MLB Off-Topic

[ShowTyme15]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

ESPN cut to the X-Games immediately after the Cubs-Cards game. This was the only game on in the entire league, but they felt it was more important to show some dudes skateboarding than even let Matty V, A-Rod and Jessica Mendoza wrap up the game with some closing remarks. Their baseball coverage really is crap

Their sports coverage is crap in general. I haven't watched ESPN in almost 3 years.

[TheMatrix31]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

ESPN's contract with MLB is their 3rd lowest (right ahead of tennis and soccer) which is why they spend their time on other sports. The NFL/NBA are at the top at 2 and 3 times as much as MLB, which is why they spend most of their time talking about those leagues.

And this is why baseball isn't viewed as cool anymore.

How many times have I said it? The deciders, the drivers of sports media have deemed it unworthy of promotion and therefore that's it.

It has nothing to do with stars "not wanting to be marketed," baseball "not wanting players to show individuality" (perhaps the dumbest ****ing thing I've ever heard and continue to somehow hear on a regular basis), an aging fanbase, or any of the other bull**** that constantly gets thrown out as reasons. And **** Rob Manfred for blaming Trout.

Baseball has been determined to not be cool enough, entertaining enough, or lucrative enough anymore.

I just don't get how so many people don't see the root cause. I feel like I could talk for days on this subject.

[Master Live 013]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Selig, then Manfred. Why can't we have nice things.

[Master Live 013]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

As for the suggestions being thrown around, I think interview between innings are awful, but I wouldn't mind a guy or group of players being mic up and letting do their own thing during the whole game. It could even be an optional audio fee on MLBTV.

[Blzer]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

I personally love the ASG mic'ed up defenders. I know you probably can't do that during a regular broadcast because of the focus required/impact of play and such, but that has definitely been one of their better ideas recently. In-game interviews are definitely a good thing, even if it's just keeping the dugout ones they still do time-to-time, especially on a national broadcast. But yes putting the mic on players in general is good entertainment.

The All-Star Break needs more events than HRD though. I know they likely won't ever allow them because of potential injuries, but who wants to see who the fastest runner is around all four bases? Outfielders throw from 300 feet to a bucket or garbage can at home plate? Fastest pitch? A Home Run Derby just for pitchers, one shortened round? Throw in a mascot race right in the middle, maybe? If Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez was around I'd love to see who could stay in a rundown the longest. The Home Run Derby is also missing the million dollar targets they used to have, that would definitely be cool. Just more festivities on that Monday in general. I'm glad they have the Futures game and the legends/celebs softball game as well, but they can really spice that up.

Part of the problem with baseball is they're trying to make it cool and hip like basketball and football can be, and it's just not that kind of sport. Stop trying to do that! My friend was on that end of the spectrum saying that they had to start catering toward the younger crowd that require instant gratification at their fingertips, and I opposed that greatly. If you've seen The Social Network, then you might know this quote that Mark Zuckerberg says in the film: "If you guys were the inventors of Facebook... then you would have invented Facebook." I threw this at him, basically tying it in saying if baseball has to change for people who don't like the sport to like it, then maybe those aren't the kind of people that we want gear it toward anyway.

The fact that there is a national conversation about it just makes people more aware, and in a bad way. I hate that that's what Vasgersian, Rodriguez and Mendoza are doing every time they get on the air together.

[DieHardYankee26]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

And this is why baseball isn't viewed as cool anymore.

How many times have I said it? The deciders, the drivers of sports media have deemed it unworthy of promotion and therefore that's it.

It has nothing to do with stars "not wanting to be marketed," baseball "not wanting players to show individuality" (perhaps the dumbest ****ing thing I've ever heard and continue to somehow hear on a regular basis), an aging fanbase, or any of the other bull**** that constantly gets thrown out as reasons. And **** Rob Manfred for blaming Trout.

Baseball has been determined to not be cool enough, entertaining enough, or lucrative enough anymore.

I just don't get how so many people don't see the root cause. I feel like I could talk for days on this subject.

I'm not sure I understand what you're pointing to as the root cause. Are you saying ESPN decided baseball isn't cool and now no one wants to watch it or follow the players?

Isn't this kind of chicken and egg? The MLB deal is less money than the others BECAUSE the sport is less popular?

[Rocky2018]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

It’s not just the likes of ESPN and other outside media that hurt the game imo. I have MLB.TV so I watch a lot of games of both my Yankees and other random games. It’s nearly impossible to go more then 2 minutes without the announcers, who are not national broadcast guys but team announcers, many former players themselves just constantly complaining about how the game is played today vs years ago. We get it there are less singles, stolen bases, pitchers don’t go 8 innings anymore blah blah blah. I’m a HUGE baseball fan and I agree on several of these points but I don’t need it thrown at me 162 times a year everyday I watch a game.

How can we expect outside 3rd part media sources to promote the game and sell it when it’s own broadcasters and writers who are dedicated to covering the sport are negative nearly all the time.

Try pointing out why the game is different now due to the evolution of velocity, more concern of player injury, the influx of incredible young talent like never before from all over the world, highlight the times a guy goes 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI’s instead of just constantly giving me exit velocity and launch angle over and over. Write an intelligent piece on guys who still play “the way the game is supposed to be played” but with a positive angle, and for crying out load stop bitching and complaining every time someone has a great play and celebrates, where else on the planet earth is that not allowed? You don’t like it then don’t give up 485ft 3 run homers.

Sorry so long


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[TripleCrown9]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Here's the most insane stat of the day.

Since 2010, Joey Votto has only popped up 7 times.

In his 6,563 plate appearances, he has NEVER popped up to the catcher, pitcher, or first baseman.

[slickdtc]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Joey Votto is better then you at everything.

[SPTO]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Regarding the broadcast of games I really don't want to see players mic'd up all the time. That's a bit ridiculous. If they do something like that then it has to be done where it's as natural as possible (basically the way they do it for NFL Films) so if it's all game long at least it won't detract from the game with players playing to the fact that they can be heard on the broadcast.

Basically, if they're going to do that do it like they do with curling.

[Blzer]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Regarding the broadcast of games I really don't want to see players mic'd up all the time. That's a bit ridiculous. If they do something like that then it has to be done where it's as natural as possible (basically the way they do it for NFL Films) so if it's all game long at least it won't detract from the game with players playing to the fact that they can be heard on the broadcast.

Basically, if they're going to do that do it like they do with curling.

Well I was talking about national broadcasts, like SNB. Never have more than one person a game, never do the same person more than once.

[CMH]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Regarding the broadcast of games I really don't want to see players mic'd up all the time. That's a bit ridiculous. If they do something like that then it has to be done where it's as natural as possible (basically the way they do it for NFL Films) so if it's all game long at least it won't detract from the game with players playing to the fact that they can be heard on the broadcast.

Basically, if they're going to do that do it like they do with curling.

It wouldn't be on while you're watching the game.

But it can be used for highlights or to talk about a play.

Having a 2B mic'ed so during the replay of a big double play, you can hear him talking to the short stop or responding to the 1B for liking the throw. Random things that get the fans closer to the game.

The point is so you get more of the Javy Baez type moments from guys which in turn could up the popularity of said player when the footage is on Instagram or Sportscenter.

Without the interaction, viewers just see a 6-4-3 double play. The actual participants and their personalities don't get to shine and that makes the players nameless cogs of the team.

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[CMH]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

How can we expect outside 3rd part media sources to promote the game and sell it when it’s own broadcasters and writers who are dedicated to covering the sport are negative nearly all the time.




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Yes, this is correct and it's a problem.

This is what I mean about the NBA. The NBA spends zero effort harming their game. Anytime someone says something negative about the game today, the league immediately defends what it is and talks highlights and improvements.

Baseball, the media and its commissioner love to harp on how bad baseball is today. When the people paid to market the game are telling fans it used to be better, it's impossible to grab new fans. Why would they watch something they are told isn't any good?

I can understand fans complaining. That's what fans do. NBA fans do the same. The 90s this. Jordan that.

But the NBA never jumps in with them. Never criticizes the three point ball or spread offenses. They may say they need to look into it to determine if it's healthy for the longterm but in any comment like that you'll hear a "but the game is amazing!"

MLB could learn to do the same.

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[Blzer]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

It wouldn't be on while you're watching the game.

But it can be used for highlights or to talk about a play.

Having a 2B mic'ed so during the replay of a big double play, you can hear him talking to the short stop or responding to the 1B for liking the throw. Random things that get the fans closer to the game.

The point is so you get more of the Javy Baez type moments from guys which in turn could up the popularity of said player when the footage is on Instagram or Sportscenter.

Without the interaction, viewers just see a 6-4-3 double play. The actual participants and their personalities don't get to shine and that makes the players nameless cogs of the team.

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They used to do this on SNB with Miller and Morgan on the call. I agree they should definitely have that. I wouldn't mind the interviews as well though.

[TripleCrown9]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Another fun bit of trivia.

Freddie Freeman is 9 home runs away from being the all-time leader with no grand slams.