MLB Thread

[Salacious Kitty]

1 hour ago, twoods said:

The Angels are the perfect team to play when you’re on a win streak, because they will keep streaking. The Angels and their bullpen (or pitching for that matter) is atrocious.

At least the Halos have Trout and Ohtani. Other trams that suck can't say that. Who does Pittsburgh have? Even worse, Oakland?

[Xeliou66]

Terrible fucking loss for the Marlins, up 4-3 with 2 outs in the 10th, and Anderson misplays a grounder at third and lets it get into the outfield and the runner on second scores, then Nimmo hits a soft grounder to the mound to Tanner Scott who bobbles it and then makes a wild throw to 1st and the Mets score and win it. Un-fucking-believable. The Marlins just don't have what it takes to be a winning team, and Mattingly is a shit manager, so goddamn frustrating, I feel like we are on the cusp of being good and then shit like this happens. FUCK. 

[Moose135]

4 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

Terrible fucking loss for the Marlins, up 4-3 with 2 outs in the 10th...

Before today's game, the Mets honored Keith Hernadez, one of the heroes of the Mets 1986 WS win, and long-time Met broadcaster. Apparently, the last time the Mets won an extra inning game on walk-off due to an error was Game 6 of the 1986 WS. You know, "A little roller up along first..."

Edited July 10, 2022 by Moose135

[Xeliou66]

Sandy Alcantara with yet another fantastic outing, 7 shutout innings and the Marlins beat the Mets in 10 innings. Sandy should definitely be the NL's starting pitcher for the All Star Game, he's the most dominant pitcher in MLB by a mile. 

[ebk57]

Hottest team in baseball, kids!!  

(I know, but give me a couple of days to pretend that means something...)

[Xeliou66]

The Pirates, one of the worst fucking teams in MLB, have beaten the Marlins in Miami the past two nights, it's so frustrating being a Marlins fan, right when it looks like they are going to start playing good baseball they shit the bed. It's beyond time to fire Don Mattingly, he's done nothing and is not a good manager, I hope they let him go if they finish with another losing record this season. 

[Mittengirl]

On 5/7/2022 at 5:34 PM, Mittengirl said:

Miguel Cabrera got his 600th double today, joining only Hank Aaron & Albert Pujols with at least 3000 hits, 500 HRs and 600 doubles.  Still waiting on stolen base #40.

Miggy just got stolen base #40 - his first since Sept. 11, 2020. He stole second (defensive indifference) when the Royals pitcher was ignoring him, then stole third when he was still being ignored and scored when the catcher’s throw sailed wide of third base.

[mojoween]

Why’d Toronto can their manager?

[smittykins]

I always think it’s interesting that they use the phrase “relieved of his managerial duties.”(Not that I expect them to say “kicked his ass to the curb,” mind you…)

[cleo]

I don't have an opinion on his firing per se, like should he have been or not, I dunno. As for why, probably a mix of things. Team underperforming. And it seems there were possibly clubhouse issues, which is only starting to come out now. And a lot of fans HATED him. 

I will say, deserved firing or not- a lot of 'fans' directed a shit ton of racism towards him imo, and a few weeks ago there were some references in the media to threats he and his family- his freaking wife and two kids- were getting. 

So honestly, in all this, I only wish that those issues had been called out more openly as unacceptable. Instead, it was half acknowledged very quietly. I'm ashamed that was part of his experience here. And I feel bad that some of those 'fans' will be gloating about this. 

[Ms Blue Jay]

7 hours ago, mojoween said:

Why’d Toronto can their manager?

We have some really special players and they are all underperforming, Vlad being the most famous example.

We've lost  9 out of the past 11 games, some against the worst teams in the league (Oakland).

We have the highest bankroll in franchise history, and we are barely clinging to a Wild Card spot.

Those are the most "obvious" reasons that fans know about at least.

6 hours ago, cleo said:

And a lot of fans HATED him. 

I will say, deserved firing or not- a lot of 'fans' directed a shit ton of racism towards him imo, and a few weeks ago there were some references in the media to threats he and his family- his freaking wife and two kids- were getting. 

Personally, I've always liked Charlie.  And I preferred him over Gibby - big time.  But this losing streak is too much to bear.  I was just going to say, a lot of times when people didn't like Charlie I did chalk it up to racism.  Gibby was a very traditional manager in all senses of the word - white, older, former player, American, blah blah blah.  So I kinda think that's what the racists love about him.   And he was obsessed with baseball traditionalism in a way that drove me absolutely crazy.  Charlie didn't have any of those hangups.  But I have no idea what he was doing the past month because if anything it's been completely ineffectual.

The most positive thing about Charlie's legacy is leading the Blue Jays through the pandemic when they were playing in Florida/Buffalo/Toronto.  2020 we made the playoffs (Lost WC game) and 2021 we were 1 game short of playoffs.

My brother just said this to me LOL

Edited July 13, 2022 by Ms Blue Jay

[twoods]

How are the Angels going to give up this lead? It’s sad that the past two wins for the Angels have been with Ohtani pitching (and the third win if they don’t give up the lead). I’m sure he’s going to bolt next season. 

[CrazyDog]

I may be the only Padres fan in this thread, but if there are other fans, please reach out to commiserate as we relive the epic collapse of 2021, lol. I assume our starters will soon be waiting outside the clubhouse to throw hands with the lack of offense.

[Danielg342]

11 hours ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

We have some really special players and they are all underperforming, Vlad being the most famous example.

We've lost  9 out of the past 11 games, some against the worst teams in the league (Oakland).

We have the highest bankroll in franchise history, and we are barely clinging to a Wild Card spot.

It's an ugly stretch for sure, especially for a team that has World Series aspirations and would have been in the playoffs last year if they were in the National League. Toronto had a better record than the Braves did last year.

...but...I don't know.

Charlie Montoyo isn't the only manager to ever go through a cold spell and it's not like the Jays are out of the playoff mix. He still had time to turn things around and he probably could have.

So there has to be more to the Montoyo story than what we've been told. I know I've read reports that say the players find him a good guy but not someone who is an effective manager. I'm sure he would be a good manager somewhere but it just wasn't working in Toronto for some reason.

I guess we'll see. I just hope the Blue Jays can right this ship because our luck has, frankly, been horrible for almost two decades now.

(The Baltimore Orioles won their tenth straight today...the Baltimore freaking Orioles...we can't catch a break with this division, can we?)

[cleo]

It seems pretty clear some of the players were unhappy with him- Bo Bichette has been unhappy for a while- and it also seems the front office was having doubts even last year.

Which really begs the question why Atkins extended him in the spring. 

I'm not a huge Atkins fan generally, but some of this- or maybe even a lot of this is on him imo. As someone said yesterday- maybe Joe Siddall- there is plenty of blame to go around.

I have to say this totally ruined my day yesterday lol. I had stuff to do all afternoon and instead I ended up sitting around listening to various podcasts and interviews etc. 

I am interested to see what Schneider can do.

Edited July 14, 2022 by cleo

[Danielg342]

Russ Atkins ran Alex Anthopoulos out of town over the fact Anthopoulos wanted to keep David Price. So he's definitely not in my good books. I hope this decision works out better for him, though.

[janeyjay]

As a Tampa Bay fan, I have a soft spot for Charlie Montoyo, as until he was hired by the Blue Jays, he was a part of the Rays organization for ages, first with the Triple-A Durham Bulls and then on the big league staff. Always found him to be a good guy and one who was good at his job, especially with his success with Durham. 

There really is never a dull moment in the AL East, is there...

[Ms Blue Jay]

I really liked Charlie's decision making too, as I said.

More and more rumours are starting to come out.

Anonymous players are being quoted as saying that in the losing streak, they needed someone to pump them up or kick them in the ass and Charlie was doing neither.

One of the commentators said Charlie was being "too positive" during the losing streak instead of being realistic about it.

I think it's a personality thing.  Fans tweeted that they hated how Charlie didn't fight the umpires enough, unlike Gibby, who was tossed from games early and often. 

It's already being spoken about how Charlie was "quiet" whereas John Schneider is bubbly and loud.  JS already has all these weird dugout chants and cheers with the players on his first game as Coach.  Little weird.

6 hours ago, Danielg342 said:

Charlie Montoyo isn't the only manager to ever go through a cold spell and it's not like the Jays are out of the playoff mix. He still had time to turn things around and he probably could have.

So there has to be more to the Montoyo story than what we've been told.

I agree with this, I was certainly shocked.  The Jays have had way worse years than this one and we've all witnessed them.  But I think it's the calibre of talent mismatched with the results that's making front office so frustrated.  

I really like Charlie as a person.  But if he just stood around while the losses piled up and didn't change anything, I'd be ready to boot him too.

3 hours ago, Danielg342 said:

Russ Atkins ran Alex Anthopoulos out of town over the fact Anthopoulos wanted to keep David Price. So he's definitely not in my good books. I hope this decision works out better for him, though.

Alex can do no wrong to me.  Ross is gorgeous but, it's funny to hear him talk about how accountability for the failures starts with him but (I'm firing Charlie).  LOL.  Ridiculous.

[cleo]

Ross is like the worst politician- talks and talks and says nothing.

[smittykins]

Yankees re-acquire Tyler Wade.  IMHO, they shouldn’t have let him go.

[Danielg342]

10 hours ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

Anonymous players are being quoted as saying that in the losing streak, they needed someone to pump them up or kick them in the ass and Charlie was doing neither.

Maybe on a more veteran team, with the kind of players who kick themselves in the ass and don't need motivating, Charlie Montoyo's quiet confidence would be a better fit there.

[twoods]

I’m sure it sucks to be a Royals fan this season, but to have to root for these assholes? I also read in another article that Merrifield said if he was playing for a contender maybe he would get vaccinated. What an ass. 
 

https://apple.news/Akvd_6u50QTa1vfEbb5_ruw

[Ms Blue Jay]

The Jays just lost to the Kansas City Royals who left 10 of them at home because they aren't vaccinated.  Super, super humiliating.  

[cleo]

There is zero chance Canada changes the law before the playoffs, although Jays may not be in the playoffs. It would also, quite frankly, likely be a joint decision with the US as they have the same rule or at least a conversation bw the two I would imagine. 

These athletes also dont seem to get that a little 'no comment' goes a long way lol.

Edited July 15, 2022 by cleo

[Danielg342]

22 hours ago, cleo said:

There is zero chance Canada changes the law before the playoffs

As it stands now the border rules in Canada are set to expire on September 30. I'm not going to get into debating what will happen after that. Only thing I'll say is that the Canadian government made concessions last year for National Hockey League players who were traded at the trade deadline as well as those who had to play against the Montreal Canadiens in last year's playoffs. So I imagine, as you have also stated, come October- which isn't just MLB playoff time but the start of the NHL and NBA seasons- some compromise will be made between the U.S. and Canada at the border should they require it.

[cleo]

They expire and then renew, they've been doing that all along. I mean, we'll see I guess but if anything I think it's likely to get more stringent in the fall. They just reintroduced random testing. But I guess we'll find out soon enough!

Ah yes hockey. Believe me, I've been pissed since the beginning about the way hockey has been treated compared to baseball, but hockey is the sacred cow I guess. Gotta see those Leafs blow it every year. Notice they didn't make any exceptions for the NBA playoffs. So I don't believe they will, but we'll see I guess.

The other point that is seldom brought up is this issue with the restricted list etc was included in the CBA they just did, so they all agreed- owners and players.

Anyway I'm afraid we're getting off topic here so.....how about them O's lol?

Edited July 16, 2022 by cleo

[Danielg342]

6 hours ago, cleo said:

Anyway I'm afraid we're getting off topic here so.....how about them O's lol?

We'll see soon enough if they're the real deal or just a team that went on a hot streak. Ten straight wins is pretty impressive, but they didn't blow anyone out and...well, this is Baltimore.

So we'll see.

[ebk57]

2 hours ago, Danielg342 said:

We'll see soon enough if they're the real deal or just a team that went on a hot streak. Ten straight wins is pretty impressive, but they didn't blow anyone out and...well, this is Baltimore.

So we'll see.

The answer is B.  Definitely B

[Danielg342]

1 hour ago, ebk57 said:

The answer is B.  Definitely B

Us Blue Jay fans are hoping it's "B". We have enough trouble in the wild card fight already. :P

[xaxat]

The Rockies are wearing an alternate uniform with pants that make it look they are wearing blue jeans. Add the fact that they are wearing white belts, and it makes for a very 70's dad league softball look.

$440,0000,000 is a hell of a lot of money to take a pass on. 

[Ms Blue Jay]

7 minutes ago, xaxat said:

$440,0000,000 is a hell of a lot of money to take a pass on. 

I know.  What is going on over there?  I know nothing about the Nationals, so I'm lost.

What about the Mariners?  Weren't they on a streak too?  Is it over?

[twoods]

Soto is an idiot. These contracts getting out of hand. 

Edited July 17, 2022 by twoods

[jennifer6973]

32 minutes ago, twoods said:

Soto is an idiot. These contracts getting out of hand. 

Soto isn't the idiot, his agent is.  Stupid Boras

[xaxat]

35 minutes ago, jennifer6973 said:

Soto isn't the idiot, his agent is.  Stupid Boras

Boras isn't stupid, he's an incredibly hard and effective negotiator. 

That history is why fans know his name and why guys like Soto ask him to rep them.

Also, any time an athlete in any sport signs a massive contract, remember that a billionaire owner signed of on it because he thinks it will help him make more money.

[jennifer6973]

1 hour ago, xaxat said:

Boras isn't stupid, he's an incredibly hard and effective negotiator. 

That history is why fans know his name and why guys like Soto ask him to rep them.

Also, any time an athlete in any sport signs a massive contract, remember that a billionaire owner signed of on it because he thinks it will help him make more money.

Yeah, true, but whoever leaked the news, should have known better.  It puts Boras in the spotlight like he wants. 

[Xeliou66]

So here are some of my thoughts at the All Star Break -

In the AL, it’s clear the Yankees and Astros are the 2 best teams IMO, I’m pretty sure the ALCS will be between them, both of those teams are loaded and are playing great, I don’t see who else can compete with them - the Jays are underperforming but they are probably the 3rd best team in the AL, the Rays are a very well run team but I really have no idea how they are 10 games over 500 with their roster, their hitting is not very good but they always get the most out of their talent, the Red Sox have some good hitting but their pitching sucks, the Mariners are hot but they aren’t a championship caliber team IMO, and the Twins are just in because they are in a lousy division, they are decent but not great. So I’m pretty certain either the Yankees or Astros will win the AL.

The NL is much deeper - I think the Dodgers are the best team, but the Brewers, Braves, Mets and Cardinals are all contenders as well IMO, the Dodgers are the most complete team but those other teams I mentioned are very talented as well. So it will be a fun second half in the NL.

I’m disappointed with my team, the Marlins, we never get any better despite having plenty of young talent, and it’s time to fire Don Mattingly, he’s not a great manager and I don’t see us ever getting over the hump with him at the helm. We are in a tough division but we could be at 500 right now, we’ve lost a lot of close games. I really hope Mattingly is gone if the Fishies finish with another losing record. 

[Lantern7]

The Mets are in the lead, they got four players going to L.A., Polar Bear is going to try and threepeat the Home Run Derby . . . and the Mets are running a discount based on how far he goes. Oh, and I got an e-mail at work offering tickets to a day game in early August. The seats look nosebleedy, but I'm thinking about it. And yeah, I'd probably stay the whole game this time. With my luck, it'll wind up like the next-to-last game I attended, where Syndegaard was ejected for throwing WAY behind Chase Utley, and the basatrd hit two home runs to lead the Dodgers to a 10-1 win . . . on a night celebrating the 1986 Mets.

This popped up on me. Now I'm wondering what sort of mascot the Dodgers would have if they HAD to have a mascot.

Edited July 18, 2022 by Lantern7

[Xeliou66]

It’s an absolute joke that Sandy Alcantara isn’t starting the All Star Game for the NL - he’s been the most dominate pitcher in baseball by a mile, he’s just getting screwed out of the start because the game is at Dodger Stadium and the sentimental, sappy people pushed for Kershaw to get the start because of that. The 2 best pitchers should start the ASG, it shouldn’t be based on sentimentality. I hope Kershaw gets rocked tomorrow and then Sandy comes in and shuts them down. 

[xaxat]

It's no big deal and I understand why they did it, but I think the branding of the All Star game as being in Hollywood is kind of funny. Outside of the Bronx, Chavez Ravine is probably the the best known neighborhood for serious baseball fans.

[Lantern7]

For anyone who’s interested, MLB Network will air the celebrity softball game at 10:30, right after Pride Of The Yankees.

[Carey]

2 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

It’s an absolute joke that Sandy Alcantara isn’t starting the All Star Game for the NL - he’s been the most dominate pitcher in baseball by a mile, he’s just getting screwed out of the start because the game is at Dodger Stadium and the sentimental, sappy people pushed for Kershaw to get the start because of that. The 2 best pitchers should start the ASG, it shouldn’t be based on sentimentality. I hope Kershaw gets rocked tomorrow and then Sandy comes in and shuts them down. 

I'm not rooting for a fall from Kershaw.  However, I think I'd laugh if starting him over Sandy is the latest reason why the NL can't end their streak against the AL

[mojoween]

Albert Pujols’s inner old man is furious that he has to keep swinging tonight.

[cleo]

So if the game is tied tomorrow they will stop playing baseball (bc Manfred hates baseball) and settle it with a home run derby.

I've already seen tweets suggesting it's a matter of time before Manfred tries to implement for real.

I feel like that is a stretch, even for Manfred, but maybe I'm being too generous lol.

I'm picking NL to win this year. Just a guess.

[twoods]

5 hours ago, Xeliou66 said:

It’s an absolute joke that Sandy Alcantara isn’t starting the All Star Game for the NL - he’s been the most dominate pitcher in baseball by a mile, he’s just getting screwed out of the start because the game is at Dodger Stadium and the sentimental, sappy people pushed for Kershaw to get the start because of that. The 2 best pitchers should start the ASG, it shouldn’t be based on sentimentality. I hope Kershaw gets rocked tomorrow and then Sandy comes in and shuts them down. 

I don’t know, I think Kershaw’s fellow teammate Gonsolin is just as dominant and could have started since it’s at Dodger stadium. If it’s any consolation, Kershaw doesn’t think he should have been picked to start. https://www.google.com/amp/s/clutchpoints.com/dodgers-news-clayton-kershaw-gets-brutally-honest-on-starting-all-star-game-over-sandy-alcantara-tony-gonsolin/amp/

Edited July 19, 2022 by twoods

[Danielg342]

24 minutes ago, cleo said:

I've already seen tweets suggesting it's a matter of time before Manfred tries to implement for real.

All-Star games are gimmicky games anyway...this wouldn't be a surprising move.

It would still be sad because baseball's ASG is the only one that's an honest game and not just a glorified stroll for the players.

[Lantern7]

Seriously, though . . . why on a Tuesday? Are fifteen "normal" games worth more than one ASG?

Extra innings in ASG . . . fuck it, if they can't get past eleven innings, it's a tie. All players get an equal share of money, as opposed to separate pots for winners and losers.

[Lamb18]

8 hours ago, Lantern7 said:

Seriously, though . . . why on a Tuesday? Are fifteen "normal" games worth more than one ASG?

Extra innings in ASG . . . fuck it, if they can't get past eleven innings, it's a tie. All players get an equal share of money, as opposed to separate pots for winners and losers.

But then which league would be the "home" league in the World Series?

[cambridgeguy]

49 minutes ago, Lamb18 said:

But then which league would be the "home" league in the World Series?

The league champion with the better record, just like it has been for the past five years.  Some players might have some performance bonuses tied to being selected to the game, but since you don't have to play to trigger it there's nothing at stake unless you really, really want the MVP.  This is an exhibition, so treat it like one and minimize the chance of someone getting hurt. 

[Carey]

TBH, I didn't mind the home team thing for the ASG.  To an extent.  It's fair enough to do what it takes to build interest in a game (which started to die in the late 90s no thanks to interleague stuff).  Just my opinion BTW (referencing what I had in my first parenthesis though I might share that with at least someone else on Planet Earth); unlike the Pro Bowl, instead of cancelling the ASG, they made it worth something.

I'm glad that they went back to just a fun game.  I've said in the past that I wouldn't mind the home team thing unless the pennant winner has a record whose win total is 5 or more against their foe.  At that point, the stipulation becomes null and void.  I wasn't a fan seeing Chicago as the road team in 2016 or the year before when three teams in the NL would have to start on the road had one of them made it into the fall classic.

More than not, I'm with Lantern.  Really, if it's tied after 9 innings, it's over.  Take the tie and move on.  If you want to factor in the derby, then the winner of the ASG should there be a tie, is the league that features the previous nights derby winner.

If they must play on after nine innings, then maybe start the 10th inning with the bases loaded

[twoods]

I agree that the tie should go to the previous night’s HR derby winner, not make a new one up. Are they trying to fatigue the players?