Brownie19

I don't really have an issue with any of these rules. Bring on change!

That's all fair and I wasn't trying to include LT deals into the discussion (although that's a consideration for sure). I can't imagine a world where both Bo and Vlad are gone by '26. I fully expect Vlad to make the adjustments and settle in as a 145-160 wRC+ hitter. We've seen someone like Bryce Harper go from 197 wRC+ at 22 to a 111 wRC+ at 23 and then settle in as a great hitter in the 155 wRC+ range. Vlad is too talented to "just be" a 130-135 wRC+ hitter IMO. I also think Bo's defense will continue to improve. He works too hard for it not to IMO. I fully expect we'll lock them both up and they will be our cornerstones, for better or for worse.

-4.5 BsR (twice as bad as last year)...and it's 1st base, it's not that hard (source - I played 1st base for the past 15 years with a dad bod). I'm just stirring the pot, but this was a massive discussion point after the 2020 season and we were getting all these updates about how he's working harder than anyone in the world to get in better shape - and the results were obvious. Then after his breakout season, where he announced to MLB that he's a bad, bad man and one of the best young hitters in the game - I heard almost nothing about his fitness/weight again. I don't recall many updates over the winter or reports that he's wants more and is working out as hard as ever. For someone as large as him, it's going to take consistent hard work and effort to maintain his fitness (probably until he retires). I'm a tad worried that he busted his ass after the 2020 season, patted himself on the back and has fallen back to a more relaxed level (which may be the difference between being a top 5 hitter in MLB to a top 50 hitter). I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm a bit surprised that seemingly nobody talked about it this offseason or has brought it up during this season's struggles.

what's Vlad's weight at right now and what was it at last year? Is it causing an issue?

Andre was a f***ing gem. RIP big man.

I thought they had to be on the roster by September 1st or something. Maybe that was players being traded through waiver claims and such. A flame throwing Nate Pearson could absolutely be a difference maker in the playoffs. That's exciting.

Would Nate be eligible for the playoffs?

Thank you friend - that makes me happy!

So how do I watch the game tonight? I have to have Apple TV or go to a bar?

This could certainly be true and would support the narrative that the players weren't surprised. I believe it was known the Jays were always worried that another would swoop in and steal Schneider - perhaps his voice was growing larger and larger in the clubhouse and the players and FO could tell it was time for him to lead the team.

Is there any evidence that managers who blow up and yell at umpires actually get better results than those who choose not to? I guess it may give the appearance to the players that the manager has their back when they feel they are getting the shaft.

We need to consider the possibility that the players simply got their head out of their ass after they saw that their efforts cost someone their job. I don't know how long that guilt effect lasts, but I believe that's one of the strongest reasons why teams often play better immediately following a managerial change.

Yeah I agree with this. Fans are fooling themselves if they 'know' there's now more accountability on the team. I also believe there's a good chance that what Laika said is true. Charlie was breaking script too often. I think there's a better chance that is true than the narrative that Charlie wasn't holding player accountable.

They seem to prefer JBJ over Merrifield right now, which I don't really understand. That said, he's good depth to have on a playoff bound team. He was obviously insurance for Springer in CF. Would I have preferred to give up someone other than Max? Yes, probably as he was good SP depth at the time.

I agree with all of this; however, I believe the setup of the catcher still matters because technically the catcher CAN block the plate still (provided he does A, B and C correct). The setup matters because the runner needs to be able to see where that catcher is so he can plan how he's going to get to home plate in the event the catcher is blocking it (ie hook slides). This rule needs to be changed this offseason. Enough with the BS of trying to still allow the catcher to block the plate to keep the boomers happy. If the player can't lower the shoulder (which he shouldn't be allowed to), then the catcher can't block the plate, period. Then the catcher can do whatever the f*** he wants as long as he doesn't impede the runner or block the plate - just like a 3rd baseman would do on a long throw from RF. This is such a simple fix. I have to think the only reason it's not in place is because of those who think blocking the plate is a great skill that should be left in the sport. Just f***ing punt those people to the moon and get on with it. They're the same people who complained about removing take out slides at 2nd base and literally nobody cares about that anymore.

Moreno since being sent back down to AAA 26 games 117 PAs .304/.393/.441 OPS .834 ISO .137 BB% 10.3 K% 16.2 wRC+ 128 Very solid from this young man.

Yeah - sure - I think that's correct. I just don't understand the rule at all. If someone stands in front of the plate waiting for the ball, I don't think it affects the runner at all - provided he moves out of the way by the time the runner arrives at the plate (which Kirk did). Oddly enough - John Schneider just said that Adley was actually safe on the play anyway, but Baltimore didn't challenge that component of the play.

Yeah that's how I took it man. I knew it wasn't your opinion on it. We're on the same page brother. Tomorrow's another day.

And I think that should be eliminated. It would make this rule very clear.....can't block the plate (or any base), but you can catch the ball and stand wherever the f*** you want at any point (just like you can at 2nd base)...

IMO, we ought to have won the game v. the Twins because Sanchez DID block the plate after catching it - which IMO, is BS. Can't block it at all if the player can't drop the shoulder on you. Kirk literally moved out of the way to apply a standard tag. All good BC - I'm not arguing with you, I was just playing off your "live by the block, die by the block" because IMO, Kirk didn't block anything because he moves out of the way before the runner arrives. Oh well - not a great game, time to put it behind us!

I'm not being a homer. I clearly don't understand the rule (which I said). A 2nd baseman is allowed to straddle the bag to catch the call, why can't the catcher as long as he doesn't drop and block the plate (with his armor on) after he catches the ball? I realize the rule may not allow for that - but that's what I think is stupid. If Kirk does what he did and then drops and blocks the plate, then I'm all for that being against the rules - but he moves out of the way and tags him like a middle infielder would. Seems like a standard baseball play to me. MLB needs to fix this.

but...he didn't block anything? He didn't put any body part in front of home plate.

I don't understand this rule at all. Kirk didn't block the plate at all. He fielded the ball and tagged him like he would if he was playing 2nd base. Isn't that the intent?

This man gets it.

I'm simply questioning whether the criticism (ie, this team is steaky, or this team's offense isn't good/consistent enough) is even true, of whether that's simply an individual's perception of what's happening. A lot of people get really upset when their perceptions aren't reality. Do you have any proof they've been less consistent than other teams in general (or even amongst teams with similar records)?