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Sports Discussion => Baseball => Topic started by: BojackHorsefella on January 12, 2018, 03:51:34 PM

Title: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 12, 2018, 03:51:34 PM
Guys, I can't wait. Already bought my ticket for opening day at Safeco. I said I wouldn't go to any games with visiting teams that I already saw last year, but I didn't make the schedule and I'm not missing Opening Day, so, Indians it is then.

That being said, as far as my actual team goes, I'm obviously liking the Yankees lineup, I'm just hoping them and the pitchers can stay healthy, and Tanaka can get off to a better start than last year.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 12, 2018, 05:13:35 PM
You know, honestly, after the Astros won the WS, I told a friend, we are already behind in 2018.
I can believe the Dodgers opening at 5-1 favorites. the Astros 6-1? Yea, I can dig it. Yanks @ 8-1? I mean, its not outrageous, but I figured them and the Dodgers to be around 5,6 to 1 honestly.
The Cole non trade, rumors about Arrieta, Archer, Darvish...its going to be a short offseason.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: thaima1shu on January 12, 2018, 05:26:40 PM
I would just like to watch Felix pitch in one playoff game. Even just a wild card game. Hopefully this is the year...
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on January 12, 2018, 09:30:12 PM
Yeah, my Tigers have fully embraced rebuild mode and I'm not really looking forward to watching the next couple of seasons.  :-X
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 13, 2018, 01:07:39 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on January 12, 2018, 09:30:12 PM
Yeah, my Tigers have fully embraced rebuild mode and I'm not really looking forward to watching the next couple of seasons.  :-X

During the Astros record setting 100 loss seasons, I was really enjoying it because it was a commitment to winning. I liked following the guys developing in the minors, getting called up, getting better each year, this guy being dealt for two others, etc...
For me, it was much more enjoyable that toiling around .500,bringing in the multi gazillion dollar free agent that wouldn't help but also cost you your minor leagues, sabotaging the franchise for years, clinging to the vet whose contributed to in the past but is now fruitlessly draining your franchise of life in his twilight years.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 14, 2018, 01:14:18 PM
The Cole trade went through. People say Pitt was fleeced.
I think it was a good deal for both. It's going to depend on Cole. I hope this doesn't turn into a Gomez deal. I still hate who gave up for that garbage.
Musgrove showed his stuff in the WS and Moran should be solid. Feliz and Martin we could part with because we are stacked in those positions although Moran could help out at first.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 14, 2018, 02:06:19 PM
I read the same on Deadspin, about Pitt getting fleeced, but it sounds like Cole hasn't achieved what he did in 2015, so I think this one may take some time to evaluate.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 18, 2018, 05:43:28 PM
Hey Crewe, considering how much emphasis has been put on the Astros personnel decisions and their overall rebuild of the roster, how much credit is the town or even you yourself giving AJ Hinch for winning that Series?

I see him on a lot of interviews, but all the articles usually talk about the draft choices, Springer, and basically front office moves.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 18, 2018, 08:20:40 PM
The saying is typically in Luhnow we trust :D
When Hinch first came on, he was unproven and many thought he wouldn't know how to handle the talent.
We already had the core, Springer, Altuve, Correa, Keuchel, McCullers, McHugh, Gonzalez, Gattis and just drafted Bregman.
So perhaps a veteran coach would be better? Some didnt like his management style, they wanted fire and fury instead of calm and collected.
He was left to his own devices, i.e. coaching style and decisions and Luhnow kept organizing the chess pieces.
It wasn't like Moneyball where Howe was butting heads with management over playing decisions and then the front office quashes the battle by trading the player in question. it seemed as if it was much more in unison.

To your statement though, yes, I would agree, Luhnow had a vision. He came here, dumped our two best and most beloved players and started from the ground up. Thats why it was such fun to watch this team, even during the three 100 loss seasons, because we knew it was headed somewhere, unlike with McLane who just had a bloated payroll, aging vets and a ravaged farm system. Luhnow restocked, drafted and orchestrated the team and Hinch took it from there. From the outside, it appeared as if it was just as it was supposed to be. Front office does its job and the coach does his and each respects the others talents and duties with a common goal.

Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 25, 2018, 02:55:43 PM
Who wants to talk Hall of Fame results?

I don't have any contention with anyone who got in. As far as those who didn't, obviously Edgar and Mussina should be in and are trending in the right direction.

I'm honestly surprised Schilling's been rating so low. It could be because of a stuffed ballot this year or it could be because of his controversial status since leaving the game of baseball, but the guy was a dominant pitcher and so crucial to that Red Sox World Series team (bloody sock!)

I also don't give a damn about Bonds and Clemens and steroids, so I really hope they get into the Hall. Put an asterisk up, do what you have to, but they belong there as far as I'm concerned.

I also don't have much of an issue with those who fell below the 5% mark. I suppose a case could probably be made for Johan Santana, but I'm not the one to make that case.

Next year should also be interesting. No way Mariano doesn't get in first ballot. Pettite will probably get the Bonds/Clemens treatment, although I'm curious to see if he gets the 5% (he'd better). Todd Helton, if he's not first ballot, I imagine will get in down the line.

I'm curious to hear what you think about Lance Berkman's chances, Crewe.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 25, 2018, 02:56:20 PM
Oh, and Roy Halladay is eligible in 2019, which is an obvious first ballot HOF.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 25, 2018, 09:27:01 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on January 25, 2018, 02:55:43 PM
Who wants to talk Hall of Fame results?

I don't have any contention with anyone who got in. As far as those who didn't, obviously Edgar and Mussina should be in and are trending in the right direction.

I'm honestly surprised Schilling's been rating so low. It could be because of a stuffed ballot this year or it could be because of his controversial status since leaving the game of baseball, but the guy was a dominant pitcher and so crucial to that Red Sox World Series team (bloody sock!)

I also don't give a damn about Bonds and Clemens and steroids, so I really hope they get into the Hall. Put an asterisk up, do what you have to, but they belong there as far as I'm concerned.

I also don't have much of an issue with those who fell below the 5% mark. I suppose a case could probably be made for Johan Santana, but I'm not the one to make that case.

Next year should also be interesting. No way Mariano doesn't get in first ballot. Pettite will probably get the Bonds/Clemens treatment, although I'm curious to see if he gets the 5% (he'd better). Todd Helton, if he's not first ballot, I imagine will get in down the line.

I'm curious to hear what you think about Lance Berkman's chances, Crewe.

I dont disagree with much here. Id agree that Schilling was hurt by his ignorant rants out of baseball but he should be in the hall.
I think Pettite will do okay because he was one of if not the first to own up to it.
As for Bonds and Clemens, I go back and forth for several reasons, one of which you have guys like Doc Gooden, a god awful cokehead but he's in, so some drugs are ok apparently. The way baseball turned a blind eye, even promoted and encouraged the longball was really treacherous.
Then all the sudden, the league throws em all under the bus.
The asterisk thing still pisses me off beyond belief, Maris was treated unfairly and I dont think anyone disagrees, so if you let anyone in the HOF, no asterisk, if they are in, they are in, period.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on January 25, 2018, 11:01:08 PM
Yeah, same here. I've no issue with any of those guys getting in, and really think Bonds and Clemens should be in. Hell, the writers had no problems touting their triumphs during their playing days, now they want to go with the self-righteous BS? Vote them in.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on January 26, 2018, 12:20:44 AM
Well, not an asterisk, but at least a mention of the steroid controversy.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 26, 2018, 05:56:48 PM
right, well, I wasn't arguing for or against notating the scandalous nature, just irritated that there is an asterisk at all. If you're in you're in. IMO anyway.
I mean logically, since we dotted Maris with an asterisk simply because he faced different challenges, then every player since Ruth should have an asterisk. its just silly politics in my mind.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on January 29, 2018, 02:10:16 PM
Good.
https://twitter.com/CNN/status/958049861806493697
I'd be perfectly fine with them just changing the name too...and hey, maybe that bitch-ass team that plays football in Washington can change their name and logo as well. I'm all for that.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 29, 2018, 02:31:38 PM
I don't intend to come off as insensitive, and I get the argument, but I just dont see this as necessary. In my mind, it doesn't promote racism. A swastika promotes racism, not a logo.
But, Im not a Native American either.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on January 29, 2018, 04:41:32 PM
Quote from: Crewe on January 29, 2018, 02:31:38 PM
I don't intend to come off as insensitive, and I get the argument, but I just dont see this as necessary. In my mind, it doesn't promote racism. A swastika promotes racism, not a logo.
But, Im not a Native American either.

Fair enough...in my mind, if a group of people finds it offensive it needs to go.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on January 29, 2018, 05:30:08 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on January 29, 2018, 04:41:32 PM
Quote from: Crewe on January 29, 2018, 02:31:38 PM
I don't intend to come off as insensitive, and I get the argument, but I just dont see this as necessary. In my mind, it doesn't promote racism. A swastika promotes racism, not a logo.
But, Im not a Native American either.

Fair enough...in my mind, if a group of people finds it offensive it needs to go.

thats pretty broad though, I mean in this day and age you can find a group offended by Taco Bell.
I say that in jest, but I feel like if you start tinkering with everything offensive, who knows.
Again, Im not so well versed in this specific topic but obviously I am aware of our treatment of Native Americans and Im sure there's a large enough contingent to effect change. I just think its more nitpicking than anything.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on March 29, 2018, 05:03:52 PM
IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Been listening to At-Bat at work. Cubs game first, currently Yankees. Then tonight, headed to Safeco Field for opening day with the Mariners!

Love having a pro baseball team nearby now. 20 years in South Carolina without one. I've missed out so much.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on April 08, 2018, 01:01:14 AM
I just....wow....I mean.....well, that's why you always run it out

https://streamable.com/bx48z
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on April 08, 2018, 11:16:10 AM
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooof. That's awful lol
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on April 08, 2018, 07:33:30 PM
it really is, and Im not laying it on Hosmer, thats catchers ball all day long. Runner on second, sure, but with two outs? his ball, his fail, his loss.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 08, 2018, 09:31:33 PM
How about that James Paxton, Thai?
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on May 09, 2018, 12:01:20 AM
Guy is on a roll man. Great defense too, can't be overlooked. I love how he relied on his best pitch and like he said, everyone knew it was coming....my best v your best, lets see what happens.
Good for him.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: thaima1shu on May 10, 2018, 04:43:29 PM
Was preeeety awesome. Clearly he realized that he needed to not give up any hits after 16 k's in his last outing and still not getting the W. Smart man.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 10, 2018, 04:54:54 PM
You going to the celebration on the 18th? I bought one of the $10 tickets way up in 308. I usually end up just heading down to the Pen anyway, but after sitting in Kings Court last Sunday, I'd rather be out of the sun, haha.

Also I want that blanket hoodie they're giving away. Looks cozy.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: thaima1shu on May 10, 2018, 05:54:17 PM
Nice! Wish I could but got plans for that evening. Gonna have to get out there more this summer.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 10, 2018, 06:13:32 PM
Yeah, I've only gone to Opening day, and then I went this past Friday and Sunday to see Shohei hit and pitch. Got the Han Seago bobblehead on Friday (my kid loves those, and the exclusive Pop! figures).

Yeah, I...pick my games based on the promotions......Well, a combination of what are they giving away and who's playing, anyway.

I gotta get that Nelson Cruz Funko though (got kiddo the Felix one last year, plus I get to see the Rays) and those Cano and Cruz wine stoppers (I think that's against the Twins).

So far, between last year and this, I've seen the Mariners, Yankees (multiple), Indians (multiple), Angels (multiple), Astros (multiple) and Rangers, I think. Actually, I might have seen the Rangers twice, I can't remember. While I was working with Comcast last year they did an awards event where we got to watch the game from the suite, although my entire store basically just went down to Edgar's, haha.

Anyways. I'm eyeing Rays, Twins and Tigers, obviously, and I may try to catch a game against the Athletics, Royals (a Paxton bobblehead and a Mariners throwback cap on a Saturday then Sunday?! How do I decide which game to go to?!), Blue Jays, Rockies, White Sox, Dodgers and Giants games all later this year.

Oh, and the Red Sox on fireworks night with kiddo. Hopefully the Mariners crush them.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 10, 2018, 06:14:21 PM
I uh.....after living in South Carolina for right around 20 years, I'm very excited to live near a pro baseball team, as you can tell from that last post. That was a lot. Many apologies.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on May 10, 2018, 06:26:57 PM
lol good for you man, fun times
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: thaima1shu on May 10, 2018, 07:59:37 PM
Haha sounds like you should invest in season tickets or some sort of plan.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 10, 2018, 08:44:04 PM
Yeah, I looked at the 20 ticket one, I think I'll be going to 16 games at most, and 2 of those will probably be when my dad and bro come to see the Yankees, so only paying for 14. At best I'd maybe break even.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 18, 2018, 04:09:19 PM
Seeing your boys tonight Norm. Sucks I don't get to see Cabrera though.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on May 18, 2018, 04:36:47 PM
Enjoy! Always wanted to see a game there, maybe someday.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 18, 2018, 04:57:48 PM
If you're ever in town you'll have to let me know. Even my stuck up Yankees fan brother (I'm a Yanks fan, but not stuck up) conceded that Safeco is actually great.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on May 18, 2018, 05:02:33 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on May 18, 2018, 04:57:48 PM
If you're ever in town you'll have to let me know. Even my stuck up Yankees fan brother (I'm a Yanks fan, but not stuck up) conceded that Safeco is actually great.

For sure! I rarely get to do it now but I love visiting ballparks and stadiums. Each place has its own feel, and I love experiencing that.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on May 19, 2018, 11:29:36 AM
Friends of yours Norm?

I'd gloat about the comeback win, but I uh, left at the top of the 7th....look, I have to work early today and I'm not even a Mariners fan, don't judge me!
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on May 19, 2018, 10:26:51 PM
Lol some of those guys look familiar.
Impressive comeback for sure...I had also turned it off. And actually I only caught a few minutes of the game since it was already a long day and I just can't stay up for West Coast games like I used to.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: thaima1shu on May 21, 2018, 12:19:09 PM
I damn near fell out of my chair when Haniger hit that home run. Him and Segura have been absolutely incredible. Could go down as one of the very few trades in Mariners history where we actually didn't get swindled.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on June 02, 2018, 11:25:59 PM
The latest acquisition for kiddo's collection. Up 2-0 on Archer right now, who I dropped in my fantasy league and my brother grabbed. So here's hoping he gives up....8 more. 8 more runs.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on July 16, 2018, 10:49:33 PM
I was going to start a 2018 season thread but might as well keep it here as little as we post, but anyhow, since everyone is talking about it, we might as well too.
The shift.
When the shift started becoming a thing, honestly, I was against it. I said it didn't pan out percentage wise and left your self open for more extra base hits.
Turns out I was half right, the extra base hits part. However, the shift apparently works when you use it on the correct hitters. the Astros, who by the way, have to be the most oft shifting team in the history of baseball, seem to have used it quite effectively last season.
Now there's scuttlebutt banding around that there should be rules limiting shifting via number of times it can be used, where or how many can move and to that I say its all bullshit.
Leave
It
Alone!
Have you learned NOTHING from the NFL? They started tinkering with the rule book and now the game isn't even fun to watch anymore its so convoluted with science, technology and more interpretation.
If a team wants to shift, simply beat the shift.
You are taught in baseball to hit back up the middle, aim for that pitchers head, you do that now, its an out. I get it.
But the fielders adapted to you, now, adapt to them.
"Nah, Id rather change the rules"
Crap I tell you, crap.

And heres why... Bryce Harper said, "I guess guys could bunt down the first base line or third base line if they shift you the other way. But you don't get paid to bunt. If you hit it over all of them, thats how you beat it."
You don't even need to be a great drag bunter to get on with a shift, but, yea, lets hit homers, that'll show em. This mind set is what leads to silly rule changes, and, teams failing to beat the shift. Why the art of bunting has been vacated from baseball is beyond me. No more sacrifice bunts, "I want the homer and two RBI's, fuck just getting him to second with me being out"
It really makes me sad, but Im a traditionalist, so set me out to pasture with the other dying breeds so a new era of selfishness can evolve.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on July 18, 2018, 11:02:03 AM
I don't get why bunting has gone away, either. It's a part of the game, fucking use it. Only time it drives me insane is in an attempt to get a runner on base late when a pitcher has a no-no going.

Also in total agreement with you: don't change the rule, teams need to figure out a way to beat the shift.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2018, 11:24:27 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on July 18, 2018, 11:02:03 AM
I don't get why bunting has gone away, either. It's a part of the game, fucking use it. Only time it drives me insane is in an attempt to get a runner on base late when a pitcher has a no-no going.

Also in total agreement with you: don't change the rule, teams need to figure out a way to beat the shift.

this is the big thing for me. Im even reading where they are looking to change rules making it more hitter friendly because of the pitcher uprising this year, despite the fact last year was the home run of homerun seasons, all time.
The other factor is what you saw in the All Star game, I call it the Aaron Judge effect, or if you're an old school guy, the Harmon Killebrew effect, you either strikeout or hit a homerun.
You don't need to change the freakin rules.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 18, 2018, 12:17:17 PM
A lot of this comes from the Moneyball era and sabermetrics. Simply put, a bunt, even a sacrifice bunt, a lot of times does get an out, and no matter what you only get 27 outs in a game (well, unless you get one of those dropped strikeouts or whatever and the guy gets to first).

Now, obviously, there are guys who are REALLY good at bunting, and that's great. And yeah, maybe there are times when a squeeze bunt or sacrifice bunt make sense (I mean, a tie game, runner on third, 1 out, why not?) But for the most part, that's why bunting has gone out of vogue.

As for the strikeouts to home runs thing, that also comes from sabermetrics. Guys are extremely patient at the plate these days, that's why there's also more walks (hi, Mike Trout!) Sure, even the best hitters get into slumps (hi, Bryce Harper!), but still. Yes, Judge does strike out a lot, but his batting average and his OBP have never suffered for it. The fact is, a lot of guys view it simply as an out. Whether you groundout, fly out, pop out, an out is an out.

Now, obviously, situation-wise, that can be problematic. If there's 1 out, a man on 3rd, and I've got Judge up there, I'd rather him  put the ball into play to at least give that guy a chance to score. But, man on first, man on second......out's an out.

That being said, again, I agree with what you're saying about not changing the rules. That's stupid. The shift is a valid defensive strategy and, like you said, perfectly fine for employing against the right kind of hitter (Joey Gallo, it was somewhat good against David Ortiz back in the day), but like Harper said, you either hit it over them or you work on your swing so you don't hit into the shift, or you bunt down the line.

The LA Angels, as much as I hate them, played some of the best small ball back in the early 2000s. They were absolutely Yankees killers, and a large part of that was because of little guys like David Eckstein, guys who could make contact, lay down bunts and get on base (partially so Vlad Guerro could then bring them in with a home run). As much as every team has sort of followed along with "an out's an out," I wouldn't be surprised if we DO see some sort of correction returning to the middle, where, as we've now moved far right (or left?) of center with the homerun/strikeout thing and the shift, we can see it returning to center by bringing back things like the bunt and that sort of small ball style.

That's one of the funnest things about baseball, is the way the game is always evolving in different ways, as new generations come into play.


For more on this, see Moneyball, Keith Law's Smart Baseball or, especially for my LA Angels reference, www.firejoemorgan.com.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2018, 12:39:32 PM
oh I get the sabermetrics aspect of it, certainly. And Im not against it, except when it exceeds logic.
Its like everyone knows you're bluffing staring into 4 of a kind but you're committed anyway.
Ive seen teams blow games because Mr. Homerun is going for two instead of laying down a bunt to move the man over to second.
And the argument is, I don't know how to bunt. Well, no shit. I didn't either until I practiced.

As for the strikeout thing, I was simply pointing out that the front office is mumbling that pitching is taking over and people are whiffing instead of getting on base lessening excitement, hence we need to change the rules. Im vehemently agains this in all forms.

Obviously Im not suggesting have a prolific power hitter like Judge bunt with a guy on 3rd...which you shouldn't be bunting in general with a guy on third although the Astros did pull off a safety squeeze last week. Situations vary, sure, but overall, I don't like the trend of small ball giving way to the homerun ball.
Its just an overall dislike of the trend when it infiltrates logical strategy
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 18, 2018, 12:49:36 PM
Yeah, but you can move the guy over to second, but there's no guarantee you're not getting an out. You're trading an out, which, again, you only get 27 of, for one base over. Yes, it's "scoring position," but the odds of bringing that guy in aren't as high as might be expected (there's an amazing chart of scoring probability for "man on first, 1 out, man on 1st and 2nd, no outs, etc etc which highlights this. It's in Smart Baseball, I'm sure it's findable with Google too).

I mean, yeah, if you bunt the go over and you get on too, that's great, but it's not going to be like that every time, and probably not even a majority.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Rigg44 on July 18, 2018, 01:27:30 PM
I am against bunting in almost all situations.  I think outs are to valuable to waste on the chance you will be in scoring position.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2018, 02:01:50 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on July 18, 2018, 12:49:36 PM
Yeah, but you can move the guy over to second, but there's no guarantee you're not getting an out. You're trading an out, which, again, you only get 27 of, for one base over. Yes, it's "scoring position," but the odds of bringing that guy in aren't as high as might be expected (there's an amazing chart of scoring probability for "man on first, 1 out, man on 1st and 2nd, no outs, etc etc which highlights this. It's in Smart Baseball, I'm sure it's findable with Google too).

I mean, yeah, if you bunt the go over and you get on too, that's great, but it's not going to be like that every time, and probably not even a majority.
well of course its a trade off, hence a sacrifice. I don't intend to sound snarky, but thats my point. To me, its much easier to bunt a guy over than it is to get a base hit. Id argue that hits are just as valuable as outs so you could, in the same vein, be wasting a base hit, albeit you don't have a limited supply, other than the fact you are usually facing the best pitcher at this point in the game in which hits are far more rare.
I get that Im all alone on this, so perhaps it needs to be in the unpopular opinion thread ;-)
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on July 18, 2018, 02:31:07 PM
Haha, maybe. And, to be fair, your initial post asked "What happened to bunting," so I definitely took the question a bit too literally, for sure.

That's also one of the great things about baseball though! So many strategies, and really, it depends on the team and the players. The Yankees, obviously, bunting doesn't factor in (although Gardner still has the speed if they wanted to). I'm not even sure where the Astros would go if they attempted to incorporate more bunting, because they've got some deadly contact hitters on there. I think it works for teams more traditionally built, that have that 2-4 or 3-5 big hitter guys and go from there (honestly, the Mariners would probably be a good bunt candidate. Lots of speed on that team and not much power with Cano out of the lineup).
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on July 18, 2018, 02:37:19 PM
lol no I agree and it is fun to discuss. And to be clear, although I know you get where Im coming from, Im talking about situational bunting, not suggesting it should overtake every instance where it might be applicable.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on July 29, 2018, 06:59:51 PM
and finally able to get these framed
(site said attachments full so I had to link)

https://imgur.com/a/olwQFHE (https://imgur.com/a/olwQFHE)
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on August 04, 2018, 03:42:18 PM
just sayin, Astros better get their shit together. Boston, NY and Cleveland are certainly taking three of the four spots and with the A's and Mariners hanging around it won't take much for us to be sitting at home in October.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 04, 2018, 03:50:59 PM
NY's in a bit of a rut without Judge, although having Gray out of the rotation may offset that, haha.

And I still don't trust Cleveland's bullpen. I think the Stros are safe. Although that Osuna BS is still BS.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on August 04, 2018, 04:32:16 PM
Well Cleveland will get their division, Boston and NY will claim the other division and WC leaving the West title. We haven't been doing so great lately and with the A's and M's only 5 out....who knows.

The Osuna thing...man, many here are disappointed, me included.
Im really torn because we all tend, or at least me, want to stay away from these types of players.
But now that we have him, I had to look around and see if theres anything to suggest he may be innocent. The MLB suspension is not connected to a legal outcome and I understand they have their own guys looking into these allegations but thats still a big hole.
I can't find out anything about the incident so I really don't even know what it was he supposedly did or how it looks evidence wise.
I do know that no matter what, barring a complete exoneration by the courts and MLB, he will be tagged as an abuser, and maybe rightfully so and I really hate that for this team, I truly do. No matter how well they do, they will all be shamed and then you have guys like Verlander, who are very outspoken (see former Astro Vasquez recently) who will be put in a bad situation.
And then you have, if he is guilty, the whole second chance discussion.
Right now, I just feel we should have stayed away. I really trust and respect Luhnow and he obviously has more insight to this than I do, and I believe him to be honest and moral, but its really the stigma of the whole situation, takes away from winning ball games.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on August 19, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on August 04, 2018, 03:50:59 PM
NY's in a bit of a rut without Judge, although having Gray out of the rotation may offset that, haha.

And I still don't trust Cleveland's bullpen. I think the Stros are safe. Although that Osuna BS is still BS.

you sure about that?  :(
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on August 19, 2018, 07:56:36 PM
Quote from: Crewe on August 19, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
Quote from: Bucfever on August 04, 2018, 03:50:59 PM
NY's in a bit of a rut without Judge, although having Gray out of the rotation may offset that, haha.

And I still don't trust Cleveland's bullpen. I think the Stros are safe. Although that Osuna BS is still BS.

you sure about that?  :(

In my defense, I'm known to be a jinx.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 09, 2018, 05:46:36 PM
Got to see my boys in Seattle today.

Thai, we should meet up for one of these next year.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: thaima1shu on September 10, 2018, 11:44:29 AM
Quote from: Bucfever on September 09, 2018, 05:46:36 PM
Got to see my boys in Seattle today.

Thai, we should meet up for one of these next year.

Yeah I'd be up for it. Maybe early in the season when I'm still optimistic and not emotionally beaten down lol.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on September 10, 2018, 12:20:32 PM
Haha, fair. I was thinking when the Yanks were in town specifically.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on September 15, 2018, 01:36:32 PM
Re: Houston v Boston 9/9/18

if you follow baseball, you know the play. Altuve called out at the plate which cost Houston the lead and Boston won in their half of the ninth.
The umpire on the field made a tough call and if you look at it now, you can see how he could've called him out, understandably so because of his angle and the fact it was a close play.
However, that is precisely why the IR exists and that cannot be overstated.
A replay was shown at Fenway almost immediately and even Red Sox fans groaned because they knew. We knew. Everyone knew.
After a ridiculous amount of time, four minutes or so, I told my buddy, they will call him out, this is taking too long.
Sure enough.
My question is, what in the actual fark are they looking at? Seriously?
They had the same view we all had, probably more. There is without a doubt zero question he was not tagged, period.
There absolutely has to be consequences, publicly declared, for the official in NY making this call because it creates a real sense of injustice, favoritism and any other negative aspect you can toss in to this crevice between the league and its teams.
What was the basis for the call? In football, as fucked as it is rules wise, at least they tell you what the hell they are thinking when making a decision.
Shouldn't it be the same here?
There was no rule interpretation such as fan interference which can be a gray area, but this was black and white; it either did or didnt.
Its really exasperating with this crapola.

Oh and to the Boston fans who, with regard to this game, discuss the strike zone and the fact X player would have walked if he didnt have to swing to protect at stake 2 and then Y would have done this and that and we would have won anyway.
That is all moot and any logical person should know that. It is about the integrity of the replay, period! So stop with that shit.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on September 23, 2018, 08:12:33 PM
What the hell Oakland? Aside from today, dont you EVER lose?
These guys are good.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 03, 2018, 01:11:49 AM
Wow, Cubbies...what a collapse over the last 48 hours.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 03, 2018, 11:10:00 AM
Pretty much. Colorado? Wouldn't have guessed they would make it
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 03, 2018, 11:07:31 PM
man, Yanks look damn tough. A's are young but that aint no slouch team gettin shown up right now
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 06, 2018, 10:32:39 PM
I know this seems petty, but it seriously pisses me off that Cle/Hou dont get one single prime time game because of the fuckin Sox/Yankees.
World champs be damned, its the Yankees..... Fuck these clowns
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 08, 2018, 01:41:41 AM
Quote from: Crewe on October 06, 2018, 10:32:39 PM
I know this seems petty, but it seriously pisses me off that Cle/Hou dont get one single prime time game because of the fuckin Sox/Yankees.
World champs be damned, its the Yankees..... Fuck these clowns

If I could rep this twice I would lol.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 08, 2018, 06:03:34 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 08, 2018, 01:41:41 AM
Quote from: Crewe on October 06, 2018, 10:32:39 PM
I know this seems petty, but it seriously pisses me off that Cle/Hou dont get one single prime time game because of the fuckin Sox/Yankees.
World champs be damned, its the Yankees..... Fuck these clowns

If I could rep this twice I would lol.

:D

Love the fact Bregman called out this very thing in a post game interview. It was fun n games and he wasn't angry but message sent. The disrespect is unbelievable. I hope we keep winning just so they HAVE to fucking deal with us.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 08, 2018, 11:47:17 PM
Well Houston took care of business and it came at the expense of the Mistake by the Lake, so that's fine by me.

Damn, the Bosox put up 16 last I checked on the Yanks in game 3? How...sad. Lol
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 09, 2018, 12:03:56 AM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 08, 2018, 11:47:17 PM
Well Houston took care of business and it came at the expense of the Mistake by the Lake, so that's fine by me.

Damn, the Bosox put up 16 last I checked on the Yanks in game 3? How...sad. Lol

on the Yanks turf even  :o
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 16, 2018, 10:39:25 AM
This is a pretty good read...a look at Kirk Gibson's HR for the Dodgers in 1988.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24974235/mlb-kirk-gibson-world-series-home-run-30-years-later
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 16, 2018, 12:10:06 PM
As division rivals, I seriously hated the Dodgers back then, but over time, really came to respect Lasorda.
From the article, Lasorda said, " I still can't believe the team we fielded. Jesus! We had Danny Heep in the outfield. I told Danny Heep one time he's so goddamn slow, if he got in a race with a pregnant woman, he'd finish third.

This is the kind of article a non baseball follower needs to read to help understand why fans love this game.

Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 16, 2018, 12:23:33 PM
Quote from: TheNorm on October 16, 2018, 10:39:25 AM
This is a pretty good read...a look at Kirk Gibson's HR for the Dodgers in 1988.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24974235/mlb-kirk-gibson-world-series-home-run-30-years-later

Read the whole thing and re-watched the at bat. Thanks for this, Norm. That was incredible.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 17, 2018, 12:04:07 AM
Still think this Astros/Red Sox series goes 7, but the Sox have been clicking the last couple of games. Tide seemed to change a bit in Game 2 when Cole had the one rough inning.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 17, 2018, 10:36:34 AM
yea Astros just looked run down. Of course beaning a run in and a granny doesn't help the mood.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: BojackHorsefella on October 17, 2018, 10:59:18 AM
Quote from: Crewe on October 17, 2018, 10:36:34 AM
yea Astros just looked run down. Of course beaning a run in and a granny doesn't help the mood.

I mean, they were down 3-2 but they were still in it until Osuna imploded.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 17, 2018, 01:54:21 PM
They were in it but the bats were silenced by pretty good pitching.
Im hoping we can get in to their bullpen soon in game 4
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 19, 2018, 04:46:15 PM
Too many guys LOB, pitchers struggled, just all out of sync. Despite that, we still had a shot at winning this series, but the better team won.
Ill be pulling for the Sox or the Brewers, certainly not that cancerous Dodger fan base. I actually like the LA team, just their fans are second to only Philly IMO.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 27, 2018, 10:57:42 PM
Well, they figured out how to finally force me to watch ads and I hate it hate it hate it.
Might as well get used to it, because this ad strategy will be ubiquitous in no time.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 28, 2018, 02:06:58 AM
Quote from: Crewe on October 27, 2018, 10:57:42 PM
Well, they figured out how to finally force me to watch ads and I hate it hate it hate it.
Might as well get used to it, because this ad strategy will be ubiquitous in no time.

???
What'd I miss? Only been casually watching this WS and missed a good portion of Game 4...
Speaking of which, these last two games in LA have been fun even if there was no way in hell I was staying up to 3:30 in the morning to catch that 18 inning affair lol
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 28, 2018, 02:26:49 AM
haha, yea its been a fun series and I hope the Sox close them out tomorrow. Im really really sad that the Dodgers made it back to the WS and we didn't, but then, we did lose to the best team in baseball. Cant help it if the NL is shit lol

As for the ads, whenever there is a brief stoppage on the field, the PIP an ad, usually a 15 or 20 second variety.
And its not during a regular tv commercial spot, i.e. pitching change, but a catcher visit to the mound and the like, extremely annoying and it really aggravates me, probably moreso than the average person.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: TheNorm on October 28, 2018, 07:01:06 PM
Ah, gotcha. I've seen something similar during *cough*WWE broadcasts*cough* where they'll do stuff like that and have been for awhile. Hell, sometimes during commercial breaks they'll have the wrestling action as the PIP while the ad plays.
Title: Re: 2018 Off-Season/Season
Post by: Crewe on October 28, 2018, 09:37:04 PM
yea, I've seen in it at times, like NASCAR races where they will PIP the race while showing commercials but this is just so invasive to me, I really hate it.