple a few innings earlier scoring 2 runs. After being down 9-1 at one point in the game as well.

Did the catcher go home with the girl at the end of the game?

[ISiddiqui]

A.J. Pierzynski goes home with no one. :mad:

Lobaton may have though :)

[Scoobz0202]

I have MLB.tv premium, but for those not in the know, the empty stadium O's-White Sox game is the Free Game of the Day.

I think you need premium for this, but you can watch it with just park sounds and no announcers. Really weird to watch a pro game with no crowd noise at all. Can hear the players calling out to each other. Game sounds just so much louder since that is all you hear.

[PilotMan]

I have MLB.tv premium, but for those not in the know, the empty stadium O's-White Sox game is the Free Game of the Day.

I think you need premium for this, but you can watch it with just park sounds and no announcers. Really weird to watch a pro game with no crowd noise at all. Can hear the players calling out to each other. Game sounds just so much louder since that is all you hear.

Thanks, I have the premium package too, but I wanted to see this empty ballpark game.

[Logan]

I almost wish there was an empty stadium game on the schedule somewhere for a reason not anywhere near as serious as what happened in Baltimore (like...no running water in stadium bathrooms due to a broken pipe), because there's some very funny light-hearted stuff coming out of this game but it kind of feels bad to laugh about it until you remember this is grown men playing a game for money.

Like the announcing crews using golf voices to call this Adam Jones double and saying the Green Jacket is within reach...

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[PilotMan]

saw that; thought it was hilarious.

[Grover]

Yordano Ventura is on the bump. Just thought I'd report this.

[miami_fan]

Yordano Ventura is on the bump. Just thought I'd report this.

And a Royals player just got beaned in the head.

[claphamsa]

I have MLB.tv premium, but for those not in the know, the empty stadium O's-White Sox game is the Free Game of the Day.

I think you need premium for this, but you can watch it with just park sounds and no announcers. Really weird to watch a pro game with no crowd noise at all. Can hear the players calling out to each other. Game sounds just so much louder since that is all you hear.

it was blacked out here...

[stevew]

it was blacked out here...

was curious, but I just knew it would be that f'n stupid

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Big series this weekend at the K. Four games vs. the Detroit Tigers. Should be a playoff-like atmosphere all weekend long. Just got to keep Cabrera in the yard........

[lighthousekeeper]

Can someone explain what happened with Josh Hamilton in Anaheim? Other than the fact that he is currently recovering from injury and that he self-reported substance abuse this offseason, what else happened to have Anaheim sour on him so much? Jayson Stark wrote "...Amid a bizarre backdrop of embarrassment, frustration and (let’s face it) anger...His team [ate] more than $60 million to make him go away..."

What happened? I feel there must be something else I missed because I didn't follow closely and on the surface it just doesn't seem to add up.

[miami_fan]

I think if he was producing on the field he would still be in LA. Beyond that, from far far away, it seems like the Angels either overestimated the support system they put in place for Hamilton or they underestimated the support he needed to be successful off the field. Hamilton strikes me as a guy who needs to be treated with kid's gloves as a general rule in addition to being treated for his addiction issues.

[Chief Rum]

Can someone explain what happened with Josh Hamilton in Anaheim? Other than the fact that he is currently recovering from injury and that he self-reported substance abuse this offseason, what else happened to have Anaheim sour on him so much? Jayson Stark wrote "...Amid a bizarre backdrop of embarrassment, frustration and (let’s face it) anger...His team [ate] more than $60 million to make him go away..."

What happened? I feel there must be something else I missed because I didn't follow closely and on the surface it just doesn't seem to add up.

I don't know that we will really know, but I'll piece together some things I have heard on local radio and reading articles by beat writers and just my own gut feelings having followed this team for a bit.

It's better if I set the context here, too.

Arte Moreno is the Angels owner, and you need to know some things about him. He's a self-made man who turned himself into a billionaire selling billboards (essentially). He's Republican and conservative, even though most Mexican-Americans tend toward the left side of the political aisle. In a word, he's "old school." He's big on accountability.

He is also very competitive, which no doubt had a great impact in making him the successful man that he is. But the dark side of being so competitive is that you will make decisions geared solely toward making success happen, impulsive decisions. And when you're successful you generally always think you're right.

He bought the Angels in 2003. They were a World Series champ. They had a core of good, established players. They had one of the most highly regarded managers in the game in Scioscia (and several managers to be in the dugout with him, including Joe Maddon). He felt the only thing the Angels needed to make them consistently successful was an influx of money, first from him and then from the region. So he gave the baseball ops guys the go ahead to pursue bigger free agents than they had before. This got us Vlad Guerrero, Kelvim Escobar, etc. It led to the whole Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim thing. It got the team a huge local region contract with Fox which has pumped up team revenue massively.

But when he took the team over, the organization disposition was small time, middle market. He wanted them to dream big. So as the years went by, and the core group of guys from the Series team left or retired and were replaced by free agent acquisitions, team performance started to suffer and not stay at the same level.

I think the last straw for Merono was when Carl Ceawford signed with the Red Sox a few years ago, and reportedly the Angels' offer was nowhere near the Red Sox offer, virtually compelling Crawford to sign with Boston, even though he wanted to live in and play in SoCal. Moreno came out and basically admitted he should have stepped in and made the Crawford deal happen. Up to then, he had let his baseball people do the work.

So the next offseason, Moreno basically railroaded his own baseball people, signing Pujols to that massive deal over their heads. I think they were more on board/involved with the CJ Wilson deal that was signed at the same time, but Pujols was ALL Moreno.

But Pujols and new ROY Trout weren't enough to get the Angels to the postseason the next year either. So when the 2013 offseason started slowly, Moreno stepped in again, and negotiated this huge deal with Hamilton.

Step over to Hamilton, and cartman can probably give you more perspective here. Hamilton was flat AWESOME in Texas in the first half of 2012. The best player in baseball through those first three months. But he was beyond terrible in the second half, just a massive slump. Then the Rangers played the A's essentially for the division title and Hamilton made a bonehead fielding error that led to the A's winning. He was booed by Rangers fans in his final at bat in the AL Wildcard game.

Hamilton has always been the fragile ego type, apparently a people pleaser. One beat writer said Hamilton was one of the few baseball players who would ask him about his own life and how things were going and have earnest conversations with him, rather than the usual media speak. He is easy to get along with when things are going well.

But Hamilton is also very introspective. He gets in his own head. He's kinda mental. He takes stuff hard. I think a lot of that comes from his addiction problems. Before, he was so good, though, that he could handle the pressure because he succeeded anyway. The end of 2012 and the Rangers' fall (after losing two World Series, too) was too much for him, I think. It led to him believing he needed a change of scenery.

So when Moreno comes along with this huge contract, it's not a hard decision for Hamilton to take the money and to go to a spot which already had Pujols and Trout and Weaver and his former teammate Wilson and all these other guys who could be "the man". Plus, Moreno was offering to bring over all of Hamilton's support crew, too, including his life coach/chaperone.

But remember, Moreno is big on accountability. So when he met with Hamilton, he asked him to his face, "Can you stay clean? Can you promise me you will stay clean and be a productive member of this organization? Can I get your word?"

That's supposedly the conversation that happened, and Hamilton gave his word he would stay clean. That was enough for Moreno, and they signed the contract.

Go on to 2013--Hamilton is still abit gunshy from his poor end of 2012. Still in his head, as always. He always hit his way out of slumps before and this one wasn't going away so fast (because he's older and his bat speed is slower, of course). He never gets quite right, and he never really did anything which would endear himself to fans. The anticipated pressure in Anaheim became stronger than expected because Pujols hurt his foot, missed some time and then came back barely able to run. So the hope was that Hamilton would help carry the team. He never quite got there. He started to hear boos here, too, just like in Texas. And the Angels missed the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Cue unhappy ultra-competitive owner, management, fans.

Hamilton had a really good training regimen in the 2014 offseason and came to play from Day One. He was good in spring and then started hot. For the first time, he looked like the old Hamilton. But then he mystifyingly dove head first into first base on a ground ball and broke his thumb on the base. Completely dumb move, probably fueled in part because Hamilton still didn't understand he couldn't do the same stuff he used to. So he's out for two months and when he comes back, he never really gets going. He is dinged up the rest of the way and misses most of the September with a leg injury, if I recall right.

He came back just in time to play in the ALDS last October versus the Royals. The Angels lost three straight and the league-best offense was terrible. They lost two very tight extra inning games at home, and Hamilton was this hole of a player hitting 7th every game. He was worthless, playing-wise. He was probably still too hurt and should have been sat. The fans booed him and Hamilton came out and said something along the lines of "I don't play for the fans." True or not, probably not the best thing to say at that point.

So the Angels go from the best record and best offense in baseball to swept out of the playoffs in three games. And Hamilton is very much a scapegoat of this. The fans are mad at him. Management, too. And Moreno.

No telling what happens now, but I am guessing Hamilton either said "Fuck it" or he just had a moment of weakness, and went back to the drugs and alcohol. I would guess he was doing the blow and getting drunk off and on for the next several months. And clearly the home life wasn't helping, considering he is divorcing his wife with whom he has four kids.

Someone--I am guessing with the Angels--got wind of this and it pissed off Moreno with all his accountability BS, and especially after paying Hamilton so much money. (Guessing here, but) the Angels were likely to report to baseball what Hamilton was doing. So his agent advised Hamilton to go the baseball offices himself and confess, to hopefully stop a suspension and keep him from not getting paid. BTW, this was also shortly after Hamilton hurt his shoulder in workouts, which he is still on the DL for.

At this point, I don't think the Angels and Hamilton are anywhere near working with each other on anything. The Angels have given up on him and just want to get out of some of his contract so they can spend that money elsewhere to improve the team (like re-signing Huston Street). So when they hear about Hamilton going to the baseball offices, suddenly it is "leaked" that he went. No real shocker where that likely came from. The Angels wanted this to be a public battle because they thought it would either lead to Hamilton giving some money back or public outcry over his relapse would lead to his suspension. Baseball was on board with this and Moreno and Manfred basically worked together to get Hamilton suspended under the CBA drug suspension bylaws. But Hamilton and the MLBPA fought it and won.

At this point, they're just straight antagonistic toward each other. That's why the Angels came out they way they did when the arbitrator's decision was announced. They were pissed at Hamilton for his relapse and for successfully circumventing (in their eyes) baseball's drug by laws. DiPoto is much more Moreno's guy than the past baseball guys, and so is the prez of baseball ops.

Basically, behind the scenes, I think it became clear Hamilton would never play for the Angels again. But it was a really bad look for the team (and rightfully), especially when CJ Wilson and Trout came out in support of their teammate, and Scioscia was saying the kinds of media-friendly, player-protective things that he advocates. It's interesting to me that Scioscia recently criticized Hamilton for not apologizing to his teammates for his relapse. That's not Scioscia's style at all and that tells me the team players expected a mea culpa from Hamilton and a thank you for their support of him against the organization, which they never got.

So I think you can see why the Angels were willing to pay whatever to get rid of him and also why Hamilton was willing to wave off whatever $12-14 M to be gone.

No real winners here, maybe not even the Rangers if Hamilton doesn't get his act together (although it's a move with little downside for them, really).

[stevew]

The Angles had to move Hamilton so they could afford to keep Draymond Green.

[Chief Rum]

The Angles had to move Hamilton so they could afford to keep Draymond Green.

If that jackass became an Angel, I would probably drop the Angels and become a Warriors fan for them letting him go lol.

[Lathum]

Flores keeps killing the Mets in the field.

[claphamsa]

Flores keeps killing the Mets in the field.

youll enjoy Desmond next year...

[lighthousekeeper]

Wow Chief - thanks for that awesome summary! That filled in a ton of information that I was clueless about.

It does seem, based on your summary, that ANA (ownership and fans) were a little hard on Hamilton. I mean, when ANA offered him that contract back in 2012, some things were already known about him: his injury history, the possibility that his previous drug use may have had permanent effects on his body, his extreme streakiness. So it shouldn't have been much of a surprise to ownership that he was going to tail off pretty drastically. A 3.0 WAR over 2013-2014 should have already been expected as a somewhat likely (albeit unfortunate) outcome. Plus, it's hard to fault a guy for getting injured trying to hustle, even if it was a bonehead move. When ownership overpays a player, it's not the player's fault.

(But maybe my bar of expectation is set so low since I compare Hamilton's performance to Ryan Howard, who was signed to a very similar 5yr/$125M contract. Hamilton has posted 3.0 WAR in 2 years, whereas Howard has posted -2.0 WAR in 3+ years of his contract. ... The thing that I found weird is Jayson Stark cited the Hamilton contract as the worst ever. I can think of several that turned out a lot worse.)

[Jas_lov]

A-Rod just hit 660 in Boston. $6 million HR if the Yankees pay him, which it seems they won't.

[Lathum]

A-Rod just hit 660 in Boston. $6 million HR if the Yankees pay him, which it seems they won't.

Which is a fucking joke if they dont

[Scarecrow]

Not going to jinx it...

[Scarecrow]

...and I did

[miked]

12M HR as the Yanks owe luxury tax on it.

[MrBug708]

Imagine if Joc played for the Royals

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Glad to see the Royals already have a split secured halfway through the series with the Tigers.

The battle between Cabrera and Herrera in the 8th inning was epic. So fun to watch.

[stevew]

12M HR as the Yanks owe luxury tax on it.

It's only 9M but yeah, it's a worthless homer regardless.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I can't help but feel like A-Rod has a golden opportunity to make up some ground in the public eye with this HR/Bonus thing. If he were to go after the Yankees for the money and then donate it to charity or something, that would be fantastic.