2015 MLB thread

[cartman]

Opening Day (well, except for one Sunday game between the Cubs and Cardinals) is a week away!

[Peregrine]

Can't wait!

[Buccaneer]

+1

[claphamsa]

leaving work at 1 for 3 hours of pregaming!

[lungs]

I'll put my Brew Crew right in that 81 win range again. Cardinals and Pirates are still the class of the Central, and I'll probably give a slight edge to the Pirates. Reds and Brewers I could see going either way. Cubs are getting there.

I'm not all that confident in Milwaukee's long term prospects. Weak farm system at the top, though they've improved the lower levels last year and new scouting director Ray Montgomery seems to be pretty well regarded. Carlos Gomez is probably gone after 2016 so he could be a name that other teams might find interesting. Kyle Lohse could be a midseason trade target as a steady rotation piece.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Giants are in a weird place. They lost a lot of pop, but the projection systems all put them at very nice OPS levels despite the lack of HR power. They're not very deep, but they have a plethora of #4 starters. If Cain returns to form (coming off injury) and Bumgarner stays awesome, there's no reason they aren't a 90-ish win team making it as a wild card.

Then again it wouldn't surprise me if the season goes to crap in a hurry and they struggle to reach 80 wins.

[NobodyHere]

The Chicago Cubs will win the World Series this year after sweeping Miami.

[Buccaneer]

Giants are in a weird place. They lost a lot of pop, but the projection systems all put them at very nice OPS levels despite the lack of HR power. They're not very deep, but they have a plethora of #4 starters. If Cain returns to form (coming off injury) and Bumgarner stays awesome, there's no reason they aren't a 90-ish win team making it as a wild card.

Then again it wouldn't surprise me if the season goes to crap in a hurry and they struggle to reach 80 wins.

Might be a little biased but I see the Pads at 88 wins making the wild card (along with Pittsburgh). Would love to see both the Pads and Giants make it instead of the $@#!% Dodgers but don't think that's going to happen.

[claphamsa]

NATS will win 163 in the regular season then the world series in 3. I will pee on some dude in the bathroom and realize the next day it was Subby.

[Thomkal]

The Chicago Cubs will win the World Series this year after sweeping Miami.

And then you woke up... that must have been a nice dream for you. :D

Good luck to everyone's team this year (especially the Cardinals)

[cartman]

I'm still in denial about Yu Darvish

[Vince, Pt. II]

Might be a little biased but I see the Pads at 88 wins making the wild card (along with Pittsburgh). Would love to see both the Pads and Giants make it instead of the $@#!% Dodgers but don't think that's going to happen.

Wouldn't surprise me. Dodgers have to win the division, there's just too much talent there. After that...who knows. As for playoffs:

1. Nats
2. Cardinals
3. Dodgers
Wildcard hopefuls:
Pirates
Padres
Giants
Cubs?

I think it's the Pirates and Giants again, but wouldn't be surprised if the Padres make it happen. They got a hell of a lot better this offseason.

[AENeuman]

the NL wildcard is going to be fun. Lots old guard vs new: Giants vs Pads, Pitt/reds vs cubs, mets/marlins vs braves.

Giants need a strong left fielder. Every winning year they've had a good/power left fielder for only a couple months, but seems that's what they needed most.

[rowech]

the NL wildcard is going to be fun. Lots old guard vs new: Giants vs Pads, Pitt/reds vs cubs, mets/marlins vs braves.

Giants need a strong left fielder. Every winning year they've had a good/power left fielder for only a couple months, but seems that's what they needed most.

Reds will finish last.

[Lathum]

Wouldn't surprise me. Dodgers have to win the division, there's just too much talent there. After that...who knows. As for playoffs:

1. Nats
2. Cardinals
3. Dodgers
Wildcard hopefuls:
Pirates
Padres
Giants
Cubs?

I think it's the Pirates and Giants again, but wouldn't be surprised if the Padres make it happen. They got a hell of a lot better this offseason.

If the mets offense holds to form the way they've in spring training with their pitching and a lot of easy wins to be had in division they should compete for a wild card. Nats will win division but no one wants the mets in a short series with their pitching.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interested to see how the Royals division pans out. It's going to be an absolute bloodbath. There's not a bad team in the division. Maybe Minnesota, but even they always seem to find players no one's heard of and turn them into All-Stars.

[panerd]

I'll put my Brew Crew right in that 81 win range again. Cardinals and Pirates are still the class of the Central, and I'll probably give a slight edge to the Pirates. Reds and Brewers I could see going either way. Cubs are getting there.

I'm not all that confident in Milwaukee's long term prospects. Weak farm system at the top, though they've improved the lower levels last year and new scouting director Ray Montgomery seems to be pretty well regarded. Carlos Gomez is probably gone after 2016 so he could be a name that other teams might find interesting. Kyle Lohse could be a midseason trade target as a steady rotation piece.

You think he will go back to Minnesota or go to a big market team? I thought he was kind of the man in Milwaukee (even bigger than Braun). He seems like he would like that role better for less money than 2nd or 3rd fiddle on another team. I am a big fan of his (admittedly at least partially fantasy related but I also respect him as superstar on one of the Card's rivals) but think his antics might become an issue with the media in a larger market like NY or LA.

[lungs]

You think he will go back to Minnesota or go to a big market team? I thought he was kind of the man in Milwaukee (even bigger than Braun). He seems like he would like that role better for less money than 2nd or 3rd fiddle on another team. I am a big fan of his (admittedly at least partially fantasy related but I also respect him as superstar on one of the Card's rivals) but think his antics might become an issue with the media in a larger market like NY or LA.

Carlos Gomez is a Scott Boras client so my inclination would be that he'd go to the highest bidder. Then again, Gomez did sign an extension before he hit free agency which goes against Boras' clients SOP. But the circumstances behind the extension were different too, as Gomez hadn't truly broken out yet.

The fan favorite/face of the franchise in Milwaukee right now is Jonathan Lucroy. Gomez is popular but there's something about gritty white catchers that endear themselves to the fan base. (edit: Not to take anything away from Lucroy, he is a great player)

Honestly, I think Gomez has put himself into $20+ million year territory salary wise. I'm just not sure the Brewers would get themselves into that territory of the bidding.

[Chief Rum]

I'm still in denial about Yu Darvish

Yeah, that sucked. :(

[Chief Rum]

I am excited for the Angels, but concerned the offense will take a step back, especially with Hamilton being out/suspended. Plus, they will have to deal with easing Garrett Richards back into the rotation and the learning curve of whatever kids they roll with at the back end (Heaney, Tropeano).

All that said, I am hopeful that they can come close to reproducing what they did last year (and doing better in the postseason, ideally).

The AL West looks tough, but not as tough as it was last year. Everyone regressing to the mean, except the M's. M's are probably the main contender with the Angels, and despite the experienced (read: paid) talent shipped out of Oakland, the A's will still kinda hang around, I'll bet, and probably end up slightly over .500, cuz that's what they do.

Rangers already hit with injuries, but I suspect they will still be better than last year by quite a bit because they still have a very good offense and a deep system.

The Astros are also improving; they really showed that last year as they brought on some of their young future stars like Springer, Singleton and Villar. Those guys will all be one year better, with more talent on the way.

[Grover]

Interested to see how the Royals division pans out. It's going to be an absolute bloodbath. There's not a bad team in the division. Maybe Minnesota, but even they always seem to find players no one's heard of and turn them into All-Stars.

I can see that entire division being between 78-88 wins. It's going to be insanely fun / nervewracking.

I think Cleveland might have the best chance at winning the division. The Wild Card (either spot) will be a battle between KC and Chicago.

Of course, we all know Kendrys Morales is going to hit 50 HR with 200 RBI and lead the Royals to the promised land.

[Grover]

I do live in New England, thus I am subjected to pretty much everything Red Sox.

While not a fan of the team, it's crushing to see that Christian Vazquez could miss the entire season and need Tommy John. Unbelievably good defensive catcher, cannon arm. Might be limited offensively, but the coaches and pitching staff raved about his ability to handle the staff, especially at such a young age.

I guess this injury would absolutely rule out Swihart going to the Phillies in any potential Hamels deal.

[The Jackal]

I am skeptical that the Orioles are going to make the playoffs again this year. Banking on the health of Wieters and Machado and the resurgence of Chris Davis seems risky. If Gausman takes the next step and the bullpen is really good again though, they still have power.

[Grover]

I am skeptical that the Orioles are going to make the playoffs again this year. Banking on the health of Wieters and Machado and the resurgence of Chris Davis seems risky. If Gausman takes the next step and the bullpen is really good again though, they still have power.

You have the best team in the division, even with the loss of those bats.

Boston will score a ton of runs, but there will be a bunch of 8-7, 9-8 games for them that will go either way. Tampa is starting to look like sad old Tampa. Toronto and the Yankees could be good.

The AL East has so many questions right now.

[molson]

Whoops

Ervin Santana of Minnesota Twins suspended for 80 games (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12613303/ervin-santana-minnesota-twins-suspended-80-games)

That'll cost him about $7 million.

[stevew]

2nd guy busted for that Roid variant in the last 2 days. Other was some latino pitcher on the Braves.

[Chief Rum]

Glad I didn't buy him up in my auction draft.

[frnk55]

Nice start for the Twins. And of course Santana says he has no idea how this happened. Fucking idiot.

[Thomkal]

And Josh Hamilton basically gets away with admitting he had a relapse: Arbitrator rules that MLB cannot punish Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12611602/arbitrator-rules-mlb-cannot-punish-los-angeles-angels-outfielder-josh-hamilton)

[MrBug708]

Disappointed to see how well Heaney pitched against the Dodgers last night. I has hoped he would have factored in the Dodgers rotation

[stevew]

And Josh Hamilton basically gets away with admitting he had a relapse: Arbitrator rules that MLB cannot punish Los Angeles Angels outfielder Josh Hamilton (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12611602/arbitrator-rules-mlb-cannot-punish-los-angeles-angels-outfielder-josh-hamilton)

Kinda funny that the Angels were pissed cause he is owed 83M over the next 3 years.

[BillJasper]

Kinda funny that the Angels were pissed cause he is owed 83M over the next 3 years.

Their own fault. They knew there were issues there and signed him to a monster deal anyway.

[Chief Rum]

Their own fault. They knew there were issues there and signed him to a monster deal anyway.

Moreno. He more or less signed Hamilton over DiPoto's objection.

More or less did the same thing with Pujols.

[Buccaneer]

My picks:

Wash
StL
LA
WC: Pitt, SD

Bos
Clev
Sea
WC: Det, LAA

WS: LA over Sea

[claphamsa]

2018 all star game at nats park...not sure i really care.

[SackAttack]

Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton, Jr. to the Padres in a six-player deal.

[kingfc22]

Pads keep adding. Braves keep subtracting.

[Easy Mac]

They didn't want the Phil's running away with the division.

[Buccaneer]

I would be anxious to hear the inside scoop on this - strange to come just before the opener.

[Atocep]

Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton, Jr. to the Padres in a six-player deal.

2 good prospects and a draft pick. I'm really surprised someone took BJ Upton off their hands. I hope for the Padres sake the Braves sent some money over as well.

[Buccaneer]

Someone on the Pads board said this, "All I know is the Pads just got one of the best closers in baseball and held onto Renfroe and Hedges". That's pretty good. Also it looks like Braves will unload Quentin to the AL.

[claphamsa]

yay opening day

[EagleFan]

Real opening day has arrived. (have to show some excitement for the season before the Phillies are eliminated by the end of the week...)

[Shkspr]

Who strangled London Lo?

[EagleFan]

Up and coming recording artist? She was awful. That was Rosanne Barr level awful (at least there was no illusion that she was a singer going in).

[weegeebored]

Maybe she hasn't figured out how to use her autotune device when singing live?

[Scoobz0202]

Maybe I am crazy, but that deal looks like shit for the Braves.

[larrymcg421]

So much for giving a shit about baseball this season. I hate rebuilding/tanking.

[Coffee Warlord]

Call the fucking strike zone the same way for both teams, blue!

[EagleFan]

I HATE that strike zone box. With how clear that box is it makes it look like the rest is intentionally less clear. Why isn't the entire screen as clear as that little box?

[Coffee Warlord]

Only partially MLB related, but, the wonders of the modern world sometimes sneak up on you.

I have a friend/coworker who is married to a girl from Taiwan. Per tradition there, they had their first baby back in Taiwain so her family could care for her and the baby for the first few weeks. Had the kid a couple days ago.

I just caught him online on steam...and we're presently both watching the game on an internet stream and shooting the shit...an entire world apart.

[Scoobz0202]

Yea, the live strike zone is awful. Next they will add a ball trail thingy.

[TroyF]

Someone on the Pads board said this, "All I know is the Pads just got one of the best closers in baseball and held onto Renfroe and Hedges". That's pretty good. Also it looks like Braves will unload Quentin to the AL.

The Padres had a glut of OF and needed to dump a couple, but I really don't get this trade.

BJ/Melvon/Horrific player or whatever he wants to be called this year is horrible. And he's owed 46 million for three more years of being horrible. Kimbrel is very, very, very good. I would just avoid Upton at all costs. This is either going to work very well for the Padres or it's going to go off the rails.

I'd be so excited if I were a Padres fan though. Time to cheer for the Rockies and 95 losses again. . . woo hoo.

[TroyF]

Call the fucking strike zone the same way for both teams, blue!

no doubt. Ump is giving Adam two inches inside on the catchers left, Lester not getting a single call.

[MizzouRah]

Do we really need dummy strike zone boxes.. by now most cable/satellite providers should have a way to turn it off.

[EagleFan]

no doubt. Ump is giving Adam two inches inside on the catchers left, Lester not getting a single call.

I see them both getting calls. Also, the Cubs' lack of execution isn't the umps fault.

[EagleFan]

Yea, the live strike zone is awful. Next they will add a ball trail thingy.

I could probably deal with just the box, but it makes it seem like the rest of the screen is dull. Look how red the catcher's shin guards are inside the box versus outside the box. If they just add the box but keep the picture the same it would at least seem better.

[stevew]

Is this the year the Cubs start trying again, or is it next year(or the one after)?

[Easy Mac]

Jason Heyward and Tommy La Stella both have hits tonight. Go Braves.... Oh... Shit.

[TroyF]

I see them both getting calls. Also, the Cubs' lack of execution isn't the umps fault.

Agree on the second one, the Rizzo K was definitely not the Cubs fault. 2 of the 3 strikes in that at bat were not only not strikes, but were called balls on Cardinal at bats. Since that call, the Cardinals have had a couple of calls go to their side on strikes.

[TroyF]

Is this the year the Cubs start trying again, or is it next year(or the one after)?

They'll start trying to win this year, but it's next year that it'll get good for Cubs fans. Another year to tweak the roster, the kids coming up. . . they will be very, very good. And they will be very, very good for a long time.

[Buccaneer]

Troy, I think melvin's inclusion was the price to get kimbrel plus the added incentive to re-sign Justin.

[TroyF]

Troy, I think melvin's inclusion was the price to get kimbrel plus the added incentive to re-sign Justin.

I'm sure it was and Kimbrel is a good get. They have a chance to be special if their health hold up. I think Kemp is the key to the whole thing.

[Grover]

MLB.tv purchased for another season and I am ready to go.

[EagleFan]

Time to get an Angels jersey...

[Chief Rum]

Time to get an Angels jersey...

Trout? Yeah, he's awesome.

[Peregrine]

Who is this Atlanta club and what have they done with my Braves? Freeman probably needs the lineup written on his sleeve to know who everyone is.

[lighthousekeeper]

Trout? Yeah, he's awesome.

that plus how bad the phillies will be this year. us south jerseyans need some place to jump ship to. i'm leaning towards miami.

[Peregrine]

Miami might do some great things this year - lots of good young players.

[NobodyHere]

Wow, I didn't know that they actually let Pete Rose into baseball stadiums.

[Scoobz0202]

They usually allow exceptions for certain events. Like Opening Day.

[Chief Rum]

Too bad Trout can't pitch.

[PadresFan104]

Loving my new look Padres. Kemp with 3 RBI so far. Hoping they can hold on for the W.

[Grover]

Good to see the Marlins fail at opening day. A rain delay when you have a roof.

[rowech]

Wow, I didn't know that they actually let Pete Rose into baseball stadiums.

He's allowed to go whenever he wants but has to pay for a regular ticket like a fan would.

[Peregrine]

Good to see the Marlins fail at opening day. A rain delay when you have a roof.

Yeah that just kept getting funnier and funnier, especially when they said their tarp was rolled up in center field and couldn't be reached, they didn't have the proper tools for deploying the field drying stuff, it was just laughable.

[Dutch]

Rays just one game out of first place!

[SirFozzie]

Not a bad game 1 for the Sox, Bucholz goes 7 shutout, Betts with a homer, 2 homers from Pedroia, and five RBI (and two homers) from Hanley Ramirez. 8-0 win is very fine, thank you very much.

[Grover]

Welcome to KC, Alex Rios!!

[Ramzavail]

$100 to the man who called the Buddy Carlyle opening day save on the road vs. Washington.

[EagleFan]

Trout? Yeah, he's awesome.

Yep. His dad went to school with my sister. I remember watching his dad play football when I was young (he was a wide receiver). He played baseball too but that wasn't the town draw, they were still having a good run of football teams while he was playing so that was the big draw back then.

Go Millville!!!

On a cool note. The son of a fried that I went to school with is the high school's team captain this year and Mike presented him with the captain's jersey. Also kind of cool seeing him showing up with people all over town in the off season, he's just a regular guy. Hopefully he stays that way as he has continued success.

[EagleFan]

Not a bad game 1 for the Sox, Bucholz goes 7 shutout, Betts with a homer, 2 homers from Pedroia, and five RBI (and two homers) from Hanley Ramirez. 8-0 win is very fine, thank you very much.

Don't get too excited about it... look who they were playing, a AAA team... :(

[EagleFan]

Now if the Phillies can fire Amaro, that would at least make the season bearable. Everyone is talking about players that should get traded but I have no faith that the Phillies would get a good return with Amaro doing the deal.

[Butter]

Todd Frazier!

[MrBug708]

So Kershaw "struggles" and the Dodgers win on the strength of their bullpen..

[Lathum]

$100 to the man who called the Buddy Carlyle opening day save on the road vs. Washington.

yeah.

Not a good sign

[Lathum]

Todd Frazier!

Man did he jump on that pitch

[cougarfreak]

Man did he jump on that pitch

He tattooed it..............

But Price is going to have to learn, Gregg belongs nowhere near a game when we are winning by less that 10.

[Galaril]

Now if the Phillies can fire Amaro, that would at least make the season bearable. Everyone is talking about players that should get traded but I have no faith that the Phillies would get a good return with Amaro doing the deal.

With the back of the Red Sox rotation and the Phillies who they have become I am holding off on the WS parade at least for now.

[Ramzavail]

He tattooed it..............

But Price is going to have to learn, Gregg belongs nowhere near a game when we are winning by less that 10.

I can't even believe Kevin Gregg is still in the league.

[SirFozzie]

Interesting, Red Sox signed Porcello to a four year extension. I was expecting that he would have to make a good start to the season first.

[Galaril]

Interesting, Red Sox signed Porcello to a four year extension. I was expecting that he would have to make a good start to the season first.

Wow guess they know something we don't .

[SirFozzie]

Terms for Porcello is 4/82 (2016-19)

Wow. Um.. I'm Flabbergusted (flabbergasted/disgusted). I don't think this is a good call at all at this point.

[JPhillips]

He tattooed it..............

But Price is going to have to learn, Gregg belongs nowhere near a game when we are winning by less that 10.

This.

Also, Cueto is a beast. I'm going to hate it when they trade him.

[Galaril]

Terms for Porcello is 4/82 (2016-19)

Wow. Um.. I'm Flabbergusted (flabbergasted/disgusted). I don't think this is a good call at all at this point.

Wait what?..... 4 years at $20.25 mill ?! That is crazy.

[SirFozzie]

just a bit over 20.5 million.

Rick Porcello, Boston Red Sox agree to four-year extension (http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12632334/rick-porcello-boston-red-sox-agree-four-year-extension)

[Galaril]

Yeah this is the money shot from that "The floor on this deal approaches disastrous, if not nearly in the realm of, say, the Carl Crawford contract. If the Red Sox have bet wrong and Porcello is simply a mediocre 4.50 ERA pitcher, then they've essentially flushed $20 million down the drain for the next four years. That sort of pitcher can be had for, if not free, then near enough to it."

[Atocep]

Porcello's last 3 years have been 2.7, 2.8, 2.7 WAR. At roughly $7 mil per WAR this isn't absurd at all. Considering the fact that Porcello is still only 26 this is the Red Sox gambling on his health more than anything IMO. If his health holds up he shouldn't have much problem giving value at least close to what he's being paid.

[BishopMVP]

Yeah this is the money shot from that "The floor on this deal approaches disastrous, if not nearly in the realm of, say, the Carl Crawford contract. If the Red Sox have bet wrong and Porcello is simply a mediocre 4.50 ERA pitcher, then they've essentially flushed $20 million down the drain for the next four years. That sort of pitcher can be had for, if not free, then near enough to it.":lol: Edinson Volquez got $10m/y, league average pitchers who can throw 200 IP get $10m/y+. The closest comp, Homer Bailey, got 6/$108 while giving up an arb year. Porcello was going to get PAID Rick Porcello’s Upcoming Enormous Payday | FanGraphs Baseball (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/rick-porcellos-upcoming-enormous-payday/)

He's still 26 (younger than Jacob DeGrom, Brandon Workman, etc), has a career 4.30 ERA despite being rushed to the majors and playing in front of arguably the worst infield defense in the majors, and zero injury history. The money isn't going to be a steal, and there's always injury risk, but locking him up just for age 27-30 is amazing, even if he's "only" a 4.00 ERA guy, and not the 3.50 guy his FIP from the last 2 years indicates.

And because the comparison is inevitable, I'd rather have Jon Lester this year, I think it's a toss-up between the two for the next few years, but I'm ecstatic we're not committed to paying Jon Lester $50m in 2020/21. And I also think the Red Sox willingness to go as high as they did on the yearly $ is directly related to Lester turning down 4/$70 last year at this time, and how badly low-balling him backfired.

[SackAttack]

And I also think the Red Sox willingness to go as high as they did on the yearly $ is directly related to Lester turning down 4/$70 last year at this time, and how badly low-balling him backfired.

I think this is the key. Rick Porcello isn't anybody's idea of an ace, but if you can stay healthy and pitch innings in this market, you're going to get an 8-figure payday, and Boston has a) experiential evidence for why getting cute can backfire and b) a need for pitching. They traded Cespedes to get the guy. Doing that with the intent of having him be a one-year rental would just be dumb.

$20m per may not be a bargain, and it may even become a bad contract (it's not like Porcello's resume doesn't include a stinker of a season), but Boston painted themselves into this corner with how they handled Lester. If they're a little more serious with Lester last spring and end up retaining him, I don't know that they trade for Porcello or, if they do, if they end up paying him this kind of scratch.

[Lathum]

Colon was great yesterday and the Mets take game one from the Nats. With DeGrom and Harvey going the next 2 they have an excellent chance to win the first series on the road from a division rival.

[Grover]

Any recommended MLB podcasts out there?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Any recommended MLB podcasts out there?

I enjoy Buster Olney's 'Baseball Tonight' podcast. Monday through Friday. Episodes are around 45 minutes.

[BishopMVP]

I think this is the key. Rick Porcello isn't anybody's idea of an ace, but if you can stay healthy and pitch innings in this market, you're going to get an 8-figure payday, and Boston has a) experiential evidence for why getting cute can backfire and b) a need for pitching. They traded Cespedes to get the guy. Doing that with the intent of having him be a one-year rental would just be dumb.

$20m per may not be a bargain, and it may even become a bad contract (it's not like Porcello's resume doesn't include a stinker of a season), but Boston painted themselves into this corner with how they handled Lester. If they're a little more serious with Lester last spring and end up retaining him, I don't know that they trade for Porcello or, if they do, if they end up paying him this kind of scratch.I still liked Cespedes for Porcello in a vacuum, and think it would've been done even if Lester re-signed (obviously wouldn't have have Yoenis if Lester had signed an extension). Remember, we also traded for Wade Mikey and signed Masterson that week.

Overall, I'm not that worried about the pitching. I think Porcello is either a 2 or a 3, Miley a 3 or a 4, Kelly and Masterson both 5's, with Buchholz either being a 1 or a sub-replacement player that's out of the rotation due to injury or "injury". Between Owens, Johnson, Rodriguez and Wright someone will come up by July and hopefully move Kelly or Masterson to the bullpen, and worst case if that hasn't happened and we're in the hunt there are a plethora of free agent to be starters so we should be able to trade for one - Cueto, Latos, Gallardo the first three that come to mind, but a projected contender or two will probably fall flat too. I also know not everyone buys into them, but the Red Sox specifically targeted ground ball pitchers and catchers with great pitch-framing (even after Vazquez's unfortunate injury), so someone like Porcello will benefit even if he doesn't keep up the improvement he's shown in his age 24&25 seasons.

[Galaril]

:lol: Edinson Volquez got $10m/y, league average pitchers who can throw 200 IP get $10m/y+. The closest comp, Homer Bailey, got 6/$108 while giving up an arb year. Porcello was going to get PAID Rick Porcello’s Upcoming Enormous Payday | FanGraphs Baseball (http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/rick-porcellos-upcoming-enormous-payday/)

He's still 26 (younger than Jacob DeGrom, Brandon Workman, etc), has a career 4.30 ERA despite being rushed to the majors and playing in front of arguably the worst infield defense in the majors, and zero injury history. The money isn't going to be a steal, and there's always injury risk, but locking him up just for age 27-30 is amazing, even if he's "only" a 4.00 ERA guy, and not the 3.50 guy his FIP from the last 2 years indicates.

And because the comparison is inevitable, I'd rather have Jon Lester this year, I think it's a toss-up between the two for the next few years, but I'm ecstatic we're not committed to paying Jon Lester $50m in 2020/21. And I also think the Red Sox willingness to go as high as they did on the yearly $ is directly related to Lester turning down 4/$70 last year at this time, and how badly low-balling him backfired.


Great points and hope you and others that point this out are right.

[tarcone]

Go Cards!

See you all at the trade deadline or the playoffs.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Have a friend in the organization who took a cool selfie yesterday.......

https://scontent-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10730888_854621400367_7272426511911297824_n.jpg?oh=2120a47969ccf3f88b386b351e3e9985&oe=55B04BE5

[stevew]

Jeez, co-linked from that Porcello page was something about Jason Heyward being a 200m+ player. I don't get how baseball works anymore, and it's just amazing to me how some guy that does nothing particularly special or inspiring can suddenly command 20M+ a season due to some WAR number.

[Coffee Warlord]

Cubs - Cards postponed for tonight, due to forecast of rain and freezing wind chills.

Jeez, maybe we don't schedule night games in Chicago in April, guys?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Cubs - Cards postponed for tonight, due to forecast of rain and freezing wind chills.

Jeez, maybe we don't schedule night games in Chicago in April, guys?

Meh, they just wanted another day to install more toilets.

[ISiddiqui]

Jeez, co-linked from that Porcello page was something about Jason Heyward being a 200m+ player. I don't get how baseball works anymore, and it's just amazing to me how some guy that does nothing particularly special or inspiring can suddenly command 20M+ a season due to some WAR number.

Being arguably the best defensive RF in the game maaaay have something to do with that ;). Along with being a decent offensive threat and only being 25. Heyward is going to be a big time player.

[stevew]

20M a season for great RF defense, roughly a .750 OPS and 11-18 homers a season is f'n insane.

[ISiddiqui]

20M a season for great RF defense, roughly a .750 OPS and 11-18 homers a season is f'n insane.

These days a .750 OPS is basically equivalent to an OPS+ of 110. The game has changed - I'll do a quick comparison. In 2002, Carlos Beltran was 25. He had an .850 OPS, which equated to an 114 OPS+.

Add that to absolutely stellar defense and decent potential power (it wasn't there the last year, but in 2012 he had 27 HRs).

In addition, players salaries have risen. $20mil a year isn't not some magical barrier - I mean, as we discussed, Porcello just got that.

[Lathum]

Starting Matt Latos in 2 of my daily leagues appears to have been a mistake.

[BillJasper]

Starting Matt Latos in 2 of my daily leagues appears to have been a mistake.

Yup. He got destroyed. 7 ER in 2/3rds of an inning. :eek:

[Buccaneer]

And Latos' 94.50 ERA was not even the worse on his team. A Marlin's reliever is sitting at 108.00.

[Buccaneer]

Nice win for the Pads - but they need to have their middle and setup relievers to simmer down. Closer Kimbrel was golden - striking out the side in the 9th.

[Easy Mac]

Ehhh, Kimbrel was just excess for the Braves when they can go 162-0 and win all their games by 10 runs. :)

[cartman]

Adrian Beltre forgot then quickly remembered the new pace of play rule about staying in the batters box.

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/0/7/8/116895078/04715_beltre_jump_batter_box_med_res_fix_1x08jsrq.gif

[Chief Rum]

That's awesome. I love seeing the ump start to point it out, too. Johnny on the spot.

[cartman]

Brett Lawrie of the A's had a forgettable night at the plate last night. He faced a total of 12 pitches, and struck out 4 times.

[Grover]

Brett Lawrie of the A's had a forgettable night at the plate last night. He faced a total of 12 pitches, and struck out 4 times.

The Gilded Golden Sombrero.

[cartman]

Worse even than the team Bugs Bunny pitched against.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IOt2iw-7n6A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[ISiddiqui]

Saw this on my Facebook feed:

There have been 9 shutouts this season. That's a live-ball era record for teams playing in their 1st 2 games. 12 teams have only played 1 gm

--

#BringBackTheRoids

[BishopMVP]

Saw this on my Facebook feed:



--

#BringBackTheRoidsMore like #StopExpandingTheStrikeZoneBelowTheKnees and #StopPlayingNightGamesInNorthernCitiesInApril

Although, I'd take an even earlier start if it meant more playoff games in late September/early October. Baseball's most important games should not be played in below freezing temperatures.

[Grover]

mlb.tv is the best sports package value out there.

[SirFozzie]

We may have a "First Run Wins" game in Philly, 39 degrees and rainy.. lovely weather. Thanks ESPN :P

[stevew]

I wish they would play more double headers and go to 27-28man rosters(maybe with 22 active on any given game). Get the series in earlier. You could shave a week pretty easily with minor work.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Whew! Lots of bad blood in the White Sox/Royals series already. Cain beaning in last game and now both pitchers have clearly thrown at batters in the first 1 1/2 innings.

[SirFozzie]

LOL, they announced 26,600+ for the Philly game. they're lucky if there is 9-10,000 there. :)

[Easy Mac]

Break up the Barves.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Whew. It's like the playoffs never ended. Amazing stuff.

[MrBug708]

Adrian Gonzalez has had a decent start with 4 HR's through 3 games

[Galaril]

Porcello and the new 82 million contract after one start looks great ��

[Ryche]

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

[stevew]

Porcello and the new 82 million contract after one start looks great ��

.08 of a WAR here, .3 there, eventually he'll be a bargain!

[Grover]

Porcello and the new 82 million contract after one start looks great ��

He threw one bad pitch!

He'll be fine.

[Bigsmooth]

Heidi Watney...have mercy. Love me some Quick Pitch on MLB Network.

[lungs]

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

I dunno, they were playing the Brewers :)

[Logan]

Harvey-Strasburg makes me very happy my new office has lots of TVs.

[Lathum]

Harvey is back baby!!

[Ramzavail]

6 inn, 0 R, 9 K, 3 against Harper. Eat it.

[Logan]

He's so awesome to watch.

[Chief Rum]

I have Harvey and Harper in a league. Fortunately, we don't count strikeouts for hitters as a category (so just regular stats are hurt there).

Happy to hear about Harvey!

[JPhillips]

Billy Hamilton has stolen six bases against the Pirates in this series, including one today on a pitch out.

[Grover]

Sweep!

Team defense for the Royals was outstanding against the White Sox to start the year. Bullpen was as solid as ever as well.

It is encouraging to see Mike Moustakas, though he went 0-fer today, taking pitches, learning patience and being able to go the other way. Last night he had forced the Chicago defense to play him straight up. He's already showing massive improvement over last year. I was very skeptical of him batting 2nd, but he's up to the task early on.

[Atocep]

20M a season for great RF defense, roughly a .750 OPS and 11-18 homers a season is f'n insane.

We have a better understanding of defense and with it has come a reevaluation of what a player is worth. It's always been simple to look at defense as a run saved is equal to a run scored, but we didn't have reliable metrics to tell us when a run was saved so defensive value was reserved for players that were obvious and usually up the middle players. Defensive metrics are still way behind offensive metrics, but the gap is closing quickly.

10 years ago Jonathan Lucroy would have been considered an average to above average defensive catcher because his arm is fairly average. Josh Donaldson wouldn't have been seen as one of the 10 best players in baseball with a sub-.800 OPS. Juan Lagares is probably a 4th or 5th outfielder. Alex Gordon would have been an above average player.

As for Heyward, the fielding bible estimates he's taken away 140 more bases than the average right fielder on deeply hit balls (+40 in 2014 alone) and saved 32 defensive runs in right field last year. You can make the argument that he's not only the best right fielder in the game, but the best defensive player overall. Combine that with a 3 year OPS plus over 112 and you have a player worth $20 million.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sweep!

Team defense for the Royals was outstanding against the White Sox to start the year. Bullpen was as solid as ever as well.

It is encouraging to see Mike Moustakas, though he went 0-fer today, taking pitches, learning patience and being able to go the other way. Last night he had forced the Chicago defense to play him straight up. He's already showing massive improvement over last year. I was very skeptical of him batting 2nd, but he's up to the task early on.

The early HR power is very encouraging. Everyone is hitting with a lot of power. Multiple no-doubter shots from our guys. We're usually just rooting for a pop fly to clear the fence.

[Grover]

The early HR power is very encouraging. Everyone is hitting with a lot of power. Multiple no-doubter shots from our guys. We're usually just rooting for a pop fly to clear the fence.

Compared to the barren HR landscape of 2014, this is an incredible change.

And I know he was joking, but hearing Steve Stewart quip that the Royals are on pace for 270 HRs was fun to hear.

The intensity from last year's playoffs seems to have stuck with this group early on. Very encouraging overall.

Morales and Rios looking like good value on the FA market as well.

[Bobble]

Sweep!

If it weren't for an error, the Tigers would have blanked the Twins in each of the first three games.

[Grover]

If it weren't for an error, the Tigers would have blanked the Twins in each of the first three games.

I do feel bad for Moliter. Not too bad though.

Grabbed from ESPN...

"Twins manager Paul Molitor is off to a rough start. He’s only the second manager to be outscored by at least 20 runs in his first three games and the first in 110 years (Fred Tenney, 1905 Beaneaters)."

[CraigSca]

Growing up an Orioles fan, I distinctly remember the inauspicious start the O's had in 1978. They got slaughtered by the Brewers their first three games 11-3, 16-3 and 13-5. That's a combined 40-11, managed by Earl Weaver.

So, I'm going to assume ESPN is wrong here?

EDIT: Oh, NEW manager. Never mind :)

[Grover]

Break up the Twins!

Man, the White Sox are awful.

[Scoobz0202]

Real fun Reds game tonight. B-Ham doing some awesome things on the bases, Votto redemption, Chapman being amazing.

[JPhillips]

How Jason Marquis got seven strikeouts is a great mystery.

[JonInMiddleGA]

LOL at Yankee Stadium. Several banks of lights go out. Umpires confer.

Fans have turned on their phones to offer additional lighting :D

[SirFozzie]

And the Yanks-Sox game has hit 5 hours, just like every other Yanks-Red Sox game. :P

[BishopMVP]

Maybe baseball should take a page out of the NHL's book... Every inning after the 15th you have to play with one less fielder.

[Jas_lov]

Game is going to hit 7 hours. Sox score one run in the top of 16th and top of 18th, Yanks match them both times. Esmil Rodgers's arm is going to fall off.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That game, with Costas doing pbp, is probably the very first time in my entire life I've considered that finding some sort of shootout method of ending a baseball game might not be a bad thing.

[Galaril]

Geez 19 inning ts of Red Sox -Yankees style baseball is like three games with any other teams. There 9 inning games were like 4 1/2 hours already.

[claphamsa]

Mejija of the mets is now out 80 for roids....

[Ramzavail]

ugh

[stevew]

There has to be a tainted substance at this point or a common supplier of roids. That's 4 guys on the same exact thing now.

[Atocep]

There has to be a tainted substance at this point or a common supplier of roids. That's 4 guys on the same exact thing now.

It's strange that a group of guys are suddenly popping for a steroid that's fairly easy to detect and has been abused by athletes like Ben Johnson and Canseco.

[EagleFan]

It's strange that a group of guys are suddenly popping for a steroid that's fairly easy to detect and has been abused by athletes like Ben Johnson and Canseco.

Athletes aren't the brightest bulbs...

[stevew]

Yeah. I was thinking this was the Ben Johnson roid. Oldie but a goodie I guess.

[Grover]

Kendrys Morales continues to show great plate discipline and eye this year. Bizarro world.

[Easy Mac]

5-0

[cuervo72]

Damn, Padres going berzerk.

[Buccaneer]

Damn, Padres going berzerk.

Pent up demand.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Weird to even try to analyze Bumgarner's pitching tonight. He looked out of sorts all evening, without much stuff on his pitches. That being said, most of the damage was done on ground balls that weren't hit particularly hard but just happened to find holes. Combine that with the Padres getting approximately 85 extra bases on terrible throwing choices by the Giants outfield...by the end he started giving up loud contact, but that was after four runs were already in.

With his crazy work load last season, every single poor start is going to be over-analyzed like crazy, but it's hard not to worry, especially when the rest of the staff looks so weak already.

[AENeuman]

Pent up demand.

And the Giants have Pence up demand

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

LOL. Trout picking a fight with the Royals after they score a run to only be down 7-2 and approaching a sweep has to be one of the funnier tough guy moments I've seen in awhile.

[rowech]

Reds lose because they lack patience/discipline at the plate and an inability to bunt. Most impatient baseball team I've ever seen.

[Scarecrow]

Feel Good Story Time...

Paulo Orlando, a 10 year minor league vet, has played in 2 major league games so far for the Royals, going 3 for 7 with 3 triples.

Just announced that he's the first player to ever start a career with three triples.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

And then there were two.

Royals and Tigers the only remaining undefeated teams.

[Chief Rum]

LOL. Trout picking a fight with the Royals after they score a run to only be down 7-2 and approaching a sweep has to be one of the funnier tough guy moments I've seen in awhile.

I didn't watch the game but I read an article on that later on my AT&T feed which makes it sound like Ventura was the one doing the theatrics, staring down Trout for getting a hit off of him after Ventura buzzed Trout high and inside. And then Trout scored on the double and was apparently happy about doing that (shocker).

I can't remember the quote from the Royals manager after the game, but it was something along the lines of "Ventura sometimes gets a little heated out there."

Again, though, I didn't watch it, so maybe I missed something.

Great series for the Royals. The Angels have to figure out a way to beat those guys.

It would help if they stopped acting like asshats over the Hamilton thing. You can't tell me that shit ain't affecting that clubhouse. I think I would take a swing at Moreno by now for the crap he has done and let happen under him with this.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I didn't watch the game but I read an article on that later on my AT&T feed which makes it sound like Ventura was the one doing the theatrics, staring down Trout for getting a hit off of him after Ventura buzzed Trout high and inside. And then Trout scored on the double and was apparently happy about doing that (shocker).

I can't remember the quote from the Royals manager after the game, but it was something along the lines of "Ventura sometimes gets a little heated out there."

Again, though, I didn't watch it, so maybe I missed something.

Trout had a couple last second time outs when Ventura was about to pitch, trying to throw off his rhythm. Within the rules, but you could tell Ventura was pretty pissed about it both times. That was the reason for the stare-down. I'm actually a bit surprised that Trout didn't get thrown at after that.

Trout knew exactly why he was getting stared at, but most articles glossed over that part because he's known as a 'good guy'.

[Lathum]

Looks like DeGrom is going to be the guy who gets no run support this year

[Chief Rum]

Trout had a couple last second time outs when Ventura was about to pitch, trying to throw off his rhythm. Within the rules, but you could tell Ventura was pretty pissed about it both times. That was the reason for the stare-down. I'm actually a bit surprised that Trout didn't get thrown at after that.

Trout knew exactly why he was getting stared at, but most articles glossed over that part because he's known as a 'good guy'.

Sounds like normal gamesmanship to me, especially when you say it was within the new rules. Why would Trout get thrown out for that?

Ventura needs to keep his temper.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sounds like normal gamesmanship to me, especially when you say it was within the new rules. Why would Trout get thrown out for that?

Ventura needs to keep his temper.

Thrown at, not out.

In the end, there were two 23-year competitive players out there. One's a hothead because he's competitive while the other is a competitor because he's a media darling.

Regardless, the Royals rectified the situation as they should: they beat the snot out of them on the scoreboard.

[Lathum]

One's a hothead because he's competitive while the other is a competitor because he's a media darling.

.

huh?

[stevew]

I went to a AA double header on Sunday. Games both moved pretty fast. Seemed like the new pace of play clock could use work but I dint exactly see them being that big of a deal either.

[Chief Rum]

Thrown at, not out.

In the end, there were two 23-year competitive players out there. One's a hothead because he's competitive while the other is a competitor because he's a media darling.

Regardless, the Royals rectified the situation as they should: they beat the snot out of them on the scoreboard.

Even if you think that Trout transgressed by engaging in some gamesmanship (again, within the rules), Ventura buzzed him high and tight. Okay, that should be it. Trout did his thing, Ventura sent a message. All good.

But then I guess Trout had the audacity to actually get a hit off of Ventura. So that deserves a staredown? Or scoring on the following double and showing celebration for that, that deserves a face to face?

Trout's not getting the benefit of the doubt just because he's a media darling. He's getting it because Ventura was pretty much an ass. And what is even more stupid on Ventura's part, he did it in a game where the Royals were up big, so who gives a bleep?

Good for Ventura that he doesn't have to bat against the Angels, so he can just do whatever he wants.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Trout's not getting the benefit of the doubt just because he's a media darling. He's getting it because Ventura was pretty much an ass. And what is even more stupid on Ventura's part, he did it in a game where the Royals were up big, so who gives a bleep?

They asked a couple former players on MLB Network about the situation. Responses ranged from '23 year olds just being idiots, nothing to see here' to 'I'm glad to see the Royals players with a chip on their shoulder because they're going to play all year long with a target on their back after last year's WS run.'

[SirFozzie]

Mookie Betts stole two bases on one play (the Nationals challenged both, which I thought was funny), then robbed Bryce Harper of a Homer, then hit a three run homer. Sheesh.

[ISiddiqui]

Looks like DeGrom is going to be the guy who gets no run support this year

Yeah, but if the upgraded bullpen continues to pitch that well, it may not matter as much as it may have in the past!

[SirFozzie]

Someone should be playing Yakety Sax every time someone in the Nationals Outfield tries to make a play.

[SirFozzie]

And the Nationals Infield gets in on the action.. there should be 4 or 5 outs in this inning, instead it's 7-0 Sox with 1 out.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Wow. We'll see if it pans out.

Jayson Stark @jaysonst · 6 minutes ago

The #Royals are the 8th World Series team to start the next season 6-0 or better. The other 7 finished the year an avg of 26 games over .500

[Dr. Sak]

Watch: Mets fan throws beer at Phillies outfielder | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia (http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-level/watch-mets-fan-throws-beer-phillies-outfielder)

What a waste of a $9 beer...at least throw it on a player on a good team.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm going to be one fat bastard if this offense keeps going like this.

For the uninitiated, Papa John's offers 50% off menu price online the day after a Royals win if they score at least five runs. They've been tossing out the pizzas this week to say the least.

[cartman]

For the uninitiated, they do that in all markets for the local teams.

[Suicane75]

Tens of Thousand of Phillies fans will die of starvation this year.

[cartman]

More Rangers heading to the DL. In addition to Derek Holland getting put on the 60 day over the weekend, new outfielder Ryan Rua is out for at least 3 weeks with a fractured heel, and reliever Lisalverto Bonilla was moved from the 15 day to the 60 day and will have Tommy John surgery at the end of the week. I was hoping that last year was just an aberration on the injury front, but this season is starting off just as bad.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Love it.

Hudisms 2014: The definitive list - Royals Review (http://www.royalsreview.com/2015/4/13/8398677/royals-rex-hudler-hudisms-definitive-list)

Things Rex Hudler Actually Says: 2014 Version

1. Good ball players learn to spread out their lower half.
2. The flamingo kick is obviously named after the bird that stands on one leg.
3. I could pass a huge turd when I got a 2 or 3 year deal.
4. The bodies you would see when showering with the pitchers?! Oh man.
5. My antennas will be up and watching for them.
6. How about a doink, bloop, or a blast right here.
7. Players, really, are property.
8. I say, "Bruce, I watch you chew that gum, man. It's amazing how you chomp that thing!"
9. I get hungry when you throw that accent out there!
10. I had a license at one time, but they've taken it from me.
11. That had too much hair on it.
12. Be a fountain, not a drain
13. Oh, that was nice. How bout just a thing. Throw a little thing out there, Moose.
14. He wants to try to shoot that hole anywhere. Any hole.
15. Did you know that’s a video game now? Angry Birds?
16. Maybe Billy can wake those ducks up.
17. That's not just a circle change! He curls that thing all the way up into a little donut!
18. He brings a lunch pail to work, even though he probably really doesn't.
19. Everything went well but the loss.
20. His teammates call him Wader. I’ll say! Wader, check please!
21. He said this weekend he's gonna give him a blow in Seattle. He'd like to, as the season goes on, once a week.
22. Hosmer! What a play to knock that thing down! And then his arm is still on his body!
23. Rex: It's a beautiful planet.
Ryan: Well, it's a moon...
Rex: Looks like a planet to me.
24. The bird's nest is full, and Holland has got to be able to keep that goose egg in it.
25. He knows how to handle those dirty socks!
26. Let me show you in fast motion -- if you can watch my hands. They used to call me the Thief of Baghdad.
27. I've sampled several types of insects. Moths are a little dusty.
28. That ball's got some hair on it.
29. That feels so good, he's like, "Ha ha! There it was, something I could reach out and touch!"
30. It's how you ingest the pie that will determine how far your future will be in this game.
31. He wants to feel the wood in his hands.
32. Everything's going right for the Royals. Stay in the tree, fellas.
33. Speaking about the great country of Louisiana, I'm sure.
34. I think Lorenzo will drop his doinker here.
35. Monty drilled me at The Little K my first year.
36. Ned Yost is a baseball guy. He knows baseball.
37. He's going back with a little cock, and then he's coming through with his hands.
38. And he started running around the clubhouse like a soccer guy that scored a goal.
39. I didn't recognize him.. because I've never met him. So I guess that makes sense.
40. Does football even have a Pro Bowl?
41. Luck is a big word that is used, and we see it all the time in society and in life.
42. With that one swing, Billy said, "how dare you. not designate me as a hitter today."
43. Hitters like the chocolate chips. Especially with the chips on base.
44. It’s like a dragster, you see how they race? They go pedal to the metal and they are OUT.
45. Hud: Maternity. Fraternity, It's Fraternity, right?
Ryan: Paternity.
Hud: I knew it was one of those things.
46. Oakland plays both of their sports in one city.
47. There's an umpire at every base, nearly.
48. I don't blame you. It looks nice and tight.
49. That's a pretty nice picture of a bus.
50. Peguero, he shot an arrow!
51. Frasor... pulls out... the razor. Nice.
52. If you can find the hole, you win. If not, it can be a very frustrating evening.
53. That movement was sick. Sick is a word I learned from my kids, Ryan. That's one of the words the young kids use nowadays.
54. It's bad to get hit on your chin. Because it's attached to your head.
55. You're asking a dumb bird a stupid question.
56. What a great natural drug ice is.
57. What do you call Puerto Rico? Is it a State? Is it a Country? I know it's not a planet.
58.Yard is another word for ballpark. Players say that.
59. And Billy's drive... sends Bauer.. to the shower.

[cartman]

Open letter to MBBF:

We get it. You like the Royals. Please don't shit all over this thread as you cannot seem to avoid doing in just about every other thread you post in.

Signed,
FOFC

[stevew]

#royalpain

[MrBug708]

Rex Hudler's role model must be Bill Walton. I'm kind of glad he's not in SoCal anymore

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Rex Hudler's role model must be Bill Walton. I'm kind of glad he's not in SoCal anymore

It's a love/hate thing. He's somewhat like Cousin Eddie. Not so bright, but it's hard not to enjoy his tomfoolery.

[BishopMVP]

This still counts as a successful pickoff attempt, right?

Jon "Doesn't Have The Yips" Lester Airmails Throw To First Base (http://deadspin.com/jon-doesnt-have-the-yips-lester-airmails-throw-to-fir-1697629188)

Seriously, I hope he gets his head fixed, but it's going to be funny to watch how much teams try to exploit this until then.

[EagleFan]

Watch: Mets fan throws beer at Phillies outfielder | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia (http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/700-level/watch-mets-fan-throws-beer-phillies-outfielder)

What a waste of a $9 beer...at least throw it on a player on a good team.

This would be a thread of its own if it was the other way.

With that said... Grady Sizemore? Really?

[Grover]

It's a love/hate thing. He's somewhat like Cousin Eddie. Not so bright, but it's hard not to enjoy his tomfoolery.

And every once in awhile he will say something genuinely insightful and it's surprising, but also a little scary.

[Lathum]

This would be a thread of its own if it was the other way.

With that said... Grady Sizemore? Really?

It wouldn't need its own thread, there is already a 9 page thread about how Philly fans are the scum of the earth.

[Logan]

This would be a thread of its own if it was the other way.

With that said... Grady Sizemore? Really?

Very sneaky by that Phillies fan to dress up as a Mets fan.

[ISiddiqui]

With that said... Grady Sizemore? Really?

Well he did lose a ball in the sun later that led to a run... so... it worked? ;)

[Lathum]

To bold to predict a Matt Harvey no no tonight?

[stevew]

Surprisingly that beer didn't hurt Sizemore enough to put him out for half a season.

[Grover]

Time of game is down 8 minutes compared to last year.

Small sample size right? Well, games in the first week of the season last year, were 4 seconds longer than those at the end of the year on average.

Down from 3:02 to 2:54

[Chief Rum]

To bold to predict a Matt Harvey no no tonight?

I wouldn't think they would allow him to stay in and finish it.

[Chief Rum]

More Rangers heading to the DL. In addition to Derek Holland getting put on the 60 day over the weekend, new outfielder Ryan Rua is out for at least 3 weeks with a fractured heel, and reliever Lisalverto Bonilla was moved from the 15 day to the 60 day and will have Tommy John surgery at the end of the week. I was hoping that last year was just an aberration on the injury front, but this season is starting off just as bad.

At what point is the training staff looked closely at here? Or the scouting evaluations are changed to more seriously consider injury history?

Very odd injury bug that continues to plague the Rangers.

[Grover]

At what point is the training staff looked closely at here? Or the scouting evaluations are changed to more seriously consider injury history?

Very odd injury bug that continues to plague the Rangers.

People have been saying the same thing about Arsenal in the Premier League for years.

[Chief Rum]

Open letter to MBBF:

We get it. You like the Royals. Please don't shit all over this thread as you cannot seem to avoid doing in just about every other thread you post in.

Signed,
FOFC

Meh... we're all fans. This is a thread for baseball fans in general, and team specific fans. I don't mind anyone propping up their team.

[Chief Rum]

It's a love/hate thing. He's somewhat like Cousin Eddie. Not so bright, but it's hard not to enjoy his tomfoolery.

Agreed. Hud is an acquired taste. Not someone I would want to always listen to, but good for a short bit.

[Logan]

I wouldn't think they would allow him to stay in and finish it.

27 guys x 3 strikes + one walk on a 3-2 pitch + half a foul per at bat = 101 pitches. Probably too many.

So let's back out that walked batter and go right to the perfecto. 95 pitches should be okay. Bring it on!

[Lathum]

I wouldn't think they would allow him to stay in and finish it.

Obviously I was a bit tongue in cheek, but that would be my concern as well, they had him on a 90 pitch count last outing.

[EagleFan]

Harvey gets routed and pulled in the 5th. You heard it here first.

[Lathum]

At what point is the training staff looked closely at here? Or the scouting evaluations are changed to more seriously consider injury history?

Very odd injury bug that continues to plague the Rangers.

I was listening to the radio the other day and they were blaming it on Ryans philosopy of throw more and don't papmer these guys and he basically left the franchise in a mess.

[cartman]

I was listening to the radio the other day and they were blaming it on Ryans philosopy of throw more and don't papmer these guys and he basically left the franchise in a mess.

That might explain the pitcher injuries, but there have been a ton of position players as well. We'll have to see what the Astros look like in a couple of years to see if this holds water.

[Logan]

That might explain the pitcher injuries, but there have been a ton of position players as well. We'll have to see what the Astros look like in a couple of years to see if this holds water.

Does Ray Ramirez have a brother?

Mets fans boo trainers during home opener introductions (http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/04/13/new-york-mets-fans-boo-trainers-video)

[Ramzavail]

FWIW, we've been booing the Met trainers for at least 5 years.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Royals finally get a loss. Rios out for a few weeks after fracturing his hand when being hit by a pitch. Too bad, as he was off to a good start. Thankfully, we do have some good depth right now. Whether it's Orlando or Dyson, the speed in the outfield just increased if that's possible.

[Coffee Warlord]

After last night's game, the Cubs are 2 games over .500 for the first time since 2009. Good lord.

[Scarecrow]

Royals finally get a loss. Rios out for a few weeks after fracturing his hand when being hit by a pitch. Too bad, as he was off to a good start. Thankfully, we do have some good depth right now. Whether it's Orlando or Dyson, the speed in the outfield just increased if that's possible.

Want speed... Terrance Gore was pulled from this afternoon's NW Arkansas game. You know what that means (and Butler's coming to town this weekend)!

[BillJasper]

After last night's game, the Cubs are 2 games over .500 for the first time since 2009. Good lord.

But they'll miss the playoffs if Kris Bryant isn't there for the first ten games!

[Lathum]

So much for that

[Lathum]

Phillies starter hits 2 mets in one inning trying to pitch inside , including Cuddyer in the hand forcing him out of the game. Can't wait to see how Harvey responds. My guess is Utley gets it.

[Lathum]

Question-

Lets say a player is hit by a pitch and a warning is issued to both benches. The play is challenged and over turned and the player wasn't hit (lets say it just grazed the uniform), does the warning still stand?

[cartman]

Grazing the uniform still counts as a hit by pitch.

[JonInMiddleGA]

TV screens all over the restaurant tonight so I probably saw a months worth of baseball in a single meal.

Anyway though, the guy Harvey "hit" ... how in the world does that call stand after watching the replay? The ball touched nothing ... over & over & over. So how do you f' that call up? (on replay, real time I can understand)

[Lathum]

Grazing the uniform still counts as a hit by pitch.

I am aware of that. My point is it didn't hit the uniform but the ump initially thought it did, hence the overturn

[Lathum]

and there it is

[Lathum]

Catchers interference called on D'arnaud, are you kidding me!

Collins has to get tossed.....

[Lathum]

This is one of the worst umpired games I have ever seen in my 35 years of watching baseball.

[JPhillips]

For God sakes, stop putting Gregg in games!

This is at least the third time he's given up two runs.

[Scoobz0202]

I honestly do not see how Gregg pitches for the Reds again after tonight.

[kingfc22]

Wow. Nolan Arenado just made a catch on a foul ball where I've never seen a third baseman get to at AT&T Park.

[stevew]

How is that Carter Capps delivery legal.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Tweet from Jon Weisman:

"In the last 19 games in which Madison Bumgarner does not appear against them, the Royals are 18-1."

[Butter]

For God sakes, stop putting Gregg in games!

This is at least the third time he's given up two runs.

I honestly do not see how Gregg pitches for the Reds again after tonight.

Gregg is the new JJ Hoover... they'll keep running him out there because they just need to get him going. Once he gets going, he'll be solid gold!

[Grover]

I believe that Yakety Sax should be played whenever the Nationals are in the field.

[Lathum]

Curious how Cards fans, and other fans, feel about them honoring Taveras opening day and wearing the patch?

IMO it is a disgrace to honor someone who drove intoxicated and took someones life in the process.

[Grover]

Curious how Cards fans, and other fans, feel about them honoring Taveras opening day and wearing the patch?

IMO it is a disgrace to honor someone who drove intoxicated and took someones life in the process.

As someone who lost a girlfriend to a drunk driver.

+100.

It's abhorrent. I get that he was a massive prospect and a potential star down the road. It shouldn't matter. There should be no cause to celebrate a man who made the very immature and irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle drunk. I don't consider his girlfriend to be completely innocent either. She also made the decision to let him drive and to get into the vehicle with him.

I have no sympathy for drunk drivers.

[MizzouRah]

Curious how Cards fans, and other fans, feel about them honoring Taveras opening day and wearing the patch?

IMO it is a disgrace to honor someone who drove intoxicated and took someones life in the process.

That was kind of weird and I was wondering if it was appropriate myself.

[Logan]

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.

[Lathum]

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 would be OK if the players wanted to do something internally, tape off his locker for the season or something, but to honor him in front of the fans and the baseball world for killing himself and someone else in the act of committing a crime IMO is a disgrace.

[Ramzavail]

This is one of the worst umpired games I have ever seen in my 35 years of watching baseball.

I agree. It was really bad. Including the Duda slide at home.

[Lathum]

I agree. It was really bad. Including the Duda slide at home.

I had to LOL when Hernandez was beside himself after that call yelling about the umps not getting anything right.

[stevew]

Curious how Cards fans, and other fans, feel about them honoring Taveras opening day and wearing the patch?

IMO it is a disgrace to honor someone who drove intoxicated and took someones life in the process.

It's not exactly Chris Benoit tribute show level bad but it's close.