Brownie19

I think he's suggesting we can assume the batter would touch all 4 bases successfully - just as they are assuming a pitcher will throw all 4 balls successfully. The former actually being much more of a sure thing. I don't agree with his comparison either, but you should have stopped at point a).

Again - I think it's about increasing pace, not decreasing time. Also, many would have argued the same thing about the extra point in football. There were only a couple missed per year; however, I think the change they made was remarkably successful (although I acknowledge simply removing it - like they are proposing with the IBB may not have been as successful).

I heard similar arguments that "pitchers will never approve a change that raises the strike zone". I asked myself - why the f*** would you even ask them? If you've reviewed evidence that making a chance is going to improve the game - then make the change. Obviously if you ask that parties that will be negatively affected by the change if they like it - they will say no because heaven forbid anyone make a decisions that best for the overall health of the games even if it's to the detriment of themselves. (for the record - I'm not for or against changing the strike zone as of this moment...just referring to the principle).

Isn't there a strong likelihood that Sparkman doesn't make the club and is sent back to KC? Biagini's the outliner, not the norm - especially on a team that should contend. Obviously we'll give him a long look, but I'd be surprised if he makes the team.

A point which makes it even dumber for home fans to boo when the other team intentionally walks their hitter... Fans don't boo when the teams use pinch hitters, make pitching changes or implement shifts either. They have oddly identified the strategy of the attempted pickoff and the intentional walk as the most appropriate times to boo the opposing team. I don't get it. Fans are dumn.

How often do #1 through #3 actually happen per season? Why encourage moronic fans from booing an often smart, strategic baseball decision? Not once in all my years following baseball have I felt the need to boo a pitcher trying to pickoff a runner or during an intentional walk. Those are strategic actions that are part of the game. Why don't said fans boo when the other team steals a base? or when they sac bunt?

If we're taking votes. I like the anthem before the game - loath God Bless America in the 7th....although I do like the "take me out to the ballgame" and/or "sweet Caroline" when played at various stadiums.

First - I think you should exclude extra innings from the discussion. This is about the average 9 inning baseball game. Secondly - From what I've read, it's more about the "pace", not the total length of the game. I LOVE BASEBALL, but personally, I'd love to see an increase in the pace of the game. I've always loved watching guys like Buehrle get the ball and throw it...keep things moving. Nobody here can tell me they enjoy pitchers who slow the game down with runners on base, or batters stepping out to adjust their batting gloves again, or trips to the mound by the catcher or pitching coach. IMO, removing/restricting that crap from the game would increase pace and have little to no impact on the game itself. Personally, I do notice and hate how long playoff games take. They all start at 8 or 8:30 these days and most run past midnight. I obviously sacrifice sleep to watch all Jays playoff games, but if Texas is beating Houston 10-6 in the 7th and it's 11:00 - I'm going to bed because I have to work the next day. I would watch (or finish watching) more playoff games if they could end at 11 or 11:30 (max). I don't need/want games to be 2 hours long, but I do support efforts to get the average game below the 3 hours. Speed up pitching changes, restrict trips to the mound, speed up video review, etc. Increasing the pace of the game speaks to everyone IMO - not just to the casual fans.

Removing pointless interviews from sports culture would eliminate a number of the issues...

You enjoy watching them f*** up 15% of the time??

I think it has more to do with it being a completely pointless part of the game. Kind of like the extra point in football used to be. The NFL was able to make it more meaningful/challenging, whereas MLB is simply going to eliminate it. Personally, I'd like to see MLB focus on the catcher/pitching coach visits to the mound. I do think efforts to reduce the game time will be a benefit long term.

But data shows that umpires have been increasingly calling strikes on so many pitches below the knees that, if umpires enforce the redefined strike zone, it would effectively raise the zone by an estimated 2 inches. If the umps can't call the strike zone correctly now - what on earth makes them think they will if they change the strike zone? (or do they have evidence to suggest they'll be more accurate if it's the top of the knee?) I like eliminating the 4 pitch intentional walk. That's what our league does.

I don't see anything in Cron's history to suggest he'll ever be an above average ML player. I see no reason to trade for him with Rowdy near ready.

Coghlan/Upton in LF, Pearce at 1st. Coghlan is likely even cheaper than Carter at this point and is a year removed from a 3.3 WAR season. Carter doesn't have that upside.

If you combine 2015 and 2016 Upton (while on the Padres), he's a 3 WAR player over a full season (playing similar to 2012 Upton). I don't believe he was being platooned in SD, so there is upside here. Much like Pompey (and Pillar) he could bring a lot of value to this team simply by playing good defense and running the bases well. Bring in Coghlan as the 4th OF/insurance and jettison Zeke to AAA.

If I'm not mistaken, I think Upton really only excelled vs. LHP last year....he isn't a true platoon bat. And doesn't Zeke hit LHP better than RHP (while hitting neither very well?). Coghlan's the guy here. Cheap deal.....Zeke to AAA.

I think between Upton and Pompey - LF is covered. Screw Zeke. I still think Upton will be much better this year now that he's had an opportunity to adjust more. Coghlan is still out there too. He posted 3.3 and 2.4 WAR seasons in 2015 and 2014. Appears he'll be dirt cheap and is LH. He seems like a good fit.

Aaron Barrett looks like a great guy to target. The Nats are signing anyone and everyone to a minor league deal...why did they let this guy go?

You'd think Carter and Alvarez would work extensively to become adequate defensively...it might help them get a job. 1st base isn't that challenging guys. Put the work in.

stat scouting him here... http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8245&position=P His fastball average was down to 85 MPH last year and it appears he's dropped his usage of that, while increasing the usage of his curveball. However, Pitch Values suggests his fastball is above average, while his curve and change are below average? I can't imagine anyone's 85 MPH fastball being above average. Certainly appears the results are there - even if he does it with smoke and mirrors.

Seriously - is there anything lower than misplays of the month? Janitor?

Um....I envisioned him joining Marilyn and giving lessons on how to knit, cook and spring clean your house...Kind of like how Cabbie did when he got canned (only Barry would actually fit in).

That is by far the best Barry Davis moment. I fully expect he's joining the Marilyn Dennis Show where he'll fit in 100 times better than he did with the Jays.

Well she clearly has low standards then Term. Perhaps to your benefit.

ughhh....you'd think they'd realise just giving out the standard shirseys would be a better idea??? Maybe they realise the vast majority of the public won't realise how s***** the replica jerseys are and will target those games to ensure they get them anyway (even if they are disappointed afterwards). I hate marketing.