2015 MLB thread

[Lathum]

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.

Doing something foolish and donating the money worked out SO well for lebron.

[CraigSca]

Doing something foolish and donating the money worked out SO well for lebron.

Are you saying ARod going after the money is foolish? What PR bridge has he not burned thus far? Huge difference between Lebron and ARod.

[JeeberD]

So how 'bout them Astros? Best record in the AL, half game behind the best record in baseball, 3rd best run differential, most home runs in baseball. This feels so good after the misery of the last few seasons...

[Buccaneer]

So how 'bout them Astros? Best record in the AL, half game behind the best record in baseball, 3rd best run differential, most home runs in baseball. This feels so good after the misery of the last few seasons...

Unfortunately, the Pads caught the hot Astros at home at a bad time.

[claphamsa]

yankees have confirmed they are not going to pay the 6M and say everything we think we know about the contract is wrong. so.... yeah

[stevew]

Jung Ho Kang hits his first major league homer to send the pirates game into extra innings.

[Honolulu_Blue]

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.

Glad to see the Tigers battle back and take the split on the road against K.C.

Nice to see Sanchez finally do well. The Tigers can't rely on Simon and Green to be who they were the first couple of weeks of the season.

[lungs]

Ron Roenicke is the first manager to go. Odd timing after a series win but they made the decision before the series. Sounds like Craig Counsell will be taking over.

Was never a huge fan of Roenicke's tactics, but I've long ago given up on being a fan of a manager's game decisions since they all do the same thing anyway.

[panerd]

Ron Roenicke is the first manager to go. Odd timing after a series win but they made the decision before the series. Sounds like Craig Counsell will be taking over.

Was never a huge fan of Roenicke's tactics, but I've long ago given up on being a fan of a manager's game decisions since they all do the same thing anyway.

Yeah isn't he a part of the "bat the pitcher 8th" group? Used to bug me about LaRussa (along with using pitchers for one out like L/R matters against a .230 hitter) but unfortunately the Cardinals were good enough that he could claim the pitcher 8th strategy worked. I think Joe Madden uses it as well. Why not just lead off with the pitcher?

[MrBug708]

JP Howell with early nod for defensive play of the year yesterday with a behind the back sliding tag at home

[lungs]

Yeah isn't he a part of the "bat the pitcher 8th" group? Used to bug me about LaRussa (along with using pitchers for one out like L/R matters against a .230 hitter) but unfortunately the Cardinals were good enough that he could claim the pitcher 8th strategy worked. I think Joe Madden uses it as well. Why not just lead off with the pitcher?

Roenicke did do that a little bit a few years ago but hasn't messed around with it since. Maddon definitely uses it, he was batting the pitcher 8th this past weekend.

Roenicke's most fireable offense was starting Mark Kotsay in CF in the 2011 NLCS against the Cardinals :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Glad to see the Tigers battle back and take the split on the road against K.C.

Nice to see Sanchez finally do well. The Tigers can't rely on Simon and Green to be who they were the first couple of weeks of the season.

It was a fun series to watch. They're likely the two best teams in the AL (sorry Houston) and they played like it in all four games.

[Chief Rum]

They're likely the two best teams in the AL (sorry Houston) and they played like it in all four games.

Way too early to say this. I'm guessing at least one of these teams will not be one of the best two in the league, and probably both, by the end of the season. It's May (and early May).

[Vince, Pt. II]

Yeah isn't he a part of the "bat the pitcher 8th" group? Used to bug me about LaRussa (along with using pitchers for one out like L/R matters against a .230 hitter) but unfortunately the Cardinals were good enough that he could claim the pitcher 8th strategy worked. I think Joe Madden uses it as well. Why not just lead off with the pitcher?

The idea is that your 1-4 hitters are going to be much more talented than your 6-8 place hitters, so you want to maximize the number of opportunities your best hitters have to come to the plate with runners on base. Statistically speaking, it's actually a sound strategy.

Edit: Some not-quite-scientific analysis (http://www.hardballtimes.com/is-larussa-right-to-bat-his-pitcher-in-the-eight-slot/).

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Way too early to say this. I'm guessing at least one of these teams will not be one of the best two in the league, and probably both, by the end of the season. It's May (and early May).

There's a lot of mediocre baseball teams in the AL right now, so there's not much to choose from as far as the best. There's only four teams more than a game above .500. Houston's entire division is under .500.

[Chief Rum]

There's a lot of mediocre baseball teams in the AL right now, so there's not much to choose from as far as the best. There's only four teams more than a game above .500. Houston's entire division is under .500.

Okay, if your statement is "the best two teams in the AL right now", then I can buy that. Or playing the best right now.

But I'm not far enough into the season to make any bold statements myself about what teams are the best in the AL.

For instance, if I recall right, the Royals didn't get off to a great start last year, and they went to the World Series. The Angels were a .500 team on May 1 last year and ended up with the best record in baseball.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Okay, if your statement is "the best two teams in the AL right now", then I can buy that. Or playing the best right now.

But I'm not far enough into the season to make any bold statements myself about what teams are the best in the AL.

For instance, if I recall right, the Royals didn't get off to a great start last year, and they went to the World Series. The Angels were a .500 team on May 1 last year and ended up with the best record in baseball.

Yes, it was intended as 'right now'.

[HomerSimpson98]

So how 'bout them Astros? Best record in the AL, half game behind the best record in baseball, 3rd best run differential, most home runs in baseball. This feels so good after the misery of the last few seasons...

Go Stros! Nolan must be laughing his ass off every day.

[lungs]

For instance, if I recall right, the Royals didn't get off to a great start last year, and they went to the World Series. The Angels were a .500 team on May 1 last year and ended up with the best record in baseball.

And the Brewers looked unstoppable.

[Vince, Pt. II]

The Giants were 42-21 on June 8th. They finished the season 46-53. It turned out ok for them.

[Grover]

Rocco Baldelli being the Rays 1st Base Coach makes me smile.

[MizzouRah]

This years Cardinals team has been a blast to watch each night!

[lighthousekeeper]

Rocco Baldelli being the Rays 1st Base Coach makes me smile.

ping 'things that make you feel old' thread

[SackAttack]

The idea is that your 1-4 hitters are going to be much more talented than your 6-8 place hitters, so you want to maximize the number of opportunities your best hitters have to come to the plate with runners on base. Statistically speaking, it's actually a sound strategy.

Edit: Some not-quite-scientific analysis (http://www.hardballtimes.com/is-larussa-right-to-bat-his-pitcher-in-the-eight-slot/).

I think, ideally, you'd get someone with a .400 OBP to be your #9 hitter. Wouldn't matter how well or how poorly they hit for average as long as they were good at drawing walks. Get that extra baserunner for your top 3 hitters, so you can treat your 1-3 as if they were 2-4 guys for most of the game without sacrificing the 15-20 PA they gain each season batting a little higher in the lineup.

Thing is, though, over the course of 162 games that's not much of a marginal benefit. If you HAVE a player who gives you great defense and a .400 OBP but isn't much of a hitter otherwise, absolutely - bat the pitcher 8th.

Use him to maximize the value of your best players. If you don't have that guy, you aren't gaining much by batting the pitcher 8th.

[SackAttack]

dola, think late-career Rickey Henderson. Hit in the .220s, but had an OBP in the .350s and even still had a little tread left on the tires as a base stealer. I mean, yeah, it sounds goofy to say "give me the Hall of Famer to bat 9th," but that's kind of the offensive profile I'd want to bat the pitcher 8th on a regular basis. .200/.350/.300.

Brandon Crawford is a guy I'd try it with, if his OBP is sustainable. .235/.347 with a little pop? Sure. Swap him with the pitcher (it looks like most of his starts this year have been in the 8 hole).

[panerd]

The idea is that your 1-4 hitters are going to be much more talented than your 6-8 place hitters, so you want to maximize the number of opportunities your best hitters have to come to the plate with runners on base. Statistically speaking, it's actually a sound strategy.

Edit: Some not-quite-scientific analysis (http://www.hardballtimes.com/is-larussa-right-to-bat-his-pitcher-in-the-eight-slot/).

Honest question (I don't know the answer) Did Madden bat his worst batter 8th last year for the Rays? If so at least he is consistent and I will give him some credence for his pitcher 8th strategy with the Cubs. If not than he just seems like one of those managers (like LaRussa) who think they are smarter than everyone else.

[Lathum]

Bryce Harper is having himself a day

[ISiddiqui]

Damn, no kidding!

[Subby]

Bryce Harper is having himself a day

I was waffling on whether to pick him for the early slate for daily fantasy. Thank god I picked him. He's up to 44 points on DK with 2 more at bats left.

[Lathum]

I was waffling on whether to pick him for the early slate for daily fantasy. Thank god I picked him. He's up to 44 points on DK with 2 more at bats left.

I have him in Fandual. I was also waffling as there was rain in the forecast. Glad I took him.

Good luck.

[JPhillips]

You can fire Dusty Baker, but you can't fire his lineups!

Coming into tonight's game the Reds leadoff hitters had a combined .233 OBP.

[cartman]

Baseball can be a strange game. Coming into the series, the Astros had won 10 straight and the Rangers were the last team in baseball without consecutive wins. So of course the Rangers get the three game sweep.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Like the Padres being the most prolific offense in baseball and being shut out for 18 straight innings. Then of course today happened. Blech.

[Lathum]

Mets get back on the saddle. After losing consecutive 1-0 games they take 2 from Baltimore as DeGrom and Colon were both lights out.

I really have faith in this team this year, with the starting pitching they roll out every day there aren't going to be any long losing streaks.

[ISiddiqui]

Mets get back on the saddle. After losing consecutive 1-0 games they take 2 from Baltimore as DeGrom and Colon were both lights out.

I really have faith in this team this year, with the starting pitching they roll out every day there aren't going to be any long losing streaks.

I'm not entirely sure how to do this hope thing though :).

(like, I'm always waiting for the bottom to drop out somehow)

[BishopMVP]

Interesting little rule question from last night's softball game. Bases loaded, no outs, pop up near first. Infield Fly rule called, but on the way down the ball hit the runner standing on first base and rolled into the dugout. Do the runners automatically advance a base? I think yes, because the runner is protected while on the base and that's a live ball, but I felt bad for the first baseman. What's he supposed to do - push the runner out of the way? Awkwardly try to catch it over his head? (Runner wasn't actively interfering, but had nowhere to go.)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting little rule question from last night's softball game. Bases loaded, no outs, pop up near first. Infield Fly rule called, but on the way down the ball hit the runner standing on first base and rolled into the dugout. Do the runners automatically advance a base?

My interpretation of the boldface rule is that if the fielder makes an attempt to field the ball and the runner does not interfere, the ball is live and the runner is not out regardless of whether they are on the base or not.

From the rule book:

5.09
The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when --
(a) A pitched ball touches a batter, or his clothing, while in his legal batting position; runners, if forced, advance;
(b) The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw; runners may not advance.
NOTE: The interference shall be disregarded if the catcher’s throw retires the runner.
(c) A balk is committed; runners advance; (See Penalty 8.05).
(d) A ball is illegally batted; runners return;
(e) A foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases;
(f) A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher;
Rule 5.09(f) Comment: If a fair ball touches an umpire working in the infield after it has bounded past, or over, the pitcher, it is a dead ball. If a batted ball is deflected by a fielder in fair territory and hits a runner or an umpire while still in flight and then is caught by an infielder it shall not be a catch, but the ball shall remain in play. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner out. In making such decision the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the infielder and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball; runners advance, if forced;
(g) A pitched ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or paraphernalia, and remains out of play, runners advance one base;
Rule 5.09(g) Comment: If a foul tip hits the umpire and is caught by a fielder on the rebound, the ball is “dead” and the batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply where such foul tip lodges in the umpire’s mask or other paraphernalia.
If a third strike (not a foul tip) passes the catcher and hits an umpire, the ball is in play. If such ball rebounds and is caught by a fielder before it touches the ground, the batsman is not out on such a catch, but the ball remains in play and the batsman may be retired at first base, or touched with the ball for the out.
If a pitched ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or paraphernalia, and remains out of play, on the third strike or fourth ball, then the batter is entitled to first base and all runners advance one base. If the count on the batter is less than three balls, runners advance one base.
(h) Any legal pitch touches a runner trying to score; runners advance.

[cartman]

I don't think the runner is protected while on base. MLB rules call a runner any offensive player who is advancing toward, or touching, or returning to any base. If the runner gets hit by the ball on the way down (and they are the first player to touch the ball), they are out.

edit: something similar came up in a game the other night. It was a ground ball, not a popup. The player running to second saw that it was likely going to be fielded by the 2nd baseman for a double play, so he held up and let the ball hit him. He was called out, and the batter got to stay on first. It was a novel way of breaking up the double play. But that was also MLB, softball might have a different rule.

[Easy Mac]

From Rule 7.08

7.08 Any runner is out when—...

He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed an
infielder. The ball is dead and no runner may score, nor runners advance, except
runners forced to advance. EXCEPTION: If a runner is touching his base when
touched by an Infield Fly, he is not out, although the batter is out;

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

From Rule 7.08

Good find!

[BishopMVP]

My interpretation of the boldface rule is that if the fielder makes an attempt to field the ball and the runner does not interfere, the ball is live and the runner is not out regardless of whether they are on the base or not.

From the rule book:Yeah, we all agreed that batter was out, runner was not, but the question is whether that ball is still live and what the first baseman is supposed to do. I mean, it's men's league softball so (most) people aren't trying to be dicks, but in the unlikely event that happens again I guess he's supposed to knock the runner down or out of the way. Just seemed like a very unique situation that might be worth a rule book tweak (if an infield fly hits a runner standing on a base, ball is dead and no advance.)

Edit - And EasyMac found it already.

[EagleFan]

Rule 7.08(f)

(f) He is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed an infielder. The ball is dead and no runner may score, nor runners advance, except runners forced to advance. EXCEPTION: If a runner is touching his base when touched by an Infield Fly, he is not out, although the batter is out;

[cartman]

Easy Mac with the definitive answer. There is an exception for the infield fly rule.

[EagleFan]

Oh, what EM said. :)

[EagleFan]

Though I find the next sentence in that rule amusing...

Rule 7.08(f) Comment: If two runners are touched by the same fair ball, only the first one is out because the ball is instantly dead.


I want to see a play where a batted ball hits two different runners before anyone else.

[cartman]

I can see why the rule is that way. If the infield fly was in the vicinity of a bag, that puts the runner in a bad spot. If he moves off of the bag to avoid touching the ball, he runs the risk of the fielder intentionally dropping the ball and tagging him out. But I do admit I don't ever think I've seen that rule come into play.

[BishopMVP]

Though I find the next sentence in that rule amusing...

Rule 7.08(f) Comment: If two runners are touched by the same fair ball, only the first one is out because the ball is instantly dead.


I want to see a play where a batted ball hits two different runners before anyone else.We've all seen balls hit off a pitcher's knee/shin/even head hard enough to ricochet to the outfield, so I suppose a runner advancing from first to second could be hit by a hard grounder or liner at just the right angle it goes near a runner advancing from 2nd to 3rd.

What does happen to the other runners if one is hit by a batted ball? Do they get the advance or is it up to the umpires discretion?

[Easy Mac]

Runner one is out, ball is dead after it hits him/her.

[BishopMVP]

Runner one is out, ball is dead after it hits him/her.I'm just asking in general, not for that weird scenario where 2 runners are hit.

If the bases are loaded, no outs, and a ball hits the runner between 1st and 2nd, he's out no question and the ball is dead, but where do the other runners go? Presumably they're between 2 bases, and if they automatically go to the next one you could get a situation like that broken up non-DP from last night where a trailing runner let's himself get hit instead of letting the defense cut down the lead runner going home.

[Easy Mac]

Everyone returns to their base, batter goes to first.

[Galaril]

So Red Sox starters as suspected are a disaster. So much for signing Portcello to a big contract at 22 million a year being a good idea.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Whoooo!!!! Big win for the good guys! Can't believe they got out of those messes in the 9th and 10th. Gutsy stuff.

[MrBug708]

Not sure anyone would classify the Royals as "the good guys" here tbh..

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not sure anyone would classify the Royals as "the good guys" here tbh..

You'd be wrong. There's several that would.

[Chief Rum]

You'd be wrong. There's several that would.

He's right, Bug. There are a handful of Royals fans on the board. ;)

Now, if you say "would any non-Royals fans say 'good guys?'" That would be a more interesting question.

[PilotMan]

Booooooooom in LA!

Why is there no Dodger fan thread?

[Vince, Pt. II]

Cishek has had a bad couple of days here.

[Buccaneer]

Booooooooom in LA!

Why is there no Dodger fan thread?

Because no one in their right mind would be a Dodger$ fan? :lol: :lol:

[MrBug708]

Booooooooom in LA!

Why is there no Dodger fan thread?

Look for the good guys thread or the boys in blue thread or what's wrong with Kershaw thread

[Lathum]

Endured an hour and forty five minute rain delay at the Reds game last night. Luckily we were under the upper deck. Took my 85 year old Dad and my 5 year old son, was really cool to see my dad explain the game to my son. He was visiting from NJ and goes home today. He is really slowing down and last night was possibly the last chance to take in a game with all 3 of us, so there was no way I wasn't waiting it out. To see my son engaged with his Grandpa in a ballgame was worth every second.

My son also had quite the hit list.

Hot Dog
Chips
Pretzel
Cotton Candy
Icee
Crunch and Munch
Popcorn
some of Grandpas fries

[CraigSca]

He is really slowing down and last night was possibly the last chance to take in a game with all 3 of us, so there was no way I wasn't waiting it out.

Beginning to see this with my own parents as well :(.

My son also had quite the hit list.

Hot Dog
Chips
Pretzel
Cotton Candy
Icee
Crunch and Munch
Popcorn
some of Grandpas fries

Wow - and there was no 2am call from his room saying his belly hurts?! Major respect for your son!

[CraigSca]

Not sure anyone would classify the Royals as "the good guys" here tbh..

Agreed - they went from cute story to post-2004 Red Sox arrogance in 0 seconds flat.

[Lathum]

Wow - and there was no 2am call from his room saying his belly hurts?! Major respect for your son!

I leave for work before he gets up in the morning. I called my wife to ask her how he felt and she said he was just find, couldn't believe it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Cripes! What the hell is suddenly wrong with Danny Duffy? His delivery is a hot mess. Gifting a game to an offensively challenged team with a bunch of walks is not what we need.

[cartman]

So if the Rangers have scored more runs than the Royals over the last 12 games, and you say they are 'offensively challenged', what does that make KC?

[Logan]

Agreed - they went from cute story to post-2004 Red Sox arrogance in 0 seconds flat.

Except the Red Sox won something.

[jbergey22]

Cripes! What the hell is suddenly wrong with Danny Duffy? His delivery is a hot mess. Gifting a game to an offensively challenged team with a bunch of walks is not what we need.

Just pitching more to his "true" ability this year. Outperforming his xFIP by 2 runs wasnt sustainable.

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3542&position=P

[jbergey22]

dola, think late-career Rickey Henderson. Hit in the .220s, but had an OBP in the .350s and even still had a little tread left on the tires as a base stealer. I mean, yeah, it sounds goofy to say "give me the Hall of Famer to bat 9th," but that's kind of the offensive profile I'd want to bat the pitcher 8th on a regular basis. .200/.350/.300.

Brandon Crawford is a guy I'd try it with, if his OBP is sustainable. .235/.347 with a little pop? Sure. Swap him with the pitcher (it looks like most of his starts this year have been in the 8 hole).

Agree. That type of hitter would be the perfect profile for a 9th hitter batting ahead of the pitcher. Otherwise I dont really get it either. LaRussa started it because he batted McGwire 3rd, probably wanting him to get that extra AB at the end of the game, and kind of wanting to see him in that cleanup position also. I am not sure that batting positions really matter all that much unless you are batting 3-4 leftys in a row. I think in "The Book" they did a study on this and decided batting order really didnt matter a whole lot.

[CraigSca]

Except the Red Sox won something.

Exactly!

[PilotMan]

Endured an hour and forty five minute rain delay at the Reds game last night. Luckily we were under the upper deck. Took my 85 year old Dad and my 5 year old son, was really cool to see my dad explain the game to my son. He was visiting from NJ and goes home today. He is really slowing down and last night was possibly the last chance to take in a game with all 3 of us, so there was no way I wasn't waiting it out. To see my son engaged with his Grandpa in a ballgame was worth every second.

My son also had quite the hit list.

Hot Dog
Chips
Pretzel
Cotton Candy
Icee
Crunch and Munch
Popcorn
some of Grandpas fries

You know, we are going to cross paths at some point. I was right next door at Raw with my 11 yr old. Sounds like he was just testing the limits of your pocket book. I'm sure he will get a better handle on it as he gets older. :lol:

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Just pitching more to his "true" ability this year. Outperforming his xFIP by 2 runs wasnt sustainable.

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3542&position=P

I'm guessing you haven't watched the last couple of starts. His average over the season is palatable. But he's been channeling his inner Rick Ankiel over the last couple of starts. It's scary.

[jbergey22]

I'm guessing you haven't watched the last couple of starts. His average over the season is palatable. But he's been channeling his inner Rick Ankiel over the last couple of starts. It's scary.

He is a 7/k per 9, 3.5/bb per nine pitcher. His BABIP last year was less than .240 which is not sustainable. He benefits from a great defense behind him and a lot of luck right now. He peripherals arent much different than Jason Vargas. My point was that he is certainly not a mid two ERA pitcher like he was last year.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

He is a 7/k per 9, 3.5/bb per nine pitcher. His BABIP last year was less than .240 which is not sustainable. He benefits from a great defense behind him and a lot of luck right now. He peripherals arent much different than Jason Vargas. My point was that he is certainly not a mid two ERA pitcher like he was last year.

Well, there's only a small handful of sub 3.00 ERA pitchers anyway, so that's not exactly the most profound of statements.

My point was that he's not looked like the Danny Duffy we've come to expect and I'm certainly not even referring to just last year.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I think his point is that those expectations are what is flawed, not his ERA.

[TroyF]

Stanton hit a ball out of Dodger stadium tonight. over the awning in left field.

[Neuqua]

The Cubs are so much fun to watch this year.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Thankful that the Royals avoided an embarrassing loss tonight. Obviously some issues when you're giving up this number of runs to this bad of an offensive team, but survived and stayed in 1st.

[cartman]

Thankful that the Royals avoided an embarrassing loss tonight. Obviously some issues when you're giving up this number of runs to this bad of an offensive team, but survived and stayed in 1st.

:rolleyes:

Again, if the Rangers have scored more runs than the Royals over the past two weeks, what does that make the Royals?

[MrBug708]

Recipients of trolling fans? :)

Glad the good guys won!

[CraigSca]

Phillies are looking epically awful. -66 run differential after only 34 games.

[Fonzie]

Phillies are looking epically awful. -66 run differential after only 34 games.

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.: “We might be a little challenged as far as overall talent” | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/12/phillies-gm-ruben-amaro-jr-we-might-be-a-little-challenged-as-far-as-overall-talent/)

[Grover]

Stanton hit a ball out of Dodger stadium tonight. over the awning in left field.

Only the fourth player in history to do so.

[Subby]

:rolleyes:

Again, if the Rangers have scored more runs than the Royals over the past two weeks, what does that make the Royals?
Maybe a small sample size. Maybe. ;)

[Lathum]

Corey Kluber. Wow.

[cartman]

Corey Kluber. Wow.

Yeah, I'd say that qualifies as a good bounce back game. :D

[Grover]

Screw you to Tito for taking him out.

[cartman]

Highest game score for a pitcher in an 8 inning outing in the last 100 years.

[EagleFan]

:rolleyes:

Again, if the Rangers have scored more runs than the Royals over the past two weeks, what does that make the Royals?

You're confusing him...

[EagleFan]

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.: “We might be a little challenged as far as overall talent” | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/12/phillies-gm-ruben-amaro-jr-we-might-be-a-little-challenged-as-far-as-overall-talent/)

Amaro has got to be the worst GM in pro sports. He has over stayed his welcome by several years but still keeps his job. He must have pictures of someone.

[BishopMVP]

So Red Sox starters as suspected are a disaster. So much for signing Portcello to a big contract at 22 million a year being a good idea.Huh? Porcello and Buchholz (outside of one start) have been the 2 solid pitchers. Not a huge surprise that Miley, Kelly, or Masterson have been bad although I'd hoped one of the three (Miley) would be at least league average, but trading for/extending Porcello isn't the issue. Hoping Wright can be effective, and I assume Eduardo Rodriguez will be up by the end of June.

[ISiddiqui]

Porcello, solid? He has an ERA+ of 91. That's 9% below the average pitcher (in fact, Porcello has only had 2 years of ERA+ above average... his rookie year, and his contract year). It was a pretty bad deal.

Oh, and Buckholz is at an ERA+ of 72, FWIW.

[BishopMVP]

Porcello, solid? He has an ERA+ of 91. That's 9% below the average pitcher (in fact, Porcello has only had 2 years of ERA+ above average... his rookie year, and his contract year). It was a pretty bad deal.

Oh, and Buckholz is at an ERA+ of 72, FWIW.Over a 40 IP sample size ERA+ isn't the stat I'd use (Clayton Kershaw has an ERA+ of 88 f.e.), but when your other starters have an ERA+ of 72, 65, 65, and 60, yeah sadly 91 is solid. The Porcello contract is an overpay, certainly in $/y to keep the term down, but he should at least be a durable league-average starter (and pretty much has been this year). If we had 5 Porcello's we'd probably be tied for 1st right now.

Buchholz has an absurd .393 BABIPa and a 62.3 LOB% to go with a 10.3 K/9. He's pitched well with the usual Buchholz inconsistency - very good half the games, ok some, and 1 terrible blowup.

Kelly and Masterson are the issue - they should both be relievers (Kelly 7th inning flamethrower, Masterson rubber-armed long man), and could help cover up some holes in the bullpen which has been just as bad as the starters. 2 solid ones (Tazawa/Uehara) surrounded by a ton of crap (and Matt Barnes, but he just got called up.)

[Logan]

Corey Kluber. Wow.

I'm so out of touch with baseball these days, especially the AL, that when I heard about all those Ks last night, I figured Kluber was some young kid making a Kerry Wood-like outbreak.

Then heard this morning that he won the effing Cy Young last year and felt very embarrassed.

[Grover]

Huh? Porcello and Buchholz (outside of one start) have been the 2 solid pitchers. Not a huge surprise that Miley, Kelly, or Masterson have been bad although I'd hoped one of the three (Miley) would be at least league average, but trading for/extending Porcello isn't the issue. Hoping Wright can be effective, and I assume Eduardo Rodriguez will be up by the end of June.

Free Brian Johnson.

[HomerSimpson98]

. . . making a Kerry Wood-like outbreak.



f'ng A. I still remember that game. Unreal.

[ISiddiqui]

Over a 40 IP sample size ERA+ isn't the stat I'd use (Clayton Kershaw has an ERA+ of 88 f.e.), but when your other starters have an ERA+ of 72, 65, 65, and 60, yeah sadly 91 is solid. The Porcello contract is an overpay, certainly in $/y to keep the term down, but he should at least be a durable league-average starter (and pretty much has been this year). If we had 5 Porcello's we'd probably be tied for 1st right now.

How about his career then ;).

His ERA+ since he's been in the league:

2009: 114
2010: 85
2011: 87
2012: 93
2013: 96
2014: 115

His career ERA+ is 97.

Now his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) has been consistently lower than his ERA in Detroit (aside from last year, interestingly enough), so perhaps his below average numbers are due to poor defense by the Tigers. However, his FIP is once again below his ERA early on in Boston.

It appears his career Wins Above Average (WAA) is slightly above average for his career at 0.7, but that is definitely bolstered by his 2.1 WAA last season.

He's got 10.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in 6 (full) seasons - that's 1.7 WAR per season (and consider that includes last year when he had 4.0 WAR). That's fairly below average.

Now, 91 may be "solid" when compared to the rest of the pitching staff this season in Boston, but he's definitely not a solid pitcher in the average.

[stevew]

I'm so out of touch with baseball these days, especially the AL, that when I heard about all those Ks last night, I figured Kluber was some young kid making a Kerry Wood-like outbreak.

Then heard this morning that he won the effing Cy Young last year and felt very embarrassed.

Plus he's like really old for the amount of years he has in the bigs. It's like Mike Scott

[ISiddiqui]

Plus he's like really old for the amount of years he has in the bigs. It's like Mike Scott

And he wasn't actually all that good until last year. Even his minor league stats are just 'ok'.

[Chief Rum]

And he wasn't actually all that good until last year. Even his minor league stats are just 'ok'.

Imran, I think Logan was talking about Kluber, not Porcello.

[ISiddiqui]

As was I

[Chief Rum]

As was I

You're right, I misread.

[BishopMVP]

How about his career then ;).

His ERA+ since he's been in the league:

2009: 114 (Age 20, only year he outperformed FIP)
2010: 85 (21)
2011: 87 (22)
2012: 93 (23)
2013: 96 (24)
2014: 115 (Age 25)

His career ERA+ is 97.

Now his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) has been consistently lower than his ERA in Detroit (aside from last year, interestingly enough), so perhaps his below average numbers are due to poor defense by the Tigers. However, his FIP is once again below his ERA early on in Boston.

It appears his career Wins Above Average (WAA) is slightly above average for his career at 0.7, but that is definitely bolstered by his 2.1 WAA last season.

He's got 10.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in 6 (full) seasons - that's 1.7 WAR per season (and consider that includes last year when he had 4.0 WAR). That's fairly below average.

Now, 91 may be "solid" when compared to the rest of the pitching staff this season in Boston, but he's definitely not a solid pitcher in the average.I think I had this debate when Porcello was traded for. How much is up for debate, but as a GB pitcher he was unquestionably hurt by Detroit's atrocious infield D, even though he's been around for 6 seasons he's still just 26 (younger than last year's RoY Jacob DeGrom f.e.) and hopefully entering his prime, and there is some indication he's been a better pitcher the last couple years (K/BB rate never above 2.43 first 4 seasons, at least 3.15 last 3.) The contract was definitely an overpay in $/y but the Red Sox love that it ends at age 30 and were willing to pay a premium for that (plus he probably would've come a lot closer to $20m/y on the open market this coming winter than people think with the drastically increasing revenues).

But mostly I think you're just overreacting to my use of the word solid. The hope is that some of last year's improved results were a sustainable improvement from a developing pitcher (who, again, was 25 then and theoretically shouldn't even be in his prime yet), but even if he just pitches 180+ innings at a league average ERA that's "solid" in my book. There were a total of 58 qualifying starters with an ERA+ >100 last year, a.k.a. 2 per team.

[BishopMVP]

Free Brian Johnson.I agree I think he's jumped Owens in the pecking order and I'd take a whole lot of people over Masterson at this point (agree with giving Wright first shot), but Johnson's not exactly been held down like a Youkilis was. The guy was in A 2 years ago, had a (very good) AA season last year, and less than 30 AAA IP. Plus he's still got a AAA teammate with markedly better numbers and better scouting reports/a higher ceiling in Eduardo Rodriguez who's already on the 40 man roster.

I definitely wouldn't mind a fake injury to Kelly or Mikey so we can start getting a look at the young guys before deciding whether to trade for a good starter, and who to include in that trade.

[Chief Rum]

I realize he just tweaked his ankle, which could delay things, but thoughts from Boston fans on Rusney Castillo?

I have heard in a couple places he could be up with the team by next week (although this might just be some observers fervent desires). It looks like he is doing okay at Pawtucket, but he hasn't shown much power so far.

Do you guys think he will be coming up and starting soon, and does he seem to be worth picking up in fantasy leagues?

[BishopMVP]

I realize he just tweaked his ankle, which could delay things, but thoughts from Boston fans on Rusney Castillo?

I have heard in a couple places he could be up with the team by next week (although this might just be some observers fervent desires). It looks like he is doing okay at Pawtucket, but he hasn't shown much power so far.

Do you guys think he will be coming up and starting soon, and does he seem to be worth picking up in fantasy leagues?Keeper league yes, 2015 league idk. The Red Sox seem a lot less eager to give up on Shane Victorino than the masses are, so I just don't know if he'll be more than a platoon guy until an injury to Hanley/Betts/Victorino occurs (of course, given Hanley and Vic's history, that's like a 10% chance any given day. Although, Castillo's assortment of small injuries is starting to get worrisome in its own right. The ankle sounded precautionary, but he might very well have too big a physique for his frame and the muscle pulls worry me.)

I think the power from Castillo will be fine, and the plate discipline has been surprisingly good. Best guess maybe a .350 OBP/.400 SLG with 20-25 SB's if given a full season. But again, playing time is an issue and I'm not sure he'll be more than just the strong side of a platoon when he first comes up.

[Grover]

I realize he just tweaked his ankle, which could delay things, but thoughts from Boston fans on Rusney Castillo?

I have heard in a couple places he could be up with the team by next week (although this might just be some observers fervent desires). It looks like he is doing okay at Pawtucket, but he hasn't shown much power so far.

Do you guys think he will be coming up and starting soon, and does he seem to be worth picking up in fantasy leagues?

Honestly, I haven't heard much about him on local radio or in print. They've still got that logjam in the OF with Betts/Ramirez/Victorino/Nava... they've demoted Craig down to Pawtucket just so he can get ABs.

[ISiddiqui]

But mostly I think you're just overreacting to my use of the word solid. The hope is that some of last year's improved results were a sustainable improvement from a developing pitcher (who, again, was 25 then and theoretically shouldn't even be in his prime yet), but even if he just pitches 180+ innings at a league average ERA that's "solid" in my book. There were a total of 58 qualifying starters with an ERA+ >100 last year, a.k.a. 2 per team.

Perhaps, but I think of a solid starter as more than just league average, personally (for example a Fangraphs article today just referred to Lance Lynn as 'solid'). The Mets have had plenty of those league average inning eaters lately (Dillion Gee, Jon Niese - though Niese has started this year much better than the rest of his career) and I've pined for more solid starters.

[stevew]

Honestly, I haven't heard much about him on local radio or in print. They've still got that logjam in the OF with Betts/Ramirez/Victorino/Nava... they've demoted Craig down to Pawtucket just so he can get ABs.

Once Craig got away from the cardinals laboratory he started to go downhill.

[Grover]

Once Craig got away from the cardinals laboratory he started to go downhill.

Heh.

[Grover]

That trade certainly did not work out as well as Red Sox Nation thought it was going to. Craig and Kelly have both been trash.

[BishopMVP]

Perhaps, but I think of a solid starter as more than just league average, personally (for example a Fangraphs article today just referred to Lance Lynn as 'solid'). The Mets have had plenty of those league average inning eaters lately (Dillion Gee, Jon Niese - though Niese has started this year much better than the rest of his career) and I've pined for more solid starters.Elsewhere I've also seen huge debates over the word Ace. Are there 30 "Aces" out there, or really only 10-12 at a given time? Likewise, Porcello is definitely among the top 90 starters and probably around #60... So he's solidly a borderline 2/3 starter once you factor in his durability.

Was there really a contingent (well, outside of Yawkey Way) that liked that Lackey trade? I think everyone assumed Craig was hurt and would bounce back (and, yeesh, he HAS to bounce back a little) but everything I remember was people being disappointed we didn't get a Wacha/Martinez or at least a Piscotty if we were giving up that year of Lackey at 500k.

[BishopMVP]

I realize he just tweaked his ankle, which could delay things, but thoughts from Boston fans on Rusney Castillo?

I have heard in a couple places he could be up with the team by next week (although this might just be some observers fervent desires). It looks like he is doing okay at Pawtucket, but he hasn't shown much power so far.

Do you guys think he will be coming up and starting soon, and does he seem to be worth picking up in fantasy leagues?2 HR and a 2B tonight... Told ya the power is fine ;) Shane Victorino actually looking good at the plate though, so he's still an injury away. (And of course, Allen Craig is OPS'ing 1.000 and Jackie Bradley .857, so take all AAA stats with a grain of salt.)

[kingfc22]

Can the Giants face the Reds everyday? Fun to actually turn a game on and see they are up big 3 days in a row.

[Grover]

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--nT59EI4K--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/17kt4jkz3ogqkjpg.jpg

[BillJasper]

GM Dan Jennings to be named the Marlins new manager. And it’s a terrible idea. | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/18/marlins-gm-dan-jennings-rumored-to-be-the-front-runner-for-the-manager-job/)

What the hell are they smoking in South Florida?!?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

GM Dan Jennings to be named the Marlins new manager. And it’s a terrible idea. | HardballTalk (http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/18/marlins-gm-dan-jennings-rumored-to-be-the-front-runner-for-the-manager-job/)

What the hell are they smoking in South Florida?!?

I only got to see the team president/CEO for one episode of Survivor (since he was the first one voted out), but what I saw of him didn't exactly show me he was a good or decisive leader in any way.

[miami_fan]

I only got to see the team president/CEO for one episode of Survivor (since he was the first one voted out), but what I saw of him didn't exactly show me he was a good or decisive leader in any way.

You think?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">David Samson says he, Mike Hill &amp; Dan Jennings were on the call without Jeffrey Loria, then had &quot;an epiphany&quot; on Jennings as next manager</p>&mdash; Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaysonst/status/600320768501686272">May 18, 2015</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also, the Marlins are on manager #8 over the last six seasons.:banghead:

[BillJasper]

They were likely passing around a crack pipe when said epiphany happened.

[MizzouRah]

Lackey is pitching great tonight.. but Harvey.. good grief he has not missed a beat since tommy john surgery.. 97 mph fb to go along with the rest of his pitches?

[Lathum]

Is it like, a law that the Oakland As must have a goofy guy with glasses at all times?

[Lathum]

Lackey is pitching great tonight.. but Harvey.. good grief he has not missed a beat since tommy john surgery.. 97 mph fb to go along with the rest of his pitches?

He is filthy. I just wish they could score some more runs for him.

[MizzouRah]

He is filthy. I just wish they could score some more runs for him.

Yeah he doesn't get much run support. One of the best pitchers in the game from what I just watched last night.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Fun to watch the Cueto/Ventura matchup tonight. Both pitchers actually pitched well. Just a couple more clutch hits from the Royals tonight.

[cuervo72]

Ok, I'm sold. I think this is the Nats' year.

[Lathum]

I have no love for Bryce Harper, but that was total BS last night. And I may have had him on most of my DFS teams:mad:

[Grover]

I have no love for Bryce Harper, but that was total BS last night. And I may have had him on most of my DFS teams:mad:

Just ridiculous. His reputation is starting to precede him.

[MrBug708]

Some umpires are just obnoxious

[Grover]

Some umpires are just obnoxious

That particular ump didn't throw out a single player last year

[Logan]

The ump was definitely looking for a fight. That being said, when the ump is telling you to get back in the box, and you make a big show about pointing at where he wants you, and then you further the show by being so clear about just sticking your toe in the box, your night is going to be over.

[Lathum]

His line about 40K people not coming to watch the ump, while arrogant, is spot on.

[stevew]

Wow, that's obnoxious. The penalty is a called strike, right? Not an ejection.

[cartman]

The ump was definitely looking for a fight. That being said, when the ump is telling you to get back in the box, and you make a big show about pointing at where he wants you, and then you further the show by being so clear about just sticking your toe in the box, your night is going to be over.

This

[AENeuman]

The ump was definitely looking for a fight. That being said, when the ump is telling you to get back in the box, and you make a big show about pointing at where he wants you, and then you further the show by being so clear about just sticking your toe in the box, your night is going to be over.

Agree. But an umpire telling a batter to get in the box while their mask is off (to yell at the manager) is a clown act.

I prefer Brad Pitt and Morgan Freedman arguing about the box.

[Lathum]

DeGrom with his best start of the season gives the Mets exactly what they need. 8 innings, one hit, a first inning single, and 11 Ks. Terry Collins pulls him after 8 leaving it up to Familia. If he blows it Collins is going to get roasted. DeGrom is at 104 pitches.

Should leave him in IMO.

[Lathum]

Mets score 3 in the bottom of the 8th to make it far less dramatic. thrilled with a split against St. Louis.

When DeGrom is on he is the best pitcher in baseball, totally unhittable.

[MrBug708]

Mets score 3 in the bottom of the 8th to make it far less dramatic. thrilled with a split against St. Louis.

When DeGrom is on he is the best pitcher in baseball, totally unhittable.

The way you describe him makes me think he is a Royal

[ISiddiqui]

LOL!

[Atocep]

The way you describe him makes me think he is a Royal

He hasn't been ejected this year.

[cartman]

Not only did Bumgarner get the win in the showdown with Kershaw, he got the lone run the Giants needed when he homered off of him.

[MrBug708]

Not only did Bumgarner get the win in the showdown with Kershaw, he got the lone run the Giants needed when he homered off of him.

Happened last year when Kershaw beat him 1-0 with a solo shot.

Dodgers can'tbeat the Giants right now at all. 0-6 in SF

[SackAttack]

Wow, that's obnoxious. The penalty is a called strike, right? Not an ejection.

Correct.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Not only did Bumgarner get the win in the showdown with Kershaw, he got the lone run the Giants needed when he homered off of him.

And if you haven't seen the home run, it's worth queueing it up on MLB.com. An absolute no-doubter off the bat. I'm just sad that eventually pitchers are going to realize that Bumgarner sits dead read on the first pitch (and nearly every other pitch, honestly) and he can actually hit a fastball really well.

[kingfc22]

Happened last year when Kershaw beat him 1-0 with a solo shot.

Dodgers can'tbeat the Giants right now at all. 0-6 in SF

What's the current time table for Puig's return?

[Chief Rum]

Garrett Richards returns to Fenway tonight. First time since his injury there last August.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Fired up for the big weekend series between what most consider the two best teams in baseball. Wish I was going to a game, but should be a blast to watch.

[cartman]

Yeah, the Astros/Tigers series should be a good one to watch

[Suicane75]

This

The way I saw it was that he wasn't showing him up, he was trying to show him where he was standing when the ump started heading towards the Nats dugout.

[Grover]

Kendrys Morales you beautiful bastard.

2/2, 2HR, 2R, 5RBI.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Kendrys Morales you beautiful bastard.

2/2, 2HR, 2R, 5RBI.

He's been exactly what this team needed. Consistent hitting machine with HR power. Basically every complaint that people had with Billy Butler has been answered by Kendrys Morales.

[rowech]

Rumor is that Cueto is no longer starting tomorrow. Seems early to be traded but maybe not.

[BillJasper]

Rumor is that Cueto is no longer starting tomorrow. Seems early to be traded but maybe not.

I'll be disappointed if they trade Cueto.

[rowech]

I'll be disappointed if they trade Cueto.

He won't be the last. I expect Cueto, Chapman, Phillips, and maybe Bruce and Leake gone by August.

[BillJasper]

He won't be the last. I expect Cueto, Chapman, Phillips, and maybe Bruce and Leake gone by August.

A shame. They've got a decent team that just can't hit for some reason and two of those players (Votto, Bruce) have huge contracts.

[Scoobz0202]

Fay and Co. on twitter were talking about a sore elbow.

[Lathum]

:( David Wright diagnosed with spinal stenosis - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2015/5/23/8650245/david-wright-injury-new-york-mets-spinal-stenosis)

[Scoobz0202]

That is a damn shame. I never follow the mets but David Wright always seemed like a great captain and he definitely gave it his all during some pretty shitty years. He could have easily gone to a contender if he wanted. Shame to see this happen as it looks like the mets may be turning it around.

[miked]

Is yesterday the first time somebody was ejected during the lineup exchange?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Is yesterday the first time somebody was ejected during the lineup exchange?

Nah. IIRC Bobby Cox managed it at least once, possibly twice, but I can't find any links (him getting tossed wasn't exactly unusual)

Steve Boros definitely managed it back in '86 (http://articles.latimes.com/1986-06-07/sports/sp-10084_1_previous-night)

White Sox coach Mark Parent did it back in 2013 (http://thebiglead.com/2013/08/25/mark-parent-chicago-white-sox-bench-coach-was-ejected-while-exchanging-lineups/) too.

[Lathum]

Royals being the Royals. Yankess score 5 runs in the first inning and still going. Guy on the Yankees tries to bunt his way on with the 5-0 lead and gets thrown out. Next batter gets drilled in the leg.

[cartman]

I don't think the Yankees have beaten the Royals that bad since the Revolutionary War

[SirFozzie]

Not often you see a homer turned into an out turned back into a Homer, but that happened today when Khris Davis homered, and then was ruled out for not touching home plate, and then the call was challenged and reversed on video review.

The funny part was he homered again on the next plate appearance, and the crowd gave him an extra ovation when he made sure to step squarely on home plate

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/126536650/khris-davis-almost-misses-plate-on-home-run

[Vince, Pt. II]

I'm actually happy with how it all played out. I'm 99% certain he did indeed miss home plate, but that's a shitty way to get an out.

[SackAttack]

He touched home plate, Vince.

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v130703383/sfmil-davis-hits-a-homer-after-brewers-challenge

5:30 and 7:00. It's clear as day on replay. You can see the heel come down and land flush with the ground. Unless you think there's an invisible force field over home plate so that he didn't actually make contact, I mean.

[cmp]

The Tigers are terrible right now. I have no confidence in Ausmus to get this thing turned around.

[lungs]

He touched home plate, Vince.

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v130703383/sfmil-davis-hits-a-homer-after-brewers-challenge

5:30 and 7:00. It's clear as day on replay. You can see the heel come down and land flush with the ground. Unless you think there's an invisible force field over home plate so that he didn't actually make contact, I mean.

FS Wisconsin had a good angle on it. It was close but his back heel did hit the plate, barely. Not that it matters because the Brewers suck.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Not certain how much longer Guthrie is going to be in the rotation. There were calls for him to be replaced, then yesterday happened. I think he's safe until Duffy comes back off the disabled list, but don't know after that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

I'm not sure I thought I'd ever live to see this. Royals currently leading the voting at five of the nine AL starting spots for the All Star Game.

https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/603262968323792897/photo/1

[Subby]

Without looking at names, how many players, managers, coaches, trainers and Marilyn Monroe sexers can you name in this pic?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3705004361_8d4f9c7e7a_o.jpg

[Vince, Pt. II]

He touched home plate, Vince.

http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/63817564/v130703383/sfmil-davis-hits-a-homer-after-brewers-challenge

5:30 and 7:00. It's clear as day on replay. You can see the heel come down and land flush with the ground. Unless you think there's an invisible force field over home plate so that he didn't actually make contact, I mean.

Your definition of clear as day and mine are slightly different :) I had not seen that angle yet, and it is much easier to argue that he did with that angle.

The point of my post was that even if he didn't touch the plate, I'm happy they still ruled it a home run.

[stevew]

The Brewers and Mariners have such similar jerseys.

[ISiddiqui]

As the Mets Facebook page said, Thor brought his hammer today - what a nice HR by Syndergaard!

[Chief Rum]

The depth of the Dodgers' lineup is utterly ridiculous.

Starting 8 (when healthy and up with the bigs)

C: Grandal
1B: Gonzalez
2B: Kendrick
3B: Olivera
SS: Rollins
LF: Crawford
CF: Pederson
RF: Puig

Backup

C: Ellis
1B: Van Slyke
2B: Barney
SS: Turner
3B: Uribe
LF: Guerrero
CF: Ethier
RF: Helsey

That's nuts. The second lineup has some duds, but that's not a terrible lineup.

[ISiddiqui]

Though Uribe just got dealt to the Braves for Callaspo.

[Chief Rum]

Though Uribe just got dealt to the Braves for Callaspo.

Unless they tried again today, he didn't. Callaspo has the option to turn the trade down and did so (last I heard).

Either way, Callaspo would just slot into Uribe's spot.

[ISiddiqui]

Dodgers, Braves swap Uribe, Callaspo in six-player deal : Fantasy News (http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25196466/report-dodgers-braves-to-swap-juan-uribe-alberto-callaspo)

Callaspo initially rejected the deal that would send him to the Dodgers, but he recently approved the trade

[Chief Rum]

Dodgers, Braves swap Uribe, Callaspo in six-player deal : Fantasy News (http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25196466/report-dodgers-braves-to-swap-juan-uribe-alberto-callaspo)

Well, there you go then. Callaspo replaces Uribe in the lineup above.

[Logan]

As the Mets Facebook page said, Thor brought his hammer today - what a nice HR by Syndergaard!

430 feet I believe. Some shot.

[Ramzavail]

Without looking at names, how many players, managers, coaches, trainers and Marilyn Monroe sexers can you name in this pic?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3705004361_8d4f9c7e7a_o.jpg

wish you cut off the names, I bet I could have gotten 90-95% right.

[Ramzavail]

I would have even gotten Larry Fosizzle my Hisle who went off that year. Even though its pronounced "High Sool".

[JeeberD]

I would have gotten George Brett and Reggie Jackson. If I had looked closely enough I probably would have gotten Eck, too. But I was born in '77, so most of those players were really before my time. If it was the '92 All Star team I would probably have gotten most of them.

[Ramzavail]

I was born in 1980 I just have a ridiculous face to baseball card memory.

[Ramzavail]

sent it over to my friend with the names chopped off. he did pretty well. 29 out of 37

I have a little bit of an advantage here because that's the year of those TWIB DVDs I bought...

Back row: campy, thurmando, nettles, sparky, Lynn, eck, Epstein (??), wynegar, money (?), Ron Fairly

Second row: rice, scott, Palmer, singleton, ruppert jones, bochte (?), Dave Rozema, no clue, fo shizzle my hisle, remy

Third Row: Carew, yaz, pants shitter, pudge, Di Vag, b-mart, zisk, reg, Willie, rooster

Front: Gene monahan, torborg, ?, elston, Hondo (???), howser, rafael palmeiro sr.

[stevew]

Bet I could ace one from about 82-89, although the AL is way harder for me.

[stevew]

Needs to be some sort of app where there's like 10000 baseball cards with the names greyed out and you just guess the player.

[Ramzavail]

thats a great idea.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Continues to amaze me how well the Royals fans are turning out for road games. The game in Wrigley today sounds and feels like a Royals home game.

[EagleFan]

Chad Bettis... yes the Chad Bettis... is perfect through 6 innings.

Have I said that the Phillies really sucks... :(

[EagleFan]

I blame MLB.com... they had it on the front page and had it worded as "Bettis was perfect through 6"; 1st batter of the 7th gets on due to error (no hitter is alive).

[cuervo72]

Strasburg left his start vs the Reds after 1+, curious what the reason will be.

[JPhillips]

Strasburg left his start vs the Reds after 1+, curious what the reason will be.

Skip Schumaker.

[cartman]

Thank you Arte Moreno.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

To the whiny national media dude:

Thanks for motivating me to vote 175 times tonight just to kick you in the nuts.

Get voting, people! Or it's an all-Royal All-Star Game | FOX Sports (http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-all-star-game-voting-results-kansas-city-royals-dominate-all-others-052615#)

[cartman]

Clearly Alex Rios is getting all of those all star votes based on his production with the Rangers and White Sox, considering he has only appeared in 8 games for the Royals. What a crock.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Needs to be some sort of app where there's like 10000 baseball cards with the names greyed out and you just guess the player.

That really IS a good idea.

And would have been more fun than the current Topps app game.

[jbergey22]

To the whiny national media dude:

Thanks for motivating me to vote 175 times tonight just to kick you in the nuts.

Get voting, people! Or it's an all-Royal All-Star Game | FOX Sports (http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/mlb-all-star-game-voting-results-kansas-city-royals-dominate-all-others-052615#)

Yes, because that article is so far fetched. We would all love to see the Royals vs the NL All Stars. Sounds like the writer doesnt know what he is talking about at any rate. Certain teams turn in their ballots at different times so it is more probable that the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels ballots turn ins are lagging behind.

[jbergey22]

Without looking at names, how many players, managers, coaches, trainers and Marilyn Monroe sexers can you name in this pic?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3705004361_8d4f9c7e7a_o.jpg

Cool pic! The camera person must have had a difficult time keeping their focus. The heads are looking all different directions.

[Lathum]

I'll say it again. When he is on there is no better pitcher in baseball than deGrom.

[MrBug708]

Other than those who are better :)

[Easy Mac]

Andrew Cashner is the first pitcher in history to allow 10+ hits and get 10+ K in a game where he pitched less than 5 complete innings. Only 2 other pitchers have pitched 5 complete innings with 10 and 10.

Only Alex Cobb has struck out more (13) in a game where the pitcher did not go at least 5 complete innings.

[Lathum]

Other than those who are better :)

Name them.

Last 6 starts 41.1 IP- 48K, 6 walks, 8 ER, 25 hits. Guy has been unhitable last 5 weeks.

[Lathum]

dola- last time I said it I realized I was being over the top, but he really is getting better with every start, the guy is electric every time he takse the mound.

If Harvey had the last 6 outing deGrom did it would be all over and they would be talking Cy Young award already.

FWIW I think deGrom wins the award this year to go with last years ROY.

[cartman]

Kluber has been pretty good over his last 4 starts. 3-1, 32 IP, 5 ER, 22 hits, 2 walks, 50 Ks.

[Lathum]

double dola-

l well admit Kuechel ( sp?) has been pretty amazing as well.

[Lathum]

Kluber has been pretty good over his last 4 starts. 3-1, 32 IP, 5 ER, 22 hits, 2 walks, 50 Ks.

He is the other guy I was thinking about.

My point more is that no one really knows who deGrom is, and he is arguably the best pitcher in the sport right now.

[cartman]

We'll get to see a glimpse of Joey Gallo over the next couple of weeks. The Rangers called him up to play 3rd while Beltre is out with his thumb injury. The word is that he has awesome power, but also strikes out a lot. AKA the "Dave Kingman curse".

[JPhillips]

deGrom is very good, but he's not the best pitcher in baseball. He has an ERA+ over 150, but Greinke has an ERA+ of 250. If you look at the MLB pitching leaders he shows up rarely in the top ten.

He's very good, and may be a Cy Young winner this year or in the future, but at this point in the season he certainly isn't the best pitcher.

edit: Cueto and Sherzer are 255 and Shelby Miller is 260.

[ISiddiqui]

And Scherzer is even better than Greinke (barely) with an ERA+ of 255 (Shelby Miller leads the NL with a 260 ERA+). Scherzer's pitching WAR is at 3.1 (highest for all pitchers) and his FIP is 1.77.

Seriously, that's your Cy Young so far.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yes, because that article is so far fetched. We would all love to see the Royals vs the NL All Stars. Sounds like the writer doesnt know what he is talking about at any rate. Certain teams turn in their ballots at different times so it is more probable that the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels ballots turn ins are lagging behind.

You do realize that the fan voting is online only this year, right? There's no ballots to turn in.

[Lathum]

FWIW I said when he is on, I'm not saying he is the best currently, although I'm not so certain he isn't, especially since I don't hold much stock in baseball geek stats.

[JPhillips]

The game has just dramatically changed from the steroid era and pitching stats that used to be signs of greatness are now simply signs of very goodness. There are around a half dozen pitchers with ERA+ above 250!

[ISiddiqui]

FWIW I said when he is on, I'm not saying he is the best currently, although I'm not so certain he isn't, especially since I don't hold much stock in baseball geek stats.

So it's just based on what you see? ;)

Well, I've seen Scherzer... deGrom isn't close, and I'm a Mets fan.

[ISiddiqui]

The game has just dramatically changed from the steroid era and pitching stats that used to be signs of greatness are now simply signs of very goodness. There are around a half dozen pitchers with ERA+ above 250!

We are only a few months in... and there are only 3: Miller, Scherzer, and Greinke. Which half dozen are you looking at?

[cartman]

You do realize that the fan voting is online only this year, right? There's no ballots to turn in.

And if Infante gets an All-Star nod, it likely will be the last time it will be online only as well.

[Johnny93g]

I'll say it again. When he is on there is no better pitcher in baseball than deGrom.

I understand this is just overboard fandom, but come on. When any MLB pitchers are "ON" they are excellent. That's basically what being on means.

When Drew Hutchinson is ON, he's baseballs best pitcher. Sure he hasn't been ON to often, but, when he was ON, he was amazing.....

[Logan]

I understand this is just overboard fandom, but come on. When any MLB pitchers are "ON" they are excellent. That's basically what being on means.

When Drew Hutchinson is ON, he's baseballs best pitcher. Sure he hasn't been ON to often, but, when he was ON, he was amazing.....

Is his hair as beautiful though?

[stevew]

Gerrit Cole is pretty good.

[JeeberD]

*cough*DallasKeuchel*cough*

[Lathum]

I understand this is just overboard fandom, but come on. When any MLB pitchers are "ON" they are excellent. That's basically what being on means.

When Drew Hutchinson is ON, he's baseballs best pitcher. Sure he hasn't been ON to often, but, when he was ON, he was amazing.....

Disagree. The ceiling for a guy like deGrom is complete game shutout with no hitter stuff. When he is at his peak he is unhittable. Not every guy in baseball has that ceiling.

And yes, I realize I am being a fanboy.

Brandon Jacobs for MVP.

[Chief Rum]

And yes, I realize I am being a fanboy.



:thumbsup:

[JPhillips]

We are only a few months in... and there are only 3: Miller, Scherzer, and Greinke. Which half dozen are you looking at?

Today I learned that on June 2 it's easy to mistake the batters faced column for the ERA+ column.

[BishopMVP]

FWIW I said when he is on, I'm not saying he is the best currently, although I'm not so certain he isn't, especially since I don't hold much stock in baseball geek stats.Geek stats like what, ERA (14th) and strikeouts (12th)? :p DeGrom's awesome, but even Murray Chass can see that Scherzer and Cole have been better so far in the NL.

Jphillips - ERA's are down and K's up significantly compared to 10, even 5, years ago, but ERA+ is measured vs the current year. I'm sure they'll get pulled back to the pack a little bit (every pitcher has a couple bad starts over 30 times out), but there are some truly ridiculous pitching lines so far this year, even adjusted for run environment.

[panerd]

Disagree. The ceiling for a guy like deGrom is complete game shutout with no hitter stuff. When he is at his peak he is unhittable. Not every guy in baseball has that ceiling.

And yes, I realize I am being a fanboy.

Brandon Jacobs for MVP.

Replace yourself and DeGrom with MBBF and somebody like Wade Davis or Edinson Volquez and I think you may realize how ridiculous you are being. Like many others have said he is a good/great pitcher. He is not the top pitcher in the game no matter how you want to look at it.

[Lathum]

Replace yourself and DeGrom with MBBF and somebody like Wade Davis or Edinson Volquez and I think you may realize how ridiculous you are being. Like many others have said he is a good/great pitcher. He is not the top pitcher in the game no matter how you want to look at it.

I think you are a little off. I full well admit I am a fanboy, but I am also talking about the reigning ROY who is flat out dominate at times. There is no one on the Royals, or many other staffs, who has the lights out stuff when he is on.

Show me where I definitively said he was the top pitcher in the game. I said when he is on his stuff is as good as anyones, and I stand by that.

[panerd]

I think you are a little off. I full well admit I am a fanboy, but I am also talking about the reigning ROY who is flat out dominate at times. There is no one on the Royals, or many other staffs, who has the lights out stuff when he is on.

Show me where I definitively said he was the top pitcher in the game. I said when he is on his stuff is as good as anyones, and I stand by that.

Hate to lift MBBFs spirits but Wade Davis hasn't given up a run the entire season.

[Lathum]

When he goes through the same lineup 3 times and is still dominate I'll give him credit. Until then he's just a great reliever.

[cartman]

Not a bad debut for Joey Gallo. 3 for 4 (single, double, HR), 4 RBI, 3 runs scored.

[cuervo72]

who is flat out dominate at times

Oh FFS. Dominant. DOMINANT. Not "dominate." Will you learn this already? Shit.

[cuervo72]

3 times and is still dominate

AAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[stevew]

Yeah it tripped me out too and I had to drink in order to compensate

[Chief Rum]

Hate to lift MBBFs spirits but Wade Davis hasn't given up a run the entire season.

Lmao

[Lathum]

I wasn't really reading my auto correct. My apologies to Internet spelling police. Kind of lowest common denominator stuff. Way to go.

[Chief Rum]

When Chris Archer is on, there isn't a better pitcher in baseball. :p

[stevew]

When Dellin Betances is on, it's like every day of the year.

[Chief Rum]

When Dellin Betances is on, it's like every day of the year.

Wish Girardi would finally make him the closer. I am keeping him on my fantasy team, I don't care how long it takes.

[stevew]

Probably going to take something like 3 more seasons after this one.

[Recoil]

When Chris Archer is on, there isn't a better pitcher in baseball. :p

Absolutely dominate

[Izulde]

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/CK2andsuch/mdrw7_zpsusi1z305.jpg (http://s341.photobucket.com/user/Izulde08/media/CK2andsuch/mdrw7_zpsusi1z305.jpg.html)

[Logan]

Andrew Cashner is the first pitcher in history to allow 10+ hits and get 10+ K in a game where he pitched less than 5 complete innings.

And Noah Syndergaard becomes the second pitcher to ever do it, a day later in the same series. Unbelievable.

[cuervo72]

http://i341.photobucket.com/albums/o395/Izulde08/CK2andsuch/mdrw7_zpsusi1z305.jpg (http://s341.photobucket.com/user/Izulde08/media/CK2andsuch/mdrw7_zpsusi1z305.jpg.html)

I was *this* close to dropping an "English, Motherfucker!" in there. I've seen this enough times to realize this isn't a spelling error, this is a usage error. What I don't know is if Lathum is willfully ignorant or just unable to relearn this. Either way it drives me batshit (which probably ensures he will keep doing it).

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Rough stretch for the Royals. Suddenly have had a power outage. Just not driving the ball right now. Didn't help that they botched the review that ultimately cost the winning run, but still got to score more than one run.

[miami_fan]

Unwritten rules question: Junior Lake of the Cubs just hit a two run shot. He stood at home plate for a sec or two, tossed his bat, told the Marlins dugout to be quiet as he rounded third and touched off a bench clearing yelling match once he reached home plate. Replays have shown that a coach and a player both had a conversation with Lake. There also seems to be a great deal of respect for Joe Maddon. Does Lake get hit in his next at bat and if he does, where?

[stevew]

Are the Royals involved at all?

[MrBug708]

Clayton Kershaw, when he's on, is the best lefty this side of Koufax.

He hasn't been on much this year

[MrBug708]

Are the Royals involved at all?

Dee Gordon is a Royal and his dad, Tom, made his MLB debut with the Royals

[MizzouRah]

Clayton Kershaw, when he's on, is the best lefty this side of Koufax.

He hasn't been on much this year

Randy Johnson was a beast of a LHP. :)

[Danny]

Looks like Mark Beurhle has thrown for 200+ innings in 14 consecutive seasons. That's pretty impressive in today's game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Unwritten rules question: Junior Lake of the Cubs just hit a two run shot. He stood at home plate for a sec or two, tossed his bat, told the Marlins dugout to be quiet as he rounded third and touched off a bench clearing yelling match once he reached home plate. Replays have shown that a coach and a player both had a conversation with Lake. There also seems to be a great deal of respect for Joe Maddon. Does Lake get hit in his next at bat and if he does, where?

Yeah, he has at least a fastball to the buttocks coming I think.

Might not get it but, if I read the story right, his homer came while trailing 6-0 and made the game 6-1? The lecture might have had as much to do with that (if I read it right) as anything perhaps.

[Suicane75]

Phillies made Mike Leake look absolutely DeGrom like tonight.

[Subby]

Phillies made Mike Leake look absolutely DeGrom like tonight.
Phils are a great DFS play this year. They are so insanely bad against RHP that there is value in taking almost anyone who pitches against them. They have a .269 wOBA against RHP (http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=1&season=2015&month=14&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0,ts&rost=1&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=9,a) - the next worst team (MIN) is at .290!

At least they are mid-pack against LHP, albeit much smaller sample size (about 1,000 less plate appearances).

[cartman]

Joey Gallo came back to earth last night. He was 1 for 4 with 3 Ks. But the one hit was a home run.