MLB Off-Topic

[TheMatrix31]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

There are some internal issue with it that you don't hear about unless you are a local. The stadium needs some renovations and major upgrades in some areas. The problem is Miracopa County which owns the lease is refusing to help pay for some of those renovations and upgrades which cost millions obviously. The Dbacks have been in a dispute with the county over this for about 5 years now and have made it known they will leave the county for a new park if the city doesn't step up.

I agree I love Chase Field, but they do a good job of hiding their issues when you see the games on TV.

The stadium is 23 years old and I agree might be a little too soon for something new, but look at the Braves, Turner Field was what 19-20 years old when they decided to leave for SunTrust park. Not out of the norm these days. Same thing is happening with the Texas Rangers. They will have a new park next season, but for different reasons.

Thanks for the explanation. Still sad I guess. Seems like such a waste. I also like the mystique of Fenway, Wrigley, etc and wish teams would allow stadiums to grow old with lore.

[TripleCrown9]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

2013 postseason hero Koji Uehara is retiring.



Thanks Koji.

[areobee401]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

The one stress-free closer the Sox have had in my lifetime. He had a certain energy about him that came through the TV which made me a pleasure to watch.

[TripleCrown9]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Here's a random stat I just got from ESPN.

In London, the Red Sox and Yankees will be playing on artificial turf.

The first time in 2200 meetings that they aren't playing on grass.

[fugazi]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

I'm not suggesting baseball needs to be "fixed"...

but...

I'd like to see the batters' boxes moved about two inches further off the plate.

Since batters pretty much set up right on the line of the box, taking advantage of the distaste for brushbacks and beanballs, the outside part of the plate is well within pull territory for a lot of hitters.

My hypothesis is that moving the boxes will lead to an increase need to go to the opposite field...the knock-on effect, i think, would be to erode the utility value of the defensive shift to pull-side.

While I like HRs, I would like to think this change would lead to more rallies, create more action outside of the the 3 Trues, and thus perhaps be more entertaining or "better".

On the other hand, it could lead to an increase in Ks as hitters adjust and pitchers take advantage of the relatively wider strike zone...but the response would presumably be an increase in value of bat-to-ball / plate-coverage type hitters.

[Jr.]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

This is pretty fascinating. I hope it works out for him.

Stewart is in agreement on a six-year contract worth more than $7 million with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Japan's Pacific League, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN. Stewart was the No. 8 overall pick in last year's MLB draft but didn't sign after the Atlanta Braves, who believed he was injured, offered him a signing bonus well under the $4.98 million slot value of the pick -- around $2 million. Stewart went to junior college instead and was expected to go early in the second round of this year's draft -- and receive an offer of less than $2 million.

Instead, he agreed to a groundbreaking contract with the Hawks, who have won four of the past five Japan Series, and is expected to finalize the deal by the end of May. Not only does Stewart stand to make more money during his six years in Japan than he would have with an MLB organization, he could potentially return to the United States as a 25-year-old free agent allowed to sign a long-term contract with any of MLB's 30 teams.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26797572/passan-how-19-year-old-prospect-turning-mlb-draft-upside-down

[Master Live 013]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

If he is good enough he would easily make more than 7M through arbitration but he would have to wait (whatever time he would spent in the Minors + 3 years in the Majors).

He could have flamed out and never made it to the Majors, making only his 2M signing bonus.

I guess I like it if I think I'm good enough for the Majors but won't/can't wait for arbitration? Cashing in early.

[Jr.]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

If he is good enough he would easily make more than 7M through arbitration but he would have to wait (whatever time he would spent in the Minors + 3 years in the Majors).

He could have flamed out and never made it to the Majors, making only his 2M signing bonus.

I guess I like it if I think I'm good enough for the Majors but won't/can't wait for arbitration? Cashing in early.

Yeah that's the point. Players can't make good money until they get to arbitration. With this contract, he'll be able to cash in whereas in the current system, he'll only be getting to his first legit payday after 6 years (maybe 5 if he's really great), unless he signs a team friendly extension early on.

It's certainly a gamble but a very intriguing one that could be a realistic path for others in the future

Sent from my SM-G970U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Caulfield]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Here's a random stat I just got from ESPN.

In London, the Red Sox and Yankees will be playing on artificial turf.




The first time in 2200 meetings that they aren't playing on grass.

thats not a random stat, thats a sign of the apocalypse. might as well give'em metal bats, sponsors on their uniforms and let a random 10th player off the bench bat for the pitcher while they're at it. oops, scratch that last one

[KCowse]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

thats not a random stat, thats a sign of the apocalypse. might as well give'em metal bats, sponsors on their uniforms and let a random 10th player off the bench bat for the pitcher while they're at it. oops, scratch that last one

I would pay money to see those lineups play a metal bat game.

[Majingir]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Took long enough, finally gonna get a Vladdy tshirt jersey! Most places had it more than all other players for obvious reasoning. Initial demand over.

Haven't been this excited about getting player merchandise before.

[TripleCrown9]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Last time I bought a shirsey, the Red Sox traded Adrian Gonzalez a week later.

[Majingir]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Last time I bought a shirsey, the Red Sox traded Adrian Gonzalez a week later.

That's why I'm cautious too. I hate getting it then the guy is traded or moved. Especially with Jays where guys dont last long. More than 5 is a surprise.

Even Raptors, I dont want to get Kawhi unless he re-signs.

At least here, Vladdy should be here for quite some time.

Only thing I don't know is which size to get. Hopefully the sizes are same as regular tshirt sizes. Would hate getting one and finding out it shrunk in wash.

[Caulfield]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

lol I think the last shirsey I bought was 10 years ago, a Braves Jeff Francouer shirt. few months later they trade him for Ryan freaking Church. I still had that shirt when he made it back to Atlanta 6 or 7 years later

[TripleCrown9]

Re: MLB Off-Topic

Dustin Pedroia taking a break from baseball, unsure if he'll ever get to play again.

Pedroia: “My knee will never heal. We’re taking the time right now to find out if I can play again.”