MLB Off-Topic 2013

[ubernoob]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

I played through college with this very same rule. So many runners get hurt sliding into the catcher and never saw a catcher get hurt.

No, catchers were never allowed to block the plate in the sense that they can croutch in front of it preparing for a hit, but they can and will position themselves on the first base side with their leg on the ground blocking the plate so the runner with either have to hook slide or slide through them.

And no, they won't be risking injury by doing that because they are the one's wearing shin pads. The runner would be risking injury to their leg or ankle if they decided to try and slide through it.

This technique is the very reason runners have always been allowed to plow the catcher to begin with.

My only point is that it isn't going to be treated anywhere near the way first base is for the obvious reason that first is always a force.

Even as second there are times where you will see a brave shortstop or second baseman but his leg down to block the path to the base in order to risk getting spiked to get the out.



Personally I'm torn, I'm not nearly as angry about it as you guys because I've always seen it as the runners need to make a good decision going home just like they need to do going to any other base.

You can't jar the ball out intentionally going to any of the other three bases (remember the crap Arod took for doing that going to first lol) so why should home be different?


But at the same time, I don't like the advantage the catcher has being the one with the pads on.

It would be like a football coach doing and Oklahoma drill with one of his players in full pads.

I just think it's a silly change. When the catchers get injured (Buster Posey is the last big one that springs to my mind) it's because they are out of position. When I meant injured, I meant something big - I don't really count getting spiked as getting injured (I got spiked a lot at 2B because that's how my coach taught me to play.)

I mean in terms of major injuries. If a catcher leaves his leg out there and the runner has to slide/avoid any contact it's not out of the realm of possibility for a leg to get caught in an awkward position and potentially break. Also, as you said, the runners chances go up as well.

It just seems like a rule change to me that is unnecessary (it's pretty rare for a plate collision where the catcher actually gets to plant his feet in front of home.) I know Posey was "out of position" when he broke his leg and he was off to the side of the plate with his legs under him and wasn't actually blocking the plate.

[kehlis]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

Don't get me wrong guys, I won't argue with either of you or make any sort of a counter argument to try and justify it.

Personally, I'm okay with the run being decided on the decision to send the runner or not but I absolutely will not argue with anyone who does not want to see this rule changed.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

I'm moreso mad at the overall trend of sports and society rather than THIS specific rule proposal, but I don't like the proposal at all.

[SPTO]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

So take this with a huge grain of salt but apparently there's real talk of the Rays moving to Montreal if they can't get a deal done for a new stadium in Tampa.

I doubt it happens but if it does than WOW, not only does Montreal get a team again but they get a very good one too!

[PhilliesFan13]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

Jim Leyland stepped down as Tigers manager today.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

Pretty shocked. He doesn't seem like the type of guy who'd step down.

[SPTO]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

Jim Leyland stepped down as Tigers manager today.

I kind of had a feeling he would. I dunno, seemed like his heart wasn't fully into it this year.

I think this is the last we see of Leyland in an MLB uniform.

[rdnk]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

With the way the current team is structured contract-wise, I was hoping to get one more year out of Leyland. Sure, sometimes he makes strange tactical moves, but his players love to play for him and he has control of the locker room.

At least he made it known to Dombrowski that he was going to retire at the end of the season in advance. I'm hoping that the Tigers don't promote from within and don't hire Dusty Baker. Charlie Manuel might be the most intriguing of the old man managers. There is also a chance they look at a young guy, but I don't know if it's a fit right now. What about a trade for Mike Scioscia? The Angels might be happy to move him without having to pay him.

[l3ulvl]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

I'm glad he stepped down instead of being fired, not that I expected him to be fired but that could've broken the clubhouse.

I feel like Phil Nevin is the guy the organization has been grooming, but now isn't the time, I'm really not sure who the top candidates are, but please do not give it to Lamont or McClendon. PLEASE!

[Psyblast]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

It HAS to be an outside hire. Lamont or McClendon would be unacceptable.

Does Tampa Bay's penny-pinching extend to their manager? Back up the Brinks truck for Joe Maddon.

[SPTO]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

It HAS to be an outside hire. Lamont or McClendon would be unacceptable.

Does Tampa Bay's penny-pinching extend to their manager? Back up the Brinks truck for Joe Maddon.

Since i'm not in Detroit I don't understand the anti Lamont/McClendon feeling. You guys are saying that Phil Nevin seems to be the logical next manager but he doesn't fit the personnel on the team right now so I don't see why a stopgap for a year or two with Lamont (my preference. At least he's won as a manager) then hire Lamont.

BTW I think Maddon is locked up contractually so if they want him they'll have to work out a trade.

[l3ulvl]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

Since i'm not in Detroit I don't understand the anti Lamont/McClendon feeling. You guys are saying that Phil Nevin seems to be the logical next manager but he doesn't fit the personnel on the team right now so I don't see why a stopgap for a year or two with Lamont (my preference. At least he's won as a manager) then hire Lamont.

BTW I think Maddon is locked up contractually so if they want him they'll have to work out a trade.

For me, it's because I want a fresh face with a different philosophy. I don't think McClendon or Lamont would do a single thing different if given the reigns, and they don't have the people skills in the clubhouse that Leyland had anyway.

Hell I'd take Ron Gardenhire (although I think Minny extended him this year). Someone with some innovation, we have this huge park, and only 2, maybe 3 speed guys. Well, that's not on the manager though, Dombrowski (and to an extent Illitch) are responsible for that. But regardless, I hate the "hope to run into a HR" nightly plan.

Someone who understands bullpen management would be great, too.

edit: Also, I don't feel the organization can afford a "stopgap" manager at this point. The World Series window is now, maybe another year or two. The Fielder signing is looking worse and worse, and is going to cost us Cabrera or Scherzer, most likely Scherzer, if not more.

[55]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

Does Tampa Bay's penny-pinching extend to their manager? Back up the Brinks truck for Joe Maddon.

1. They just gave Longoria 100+ million bucks.

2. Maddon is signed through 2015.

[CMH]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

1. They just gave Longoria 100+ million bucks.

2. Maddon is signed through 2015.

Right. I don't think Tampa is penny pinching. I think they know they develop pitchers and see that they are in demand.

So out goes one, one comes up. It's a great strategy that can only stop working with a bad draft or a major injury in their system.


Sent from my mobile device.

[KMRblue1027]

Re: MLB Off-Topic 2013

The Phillies are apparently attempting to renegotiate their TV contact now rather than its expiration date in January of 2015.