Brownie19

Oh he has - but he's 40 and hasn't hit since 2021 (like an 82 wRC+ since). This is pure luck that he's giving them any kind of production. It's literally like starting Cavan Biggio at 1st base. In fact, Biggio has been tangibly better than Yuli over the past 3 years. Maybe they gave Yuli a special cocktail.

Just noticed that Justin Turner finished the season with a 117 wRC+. No slug at all, but I think most would have taken that result when he first signed. At mid season, I'd have never thought he'd finish well above JD Martinez...

It's insane the Yuli Gurriel is starting for a playoff team. Insane. I can't believe they didn't add someone at the deadline.

That's ironic, as I think the Russell Martin deal was almost universally viewed as being a "great move".

On the back of JRam, Kwan and that incredible bullpen I guess. That bullpen had 4 guys with 1+ WAR, which is insane. To be honest, they aren't much different than the Tigers, Brewers and KC. You look at the lineup and go "what"? Cleveland is starting 4 guys with a wRC+ of 84 or less. It's actually quite ironic that 4 playoff teams are constructed primarily on pitching and defense.

Just read that Matthew Boyd is starting Game 2 for the Guardians. I mean good for him, but I never realized how awful their rotation is. I do love these kinds of stories. He's pitching about as well as he ever has right now.

Drew Brees was also great into his 40's.

Man - these Mets games seem like must watch TV. Some incredible playoff baseball so far. Love it.

I'd agree. Even if you believe the results are much more important than merits of the initial decision, the contract hasn't been "bad". When you combine it with the merits of the initial decision - it's hard to get too upset about this deal. If fans are upset at this deal - then they must not want any top FA's to sign because they call come with risk and outcomes that are outside of the team's control. I think we can move on though. I don't want to get skoool'd again.

Thanks for your contribution. This has nothing to do with what I was talking about.

I don't know why I bother, but here goes. After making the playoff in 2020 (earlier than most expected in a gimmick year) we signed the best FA available - a current star, to help us get over the top. He gave us a much better chance to win in 2021 and 2022 when the team had a legit shot. It's really unfortunate he's fallen off recently. The FO can't control or predict injuries or how players will decline in their early to mid 30's. They can't. Again, you're just focused on the results. If you expect GMs to be near perfect with these types of signings for fear they will make mistakes that will cost the team later in the contract, then you simply don't want GMs to sign big time free agents like Springer. I certainly wanted Springer on the team when the team was awesome in 2021, 2022 (and 2023). It can be a good signing, even if it doesn't completely work out and provide excess value. We aren't the Royals - we have enough payroll flexibility to go for it with top tier guys like Springer.

I wasn't able to see the start of that game. Did Musgrove come out early hurt? Was there any indication that something was wrong?

I completely agree with all of that. Atkins has been balls in drafting and development - although he has been somewhat successful in dealing prospects for value. I'm confused why you're pulling this back to Aktins. I was just commenting on the Padres...

I can't wait until we sign Soto and in 2034 you come complain that his salary his hindering the team...

Musgrove needs TJS. Brutal blow for the Padres.

At this time of the year - I think all these series are so much fun. I love finding all the nuances that make them more interesting. It will be interesting to see if the Mets crazy run continues or not. I actually just noticed that JD Martinez took a nose dive in the 2nd half. Finished with a 108 wRC+ and isn't starting in the playoffs. Wonder if he's done as an impact bat or not. Could be a cheap deadcat bounce option for the Birds.

Mets are starting Kodai Senga in Game 1. The ghostfork is back!

Just read that Cleveland traded for Tobias Myers in 2021. The guy they gave up? Junior Caminero. Ouch

HAD being the correct term. They're now the 28th ranked farm system in MLB. We'll see how quickly they can rebuild it.

I wonder how many clubhouses would have at least 1 disgruntled player willing to call the place a "f***ing shitshow" after an extremely disappointing season that started with high expectations. I suspect/hope the answer is "all of them". The place could be a "f***ing shitshow" for several reasons. Like the players and the clubhouse is full of frustration and anger due to their s***** play. Vets could be losing their s*** because their careers are withering away. It could be because players are angry and fighting amongst themselves. I also fully expect it could be players questioning the org and some of the processes in place. That would be super normal after a frustrating, down season. I hope the players are pissed off. I'm not surprised in the least to hear a player may have spouting off with some of those frustrations to a no-name reporter. Whomever this Rosie person is provides almost zero context. We all know that one off comments when people are heated or pissed off typically don't mean a lot. Sounds like she has a reputation of trolling like this. Shapiro did the right thing to not give her the time of day.

the Padres have 1 home grown player on their roster...

Agree with the start, but to be fair, international signings are a complete crapshoot. Very few, if any organizations are consistently "hitting" on their international signings. Overall, I think we're still quite good in that department.

Honestly - I don't think Managers make a HUGE difference, but I do believe in placebo effects and I do think bringing in a guy like Tito would have benefited the Jays in 2025 - if they are "going for it". I don't know that going from Guillermo Martinez to Connor Dawson or Kevin Long is going to have a massive impact.

Good news - we're in the AL. Also, the Brewers offense is pretty awful too. They started 5 guys with a wRC+ of 100 or less yesterday in an elimination game. Perkins hitting 2nd and Gary Sanchez hitting 5th? Barf.

Apparently Tito didn't have cancer....he underwent surgeries to replace his right shoulder and repair a double hernia. And in 2017, he underwent a cardiac ablation for an irregular heartbeat. "I'm doing fine," Francona told Courtney Finnicum on the podcast. "I'm actually like a year removed from any surgeries, which is always a good thing. And being away from the game, I was able to kinda watch my diet a little. Things that you don't do when you're kinda going 24/7. I had lost some much needed weight. Probably have a ways to go there, but still, it helps you feel better. So I feel good, which is a nice feeling for once. Because there was a couple years there where it was kinda hard. I was kinda dragging my leg around, or worried about my heart. I suspect he just wants to manage again. A shame we couldn't lure him to TO.