Brownie19

Term - just to clarify, I didn't do all those things you suggest (max may have). It's a complicated discussion and one I'm certainly not educated enough on the topic to provide much. I do believe wealth distribution is a major issue in society, but know that humans are inherently greedy and that won't change anytime soon. I also think there's an angle beyond the $$$'s that could improve the on-field product that needs to be considered to some extent. And yes - it's my own fault, but I'm able to float it and there's something about a boy chasing his dreams that I feel is important to support. I do get to coach him and it allows us to spend lots of time together still, which is a major benefit. My point was that the road to the show is often REALLY expensive and getting there, even for just 43 days is a major accomplishment (and yes, I think it's great MLB does it after 43 days - other league should follow). I'd like to see more money funneled from super rich owners and players to help compensate those guys a little more. I think they should make a living wage at least.

I can't see this happening FWIW.

Is it? Typically that cup of coffee takes 5-8 years in the minors where they make next to nothing, riding the buses in little sh*tholes around America. Plus the cost of all the travel ball, college ball, training, etc. it took to even get drafted. 43 days is really short though - I'll give you that - so maybe that's appropriate. The cost to get to the ML level is insane. It's costing me $15K+ per year for my son to play U15 elite ball in Ontario FFS and he isn't going anywhere.

I don't really want to get into it, but there's probably an argument that a floor, and a smaller gap between the top and the bottom might create a better on-field product, which could help the league as a whole. Some angle where it's not just all about money (even if helping the league as a whole has a monetary benefit to it as well). That said - spending money doesn't always work in baseball, albeit NOT spending money seems to provide pretty consistent results too (which sucks). Interesting discussion.

$34K a year if they wait until Age 62 (if they only have 43 days of active roster service time).

So true. That all sounds oddly familiar doesn't it?

I probably missed the board discussion on this yesterday, but I wanted to take a second to give a heartfelt RIP to Ryne Sandberg. Gone too soon. As a young kid who grew up on a farm in rural Ontario, I had about 4-5 TV channels and 2 of them were fuzzy. That was until my Dad bought us one of those monster satellite dishes the physically turned to get more channels. The TV was off-limits for me if my Dad was home, but he was a farmer and thus he never came home until supper time each night. Luckily for me, this new dish got WGN. Of course the Cubs only played day games until 1988 and thus almost every single day, I'd come home from school and watch the last 3-4 innings of the Cubs game (and the full game during summer break), which was over by the time my Dad arrived home and took the control of the remote. I have several fond memories of those Cubs teams. Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Greg Maddux (whom I named my first born after), Shawon Dunston, Damon Berryhill, Glenallen Hill, etc. But I was 9 years old when Sandberg hit 40 HRs in 1990 and he quickly became my favourite player. I emulated his swing and wanted to play 2nd base (even as a lefty) because of him. When the game was over, I'd go out and throw/hit tennis balls off the back of the garage (I was an only child). I truly believe this is where my love of the game started and I found it incredibly difficult to hear of his passing yesterday. Between him and Hogan, it's been a week full of nostalgia and the realization of how old I've become. A wakeup call perhaps. But what memories I have of those Cubs teams and the amazing Wrigley Field. Harry Carry calling games and signing in the 7th inning. Life was easier back then. RIP Ryno

Being able to bet on the outcome of single pitches (prop bets) is simply asking for this. It's such a little thing that makes it easy to cheat on. They're asking for this type of thing by allowing these prop bets. They'll either have to police the crap out of it, or eliminate them. IMO - prop betting in single pitches is 100% unnecessary. I suspect they are generally bad for society. BTW - where's the investigation into Angel Reese and the prop bets on her missing her first FG attempt each game? LOL

You should just check the stats next time...

It's f*cking GO TIME for Atkins. Push the chips in the middle. The timing is perfect.

Obviously you'd like to see 5-7 WAR seasons, but a 140 wRC+, 4 WAR season is perfectly fine. It's positive to see improved defense from him and we know there will be some 160 wRC+ seasons ahead. If he gets hot, there's a chance this year itself will be 150+ and closer to 5 WAR. Vlad is fine IMO.

This is incredible

POTY candidate right there Term. Great use of the .gif. RIP Hulk. Feels like a part of my childhood died. It's awful.

Is this the funniest time to be a Jays fan or what?

I'm surprised there's not more discussion on this. I know it's a crap shoot with these guys, but we gave him a ton of money. Big potential obviously. https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/toronto-blue-jays-reportedly-strike-record-breaking-multi-million-dollar-deal-with-14-year-old-star

No guarantee. He's not an ace. He's a quality arm that would help both this season and in future seasons. That's the draw. Could he get hot, or could Walker make some adjustments that allows him to shove down the stretch and be a top of the rotation arm for the playoffs? That's a possibility. Not overly high though, maybe 25% chance that happens. He's more of a low risk, lower reward guy (v. deGrom). Sandy is similar to Keller, but he has higher upside. I think he's the best target if it's going to take a Top 3 prospect to land either.

Love this f*cking team boys!

How bout this team boys!

As a follow-up, we went to the Mud Hens game last night. The stadium is really nice and they seemingly support the team well. Attendance was 10K+. It's obviously the crowning jewel of Toledo. They played the Cards AAA team and JJ Wetherholt looks incredible. He was 3 for 4 and continues to carve up the minors. Troy Melton came in the pitch in relief for the Mud Hens and he was electric. 98 MPH 4 seamer, 88 slider and 78 curve ball. He could be a weapon for the Tigers down the stretch.

I'm in Toledo for my kids ball tournament. I think the Tigers have an inherent advantage. If you're in Toledo - you're going to be super focused on playing well so you can leave Toledo. What a sh*thole.

He looks like a lost cause. It happens. These kids move to another country, away from their home and family. They are also becoming adults and there are all kinds of new distractions that may impact their development. Too bad though.

That sounds like the same scouting report for my oldest boy.

I thought I heard them say a bunch of the players were already undressed and perhaps already left? Judge included? I did see one player back on the field in his casual clothes (I forget who). That seems odd/wrong to me. I wouldn't have thought players would have hit the showers after they came out of the game. I guess if you've been there and done it a bunch of times, but you never know when it's your last all-star game and I'd want to soak it all in and be there, present and in the moment for the whole thing personally.

A home run derby to break the tie? Unreal. It's certainly fun, but I don't know...

Wow - Kwan ties it. Speed kills. What a comeback!