Official 2018 MLB Season Thread

[Robz4000]

Bout time to get this shit started. Plus, the MLB Forum is down to two threads so we might as well add another one.

Surprise team of 2018?

Padres get a WC.

Lock of the season?

Angels continue to suck.

Way-too-early WS predictions?

Astros over Giants in 6.

[lefty20]

Brewers get the WC

Nats win division by 15 games

Indians over Dodgers in 5

[Chris Fall]

JD Martinez $110M/5 shows a significant shift in the financial landscape of MLB free agency. Boras initially talked about a 7 year deal in the $200 million neighborhood. Many if not most predictions were in the $150/6 range. That contract and Hosmer’s reasonable average with de-escalating annuals in an off season that has thus far proven pretty frigid for marquee free agents gives hope that teams and owners are beginning to realize the harm of hefty max deals and the large dead money at the back-end of those deals. Hopefully, that means no more 7, 8, 9+ max deals for guys over 30. And hopefully, the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox get the memo too.

[Chris Fall]

I like the Rockies as a surprise team in the NL. They focused their off season resources on relief pitching. Retained McGee and added Wade Davis and Brian Shaw. There’s some experience and stability at the backend of the bullpen. They were already good last season. I think they challenge legitimately for their division.

The AL is tougher to find a surprise team, as I think it should play out most expect, NY/Boston, Cleveland, Houston. One team who may challenge for a wildcard could be the Angels. The Otani pick-up obviously is potentially huge.

I got Cubs going back and beating the Evil Empire.

[Clipper Nation]

Shohei Ohtani's spring training pitching debut is one that he'll file under "learning curve.''

Ohtani took the mound with plenty of hype and a "B'' lineup in the field behind him in Saturday's game between the Los Angeles Angels and Milwaukee Brewers. He labored with his control and threw 31 pitches -- only 17 of them strikes -- before departing with one out in the top of the second inning and the score tied 2-2.

Ohtani appeared over-amped in his debut and struggled with fastball command while burying several breaking pitches in the dirt.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/22567943/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-struggles-fastball-command-debut

:lol Japanese pitchers

[Fabbs]

:lol Japanese pitchersTanaka was kicking ass for quite a while before the arm blowout.

Did excellent in last years post season too.

[midnightpulp]

Tanaka was kicking ass for quite a while before the arm blowout.

Did excellent in last years post season too.

Yeah, Tanaka has been the only pitcher over the past few seasons to buck the "lolJappitcher" meme. Darvish was looking solid, and then imploded in the WS.

[Clipper Nation]

Tanaka was awful last season, awful in his spring debut, and can't stay healthy.

[midnightpulp]

Shotime got shelled today. :lol Clipper Nation where you at?

[djohn2oo8]

Altuve with the 5 year 150 Mill extension :tu

[Clipper Nation]

978807238184890369

Absolutely incredible moment. And the crowd was amazing! This was a spring training game, folks. Is there any doubt that Montreal deserves another team?

[Clipper Nation]

Two good games so far on Opening Day: Cubs/Marlins and Cardinals/Mets.

[Pelicans78]

978807238184890369

Absolutely incredible moment. And the crowd was amazing! This was a spring training game, folks. Is there any doubt that Montreal deserves another team?

Would love to see that franchise back. It's definitely time!

[Robz4000]

:cry I missed you baseball

[Reck]

Red Sox shitty bullpen at it again.

[Reck]

This red sox team is so faggy. Dont even know why I even bother with these chumps.

[lefty20]

Man, watching Schwarbs play OF is still an adventure. I don't remember him being this lost in 2015.

[Robz4000]

Man, watching Schwarbs play OF is still an adventure. I don't remember him being this lost in 2015.

Cubs won't be able to survive with him out there. He's destined for a trade imo.

[midnightpulp]

:lmao Dodgers with 0 runs in 2 games.

[Spurtacular]

978807238184890369

Absolutely incredible moment. And the crowd was amazing! This was a spring training game, folks. Is there any doubt that Montreal deserves another team?

Faggoty celebration for an exhibition game, tbh.

[Mark Celibate]

What a mismatch the Astros-Rangers matchup is going to be for the next few seasons...

between the Astros-Rangers mile wide gap in talent, the Mavericks sucking outright, and the annual Cowboys collapse, there’s not really much to look forward to as a DFW sports fan the next few years

[Clipper Nation]

Faggoty celebration for an exhibition game, tbh.
Why am I not surprised that you're too dense to understand why the crowd was cheering so loud?

[Spurtacular]

Why am I not surprised that you're too dense to understand why the crowd was cheering so loud?

I was speaking of the players; that the Montreal people are happy with their pittance ain't my worry.

[midnightpulp]

Cubs won't be able to survive with him out there. He's destined for a trade imo.

Probably need to produce at least a 900ish OPS to compensate. He hit 30 bombs last season in 129 games, but had a sub 800 OPS and was a substitute level player per WAR (had a -1.5 Defensive WAR, which killed his offensive contribution).

[Robz4000]

What a mismatch the Astros-Rangers matchup is going to be for the next few seasons...

between the Astros-Rangers mile wide gap in talent, the Mavericks sucking outright, and the annual Cowboys collapse, there’s not really much to look forward to as a DFW sports fan the next few years

Rangers have some dark times ahead of them. Been saying it for years now, they needed to get rid of Daniels. Instead they got rid of everyone else and are a train wreck because of it.

[Robz4000]

Probably need to produce at least a 900ish OPS to compensate. He hit 30 bombs last season in 129 games, but had a sub 800 OPS and was a substitute level player per WAR (had a -1.5 Defensive WAR, which killed his offensive contribution).

Even that won't be enough. Dude routinely made errors or had to be assisted in the outfield (something like one out of every five plays). That doesn't fly in high school ball, much less the majors even if you're a monster at the plate. Schwarber needs to play first base or DH, and he can't do either with the Cubs.

[Fabbs]

Ohtani impress?

Ya I liked what I saw, imperfections included.
Dinged 100MPH a couple times.

[Fabbs]

The 1st Angel game with the Socia Special, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory with his insertion of his old butt buddys son Cam Bedrosian for the blown save.

[midnightpulp]

Ohtani impress?

Ya I liked what I saw, imperfections included.
Dinged 100MPH a couple times.

He looked good after the shaky 2nd inning. Let's see if he breaks the Jap pitcher's curse.

[djohn2oo8]

981318444002902016

[djohn2oo8]

981319116438073344
Too much damn gold. But nice ring.

[midnightpulp]

Ohtani with his first MLB homer.

https://streamable.com/0gnoo

I hope this "experiment" works. Would love to see more major leaguers who can both pitch and hit.

[Robz4000]

About time I completely turn my attention away from basketball to baseball. Earliest I ever have too.

It's early but the Astros look far and away like the best team in baseball. Only thing I see slowing them down is injuries.

[midnightpulp]

About time I completely turn my attention away from basketball to baseball. Earliest I ever have too.

It's early but the Astros look far and away like the best team in baseball. Only thing I see slowing them down is injuries.

I'm looking at Nats/Astros in the WS. Bellinger was a huge reason for the Dodgers run last season, and I see a tough Sophomore Slump ahead, so I don't see a repeat trip, especially with the bullpen looking like shit lately. I also don't count out the Yanks and Indians in the AL.

[Clipper Nation]

Ohtani with his first MLB homer.

https://streamable.com/0gnoo

I hope this "experiment" works. Would love to see more major leaguers who can both pitch and hit.
Here's hoping he defies the Japanese pitcher curse, tbh. Ohtani could be the breakout star that baseball needs if he can make his dual role work longterm.

[midnightpulp]

Shotime got another one. This time off of Kluber :wow

[lefty20]

Reminds me of Fukudome's quick start. Time will tell if he's legit.

[midnightpulp]

Reminds me of Fukudome's quick start. Time will tell if he's legit.

He'll definitely have a slump. Remember how Judge looked for the half of last season? You seemingly couldn't pitch to him, then they figured out his weaknesses, and he had a terrible couple of months. Ohtani seems to like the ball low, so I expect more high heat.

[Chris Fall]

Ohtani with HRs in 3 consecutive games now. Scioscia will sit him Saturday because he pitches Sunday. But doesn’t rule out hitting him the day before or after starts later in the season.

Already starting to look like he’ll be the international face of the MLB in the foreseeable future. It’s just too bad Japanese players (and many Latin American players as well) don’t work hard enough at learning to be adequate speaking English publicly. I know it’s hypocritical because most Americans can’t speak a second language. But I do think it’s a major reason some of the international MLB stars don’t become media superstars. Ichiro could have been a mega, mega endorsement star in America had he been more open to speaking publicly in English. I know he made plenty of endorsement money in Japan, but he could have been an even bigger global brand personality. Maybe the same could have been said of guys like Miggy and King Felix. Fans attach emotionally to players when they think they know them, but can’t if they never hear them speak. At least Mariano spoke a little bit sometimes. Altuve seems to be pretty solid with his English.

Ohtani doesn’t need to learn to speak good English to be a great player. But I do think it would help fans identify better, especially if he were to become one of the faces of the league.

[TheMACHINE]

:toast

[Clipper Nation]

Credit where credit is due: Ohtani was incredible today.

[midnightpulp]

Credit where credit is due: Ohtani was incredible today.

Has a nasty, nasty sinker. I no Angel fan, but I'm rooting for him. One area where I'd like to see baseball "evolve," is more two way players like him. That Hunter Green kid is another potential one in that area, so if he sees Ohtani have success, he might follow suit.

[lefty20]

Spring training stats :lol

[midnightpulp]

What the fuck is up with Mike Stanton? 22Ks in 44 ABs. :wow

[JoeTait75]

Scoot over, 1906 White Sox, and make room for the new Hitless Wonders: your 2018 Cleveland Indians

[Spurtacular]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppMRNWFfb4k

[TheMACHINE]

well that was a fun series! :rollin

[Spurtacular]

Scoot over, 1906 White Sox, and make room for the new Hitless Wonders: your 2018 Cleveland Indians

Lost a bit of money on them, not realizing their offense sucks now.

[midnightpulp]

well that was a fun series! :rollin

Ohtani is fun to watch. I'm on the bandwagon of the little brother Angels to win the WS if the Dodgers can't.

[JoeTait75]

Lost a bit of money on them, not realizing their offense sucks now.

It's still a good club. The pitching has been great and the offense has picked up with the warmer weather. But there are some holes in this lineup.

[Spurtacular]

My Angels are highest scoring team in baseball; I wonder if that's gonna last.

[midnightpulp]

Angels rained out. Damn. Needed my Ohtani fix.

[midnightpulp]

Red Sox looking great this season.

[Reck]

Red Sox looking great this season.

I have to say.

But knowing how choke prone they are, my expectations are tempered.

Going on a winning streak is nice in the regular season but I'm all about playoffs performance these days. The last 3 years they have looked decent to great in the regular season just to get the shit kicked out of them in the first round.

[Clipper Nation]

Red Sox looking great this season.
Meh. Their pitchers will shit the bed in the playoffs per par.

[Chris Fall]

White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar with a brain hemorrhage. Critical condition.

31 years old. Three kids. Scary stuff.

[Robz4000]

Best no-no I can remember by Manaea against the best offense in baseball.

[midnightpulp]

Best no-no I can remember by Manaea against the best offense in baseball.

Didn't see that coming. Pretty unbelievable. Too bad it wasn't Shohei. :lol

And det Frenchy Codero got some pop. He'll be a 35 per year bomber soon. Margot needs to get fuckin' going, though.

[lefty20]

21 pitch, 12.5 minute, AB by Belt :wow

Also, JaVP leading NL in RBIs:toast

[midnightpulp]

21 pitch, 12.5 minute, AB by Belt :wow

Also, JaVP leading NL in RBIs:toast

Crazy. Too bad it didn't top off with a dinger or something.

[Reck]

Red Sox coming back to earth a bit.

[midnightpulp]

Red Sox coming back to earth a bit.

Bound to happen, but those two straight wins against the Jays were big. Yanks are surging, so the division race is heating up.

[Robz4000]

Ohtani hurt.

[Clipper Nation]

The Braves have the next great one:

990020319632154629

[midnightpulp]

The Braves have the next great one:

990020319632154629

He's an exciting player, along with Robz4000's boy Franchy. Another bomb.

https://www.mlb.com/video/statcast-corderos-1169-mph-hr/c-1987351483

[Robz4000]

Don't look now but the Yankees are starting to roll (with Judge and Stanton looking awful/mediocre respectively).

[Robz4000]

Corey Seager getting Tommy John surgery.

[lefty20]

Think Dodgers pull the trigger on Machado?

[Robz4000]

:lmao 0-2 count in the bottom of the 9th with two outs and you give up a grand slam
:lmao Rangers

[lefty20]

Jake, plz forgive us... :depressed

[Robz4000]

Matt Harvey was designated for assignment. Looks finished but he might be able to be salvaged by the right team.

[Clipper Nation]

Matt Harvey was designated for assignment. Looks finished but he might be able to be salvaged by the right team.
Until he changes his attitude and starts taking his career seriously, a new team won't do anything for him.

[midnightpulp]

Matt Harvey was designated for assignment. Looks finished but he might be able to be salvaged by the right team.

Dodgers will probably show interest. I'd take a flyer, even though he appears to be a mental midget.

[midnightpulp]

Until he changes his attitude and starts taking his career seriously, a new team won't do anything for him.

I think the 2015 WS broke him.

[Robz4000]

:lol Padres no-hit again. Is there a more cursed/inept franchise in baseball?

[midnightpulp]

:lol Padres no-hit again. Is there a more cursed/inept franchise in baseball?

Probably not :lol

You guys do have some young talent, though. Villi, Cordero, Margot. All is not lost.

[Clipper Nation]

995099582576189442

:lol How do you not bunt against a shift like that?

[Clipper Nation]

995099582576189442

:lol How do you not bunt against a shift like that?

:lol It happened again:

995466846374694912

[djohn2oo8]

So the Rangers like throwing at our guys I see. Charlie fockin Morton was dealin though.

[djohn2oo8]

:lol It happened again:

995466846374694912

:lol

[Fabbs]

Skosha already costing Ohtani two wins. :rolleyes

[Robz4000]

Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for a drug violation. That on top of his broken hand basically ends his season. Dude is the definition of what could've been.

[midnightpulp]

995099582576189442

:lol How do you not bunt against a shift like that?

Joey Gallo is the most unwatchable hitter in baseball. Power for days, but can't hit worth a shit on a technical level. I don't know if it's purely his fault. Just like some basketball players lack inherent shooting touch for whatever physical/mental reasons, some baseball players lack hitting touch. Gallo is just a hardwired dead-pull hitter. I've read he's trying to change his approach. Good article.


Gallo has dropped his pull rate by 19 percentage points. That’s the second-biggest drop in the whole sample. In turn, Gallo has increased his opposite-field rate by 13 percentage points. He’s gotten better about going up the middle and the other way. This is something Gallo talked about wanting to do back in the winter and spring, and, say, here’s a double from just Monday night, which is awfully convenient:

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-astonishing-development-of-joey-gallo/

That was over the first couple of weeks of the seasons, so it seems pitchers have adjusted and are getting him to pull more into the shift.

[midnightpulp]

Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for a drug violation. That on top of his broken hand basically ends his season. Dude is the definition of what could've been.

You were talking about franchises more cursed than Dads....

I think we have it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Betting against the Dodgers has been free money, they're still severely overvalued in every game..they couldn't even hit against Wei-Yin Chen yesterday:lol

I'm sure they'll turn it around, but they're so bad right now..

[Clipper Nation]

:lol What do you expect from a mentally-weak team led by Kerchoke and that nutjob of a manager?

[AlexJones]

Betting against the Dodgers has been free money, they're still severely overvalued in every game..they couldn't even hit against Wei-Yin Chen yesterday:lol

I'm sure they'll turn it around, but they're so bad right now..

Hope you weren't fading the Tigers as of late

I had Seattle -195 with Paxton at Detroit, closed -225, lost
Cleveland -200 with Carrasco vs Fiers for 3 units, closed at -265 at Pinnacle, lost
Cleveland -127 with Tomlin vs Liriano, closed -150, blew 4 run lead and lost

[AlexJones]

They need to fire Dave Roberts. What kind of sick fuck still bats Chase Utley lead off in 2018. All the smart teams are hitting their best guys early.. Trout/Ohtani are 1/2, Harper is hitting 2nd, Judge/Stanton are 2/3... Roberts is batting Utley and Pederson ahead of Turner/Grandal/Bellinger.

[HarlemHeat37]

Hope you weren't fading the Tigers as of late

I had Seattle -195 with Paxton at Detroit, closed -225, lost
Cleveland -200 with Carrasco vs Fiers for 3 units, closed at -265 at Pinnacle, lost
Cleveland -127 with Tomlin vs Liriano, closed -150, blew 4 run lead and lost

I actually did, lost 2/3 games on the Indians:lol

Atlanta's been my team lately(not tonight tho), they're fun to watch, too..

[midnightpulp]

They need to fire Dave Roberts. What kind of sick fuck still bats Chase Utley lead off in 2018. All the smart teams are hitting their best guys early.. Trout/Ohtani are 1/2, Harper is hitting 2nd, Judge/Stanton are 2/3... Roberts is batting Utley and Pederson ahead of Turner/Grandal/Bellinger.

Better question is why is Chase Utley still playing in 2018? His metrics were below substitution level last year. I'd go with: Taylor, Bellinger, Turner, Grandal, Kemp as the first five.

[midnightpulp]

I actually did, lost 2/3 games on the Indians:lol

Atlanta's been my team lately(not tonight tho), they're fun to watch, too..

Albies and Acuna Jr. are fantastic. Also got the ghost of Jose Bautista :lol

[Clipper Nation]

So this is pretty incredible:

997972698541297665

[midnightpulp]

So this is pretty incredible:

997972698541297665

Pitching is uber-dominant this year. I think we have a no-hitter going past the 5th like every other day. I think if we get too close to three-true-outcome Hell, might be time for tweaks to get more balls-in-play.

[midnightpulp]

This AB: :wow


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtuc9vRgMl4&feature=youtu.be

Indians played the game of the year so far, too. Good day of sports for JoeTait75

[JoeTait75]

This AB: :wow


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtuc9vRgMl4&feature=youtu.be

Indians played the game of the year so far, too. Good day of sports for JoeTait75

Game 7 against G-State and Game 7 against Boston, both times the Tribe won earlier in the day in walk-off fashion.

Great win for the Indians but this bullpen is still a hot mess.

[midnightpulp]

Game 7 against G-State and Game 7 against Boston, both times the Tribe won earlier in the day in walk-off fashion.

Great win for the Indians but this bullpen is still a hot mess.

If they solve the BP woes, they'll make a run. Offense is just as explosive as the Yanks and Astros, while having a great starting rotation (Tomlin aside).

[JoeTait75]

If they solve the BP woes, they'll make a run. Offense is just as explosive as the Yanks and Astros, while having a great starting rotation (Tomlin aside).

The starters are going to get taxed if they don't find a way to improve the bullpen. Kluber, Carrasco and Bauer are throwing 110-120 pitches every time out right now because Tito rightfully doesn't trust the pen. An unreliable bullpen is the worst thing you can have in baseball. It can ruin an otherwise good club.

[lefty20]

This Cubs team is the most inept team with RISP I've ever seen. It's like everyone forgets how to hit, or even make contact, once a runner gets to 2nd or 3rd base. :depressed

[midnightpulp]

This Cubs team is the most inept team with RISP I've ever seen. It's like everyone forgets how to hit, or even make contact, once a runner gets to 2nd or 3rd base. :depressed

24 strikeouts tonight. :wow

Unloaded in 14th at least.

[Fabbs]

smh phucking Skosha burns more quality starts into L's then any manager in the history of MLB.

The hell is wrong with Arte Moreno?

[Fabbs]

Super early and unnecessary MVP speculation.
Of course perennial Trout but can Mookie Betts be denied with his sort of Triple Crownish numbers?

Helps to play on a stacked team vs playing for a retard (Skosha) but still.....

[midnightpulp]

Super early and unnecessary MVP speculation.
Of course perennial Trout but can Mookie Betts be denied with his sort of Triple Crownish numbers?

Helps to play on a stacked team vs playing for a retard (Skosha) but still.....

Trout will cruise to the MVP barring an injury or choke. I don't think Mookie's numbers are sustainable. By the way, Angels drafted this guy with their 1st round:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3fQxiCpozY

[Chris]

One of my favorite players ever still got it :cry


vpN0s6D4hUU

[Fabbs]

What do you guys think of that Oregon State pitcher who kicks ass but hasn't been drafted due to his pleading guilty to a pedo charge?

He now claims he got bad legal advice and pleaded guilty just to end it.

[Clipper Nation]

What do you guys think of that Oregon State pitcher who kicks ass but hasn't been drafted due to his pleading guilty to a pedo charge?

He now claims he got bad legal advice and pleaded guilty just to end it.
I'm glad no MLB team drafted him. Sanity prevails.

[midnightpulp]

Ohtani out until July. Grade 2 UCL sprain. Fuck. Hope Tommy John surgery isn't on the horizon.

[lefty20]

What do you guys think of that Oregon State pitcher who kicks ass but hasn't been drafted due to his pleading guilty to a pedo charge?

He now claims he got bad legal advice and pleaded guilty just to end it.

I don't see any MLB teams touching him. Playing in Japan might be his only choice.

[Clipper Nation]

Ohtani out until July. Grade 2 UCL sprain. Fuck. Hope Tommy John surgery isn't on the horizon.
Unfortunately, the Japanese pitcher theory might be holding true again.

[lefty20]

Unfortunately, the Japanese pitcher theory might be holding true again.

https://sports.yahoo.com/report-shohei-ohtani-likely-tommy-125923191.html

Cya in 2020.

[midnightpulp]

Unfortunately, the Japanese pitcher theory might be holding true again.

All Japanese pitchers are currently on the DL. :wow

I think the Japanese need to reevaluate how they use these players in high school. Not uncommon for a star pitcher to throw 600 pitches in a week during Koshien.

[Clipper Nation]

All Japanese pitchers are currently on the DL. :wow

I think the Japanese need to reevaluate how they use these players in high school. Not uncommon for a star pitcher to throw 600 pitches in a week during Koshien.
Koshien is the whole reason for my Japanese pitcher theory, as it turns out. I read an article about it once and suddenly it all made sense why Japanese pitchers seemingly always turned out to be injury-prone and/or washed by the time they got to the MLB.

[AlexJones]

http://oi64.tinypic.com/29ux9xl.jpg

Do better next time, sportsbooks.

[midnightpulp]

:wow Kyle Schwarber is a net positive defensive player this season. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml

He figured it out Robz4000

Now Joey Gallo just needs to learn to bunt :lol

https://i.redd.it/bccijoy9s9411.jpg

[Robz4000]

:wow Kyle Schwarber is a net positive defensive player this season. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/schwaky01.shtml

He figured it out Robz4000

Now Joey Gallo just needs to learn to bunt :lol

https://i.redd.it/bccijoy9s9411.jpg

Still early, but he's proving me wrong so far :tu

[lefty20]

I'm sure it's helped by the fact that Schwarbs is among the leaders in OF assists. But a lot of those are due to opposing players making stupid mistakes on the basepath when ball is hit to him. It's like they expect him to fumble a gove to hand transfer everytime and take super aggressive turns(like Fowler last night) or try to stretch a single into double thinking it's a 5 yr old playing out there.

That being said there has been a noticable improvement in his fly ball routes and first step.

[Fabbs]

mid, lefty, others,

23 homers leads MLB along with .455 OB%
I don't recognize Barroid Bonds stats. That having been said, historically is this combo super rare? (lead in HR's and OB%?)

Trouts current streak for June is fantastic.
The past week he's been in a coma, like .500 ave with .700 OB%.

[midnightpulp]

mid, lefty, others,

23 homers leads MLB along with .455 OB%
I don't recognize Barroid Bonds stats. That having been said, historically is this combo super rare? (lead in HR's and OB%?)

Trouts current streak for June is fantastic.
The past week he's been in a coma, like .500 ave with .700 OB%.

Not sure how exactly rare it is, but a high OBP combined with power is usually a trait of the GOATs (Williams, Ruth, Mays, etc). As you can see, many of the all-time OBP leaders also hit for power: https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/onbase_perc_career.shtml

BTW, Bedrosian blew another one :lol

[Fabbs]

BTW, Bedrosian blew another one :lol
That blow gives the Angels either the worst or 2nd worst Blown Save #s in MLB.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2c7bYKEPfMk/TLc2cz-cYSI/AAAAAAAABtw/xohxKBp1iiM/s1600/scioscia.jpg

[Fabbs]

Not sure how exactly rare it is, but a high OBP combined with power is usually a trait of the GOATs (Williams, Ruth, Mays, etc). As you can see, many of the all-time OBP leaders also hit for power: https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/onbase_perc_career.shtml

BSPN just did a related article:
How Mike Trout stacks up to MLB's greats as he closes in on 1,000 games
Lot's of stats, here is one that :wow me:
Total bases: "Only four hitters rank above him through 1,000 games, and the names on the list -- Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, Frank Thomas, Hank Greenberg...."

And can't tell you how many times I've seen Trout stranded on base. Happens to all MLB players, but another Skosha Special is running the team out of innings by his ordering over aggressive base running.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23800260/how-mike-trout-stacks-mlb-greats-closes-1000-games

[Chris Fall]

Trout getting stranded on base has no impact on his total bases, as the article describes it. The accumulated total bases are based on hits, walks, HBP, and steals. They aren't adding bases he gets from other hitters behind him getting hits or walks. It may impact the potential for more career runs scored, not his total bases.

Frank Thomas was a beast.

[djohn2oo8]

Stros lookin noiceeeeeee

[midnightpulp]

Stros lookin noiceeeeeee

Can't lose.

[lefty20]

Stros lookin noiceeeeeee

A complete and well balanced team right there.

[midnightpulp]

Hunter Strickland :lol

1009217104342441984

[Reck]

:lol Those Hanley Ramirez rumors if true.

Sox dropping him like they did now makes a ton of sense.

[midnightpulp]

:lol Those Hanley Ramirez rumors if true.

Sox dropping him like they did now makes a ton of sense.

Good to hear it was all smoke.

https://nesn.com/2018/06/ex-red-sox-slugger-hanley-ramirez-not-under-federal-investigation/

[lefty20]

Swept by the Reds... that's a new low, tbh.

[Reck]

Good to hear it was all smoke.

https://nesn.com/2018/06/ex-red-sox-slugger-hanley-ramirez-not-under-federal-investigation/

Jesus Christ, ABC cant report shit right.

They have gotten a ton of things wrong the this year alone. They are really pathetic.

Good to hear it was all nonsense. The charges I read about were pretty grimm.

[Fabbs]

facepalm

Arte Moreno,
Will this season finally be the last for Mike Sciocia?

[Clipper Nation]

1014593616029913088

[lefty20]

El Mago been the MVP for us this year. Lester coming in with a close 2nd place.

[AlexJones]

8 straight games, Pelicans78. What happened to the Royals better offense and bullpen compared Cleveland???

[AlexJones]

The Miami Marlins have a better record than the Kansas City Royals, and the Marlins decided to tank the season before it began + play in a much tougher division :lmao:lmao:lmao Pelicans78

[Pelicans78]

8 straight games, Pelicans78 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15164). What happened to the Royals better offense and bullpen compared Cleveland???

It's ok. The Royals got their ring in 2015 which the Indians and your Tigers couldn't do this millenium. How's your Brazil and Spain prediction working out :lol

[djohn2oo8]

Astros called up their top prospect. Once Correa get back we stackeeedddddddd

[Spurtacular]

Bitch move by Machado.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/manny-machados-instagram-activity-hints-he-wants-a-trade-to-the-yankees/ar-AAzWYIW?ocid=spartandhp

[midnightpulp]

1014593616029913088

He's a master at that swim move.

[midnightpulp]

Robz4000 got some exciting talent on the Dads.

Play of the month so far.

http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/07/13/2263116483/1531459320582/asset_2500K.mp4

And 50 Cent Margot

https://www.mlb.com/video/statcast-margot-lays-out-twice/c-2257521583?tid=240568594

[midnightpulp]

HR derby>>>>>last 2 seasons of :lol Today's NBA

[Robz4000]

That HR derby was something else. Last two have been great too.

[Spurtacular]

Am I seeing this right? Bryce Harper is the starting outfielder based on the players vote? This the same Harper that is hitting .214?

[lefty20]

IIRC, think the starting position players are selected exclusively by fan voting while the players have a say in selecting pitchers/reserves.

[Spurtacular]

IIRC, think the starting position players are selected exclusively by fan voting while the players have a say in selecting pitchers/reserves.

What I was reading wasn't altogether clear; but it made the fan vote sound like it was a tiebreaker on the players votes.

[Spurtacular]

HR derby>>>>>last 2 seasons of :lol Today's NBA

Didn't watch it; but 221 HRs sounds like something that just goes on and on and on, tbh.

https://www.mlb.com/news/statcast-tracks-hr-derby-win-for-bryce-harper/c-286197742

[Fabbs]

smh AJ Hinch sticking with his Astros reliever.
Get him TFO.

[Fabbs]

smh AJ Hinch sticking with his Astros reliever.
Get him TFO.

[midnightpulp]

Machado headed to LA! Mugen get yer ass in here! :lobt:

[lefty20]

Damn, I was hoping the recent sweep would trigger the Brewers to overpaying for him.

Nice addition to the Dodgers. LAD vs CHC part III seems very likely now.

[Mugen]

Machado headed to LA! Mugen (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=15519) get yer ass in here! :lobt:

My man Magic making it happen once again :lol

:lobt2:

[midnightpulp]

My man Magic making it happen once again :lol

:lobt2:

Might have to swallow my pride and proclaim him a great executive. He can close (although he probably had little to do with closing the Machado trade :lol).

[djohn2oo8]

My man Bregs has become such a star so quick

[midnightpulp]

Padres making some smart moves, Robz4000

https://twitter.com/jjcoop36/status/1019970531238514688

[Robz4000]

Padres making some smart moves, Robz4000

https://twitter.com/jjcoop36/status/1019970531238514688

They'll just trade him in three years for another prospect or two so the cycle can begin anew. Congrats on getting Machado, now the Doyers have a 50/50 shot at the WS alongside the Cubs. Don't see either beating the AL champ, however.

[midnightpulp]

They'll just trade him in three years for another prospect or two so the cycle can begin anew. Congrats on getting Machado, now the Doyers have a 50/50 shot at the WS alongside the Cubs. Don't see either beating the AL champ, however.

Yes, WS is the AL's to lose. The Indians also get stronger with the trade. Hopefully the Dads will commit and try to build a team. Their farm system is pretty loaded and the current youngsters on the team have a big upside.

[HarlemHeat37]

Yes, WS is the AL's to lose. The Indians also get stronger with the trade. Hopefully the Dads will commit and try to build a team. Their farm system is pretty loaded and the current youngsters on the team have a big upside.

You worried about Kershaw going forward?

[Clipper Nation]

Might have to swallow my pride and proclaim him a great executive. He can close (although he probably had little to do with closing the Machado trade :lol).
:lol Magic has nothing to do with any of the Dodgers' moves. They have two actual genius executives in Friedman and Zaidi.

[Chris]

1021140194240749569

[midnightpulp]

You worried about Kershaw going forward?

Always worried about him, especially mentally. Hopefully Buehler and Stripling can pick up the slack.

[lefty20]

1021140194240749569

No worries. JaVP came through, per par.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/javier-baez-saves-day-kid-ball-stolen-away-older-fan-231828048.html

[Chris]

No worries. JaVP came through, per par.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/javier-baez-saves-day-kid-ball-stolen-away-older-fan-231828048.html

Awesome :tu


1021134802580393989

[Robz4000]

Hamels traded to the Cubs.

[Chris]

Jon Daniels fire sale - Hamels deserved to go to a contender.

[lefty20]

I'm not putting too much stock into Hamels' road ERA bs. I remember when Chatwood's spin rate and road stats indicated that he'd be a solid #3, maybe #2, on in a good rotation outside Coors Field.

[Robz4000]

Jon Daniels fire sale - Hamels deserved to go to a contender.

Still can't fathom how this fuck is still employed. Worst GM in baseball and it's not particularly close.

[lefty20]

Also Gratz to the Red Sox on winning the AL East. Yanks are already trailing and just lost Judge for 3 weeks minimum.

[Fabbs]

Trout sniffing modern day all time single season on base %
.462

Not gonna catch any of the .500+s (Mickey Mantle the most recent)
.481 was Ted Williams freaking career average.

Not gonna count that 1890's chit or Barroid Bonds fakery.

Definitely one the best modern day OB%.

.487 Frank Thomas probably out of reach.

[Fabbs]

Also Gratz to the Red Sox on winning the AL East. Yanks are already trailing and just lost Judge for 3 weeks minimum.
sucks balls.
I'm glad to say he contributed to his own injury vs murder job by the pitcher. By that I mean, horrible pitch by the pitcher but Judge stepped right into it early.

Brush back that got away? Or was pitcher being a prick and utilizing lame MLBs non enforcement of bean balls?

[ducks]

redsox trying to buy title

[Chris]

Still can't fathom how this fuck is still employed. Worst GM in baseball and it's not particularly close.

Everything Must Go!

:lol

He's trading all our pitchers away. I'm being optimistic for now.

[Clipper Nation]

1024408474833367040

[ducks]

Bill Plunkett
Bill Plunkett BILLplunkettocr
Past 6 LH starters v #Dodgers -- Newcomb, Fried, Suter, Heaney and Miley (twice) -- have held LAD to six earned runs on 22 hits and nine walks over 36 innings, numbers that add up to a 1.50 ERA and 0.94 WHIP.

[midnightpulp]

Stove was hot over the trading period. Nice move to acquire Dozier. Hamels to the Cubs. Brewers snagged Moose and Schoop. NL is wide open. And in the AL, who would've predicted the Rays and A's would be buyers and making a playoff push? :lol

[Reck]

Red Sox are unreal.

I just hope against all hope that they dont do their usual best in regular season only and completely get their shit pushed in in the first round.

[Fabbs]

Trout.
Stop the headfirst sliding!


Might cost him another MVP.

[Chris]

Legendary.

1027015472225562624

[lefty20]

Nats :rollin

[lefty20]

Again :lol:rollin:lol

[FrostKing]

Braves?

[midnightpulp]

A's run is pretty unreal.

[lefty20]

Nats waving that White flag. Murphy to Cubs, Adams to Cards and Harper claimed by an unknown team.

[FrostKing]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H98aTPoEXI4

[MultiTroll]

Good to have Trout back.

[FrostKing]

https://i.imgur.com/rJaSmSQ.png

https://i.imgur.com/QONVIyz.gif

[Fabbs]

Should Otahni just forget TJ surgery and be a fulltime DH?

He kicking ass. If dream comes true and Moreno does not resign Skosha this Trout/Otahni combo is looking great.

[FrostKing]

It is over


https://i.imgur.com/ZMx7AGD.png




2nd Division Title since 2013 and only the 2nd since 2005 :music

[FrostKing]

https://i.imgur.com/ZvYfWTi.png

[Reck]

It is over


https://i.imgur.com/ZMx7AGD.png




2nd Division Title since 2013 and only the 2nd since 2005 :music

So you're a Cleveland fan now? What happened to your Phillies?

[FrostKing]

So you're a Cleveland fan now? What happened to your Phillies?
Wrong Native Americans :p:. I grew up on TBS

[Clipper Nation]

Christian Yelich hit for the cycle against the Reds again today. Only player ever to cycle twice against the same team in the same season. Pretty impressive feat.

[Robz4000]

Rangers fired Bannister before the end of the season. Not his biggest fan but its such a classless move. He's not the reason the Rangers are trash, it's the fuck masquerading as a GM. Until Daniels is fired it'll be the same song and dance.

[midnightpulp]

Dodgers still clinging. Issue with this team in a potential post-season run is their over-reliance on the home run. Balls in play kill during the playoffs, and the Dodgers are below the league average in hits. Boston, Cubs, Braves all at/near the top. I'm calling Cubs vs. Sox (after an epic 7 game duel with the Astros where Price finally eliminates the choker label) in the WS.

[Robz4000]

Dodgers still clinging. Issue with this team in a potential post-season run is their over-reliance on the home run. Balls in play kill during the playoffs, and the Dodgers are below the league average in hits. Boston, Cubs, Braves all at/near the top. I'm calling Cubs vs. Sox (after an epic 7 game duel with the Astros where Price finally eliminates the choker label) in the WS.

Red Sox are in trouble come postseason imo. I don't trust their pitching staff at all.

[midnightpulp]

Red Sox are in trouble come postseason imo. I don't trust their pitching staff at all.

You're probably right. Astros are too safe a pick, so I'm taking a flyer on the Sox :lol

[Pelicans78]

I think we’ll see a Dodgers/Stros rematch in the World Series.

[FrostKing]

https://i.imgur.com/yqXsbzG.png

https://i.imgur.com/qhdrcEf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/eNhWh2l.jpg

[DeadlyDynasty]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H98aTPoEXI4
All I can remember from that matchup is the Jim Leyritz HR in Game 4 off Mark Wohlers...one of the clutchest and unlikeliest moments in sports history imo

[FrostKing]

All I can remember from that matchup is the Jim Leyritz HR in Game 4 off Mark Wohlers...one of the clutchest and unlikeliest moments in sports history imo
Ultimately Pettite won in Atlanta over Cy Young Smoltz in Game 5

The turn around from Back2Back titles up 2-0 to losing was the most humbling experience of my childhood

[midnightpulp]

Home stretch, boys! Fuckin' Rockies just will not lose. Last 3 games of the season in the NL are gonna be nuts, with the Cards, Rocks, Brewers, Cubs, and Dodgers all vying for division titles and/or Wild Card spots. The AL playoffs should be an epic dog fight, as well. Cleveland has the arms to upset Houston (how you feeling JoeTait75?). Buckle up.

[Pelicans78]

I hate the playoff format. Teams like the Braves and Indians can win horrible divisions while teams like the Yanks, A’s, and Brewers have better records in tougher divisions and have to play in a one and done scenario. Just dumb.

[Chris]

Christian Yelich hit for the cycle against the Reds again today. Only player ever to cycle twice against the same team in the same season. Pretty impressive feat.

They're talking Triple Crown now.

Definitely rooting for the Brewers to go all the way :tu

[lefty20]

Crew and Yelich blowing way too early. Cubs have them right where we want em, tbh.

[lefty20]

Big day 2morrow. Crew are due for a stinker, tbh.

[Pelicans78]

Big day 2morrow. Crew are due for a stinker, tbh.

Cubs have to jump out early otherwise the Brewers have the superior bullpen and can win a close game.

[Chris]

1046498374248267776

[Robz4000]

1046498374248267776

Beltre deserves better than this. Rangers should've sent him to a contender.

[Chris]

Beltre deserves better than this. Rangers should've sent him to a contender.

He'll be fine, and I agree, but Jon Daniels and the owner probably thought they could sell a few more tickets.

We're going to be rebuilding for a long time especially in a stacked division.

[AlexJones]

A's are such a good story this year. Really hoping they knock Yanks out, then the Sox.

[DeadlyDynasty]

My order of preference to win the WS goes a lil somethin like this...

1. Oakland
2. Los Angeles
3. Milwaukee
4. Colorado
5. Cleveland
6. Houston
7. Chicago
8. New York
9. Atlanta
10. Boston

[FrostKing]

Dodger fan base would become unbearable if they Won.

[lefty20]

WC game at Wrigley it is.

[lefty20]

This is crazy Cubs leading the NL in games with 1 run or less scored and 7 runs or more scored. Fuckers dont how to win a game in the middle. Product of the go for all swing era.

[midnightpulp]

Wild ride to end the season. The Wild Card chaos should clearly illustrate why EVERY game of 162 "means something," and why ADD sports fans calling for something like an 80 game season are retarded. "Hurr, how can I get invested in any single regular season game when there's 162 of them?" Tuesdays games showed why.

[JoeTait75]

[QUOTE=midnightpulp;9548153] (how you feeling JoeTait75?)QUOTE]

Not great, but it's baseball- you never know. If the Indians can somehow beat Houston (the best team in baseball, IMO) they can beat anyone.

[FrostKing]

Wild ride to end the season. The Wild Card chaos should clearly illustrate why EVERY game of 162 "means something," and why ADD sports fans calling for something like an 80 game season are retarded. "Hurr, how can I get invested in any single regular season game when there's 162 of them?" Tuesdays games showed why.
Ya but inexcusable that schedules within divisions are imbalanced. Plus I preferred when it was 'Interleague Week'.

As a 12 year old being treated to a televised TBS game nearly every day for 5 months was amazing

Now in my 30s, it is a bit overwhelming. I already have enough aspects in my life preaching patience.

[AlexJones]

Maddon is a retard.

[Clipper Nation]

The Rockies with a simultaneous reliever/catcher chokejob. That catcher's interference was just cringeworthy.

[Clipper Nation]

Damn, that was one hell of an asspull by Ottavino to get out of that.

[lefty20]

Fuck this fucking offense. Joe should beat the shit out of everyone of them with their own fucking bats.

[lefty20]

Chilli Davis was brought in to fix the well known RISP conversion issues we had last year and it's somehow gotten worse.

[Clipper Nation]

Shocking that the Cubs get a bullshit call in their favor in the playoffs.

[lefty20]

MLB doing everything it can to keep us in this. Nice gesture, but it won't matter since we don't know how to use a bat properly.

[AlexJones]

this broadcasting crew is unbearable. There is no such thing as "postseason yips". It's the same game being played as the regular season with the exception of teams using their best pitchers/pulling starters early.

[AlexJones]

Wade Davis has been shit for an entire year but he's a World Champion so sure, one of the best in the game.

[Spurtacular]

1-1 in the 12th!

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/colorado-rockies-at-chicago-cubs/game-center/sp-id-40401000002071758?ocid=spartandhp

[Spurtacular]

Maddon is a retard.

Maddon, Black, etc. Like watching my Angels 15 years ago or so.

[Spurtacular]

Yankees vs Red Sox would be fun. I assume they don't let batters grab their crotch for 45 seconds at a time to make the game six hours like before.

[AlexJones]

Jessica Mendoza: "that base hit by Story was a win for the Cubs" Send this woman to the gas chamber.

[Spurtacular]

Cubs giving up the possible winning RBI to a .170 hitter.

[lefty20]

Cubs giving up the possible winning RBI to a .170 hitter.

Not surprised. Arcia(.229) out hit the entire Cubs lineup yesterday.

[lefty20]

Just hope Rox take out the Crew and Indians take the title now that we're out.

[Spurtacular]

Not surprised. Arcia(.229) out hit the entire Cubs lineup yesterday.

Cubs sending up a guy with one career hit. Probably their pinch runner from earlier; I haven't been watching this whole game; but this game may not have been managed very well.

[Spurtacular]

Dunno what #FlyTheW is; but Cubs look stupid wearing that while losing at home. :lol

[lefty20]

Cubs sending up a guy with one career hit. Probably their pinch runner from earlier; I haven't been watching this whole game; but this game may not have been managed very well.

Yeah his speed generated the game tying run in the 8th. I don't see how someone can blame Joe for this woeful offense, this game makes it the 40th time(in 164 games) they've scored one run or less. The historically bad O's had 40 in 162.

[Spurtacular]

Yeah his speed generated the game tying run in the 8th. I don't see how someone can blame Joe for this woeful offense, this game makes it the 40th time(in 164 games) they've scored one run or less. The historically bad O's had 40 in 162.

They had offense a couple years back when they rang; don't know what changed.

[lefty20]

They had offense a couple years back when they rang; don't know what changed.

Down years for Rizz, KB(bum shoulder), Contreras & Russell + the tendency for their collective testicles to retract when batting with RISP.

[midnightpulp]

Dammit Cubbies!

[FrostKing]

A's starting a reliever with 0 wins and only 24 innings this season in a 1 game take all versus the Yankees.

Always been a fan of this franchise

https://90feetofperfection.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/1989-oakland-as.jpg

http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/23/95/zito-hudson-mulder-092514-ftr-snjpg_7bv8kalikw4h1bxrju517fevl.jpg?t=101883848

[FrostKing]

Those early 2000 A's with Tejada, Giambi, Chavez, Dye and Hudson/Zito/Mulder never made it out of the ALDS

2000 - Yanks in 5
2001 - Yanks in 5
2002 - Twins in 5
2003 - Red Sox in 5

Fkn brutal. They were up 2-1 in those last 3 seasons

[Fabbs]

Shocking that the Cubs get a bullshit call in their favor in the playoffs.
I thought we might be looking at some more Lakers-Warriors type riggin, especially after the phaggy hug.
Surprisingly the rest of the game I didn't see anymore blatant riggers.

That senile old guy behind the plate seemed to be bad for both teams.

[Clipper Nation]

1047503103849897985
:lol Damn.

[lefty20]

Brewers earned it, so I don't mind them bragging about it. Besides, a division title is about as good as life gets for them, so why not let them celebrate while they can?

[djohn2oo8]

Brewers earned it, so I don't mind them bragging about it. Besides, a division title is about as good as life gets for them, so why not let them celebrate while they can?
Lol yeah I see they are extra loud about that division title

[FrostKing]

Tomorrow NLDS Game 1: Braves @ Dodgers is airing on MLBN. What a filthy money grab. Fortunately I heard they are offering free preview

[AlexJones]

Boston's anuses are collectively tightening up. Get ready. The Yankees are going to beat you.

[MultiTroll]

The one angle clearly shows he is out.
So of course they never show that angle again and the announcer babbles about how "nothing to overturn there"

STFU

[MultiTroll]

Anyone know, what that truly not fan interference or was that Yankee Ump?

[FrostKing]

Anyone know, what that truly not fan interference or was that Yankee Ump?
Both calls looked right to me. These aren't barstool legend calls anymore. Many cameras and they break for 3+ minutes to get the call right. Unless there is a loophole in the rule book


https://youtu.be/YVNlvnsQ828

[FrostKing]

Boston's anuses are collectively tightening up. Get ready. The Yankees are going to beat you.
I still like Boston over 7 games because it is a well rounded/base stealing offense versus power hitting

[MultiTroll]

Both calls looked right to me.
So one can reach over the wall and downward into the field (well, airspace lol) of play as long as contact is not made? Because that it was Skankee Phan did. Seemed to jack up the eyesight view of the ball for A's outfielder as Phans hand was between the glove and the ball. If the rule is that is okay then Skankee Phans and Skankee organization should be buying that guy a beer. Who knows maybe the A's outfielder just misjudged the ball and the Phans block was of no consequence. Either way it was a catchable ball. And I don't mean miracle catch. Tough catch, ya.

On the home plate call all they need to do is zoom in at the point where catchers glove hits Yankee. They had one perfect view showing the glove, Yankees hand and home plate. Surely in 2018 technology that is available. Clearly looked to me like glove hit before hand was in.

[FrostKing]

So one can reach over the wall and downward into the field (well, airspace lol) of play as long as contact is not made? Because that it was Skankee Phan did. Seemed to jack up the eyesight view of the ball for A's outfielder as Phans hand was between the glove and the ball. If the rule is that is okay then Skankee Phans and Skankee organization should be buying that guy a beer. Who knows maybe the A's outfielder just misjudged the ball and the Phans block was of no consequence. Either way it was a catchable ball. And I don't mean miracle catch. Tough catch, ya.

On the home plate call all they need to do is zoom in at the point where catchers glove hits Yankee. They had one perfect view. Surely in 2018 technology that is available. Clearly looked to me like glove hit before hand was in.
A) Yes because how can they regulate/stop fans. It is ultimately them paying the ticket. If you make contact on a foul ball and it is in play you are tossed. Same applies for HRs. I recognize your concern because one could screen or distract the outfielder but ultimately the play is so fast that position player is too focused on running & jumping. TheY would review if that were the case.

B) Perfect view - I didn't see one. Or at-least one that would overview the call on the field. You saw the overhead/behind shoulder view as the best? I thought it was 50/50 so call on the field, ump is closer than us.