MLB Off-Topic

[CMH]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Yea very true, and that's the identity crisis baseball has. The unwritten rules of baseball needs to be shredded and thrown away.

I love bat flips, and attitude, from an entertainment standpoint. I loved it when Aroldis Chapman did a somersault after he got a save, or Bautista's batflip, all that stuff.

But like you said,there's no getting around it, baseball still caters to a more conservative crowd.

For every person that loves it when Puig flips a bat, there's another that calls it downright disrespectful.

And I know there's plenty of people on here that don't want the extra theatrics in baseball either, they prefer the more conservative feel of the game.

Baseball is stuck in an identity crisis.



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I think baseball will forever be in this position because of how it skews.

It's more older so the majority are older. There are still kids that like it even if the number is smaller than other major sports. Those kids are going to want certain things because they are kids. They want the flips and demonstrations. Older people don't want that if it's baseball or having a picnic at the park.

My wife and I stood by the dog park because we don't have a dog and live vicariously through others that are willing to spend the commitment. And I laughed when I saw one of the older guys get upset because someone younger brought in their puppy.

The clash was right there! He was upset simply because the puppy had to learn how to behave in an environment run by older people and dogs. And the puppy is just dancing around because it's a puppy.

You have to let the puppy do puppy things. But older people don't want it anywhere near their established places.

Baseball is kind of like that.

[Blzer]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Oh yeah I agree, but I don't think game importance matters that much either. People with no teams get up on Sunday with the intention of watching 3 football games. I definitely think that's a factor, but not the biggest one in my mind. There's a bunch of things, like sports specialization now making kids who used to do football in the summer and baseball in the spring pick one over the other.

I think people watch sports for five primary reasons:

1) Local loyalty (even if it means watching a division rival game).
2) Favorite player(s)/team(s) to track.
3) Fantasy (you have players in the game).
4) Betting (you have money on the game).
5) Great multitasking background ambiance / Nothing else is on.

Football attracts major crowds simply because there are less games throughout the season. Although more of an impossibility, if they played 162 games, you can bet that game would get boring fast. I can watch 400 MLB games in a season and not yawn once. That would get a bit tiring in football. People are already causing stink over games being played on Thursday, because it should really just be devoted to Sunday (and one game on Monday).

That #2 is huge, though. I'll expand on that below, but in the MLB you only see your favorite player bat every nine hitters (on one side of every inning) and when a ball is hit to them, with the exception of a DH, pitcher and catcher. In the NFL and NBA, your favorite player can be seen in every moment of action on the field, and has every chance to be given the ball when on offense. The best players also handle the ball more (especially quarterbacks and point guards), so it's really easy to get more ways to showcase them. Baseball is just different.

I just think baseball has a huge optics problem. Kids love OBJ, because he's himself even though the league doesn't want him to be. Kids love Steph because he is someone who wasn't supposed to be great, dominating the league on his terms. Where is the opportunity for growth here in baseball? Bryce is ripped apart for joking about bringing fun back to the game. Who is the guy that kids look up to and want to be in a sport that doesn't want you to be yourself?

OBJ is ostracized for being himself as well, a whiny little punk. Make no mistake about that. He made one fantastic catch and has lived off that since, and sticks out because of his hair. But him being himself gets him and the Giants into more trouble than it helps them, and steers the attention in the wrong direction.

Curry is admired because, besides the obvious, he is inspiring to every little kid who thought it was impossible to be of a certain stature yet dominate the league. Every kid wants to be Steph, jacking three-pointers and dribbling between their legs. He's the new "Kobe!" for shooting crumpled paper into recycling bins. His mannerisms on the court are easily imitated (including chewing his mouth guard) and he makes the game look fun. His personality doesn't cause a bad divide among fans like Draymond Green's does.

I like Harper being himself, but since he's not on my team I like when it backfires on him as well or if he's struggling. In fact, Papelbon was right to call him out for jogging out a pop-up, but he's not the only person who does that. I think people should be themselves, and I think it's important for the MLB to really showcase their star players so it's not so one-note an monotonous. But you're taking away personality if they can't perform their nuances between at-bats or if they're automatically assigned to first base.

I want some team to make a point about the automatic intentional walks, and pick one player (let's say Harper) through the entirety of a series and literally never pitch to him... in Nationals Park. Every time he gets up, just put him on first. Contrary to belief, the illusion of not throwing him four wide ones is indeed a different feeling than just pointing to first base. It would look ridiculous. The guy wouldn't even be able to stand in the box.

The point is that the recent/wanted pace of play institutions do nothing but upset people who already like/watch the game for what it is, and does not do more to entice new fans. Changing/enforcing the strike zone may, as well as reducing times between innings and pitching changes (which I really do love), but that's about it.

[SPTO]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

I've said this before and I guess i'll say it again now but baseball's problem is that it's not the greatest television sport out there. It's a game that's meant to be viewed live. I can't tell you how different it is watching a game at a ballpark is compared to watching it on TV. I've heard broadcasters say this and I think it's true, the game speeds up the closer you are to the action. Watching it at home it can feel plodding. I'm a big fan of the game (moreso now than at any other time in my life actually) but I can't deny that I will sometimes fall asleep in the middle of the game just to wake up for the last couple innings. The game is a little faster in the broadcast booth then you got to watch out and be a little more careful when you're in the stands. coaches/managers and players see the game at a much faster pace.

I think there's nothing particularly wrong with the game but there are a couple tweaks that can be made that I think even purists would be amenable to like a pitcher can only hold a runner at first with 3 or 4 throws than he has to concentrate on the batter. Another idea that's worth looking into is having relievers having to pitch to at LEAST 2 batters. Of course there's the old irritation of hitters walking out of the batters' box in the middle of their plate appearances.

Anywho, what do you guys think of Joe Girardi's idea of putting an ear piece into pitchers and catchers' equipment so that the calls from the dugout can be made verbally rather than with signs?

[Blzer]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

I've said this before and I guess i'll say it again now but baseball's problem is that it's not the greatest television sport out there. It's a game that's meant to be viewed live. I can't tell you how different it is watching a game at a ballpark is compared to watching it on TV. I've heard broadcasters say this and I think it's true, the game speeds up the closer you are to the action. Watching it at home it can feel plodding. I'm a big fan of the game (moreso now than at any other time in my life actually) but I can't deny that I will sometimes fall asleep in the middle of the game just to wake up for the last couple innings. The game is a little faster in the broadcast booth then you got to watch out and be a little more careful when you're in the stands. coaches/managers and players see the game at a much faster pace.

While I agree that the MLB and NHL are better stadium experiences (probably even NBA), I still appreciate what they do for the in-home experience. They provide enough stats, cut-aways, replays, and given your announcers can fill dead air very well (hence why Kruk & Kuip are so amazing on television, and Miller & Flemming are fantastic for radio for the Giants... I really feel spoiled having them).

I think there's nothing particularly wrong with the game but there are a couple tweaks that can be made that I think even purists would be amenable to like a pitcher can only hold a runner at first with 3 or 4 throws than he has to concentrate on the batter. Another idea that's worth looking into is having relievers having to pitch to at LEAST 2 batters. Of course there's the old irritation of hitters walking out of the batters' box in the middle of their plate appearances.

The second one is interesting, though I'm personally for the matchups. However, maybe a rule is in place that bullpen pitchers get less warm-ups on the mound, or maybe even one throw. If they limit it to literally 60 seconds, then they'd only have to leave for one commercial break, like a 20 second timeout in the NBA.

The first one unfortunately is an impossibility. The moment the pickoff limit limit is reached, the runner will get to steal the very next pitch.

Anywho, what do you guys think of Joe Girardi's idea of putting an ear piece into pitchers and catchers' equipment so that the calls from the dugout can be made verbally rather than with signs?

I've always loved the idea of signs myself, especially in lower level leagues that don't have the ability to use earpieces. So Little League, HS, college, etc. will probably still have to use signs... to what avail? The pinnacle league doesn't use them, and you always build up to certain things for certain reasons. Kind of takes away the want to use signs in lower levels then as well.

I don't mind if the catcher has the ear piece, but I'd rather everyone else doesn't have one.

[ShowTyme15]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

File this under did't see this coming.

They released Jose Fernandez death certificate and it say she was divorced. No one knew he was married.

[Money99]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

I think baseball will forever be in this position because of how it skews.

It's more older so the majority are older. There are still kids that like it even if the number is smaller than other major sports. Those kids are going to want certain things because they are kids. They want the flips and demonstrations. Older people don't want that if it's baseball or having a picnic at the park.

My wife and I stood by the dog park because we don't have a dog and live vicariously through others that are willing to spend the commitment. And I laughed when I saw one of the older guys get upset because someone younger brought in their puppy.

The clash was right there! He was upset simply because the puppy had to learn how to behave in an environment run by older people and dogs. And the puppy is just dancing around because it's a puppy.

You have to let the puppy do puppy things. But older people don't want it anywhere near their established places.

Baseball is kind of like that.

Thanks Carlos, now I want a puppy.

On a different note, has anyone read this Jake Peavy story?
It's pretty upsetting. I hope everything works out for him in the end:

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18742429/for-jake-peavy-baseball-take-back-seat

For those who want the Coles Notes version, Jake Peavy lost millions after being scammed by a financial adviser who earned his trust through shared religious beliefs and commitment to charities.
Then, after getting bounced in the postseason, his wife serves him divorce papers.

The good parts to take away from the story is he's still financially stable that he doesn't need to play baseball to live a comfortable life.
He also (appears) to have custody of all four of his sons (2.5>15 years of age) and he has a mini-Fenway Park built on his ranch - which resides in a town which has a population of 22.
Basically, the Peavy's account for more than 20% of the population.
I imagine the Peavy residence is like the California of the electoral college landscape.

[DamnYanks2]

Re: MLB Off-Topic



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[Mabster]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

MLB commissioned Rawlings to make a new ball that has a tacky surface so they can enforce the foreign substance rule.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources-mlb-seeking-new-ball-with-stickier-cover-so-it-can-enforce-foreign-substance-rule-162554693.html

[ShowTyme15]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Here's a good read on Dusty Baker, when he first went to spring training with the Dodgers back in the day. He returned to the same Palm Beach pool hall that kicked him out years ago before the Civil Rights movement.

http://www.fanragsports.com/mlb/nationals/heyman-dusty-baker-come-long-way-return-baseball-roots/

[Jr.]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Former Cub great David Ross will be on Dancing With The Stars this season.

That's fantastic

[DieHardYankee26]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Bryce says he wants to win a chip for the people of DC... And the fans in Montreal lol. I don't think they're gonna be celebrating with you homie.

Also, in random acts of awesomeness, Adam Wainwright bought a rental car for a prospect he saw walking around everywhere during Spring Training. Imagine you're a minor leaguer trying to make camp, just trying to navigate the area and keep your head up, and Adam Wainwright decides to take care of something for you that doesn't concern him at all. Love seeing random stuff like this.

[SPTO]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Bryce says he wants to win a chip for the people of DC... And the fans in Montreal lol. I don't think they're gonna be celebrating with you homie.

Well... At least he ACKNOWLEDGES the people in Montreal but yeah, there's nothing but venomous hate towards the Nats in Montreal.

[Majingir]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Well... At least he ACKNOWLEDGES the people in Montreal but yeah, there's nothing but venomous hate towards the Nats in Montreal.

Ya. Washington only acknowledges Montreal when breaking records.

Montreal hates Nats like Seattle hates Thunder, Winnipeg hates Coyotes, Cleveland hates Ravens and so on.

[DieHardYankee26]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Well... At least he ACKNOWLEDGES the people in Montreal but yeah, there's nothing but venomous hate towards the Nats in Montreal.

Yeah when I first read the headline I was like "I'm sure the people of Montreal would appreciate the shoutout", then I caught myself lol. If Russell Westbrook tried this with Seattle or Todd Gurley with St. Louis, I'd expect nothing but vitriol going their way. It's one of those things you just have to leave alone.

[Majingir]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Small notes, but Marlins tweaked their primary logo. Getting rid of the black in it and using more white.

And Rockies alternate logo is now their primary. And their primary is now their alternate.

Why do teams have to have such boring primaries. Colorado replaces their Rockies logo with CR. Pittsburgh replaced their Pirate logo with P. San Diego while it wasn't the best logo, at least their circular logo looked better than just the generic SD one they got now. Cleveland changed theirs for a diff reason, but theirs is just a generic C now.