Around Baseball 2026

[jaysblue]

6 minutes ago, Stangstag said:

First in years. Seems like everything always goes right for the Yankees in April/May, and then they always freefall near the end of summer.

Almost like how the Jays never play well in April. Weird how that works

Yeah always feels like the Yankees dominate right out of the gate. 

Jays seem to heat up in May/June. 

Just survive April. 

[Stangstag]

1 hour ago, jaysblue said:

Jordan Romano looks like he's back. Still small sample size, but great to see. Happy for him. 

Jo Adell saved his ass yesterday 

[Orgfiller]

22 hours ago, jaysblue said:

Jordan Romano looks like he's back. Still small sample size, but great to see. Happy for him. 

I don't know about being back lol.

His fastball velo is down to 94.7, which is down from 95.4 last season and 96.6 from the one before that. The slider is unsurprisingly following a similar trend. The fangraphs Stuff+ on his fastball is 102 which for a reliever might be below average, and his slider Stuff+ is at 92. He also has a brutal Location+ of 80.

He's cooked.

[Stangstag]

6 minutes ago, Orgfiller said:

I don't know about being back lol.

His fastball velo is down to 94.7, which is down from 95.4 last season and 96.6 from the one before that. The slider is unsurprisingly following a similar trend. The fangraphs Stuff+ on his fastball is 102 which for a reliever might be below average, and his slider Stuff+ is at 92. He also has a brutal Location+ of 80.

He's cooked.

Baseball is always a war between expected stats/peripherals, and results.

Jays have been on the sht end of that battle so far this year.

[Brownie19]

34 minutes ago, Orgfiller said:

I don't know about being back lol.

His fastball velo is down to 94.7, which is down from 95.4 last season and 96.6 from the one before that. The slider is unsurprisingly following a similar trend. The fangraphs Stuff+ on his fastball is 102 which for a reliever might be below average, and his slider Stuff+ is at 92. He also has a brutal Location+ of 80.

He's cooked.

That 0.000 BABIP luck is certainly masking the underlying numbers right now.  

[Brownie19]

Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@paulhembo) • Instagram reel

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5,434 likes, 51 comments - paulhembo on March 26, 2026: "Kevin McGonigle’s minor-league track record at the plate is...

Tigers are a pretty fun team to follow these days.

 

[John_Havok]

On 4/2/2026 at 11:10 AM, G-Snarls said:

And I know I know - most people don't want to tear down Fenway or Wrigley cause history so they seem to get a pass.

I've been to both.  They have character.  But they actually kinda suck in many ways, and can't last forever.  And a new Yankee stadium was built so come on... 

I'm a little more harsh on my take of Fenway, but ... yes. There's only so much lipstick you can put on a pig these days. 

Boston having a real modern stadium to play in, ditto the Cubs... would be actually amazing for both those franchises. 

Just don't grandfather in BS dimensions like they did with Yankee stadium because reasons. 

[Stangstag]

17 minutes ago, John_Havok said:

I'm a little more harsh on my take of Fenway, but ... yes. There's only so much lipstick you can put on a pig these days. 

Boston having a real modern stadium to play in, ditto the Cubs... would be actually amazing for both those franchises. 

Just don't grandfather in BS dimensions like they did with Yankee stadium because reasons. 

Haven’t been to Fenway, but Wrigley kinda sucks. Cool vibes but the stadium itself was crammed and crappy.

I enjoyed ChiSox stadium better. Sue me lol

[Brownie19]

I've been to a couple of games at Fenway and did the stadium tour at Wrigley (I also did the tour at Fenway).  I loved both experiences - but I enjoy the history side of the game.

It's certainly different than modern stadiums.  I do expect that when they eventually replace both, it will be good for the team/city, but I think we should enjoy the history while we have it.

I've also been to new Yankee stadium.  Saw a game there and did the tour.  Overall, I wasn't impressed.  I wish I got to see the OG Yankee stadium myself.  The modern version isn't very memorable like Fenway/Wrigley were.  I almost forgot I've been there at times, with stadiums like Camden and PNC being miles ahead.  Perhaps new Yankee Stadium is a good reminder that newer may not mean better...

[Stangstag]

9 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

I've been to a couple of games at Fenway and did the stadium tour at Wrigley (I also did the tour at Fenway).  I loved both experiences - but I enjoy the history side of the game.

It's certainly different than modern stadiums.  I do expect that when they eventually replace both, it will be good for the team/city, but I think we should enjoy the history while we have it.

I've also been to new Yankee stadium.  Saw a game there and did the tour.  Overall, I wasn't impressed.  I wish I got to see the OG Yankee stadium myself.  The modern version isn't very memorable like Fenway/Wrigley were.  I almost forgot I've been there at times, with stadiums like Camden and PNC being miles ahead.  Perhaps new Yankee Stadium is a good reminder that newer may not mean better...

PNC is the most overrated park in baseball IMO. Its extremely OK.

Camden, Petco, SF are all miles ahead. Might even put Cleveland and Detroit ahead if it. I still haven’t been to a lot of the reportedly “nicer” ones too, so I dont think PNC is even close to top 5 for me

[Terminator]

1 hour ago, Stangstag said:

PNC is the most overrated park in baseball IMO. Its extremely OK.

Camden, Petco, SF are all miles ahead. Might even put Cleveland and Detroit ahead if it. I still haven’t been to a lot of the reportedly “nicer” ones too, so I dont think PNC is even close to top 5 for me

Excuse me? The Cleveland and Detroit parks are better than PNC?

[Stangstag]

4 minutes ago, Terminator said:

Excuse me? The Cleveland and Detroit parks are better than PNC?

You heard me

(im actually just trying to get you guys to disagree with me making it seem like there’s no inner circle here)

[John_Havok]

1 hour ago, Brownie19 said:

I've been to a couple of games at Fenway and did the stadium tour at Wrigley (I also did the tour at Fenway).  I loved both experiences - but I enjoy the history side of the game.

It's certainly different than modern stadiums.  I do expect that when they eventually replace both, it will be good for the team/city, but I think we should enjoy the history while we have it.

I've also been to new Yankee stadium.  Saw a game there and did the tour.  Overall, I wasn't impressed.  I wish I got to see the OG Yankee stadium myself.  The modern version isn't very memorable like Fenway/Wrigley were.  I almost forgot I've been there at times, with stadiums like Camden and PNC being miles ahead.  Perhaps new Yankee Stadium is a good reminder that newer may not mean better...

while not having experienced old or new Yankee stadium, one key thing that developers need to consider is how to modernize new buildings but still keep the history of the old building as a focal point. Yankee stadium tried to do that with the monument park and some other things according to what I've read, but then they screwed the pooch by being allowed to just build using the same old dimensions, continuing the problem of RF being a joke. 

Like, building a "new" Fenway is about as hard a task as you could get. Rebuilding the Green Monster, pesky pole and the ridiculous dimensions of that field really should not be done, but everyone would cry if they didn't. At least Wrigley could fairly easily duplicate the ivy walls with a new stadium. 

 

[John_Havok]

My list of parks include Seattle, Minnesota, Toronto, White Sox stadium, Fenway and whatever the Giant's park is called now. 

As far as experience outside the stadium goes, like pre and post game, Fenway takes that and it's not even close but dead last by far on in-game experience. 

Seattle, Minnesota and White Sox have very nice parks. Chicago's is kinda... plain (not the right word but...) there's really nothing about it that stands out, but it does everything you want it to do.Seattle and Minnesota are nicer from an esthetic standpoint though. 

Toronto I was there before the recent renovations and the lid was closed, and the team sucked at the time, but it was easy to get in and out, view was fine from where I was in the TD Comfort Zone. Easy to get food and take a piss. Average experience. Probably would be very different now, or with the lid open or a packed house. 

San Francisco still takes the cake for me. Everything about watching that game was excellent. Views are incredible, people were nice, easy to get food, drinks, and get in and out even from the nosebleeds. Great walk around the stadium and the neighborhood, though still not even close to the former Yawkey Way (now Jersey Street).  

[Brownie19]

28 minutes ago, John_Havok said:

while not having experienced old or new Yankee stadium, one key thing that developers need to consider is how to modernize new buildings but still keep the history of the old building as a focal point. Yankee stadium tried to do that with the monument park and some other things according to what I've read, but then they screwed the pooch by being allowed to just build using the same old dimensions, continuing the problem of RF being a joke. 

Like, building a "new" Fenway is about as hard a task as you could get. Rebuilding the Green Monster, pesky pole and the ridiculous dimensions of that field really should not be done, but everyone would cry if they didn't. At least Wrigley could fairly easily duplicate the ivy walls with a new stadium. 

 

I'd be OK with them keeping the green monster in a "new Fenway" build.  Pesky's pole is unnecessary IMO.

We stayed at the Buckminster in Boston.  A few steps from Fenway and the location where the Shoeless Joe Jackson deal occurred.  It was a really cool experience.  The rooms are still done up like they would be for the ballplayers (2 separate rooms with a shared washroom).

[Brownie19]

2 hours ago, Stangstag said:

PNC is the most overrated park in baseball IMO. Its extremely OK.

Camden, Petco, SF are all miles ahead. Might even put Cleveland and Detroit ahead if it. I still haven’t been to a lot of the reportedly “nicer” ones too, so I dont think PNC is even close to top 5 for me

I liked Cleveland's stadium when I went.  It had this great standing room/craft beer/bar area in the RF corner which was cool (lots of stuff Rogers Centre has now incorporated).  I enjoyed the Phillies stadium too.  I've been to 2 games at Cincy and 1 at Washington.  All had their pro's and con's really.  I enjoyed them all to be honest.  I'm going to Detroit this summer for my first ever game.  Can't wait to get to the west coast to see SF, Petco, LA, etc.

I like PNC for now "small" and quaint it feels.  Great views too.  I kinda just like Pittsburgh in general though.

[Stangstag]

40 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

I liked Cleveland's stadium when I went.  It had this great standing room/craft beer/bar area in the RF corner which was cool (lots of stuff Rogers Centre has now incorporated).  I enjoyed the Phillies stadium too.  I've been to 2 games at Cincy and 1 at Washington.  All had their pro's and con's really.  I enjoyed them all to be honest.  I'm going to Detroit this summer for my first ever game.  Can't wait to get to the west coast to see SF, Petco, LA, etc.

I like PNC for now "small" and quaint it feels.  Great views too.  I kinda just like Pittsburgh in general though.

West coast stadiums are definitely great overall. I hit all of them when I was out there back in 2017.

Petco is just awesome overall 

SF has an incredible view and vibe

Dodger stadium was a bit underwhelming but its got a nice view and that cool hollywood vibe (we saw Pink the singer get out of an escalade with her family and my mom started freaking out)

Angel stadium is fine, nothing special but not bad

Even Oakland was alright. Comparable to what the Dome used to be before the renovations.

[Terminator]

Angels Stadium is a heaping pile

Oakland was even worse and they deserved to lose the team for offering that up as a place to play professional baseball

[mphenhef]

1 hour ago, Brownie19 said:

I'd be OK with them keeping the green monster in a "new Fenway" build.  Pesky's pole is unnecessary IMO.

We stayed at the Buckminster in Boston.  A few steps from Fenway and the location where the Shoeless Joe Jackson deal occurred.  It was a really cool experience.  The rooms are still done up like they would be for the ballplayers (2 separate rooms with a shared washroom).

They could put the pole in a new stadium without keeping the dimensions.

[Brownie19]

1 minute ago, mphenhef said:

They could put the pole in a new stadium without keeping the dimensions.

Yes - I believe a foul pole in RF is necessary.  It just wouldn't be very Pesky.  But who cares, it's OK to leave some history behind.

[mphenhef]

Oh, I meant move the actual Pesky Pole to a new stadium.

[Brownie19]

Just now, mphenhef said:

Oh, I meant move the actual Pesky Pole to a new stadium.

Yeah - OK.  That's not a bad idea at all.

[jaysblue]

11 hours ago, Brownie19 said:

I've been to a couple of games at Fenway and did the stadium tour at Wrigley (I also did the tour at Fenway).  I loved both experiences - but I enjoy the history side of the game.

It's certainly different than modern stadiums.  I do expect that when they eventually replace both, it will be good for the team/city, but I think we should enjoy the history while we have it.

I've also been to new Yankee stadium.  Saw a game there and did the tour.  Overall, I wasn't impressed.  I wish I got to see the OG Yankee stadium myself.  The modern version isn't very memorable like Fenway/Wrigley were.  I almost forgot I've been there at times, with stadiums like Camden and PNC being miles ahead.  Perhaps new Yankee Stadium is a good reminder that newer may not mean better...

I don't think they'll ever replace Fenway and Wrigley. 

Will do upgrades most likely, but would be a sad day for baseball if Fenway and Wrigley no longer existed. 

[jaysblue]

Hoping to do Comerica, PNC and Camden maybe this year. 

[mphenhef]

9 hours ago, jaysblue said:

I don't think they'll ever replace Fenway and Wrigley. 

Will do upgrades most likely, but would be a sad day for baseball if Fenway and Wrigley no longer existed. 

Fenway is hawt gahbage

[Spanky__99]

Anyone catch that brawl tonight, I watched it live... I don't get why Soler went off the handle like that, screwed me out of a couple W's in fantasy 🤬, Lopez wasn't trying to hit him at all, Soler doesn't rush the mound initially, waits for Lopez to turn around to yap at him Lopez says what the f*** back and he charges, lol. 

ETA: Oh he was hit in the game prior to that AB, my bad, he still didn't try to hit him in either at bat, but I get it... 
 

 

[G-Snarls]

MLBTR:

The Pirates have announced that they’ve signed Konnor Griffin to a nine-year extension. The news was first reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post this morning. The deal runs through the 2034 season, and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reports that the deal is worth $140MM. Heyman adds that the deal includes incentives that could take the deal up to $150MM for the Excel client, while Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that there are no options or deferred money in the deal. Sherman adds that the deal’s incentives are based on MVP voting for the 2026-31 seasons. According to Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the deal includes a $12MM signing bonus. $5MM of that bonus will be paid out this year, followed by $3.5MM in 2027 and $3.5MM in 2028.

[Brownie19]

Reds DFA Christian Encarnacion-Strand.  Is he the next EE?  I mean probably not, but what a fall for a once very promising prospect.

[G-Snarls]

Are the Pirates actually building something decent over there?

[Spanky__99]

There's only 3 teams above .500 in the AL. Jays just 1GB of the WC spots, that's wild considering we just lost 6 games straight. Fack!!!