Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2026-27 free agent market.
In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor league contract, or won’t receive a contract at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Statistics are prorated to full season values where noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2027 Steamer600 projections.
Below are ballots for 12 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of relievers, some of whom have starting experience. Read the rest of this entry »
Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2026-27 free agent market.
In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor league contract, or won’t receive a contract at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Statistics are prorated to full season values where noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2027 Steamer600 projections.
Below are ballots for 12 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of starting pitchers. Read the rest of this entry »
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It didn’t always feel like a Rays home game. Multitudes of Brewers fans, unable to procure or afford tickets to Wisconsin’s first World Series games in 44 years, had flown to Florida to see their team clinch. But home field advantage played a part in the Rays’ improbable, dramatic 12-inning 4-3 win in Game 4 to extend the World Series at least one more night.
The Tropicana Field turf is one of the fastest playing surfaces in the league, and the Rays are able to derive an advantage from it that no other team can extract from its own home field. So while the Brewers took the lead in the top of the 12th by hitting the ball in the usual direction — up, in the form of Cooper Pratt’s solo home run — the Rays struck back with four grounders and a liner in the bottom of the inning.
The decisive hit, by Ben Williamson, went straight into the turf, bounced over Milwaukee’s drawn-in five-man infield, and landed… who cares where. The Rays are still alive. Read the rest of this entry »
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the history of teams that take 3-0 leads in best-of-seven series, the highlights and lowlights of the first three games of the World Series, the need for an objective check-swing standard, complaints about the broadcasting of John Smoltz, and Rob Manfred’s competitive-balance comments.
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the World Series game today. Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual staff Q&A chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
DavidRifkin
Baby’s posting from the mobile app! Go Sean+team
Rich Hill's Fastball
^^ Thank you for these all month, Sean.
Sean Dolinar
Appreciate this.
Mousebumples
Watching with my littles (4 & 7), and we'll see how long they make it tonight.
sadtrombone
I am already falling asleep so good luck to them.
Phil
Poll is quite certain about a sweep, so far.
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, I feel like we need to make that stock/investment advice…past performance doesn’t guarantee future results
danodea
Dustin May is gonna pitch 9 shutout innings
Rich Hill's Fastball
Dustin May is going for his fourth ring, which would tie him with Betts for most among active players. Dustin May!
war2d2
He’ll _have_ those rings but did he really _earn_ those rings like Betts did…
war2d2
Honestly kind of unfair to May, the man tore his larynx for god’s sake. (not sure how that applies vis-a-vis rings)
lzfreak
May's ring last year is particularly suspect since he wasn't on the Dodgers when they actually won it
tdmoc
Won't be able to watch this one, but I wanted to thank Sean and co for these chats – they've been an excellent companion for the post season.
Sean Dolinar
Thanks for stopping by!
war2d2
I second tdmoc’s message, thanks for all the hard work on the revised chat, it’s been great!
Phil
Sean, has Fangraphs ever considered having a masthead somewhere? It's only from these chats that I've realized just how much you do, which is truly incredible–I hope you have a properly august title. And there was a very funny moment on EW when Lindbergh didn't realize that Meg had been promoted. How was anyone to know?
Sean Dolinar
We always talk about a masthead, then just don’t make one. Honestly, we’d forget to update it. lol, probably.
Sean Dolinar
People should read the Wikipedia article about FG. It’s really stuck in the past.
Michael Baumann
Meg got promoted?
Matt Martell
You knew this!
war2d2
Wait when was Meg promoted?
Sean Dolinar
Yeah to Editor in Chief back in Dec 2024. Or around then.
war2d2
Oh I knew that. I thought maybe she was moved up to “Publisher” or “God-Queen of Greater Fangraphia”
comradeyurika
Selfishly hoping it ends tonight because I won't be able to see the remaining games live
Matthew Tobin
I feel like throwing May is a "Well if we win that would be great, But we will win at home anyways" move
sadtrombone
I imagine he goes 2, maybe 3 innings tops. But that is needed, they can’t really run out 9 different guys to pitch one inning each.
brewersbibliophile
Get the series wrap ups written, today’s game is just a formality.
lzfreak
I think the Rays definitely have an avenue to win tonight. In particular, they're much more likely to throw their A bullpen arms. And Jax > May. Tomorrow would be much harder but today is quite winnable in my eyes.
Sean Dolinar
Another early challenge today!
Jim H
Way to show Contreras he's not the only guy who can challenge on the corner.
Sean Dolinar
This game is over! 😫
Phil
I only realized from your previous comment that it had started. Still haven't successfully logged on. . .
Nick Smith
That throw was not close.
Brian547
What is the consensus view on the longest possible odds for a legit WS team against another. Lets assume like best player gets hurt, worst starter available is starting, bullpen was used into oblivion last night, its a 4 PM game, facing a team that won 110+ with 1999-2000 Pedro starting… 75/25? 90/10? its not worse than 90-10… Right?
Brian547
I guess what I'm trying to ask is, what the longest odds ever offered were for a single game?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Jax is nibbling too much. His stuff is good enough to just aim down the middle
Brian Reinhart
At this point just watching to see if (a) the Rays can get one, and (b) Pat Murphy will get Drohan and Harrison in so the whole roster's played.
lzfreak
I don't understand why the broadcast always thinks Martinez is a big part of the pitching plan yesterday and today. Isn't he the expected starter tomorrow? You need to win all the games, you can't just go all out with all your starters tonight.
jcathtraverse
I think this is from Verducci's pregame interview with Cash? but it doesn't make much sense, and also just sounds too specific, so I suspect he's lying.
Jim H
Other than the joy of not hearing Smoltz's voice for a long time, why are 60% in favor of the series ending early going into a lockout?
BryanB
Brewers fans?
Jim H
60% seems like a lot of Brewers fans, but I guess so.
drplantwrench
smaller percentage than those in tampa bay
g4
Brewer fans make up over 60% of fans in the Trop alone
BryanB
After this we should rewatch the previous World Series together in reverse order 🙂
alden
Robert “literally Sandy Koufax” Gasser
Brian547
Kornheiser made that comparison on PTI today and I think Pablo's eyes rolled into his head in both shame and shock.
alden
Robert “The Pinky Finger On the Hand of the Left Arm of God” Gasser
BryanB
Wait until Chandler “literally Rickey Henderson” Simpson
drplantwrench
dustin may looks like that kid who wipes ice cream on his forehead to cool down
BryanB
lol Contreras
Jon Becker
He's been doing that all postseason, I do wonder if it does lead to more strike calls
Brian547
I strongly believe that this sort of psychology will work. People are influenced by perception way more than they want to believe.
Phil
The fact that framing has gotten less subtle but still works has an interesting relation to this phenomenon. Even if umpires see someone the catcher is trying to make a pitch look like a strike they are still willing to believe it is one.
aldenadmin edited
Almost feels like James Harden doing crazy s**t and forcing the refs to call him out on it. Would drive me up a wall if I were competing against him but as a spectator I respect the hustle.
BryanB
I love the Billy Bob Thornton commercial where he just randomly starts talking to the young woman
Nick Smith
And no one else is allowed to say a thing.
BryanB
And I love/hate liberty bibberty
Solitaire
With respect to the idea that people are allowed to enjoy whatever they like, what unholy reason can there be to love bibberty?
Rich Hill's Fastball
I hate/hate liberty bibberty
BryanB
I didn’t say I was proud of it.
drplantwrench
i watch the games on mute, partially because of the announcers, partially to avoid liberty bibberty
BryanBedited
Wait I just figured it out. The announcers aren’t announcing for us, they’re announcing for people that have never watched baseball. Or any sport. Or TV.
Nick Smith
Jeez, why are we all hating on the horrifying giant mangy tennis ball with human teeth?!?
Davy Andrews
Hey everybody!
lzfreak
The Rays should sell tickets to watch from the catwalks
Sean Dolinar
How would fan interference work on the A/B/C ring?
drplantwrench
thats exactly what the Phantom of Baseball wants them to do
Davy Andrews
You catch a ball, you get signed to a contract.
Nick Smith
Only one way to find out!
BryanB
If you catch it your team gets a run
Jim H
If you drop it, you get ejector seated into a surprise bungee jump
g4
If that's an intentional American Dad reference, chef's kiss
Brian547
The way Simpson moves is strongly reminiscent of Hunter Pence to me.
Davy Andrewsedited
Yes! 100% co-sign.
David
Sorta like an athletic alien inhabiting a human body for the first time?
alden
Somebody oughta check on him and see if he has a fused vertebrae like Pence
Davy Andrews
Oh my God, the Rays are selling tomahawk steaks?
Anonymous Member #46
Rarely
Brian547
Feels like it should have been an ATL thing….
Sean Dolinar
This confused everyone I’m watching with.
Brian547
Guess in ATL it would have to be a Tomahawk chop?
drplantwrench
wheres the thumbs down emoji?? need it for the dad jokes
Brian Reinhart
maybe a job for the thinking emoji
Jonathan
As a Cardinal fan who watched 90% of May’s starts in the first half – my man, what have you done to your beard lol? This guys confidence must be through the roof to rock that.
Davy Andrews
Yet another use for the thumbs down.
lzfreak
He's sporting the Randy Dobnak
Sean Dolinar
I get the hint.
Davy Andrews
Can't believe Simpson didn't end up on third on that play.
Solitaire
I tbought he was!
drplantwrench
this chandler simpson guy should be higher in the batting order
BryanB
Looks like the Rays aren’t impressed
lzfreak
A Chandler Simpson extra base hit! Somebody bat this guy 3rd
Anonymous Member #46
What was Turang doing there?
Matthew Tobin
Rays absolutely need 1 one run this inning
BryanB
I have a good feeling
raregokus
I have zero confidence this lead will last more than an inning
Jim H
Ugly K.
Brian547
Which pitcher over 6'5" throws from the lowest arm angle? Sale?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Tyler Rogers is 6'3", so yes
Jim H
Today I learned the Rogers brothers are only 6'3".
lzfreak
I also immediately looked up Tyler Rogers height
Brian547
Do we know what Randy J's was?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Randy was much more over-the-top than Sale
Davy Andrewsedited
Man, do I hate this AI slop Fox seems to love.
Ben Schneider
Hi everyone, nice to see the Rays lead after two innings
raregokus
Jiffin Grax sounds like the name of the protagonist of the worst Star Wars fanfic ever written
Davy Andrews
Get ready for Dax Kilby.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Terrin Vavra, anyone?
Brian Reinhart
I am irrationally upset by the name Tai Peete
drplantwrench
i hope fox used millions on tokens to make the stupidest thing i could imagine
BryanB
Libberty Bibberty?
Davy Andrews
Bryan's still got it.
Benny The Jet
This is getting crazy
BryanB
I feel like Bauers has had a couple of those? Need to work out more?
Jonathan
Just missing the barrel I’d guess
Jim H
I'm pretty confused about Jax still being around after that Chourio hit.
Ben Schneider
I suspect Cash wants to get him through the 3rd inning before turning over to the bullpen with possibly another game tomorrow
Jim H
The walks he's issued don't inspire confidence after a man is already on.
Jonathan
That changeup from Jax is filthy
BryanB
Jax looks like the evil Nazi in the next Indiana Jones movie
raregokus
So wait, then who will play the good Nazi or the morally ambiguous Nazi?
Brian547
While the Jax family has been established in the United States for generations, their lineage blends ancestral roots from the German Rhineland and the British Isles
BryanB
Stealing on 1-2? Is that normal?
danodea
Not convinced that was a swing
BryanB
It clearly crossed the 45-degree angle if you regress ball spin on arm angle and adjust for humidity
Sean Dolinar
Most people forget the humidity adjustment!
BryanB
Oh MAN
AdvantageSchneider
Not going to show replay on that check swing ?
drplantwrench
theyre too busy writing the prompt for AI to make a 2 second interstitial with pat murphy surrounded by vampires
David
Yeah, not been a huge fan of the swing judgements this series.
Jim H
Wow, got to give Jax credit for getting through that after the walky inning.
Davy Andrews
Yandy mixing up the eye black tonight.
Ben Schneideredited
You know athletes are creatures of habit if they wear eye black in a dome at night
Brian547
The also switched the uni's
Brian E.
They are back to wearing their Sam Fuld tribute jerseys
Solitaire
Yandy's eyeblack is growing
raregokus
It's so funny and depressing to imagine some Fox intern pushing 5 data centers in Utah to the max so they can make a graphic about ABS challenges with William Contreras as Gandalf or whatever
drplantwrench
honestly, thats more imaginative than you give them credit, hed just be a wizard in a stupid cartoon purple "moons and stars" gown like hes a cereal character
AdvantageSchneider
2 replays of a foul ball zero on the check swing
raregokus
See, clearly it was no big deal then! Nothing to worry about!
BryanB
I’m not SUPER impressed with either pitcher. He says while eating chocolate on the couch.
drplantwrench
my arm hurts when i throw a baseball now: a story of the internet's harshest pitching critic
Jim H
The way things are trending, I'm going to have to buy Halloween candy for a 3rd time.
BryanB
They say chocolate cures cancer
war2d2
My arm makes accordion noises when I throw.
Brian547
Did Kalshi just tell me that I should rely on gambling to predict the weather? Is this a soft launch of the new NOAA?
drplantwrench
liberty bibberty is now the secretary of education
BryanB
Contreras under eye slowly moving to mouth
BryanB
Rays watched some highlight reels!
lzfreak
DeLuca is having a really nice night out there
Rich Hill's Fastball
What a catch
drplantwrench
man one of these hart hit balls is gonna find grass at some point, right
Solitaire
Nice to see the Rays remember they're good at defense
AdvantageSchneider
Brewers need to stop hitting rockets and start hitting more Texas leaguers
Jim H
Rays secret weapon tonight – pitching to hard contact.
Jim H
Huge, high risk catch. Jump looked a little confused on reply, but great catch. Eyes tracking it was good replay.
raregokus
To think, there's an alternate universe out there with Paul DeLuca and Jonny Lo Duca instead of the other way around
Nick Smith
And so it begins.
BryanB
Fable reference?
Nick Smith
Nope, just trying to sound portentous.
BryanB
Brewers see two outs as an insult
Rich Hill's Fastball
And here. we. go.
Jim H
Frelick was sick of watching Rays make nice catches against him.
danodea
Team of destiny
Brian547
I like that the patch on the left arm of Jax looks like it just says Rays WET from the camera angle.
drplantwrench
there we go. finally not catchable balls
BryanB
GREAT slide view
drplantwrench
im on a little bit of a delay, but why was the broadcast showing the back of a sign
BryanB
It glitched
GammaDraconis
Tampa's falling apart again.
Nick Smithedited
There's no destruction like self-destruction.
drplantwrench
the rays have not hit a ball harder then 90mph. the brewers have hit 8
Matt Martell
That's a great challenge buy Hicks, whose made plenty of questionable ones this series
comradeyurika
I can't believe Jax is still in
lzfreak
I think he'll be out next inning
Snerd
Gutsy, gutsy outing by Jax so far
Brian Reinhart
OK so now Cash has told us to look out for Nick Martinez. Rasmussen on 3 days' rest tomorrow?
lzfreak
This completely blows my mind. Maybe tomorrow is Seymour?
Brian Reinhart
Matz??
danodea
I think they'll be happy to figure that issue out if they can actually get to tomorrow
lzfreak
Or maybe Martinez is Yamamoto-ing from here on out
Brian547
I told you all that Cash was jealous of Vogt's MOTY awards.
What constitutes the baseline there? It's judgement right?
drplantwrench
i think baselines are fake and runners should be able to go anywhere they want
Sean Dolinar
I watched that Josh Harrison play in 2014. I stopped believing in baselines that day.
Matt Martell
I think he stayed in the baseline, but that is not reviewablle
Sean Dolinar
I'm not sure what you can review there.
Rollie's Mustache
Not a throw Hamilton probably should've made but I'd have liked to see Bauers come off 1B to keep that from getting away.
comradeyurika
Baffling turn of events. I think he was out of the baseline, but challenging the tag is bizarre when the baseline element isn't challengeable
drplantwrench
i knew chandler wasnt gonna be doubled off, but its hilarious for the camera to pan over and me to hold my breath seeing how close it is, only for chandler to be in RF already
raregokus
simpson, chandler simpson
he's the greatest guy in history
from the
town of springfield
he's about to hit a chestnut tree
Rollie's Mustache
I need that Simpson Simpsons t-shirt in a medium post haste.
Brian547
I heard something about 3 feet from where the tag is attempted but that seems super arbitrary… anyone know the actual rule?
Davy Andrews
So…it seems like I might have cursed Chandler Simpson.
Sean Dolinar
Now there's a baseline.
drplantwrench
baselines. are. fake.
Jim H
That's just really, really bad with RH power at the plate vs. Romero.
Dan Gerousedited
Why is the baseline rule non-reviewable? My contention is that most non-reviewable plays should be reviewable.
Sean Dolinar
Everything becomes more litigious. NFL tried that with pass interference and stopped that real quick.
Jim H
I guess Cash/Jax are going for the complete game tonight.
Phil
Hamilton!
Ben Schneider
Before I could even type "Jax is still in there?"
jzmaxson27
These Brewers man.
Rollie's Mustache
Uh, well, that's making amends for the defensive misplay.
A Salty Scientist
Sort of a reverse conservation of greatness for us ultimate nerds.
Solitaire
Greetings fellow scientific ultimate nerd. Stealing when winning by too much is a spirit foul
Sean Dolinar
This is a good game.
Brian Reinhart
can we put links in here? friend sent me the Chandler Simpson T-shirt link
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, I just approve the links.
Jon Becker
That is Not What You Want on an 0-2
Jim H
I don't love second guessing people with inside info, but why Jax again?
Snerd
Really not even a bad pitch. Just went up and got it
AdvantageSchneider
All because of the threat of the bunt.
Matt Martell
David Hamilton, he of the .091 ISO…
David
Destiny is weird
Phil
Is Hamilton the new Enrique Hernandez? He's not just a different hitter in the postseason, he's a different category of hitter.
lzfreak
Maybe he's Daniel Murphy-ing
Paul
This IS a good game.
BryanB
Two outs so this is where they make thirteen runs
BryanB
Or not
Matthew Tobin
Meg and Craig need to do something about the lack of Dog Park ads in the World Series
BryanB
I’ve seen several new ads today. I’m unreasonably pleased.
Brian547
I got a new one, but it is for a movie remaking a story from 200+ years ago that has been made 250000000 times
So if they win and keep winning, Rasmussen on short rest tomorrow, Martinez game 6, Peralta game 7?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Rasmussen and pray for…well rain wouldn't work
Brian547
Is it bad form to point out that really really hard rain did work to stop baseball in the Trop?
lzfreak
They seem very reluctant to use Rasmussen on even regular rest so I'd be shocked to see them use him on short rest
Rich Hill's Fastball
Dodgers ran Ohtani on short rest last October in a do-or-die. It…didn't work for those few innings but they were willing to try
Phil
Well, yeah, but I'm confused by the plan all around.
BryanBedited
Love Uribe when he’s on
BryanB
F cancer
Jim H
Antonym of Murderer's Row is 'Mesa Jr., Palacios, Walls'.
Brian Reinhart
Jaywalker's Row
lzfreak
"There's no game 5 without winning game 4" is true sure but the goal is to win the World Series, not avoid a sweep. I disagree strongly with this move
BryanB
Rays pulling out all the stops
Rich Hill's Fastball
Using Martinez before Baker here feels indefensible
GammaDraconis
Got to keep him for the save /sarc
Sean Dolinar
I love when a team gets desperate with the pitching during the WS.
Brian547
Only when its not the team I am supporting.
BryanB
What a lot of people don’t know about Nick Martinez is he has the jimmy legs.
Solitaire
Restless leg syndrome
Phil
Now I want the Rays to win just to see what Cash will do tomorrow.
lzfreak
Maybe Murphy will get Misiorowski up now
Brian547
This is my whole reason for supporting Tampa tonight… I want one more Miz start!
David
I’m getting word Cade Smith is warming in the bullpen
Ben Schneider
The Rays honestly could use a Grant Taylor to pitch the rest of the game
Brian547
Its not 10-0… I am confused….
Rich Hill's Fastball
Louis Varland is up too
danodea
2 out base hit. Water is wet. Etc.
asf123
They can’t even keep Martinez in the frame for a close up shot.
BryanB
Wow
lzfreak
How did Simpson field that
BryanB
Who are the rookies in this game? Chourio, Pratt, …?
lzfreak
Chourio is a 3 year mlb veteran
BryanB
Uhh I mean NOT Chourio
Antonio Bananas
Who is excited for the Highlander remake?
BryanB
Maybe?
Brian547
Is a French guy playing a Scottish guy and a Scottish guy playing a Spanish guy?
Antonio Bananasedited
Cavill is Macleod. Crowe is the spanish guy. So not quite.
asf123
Currently in the game, or on the roster? Lara is a rookie.
lzfreak
I think Mesa qualifies as a rookie too
David
Henderson
Alan Sherman
If the same team had Grant Taylor, Louis Varland and Cade Smith, would they be able to go with a 4 man rotation?
danodea
Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeez
Rollie's Mustache
Ooooof.
Rich Hill's Fastball
woah
Crapshoot
This defense is so so good. I love great offense, but something about absurd defense wins out
David
Every margin play it feels like
Solitaire
That's some destiny right there
Bobo Polaroids
Oof, that's so deflating.
asf123
Oof.
Davy Andrews
The Rays have to stop hitting it so hard.
asf123
John “soft contact wins” Smoltz is completely vindicated!
Matt Martell
OK, John Smoltz
GammaDraconis
Nothing he could do about that
brewersbibliophile
That was beautiful
Nick Smith
Wow!
Antonio Bananas
Bruuuuuutal bad BABIP luck
Jim H
Ouch. Don't even want to see the exit velo.
Rollie's Mustache
108.1 mph off the bat with a .890 xBA. So of course it's a double play.
millvillemeltdownedited
i am remembering that gidp that stanton hit directly at bobby witt jr that he just had to laugh at
mlommleredited
Dammit, did I miss the ultimate frisbee nerdery?
millvillemeltdown
shoot did i miss it too!?
Solitaire
I am still here for it. I forget who I was responding to, but there are dozens of us! Dozens!
millvillemeltdownedited
a salty scientist it was!
millvillemeltdown
god i miss frisbee. i am so bad at it
Solitaire
I've never played anything more welcoming of new or bad players. Love the general attitude of it being for everyone. You somewhere with a pickup group?
mlommleredited
@solitaire Denver. Yeah, the cult of frisbee has to be pretty welcoming 🙂
Phil
Maybe stop hitting it toward Turang. . .
Antonio Bananas
Would TB have been more successful if they had an actual home field advantage vs such a high amount of away fans? Like give then a Philly environment
Brian547
Most guys with crazy batspeed look like they swing really hard or are enormous… Jr is neither of these things
Rich Hill's Fastball
Ashby gets the 7th+, right?
lzfreak
After 2 days off Ashby will pitch innings 7-12
David
Effectively makes the game feel over
mlommler
Is it too late for Ashby as Cy Young?
brewersbibliophile
He had it wrapped up by the All Star Break
asf123
I mean yeah, he’s probably not going to get to 500 career wins.
scottbot
My local bar prioritized local regular season nba and nhl over the WS on the TV’s tonight 🫠
brewersbibliophile
What’s your market?
scottbot
Boston
Phil
That's very Boston.
brewersbibliophile
I guess I sorta get it. There’s probably more interest for those teams. In surprised they don’t have enough TVs for all three though.
Rollie's Mustache
I was going to guess Toronto. Passionate NHL and NBA market who can't possibly feel like watching the away team hoist the commissioner's trophy in a Domed ballpark.
Phil
In Boston, the baseball season ended September 30th. There's a rumor there are still some games someplace but Bostonians know better.
scottbot
Yeah, cheaped out on just two boxes
Phil
That is also very Boston.
Brian Reinhart
won't someone think of the David Hamilton superfans??
scottbot
You’d better believe a few are still doing the Keno though (also very Boston / here’s your sign)
jtrichey
Why are Joe Davis and people here saying there's nothing Yandy Diaz could do on that line drive? Taught forever to just freeze on a line drive until you know it's through. He should not have take 2 steps on that liner. It was a good catch, not an unbelievable catch.
Phil
How long do they ride Martinez here? Until he gives up a baserunner?
Solitaire
Now that you've burned him you gotta get everything you can, right? You're gonna need a fresh bullpen if there's a tomorrow
Bobo Polaroidsedited
He's got the changeup working and the Rays might take a while to score a run, I think as long as his stuff looks good Martinez is going to get to work for a while
mlommler
Makes sense. Obviously you gotta win this game but even if you do there are three more to win.
asf123
I think I’d struggle to hit Martinez’s change- up.
millvillemeltdown
i'd struggle to hit a padded wall
Ben Schneider
That could have been scary
Antonio Bananas
My wife's analysis of Martinez is he has to pee and thats where his set up dance comes from
asf123
Whatever he’s taking for restless leg syndrome, it’s not working.
Brian547
Raffel Betancourt used to do this too at a much much slower tempo… I have always wondered how he would have delt with the pitchclock … Now I know
millvillemeltdown
similar to cl*vinger
Brian547
Very sure he never existed.
millvillemeltdown
you know what you're right.
asf123
Is Palacios getting the yips?
Matt Martell
Palacios with the 30-grade throw
Rich Hill's Fastball
It's that time: what's everyone's favorite stretch?
Matt Martell
I love a good calf stretch
Antonio Bananas
Pigeon or happy baby
brewersbibliophile
I particularly enjoy a good stretch after a fulfilling meal.
Sean Dolinar
piriformis-involved stretches
asf123
Willie McCovey
Solitaire
corpse pose
moomin
Different kind of stretch, but partial to the Thera-cane over the traps and shoulders
scottbot
Anything but sweet Caroline
Brian Reinhart
standing up and stretching and going "uuuaaawwwwwhhhh"
millvillemeltdown
waking up in the morning scrunched into a small pellet of human and having to extend every joint i have and scream along with the cacophony of creaking and crackling and the searing pain
millvillemeltdown
i am a relatively long human who contracts very heavily in their sleep
Solitaire
I am imagining the inverse of those dinosaur-sponge-in-a-capsule toys
Davy Andrews
Why does Joe Davis think people want him to spoil the challenges?
BryanB
AGAIN!
lzfreak
Nick Martinez vs Jacob Wilson is a matchup I'd watch
David
That would be a great super cut
Solitaire
Kevin Gausman has faced Jacob Wilson. I don't know how to get the video but I bet it's entertaining
scottbot
Channeling that Shaq / cat meme
Jim H
Watching a guy like Martinez battle is damn fun to watch.
Rollie's Mustache
Turang, human vacuum at the keystone.
Alan Sherman
very surprised Hall not Ashby
Rich Hill's Fastball
Ashby for the boppers
lzfreak
The last 3 batters have made 4 Turang-induced outs
lzfreak
Oh hey Baker is on the roster
Rich Hill's Fastball
I like using Baker for the heart of the order in the 8th, assuming he can't go more
asf123
Rays failing the Turang Test.
scottbot
This wins on so many levels with the FG crowd
lzfreak
That's 5 Turang-induced outs in 4 batters
comradeyurika
See what happens when you don't hit it to Turang?
Brian547
The MLB record for the most consecutive outs credited to a single defensive position player in a game belongs to Jerry Grote, who recorded 10 consecutive putouts on April 22, 1970
Matt Martell
This probably had to do with strikeouts, right? Grote being a catcher
jj1986
That's all Tom Seaver
asf123
What about non-catchers?
Rollie's Mustache
Man… Mesa Jr could've used a big hit there in a bad way.
Brian547
On June 25, 1937, right fielder Ben Chapman set the MLB outfielder record by recording 7 consecutive putouts in a row.
Rollie's Mustache
I see Google Gemini got it right the second time. 😉
Brian547edited
correct. Just fun. Not claiming any credit or doing any looking beyond a casual search.
asf123
Ok, now what about non-racists?
Kenny
As I pointed out yesterday, the "team of destiny" screenplay requires Yelich to hit a home run. This is the at bat. I acknowledge that he has not inspired confidence that he can hit the ball out of the infield this series, singles and walks not withstanding. Just putting this here so I get some credit if it happens.
asf123
Chapman was one of Jackie Robinson’s worst antagonists, no?
millvillemeltdown
i do not know how much we have advanced in the past 50 years such that we can pick a fielder who has made many consecutive putouts (not interrupted by balls in play, no outs?) who is definitively Not Racist. but that could also be my biases
asf123
I guess someone needs to ask Turang some tough questions 😆.
Kenny
Oh, well.
Brian547
Kinda love the use of Baker here.
Jim H
Yeah, and getting three outs on so few pitches is huge.
Solitaire
Huh, Baker pretty helpful after all
Crapshoot
It makes sense to go down swinging with your best arms, and Tampa doesn't have the Brewers murderer row (ie, Ashby + Megill)
millvillemeltdown
if a one-inning arm has a very short inning, at what point do you go to him for another inning? 8 pitches? 5? 3?
Rich Hill's Fastball
@milville, MIN and NYY flairs must've given you some strange emotions the last couple decades
millvillemeltdown
i'm still looking for funny combos of letters moreso than teams, and have barely been alive for multiple decades. however this is very funny and true, and didi gregorius may be my eternal enemy?
asf123
What are you doing hanging out here at the old folks’ home??
Solitaire
Your description of waking up made me assume you were over 40
millvillemeltdown
i have joint/soft tissue problems
Alan Sherman
millville's flairs aren't about teams
jj1986
Who is next in for TB? Wells? Cleavinger? I assume not Booser
scottbot
Is Brice Turang tall Kinsler? The offensively potent IKF? Vanilla Jazz?
millvillemeltdown
say what you will about ikf's bat but he's a heckuva pitcher
asf123
Nah, Vanilla Jazz is like Pat Metheny.
millvillemeltdown
+2, w metheny ref
scottbot
I also stand corrected : Turang and Kinsler both listed at 6’0”
Alan Sherman
how can a guy named Didi be an eternal enemy?
Brian547
Isnt it SIR Didi?
moomin
a Rays batter challenging? Now I've seen everything
GammaDraconis
Ump wanted to see what would happen
Alan Sherman
Turang is alt universe Brandon Crawford: better hitting, slightly weaker defense
Rich Hill's Fastball
This is giving Brandon Crawford too much credit (ignore my flair; I promise I'm not biased, totally not)
Solitaire
Why does the ad about new college students not knowing how to do laundry feature a guy who appears to be in his mid 30s?
Nick Smith
I think he's in all the ads this year.
Solitaire
I cannot get on board with advertising cinematic universes
BryanB
Bring back Lily
Alan Sherman
drafted out of southern california
Alan Sherman
well he's clearly not max muncy
asf123
Not *a* Max Muncy.
Dan Szymborski
He's the thing, there are other forms of Max you can be
asf123
Maxmaxxing?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Hello Dan!
Alan Sherman
Kinsler may have been embellishing though, how many guys' listed heights changed with the beginning of ABS this year
Antonio Bananasedited
Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS was a blowout and then game 4 was an extra innings game. Just saying, maybe?
Alan Sherman
neither of the maxes muncy are comparable to turang
Dan Szymborski
Should be that you have no duplicate names. Already a Max Muncy in the majors? Fine, you can be Maxwell Muncy or Maximillian Muncy or Max Power Muncy.
millvillemeltdown
sag/aftra rules?
lzfreak
This would be hard to enforce for the Luises Garcia
Antonio Bananas
Or Max Munchy
Rich Hill's Fastball
How would we deal with the Luises Garcia? or is it Luis Garcias
Rich Hill's Fastball
Hahaha lzfreak, same thought
millvillemeltdown
someone breaks the mold to be luiz garcia
jj1986
This is particularly a problem for the Yuniors Marte, neither of whom has a middle initial!
lzfreak
I once had a fantasy transaction where I picked up Luis Garcia and dropped Luis Garcia
Rich Hill's Fastball
There was once a Luiz Gohara
millvillemeltdown
i think the real answer is we'd see a lot more matronyms
scottbot
I like how we just settled on one being “sea bass” and the other 2+ duking it out for relevancy with the Alex Gonzalez bunch
alden
Hey I remember him
GammaDraconis
Need a poll! How many innings does this game go?
Sean Dolinar
done
Dan Szymborski
I decided I should be fashionably late so that the game doesn't go long enough for you all to tire of me.
asf123
This is a somewhat better game than last night.
Davy Andrews
Hi Dan!
Alan Sherman
like michael b. jordan
asf123
Minor quibble, but he should have gone with Michael Jordan (b).
Dan Szymborski
Davy, I had a dream that you and Ben had a podcast called Bendavy and say "Ahh"
Davy Andrews
We'll get right on that.
Brian547
Wait did Yandy fix the eye black?
BryanB
Omg if I see one more HP commercial I’m going to…not buy one.
scottbot
Dude you’re not getting a HP
viceroy
Are ad breaks longer in the World Series? The mid inning reliever switches make it feel like watching a compilation of ads with a few moments of baseball in between
Rich Hill's Fastball
They're half a minute longer than the regular season!
Antonio Bananas
That'll help interest!
Sean Dolinar
2:15 for regular games, 3:10 for WS games. Nationally broadcast games during the season are 2:40.
Sean Dolinar
The extra time really adds up.
Dan Szymborski
Someone should do a tic-tac-toe eye black and if the pitcher gets you out, they get to put the O and if you reach base, you get to put an X.
asf123
Oh man, I hate ridiculous eye black, but I love this.
millvillemeltdown
i do actually think keeping score on your face could be fun
Solitaire
Eyeblack hangman – they strike you out they get to guess K. You fly out, an F is guessed, etc. Object is to stay alive for the game. Good luck if you GIDP.
Alan Sherman
no Yandy still had his design
lzfreak
I love that the poll goes from 9 to 35
Dan Szymborski
Oh, and hi Davy too!
lzfreak
If the game goes 35 innings I'll hate the Nick Martinez relief appearance for a completely different reason
millvillemeltdown
booo hiss thumbsdown thumbsdown
Brian Reinhart
Sean cracked a dad joke so bad even he couldn't handle it
Antonio Bananas
Instead of longer ad breaks, have they considered selling in-game sponsorship? "This at bat is sponsored by L'Oreal, because you're worth it"
millvillemeltdown
stay the HELL away from brandon marsh l'oreal. you dont want to know what's in there.
Ben Schneideredited
What if MLB and Project Runway switched corporate sponsors
asf123
Er, they’ve pretty much already done that. In addition to the longer ad breaks…as was inevitable.
How long until Blue Chew gets involved? "Blue chew, get some wood on it"
Rollie's Mustache
Seemed like a good idea until Cialis decided to sponsor a Junk-Mastrobuoni at bat.
asf123
I’m working from home tomorrow with no scheduled meetings or calls. I’m in for whatever.
Brian Reinhart
we're not talking enough about how the Brewers' custom protective cups have affected this series
Rich Hill's Fastball
This is an effectively wild topic if I've ever heard one
millvillemeltdown
do you think jazz would have done better this season if he'd had one of those
Rich Hill's Fastball
OMG
Dan Szymborski
"This Cal Raleigh appearance is brought to you by Cologuard."
BryanB
Mitchell shoulda hit that one out of the park
asf123
No, he should have made soft contact!
Crapshoot
The defense again – just wow. No words (obviously not as good as Simpson's catch yday)
BryanB
I mean all he did was catch it
Dan Szymborski
Hitting a homer is the optimal strategy
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
Homers kill rallies, Dan /sarcasm
comradeyurika
Wow
BryanB
Brewers just don’t have the strength
Phil
Dan, would you have the capability, if you wanted to, to build a live version of Zips? Basically, likelihood for each team to score in an inning assuming no pinch-hitters (which in extra innings would also give you the likelihood for the game to be extended)? I'm not suggesting you should do this, just wondering about the feasibility. . .
David
Gotta get Yelich back up tonight so he can hit the scripted homer, so whatever that takes.
Dan Szymborski
David actually has the bits and pieces from the ZiPS matchup tool that he could put it together
Phil
Fascinating.
Antonio Bananas
Could individual players get their bats sponsored? Like could Jake Burger have a McDonalds logo on his bat?
Dan Szymborski
I'm not internetty smart enough to do it myself
brewersbibliophile
My GOAT gonna give the brewers the win here
BryanB
Man so many pitches taken right down the middle
millvillemeltdown
it's good strategy to take down the middle, nod knowingly and purse your lips
Dan Szymborski
I'm torn in that I'm kinda rooting for the Brewers, but only when we get to 7 games. I take more baseball over either team winning
Brian Reinhart
Really hard to imagine a situation where I'd root for a sweep.
Phil
I'm for Brewers in either 4 or 5, because I have a conference starting Thursday.
Brian547
out
BryanB
Ugh another too close to call
Matt Martell
You gotta challenge this, but I don't know if there's enough to overturn it
brewersbibliophile
I thought that was out as it happened.
Rich Hill's Fastball
He's certainly out, but might not be enough on replay
Ben Schneider
Sure looks like he got the oven mitt
Solitaire
Palacios pulling his glove away from the hand to try and tag the body is crazy to watch in slomo
A Salty Scientist
I'm not sure there's enough there
Rollie's Mustache
Um, why is it taking this long.
GammaDraconis
Trying to avoid a "stand"
David
Looks like stands to me
BryanB
Reasons
asf123
It looks clearly out to me, but my eyesight isn’t great 😆.
Paul
I think he missed him by like 1/4 inch.
lzfreak
Davis and Smoltz disagree!
brewersbibliophile
I don’t think there’s enough to overturn
millvillemeltdown
unrelated but i bake so much bread and yet i own zero oven mitts. these baseball players and their handwear upset me greatly
Dan Szymborski
See, my inclination is to root for John Smoltz being sad
Sean Dolinar
We need them to zoom in.
millvillemeltdown
even enhance a little bit
Paul
Wow!
BryanB
Wrong call
Davy Andrews
Wait, why don't you use oven mitts? Oven mitts are great.
millvillemeltdown
because i don't have them! the store is so far away, and i don't want to give jeff money over something so trivial. i just use a kitchen towel
Antonio Bananas
Who chooses the bumper music?
Sean Dolinar
I haven't seen anything convincing. But 🤷♂️
Jim H
Was not expecting that.
BryanB
NY paid off
brewersbibliophile
Oh wow
asf123edited
Score one for my aging eyes! 🥂
lzfreak
Lmao Smoltz thought he had the definitive safe angle
scottbot
I think he very well may have: all the wrong motivations to call him out / try to extend the series on mlb’s end?
Rollie's Mustache
Quite literally a perfect throw by Hicks.
Rich Hill's Fastball
We will at least get one more inning of baseball this year
Brian547
He was clearly out of the basepath
BryanB
I hate that this game has gotten to the point that we stop and take five minutes to see if a ball was .0007 inches away
Dan Szymborski
Even more than ENHANCE scenes in TV murder shows where they create higher resolution out of nowhere, it always bugs me that they're not starting with a good shot in the first place. "OK, let's start with the suspect's license plate from 300 feet away shot."
Seuss2004
We need Dana Scully to tell them that the resolution is too poor and it won't help much to enhance it.
millvillemeltdown
i watched "the conversation" for class and got to see "zoom, enhance" but for audio. you're a literal sound designer. you work with tape. you should know better.
asf123
Catchers seem to be throwing way more toward the first base side these days for exactly this reason.
Benny The Jet
That's just about the first break that hasn't gone the Brewers' way
BryanBedited
I feel like they weren’t lucky early in the game too
Dan Szymborski
This would be a good moment for Max Scherzer to go to the mound and we can find out if anyone's brave enough to get him off of it
BryanB
Even tho I’m for the Brews I hope the Rays walk it off
Davy Andrews
Chandler Simpson walk-off.
Solitaire
inside the park, please
asf123
Walk-off bunt.
lzfreak
With Simpson it should be called a "run-off"
Benny The Jet
Visions of Scott Podsednik
millvillemeltdown
i'm rooting for him hitting it through the roof of the trop ohtani/tokyo dome style
Dan Szymborski
"Now pitching for both teams…Max Scherzer, apparently."
Sean Dolinar
FIFA this past summer really ruined my opinion of replay's use in sports. Like something like this overturn, he *probably* gazed the oven mitt, but I didn't see anything definitive. I'd rather go with the call in the moment than overturn and find things wrong that aren't called in the moment and aren't obviously wrong.
BryanB
The dehumanization of baseball
Kenny
The problem is that the rule's preference for keeping the call on the field – you need a high level of certainty to overturn – is not honored. But getting rid of it altogether will bring immediate and obvious regrets. You can't pretend video isn't there when it is.
Brian Reinhart
Megill throwing only five pitches in a game that could go to extras. Hmmm
lzfreak
I think this is fine since his team is up 3-0
David
Abby has 13 innings in him
Brian Reinhart
fair, Megill's well positioned for tomorrow. Maybe he can start for the Rays
asf123edited
There will come a time, I think in the fairly near future, when no one remembers either Harry Belafonte or the original Beetlejuice. Will Day-O finally be put to rest at that point?
Brian547
Just think how long WWRY hung around and the staying power of 7NA… as im told "a good song never dies"
Antonio Bananas
Seven Nation Army is an actual good song though.
MyBloodyBallantine
Wow, gotta challenge that
Rich Hill's Fastball
I'll admit, I want a Caminero walkoff and a "we will see you tomorrow night" call
Davy Andrews
Dude, someone needs to tell Joe Davis that he is ruining the whole challenge system.
Davy Andrews
The whole point is that it's fun to see the little graphic.
Ben Schneider
He's also the ruining the whole "good play-by-play" thing
Sean Dolinar
We got a mean of 13.6 innings for the game. Median 11 inning. A couple jokesters chose 35 innings.
millvillemeltdown
i choose to believe that it lasts through any potential lockout until spring training
Dan Szymborski
asf123, you'd take away the only calypso song that everyone knows?
asf123
If they played the whole song, that would be fine!
Dan Szymborski
I like the song clip enforcement song. "You can do Walking in Sunshine, but you have to reserve a buttload of time and play the ENTIRE firetrucking song"
asf123
Yeah, I watched a little of the Rays’ clinching postgame, and I was thinking “Wait, are they *still* playing ‘Walking on Sunshine’ on a constant loop?”
harrisry
I understand this is not timely and everyone is tired of talking about it, but I'm caring for a newborn and this is my free moment: what was the final split on the 'Did Yandy swing?' poll? Thanks for doing these game threads, it's been fun dropping in when I can!
Sean Dolinar
I have that!
BryanB
I feel like it was pretty even
Solitaire
I don't know the answer to your question but congrats!
Sean Dolinar
55/45 yes
Sean Dolinar
I feel like the yeses came in later, and the no was more instant.
Dan Szymborski
I'm calling it first: day-o will outlast Oh Yeah
asf123
Tell you what, you can keep anything else if ”Everybody clap your hands” is forever eliminated. Deal?
Sean Dolinar
👏👏👏👏👏
BryanB
Why is it so hard to throw to first?
Alan Sherman
35 innings! 35 innings!
Rollie's Mustache
Caminero looks very not 100%.
Brian Reinhart
18 innings and Yusmeiro Petit gets the W
lzfreak
Extras! I love postseason extra innings!
Paul
Here we go.
millvillemeltdown
extree, extree!
drplantwrench
cant wait for the HR derby to resolve this
MyBloodyBallantine
I have plans tomorrow, friday, and saturday, so i hope this ends tonight!
Paul
76 in the chat. It was 40-something 30 minutes ago.
Sean Dolinar
Welcome, everyone!
Sean Dolinar
I wonder how many we'd get if this was Game 7 of LAD-TOR.
Brian Reinhart
I think I was pacing my living room for that one and wouldn't be able to look at a computer
Brian547
I am fully onboard with the abolition of the Manfred Man as a sticking point in negotiations… just call it a draw in the regular season.
A Salty Scientist
Simpson getting his first ever barrel and walking it off would be the funniest thing ever.
Dan Szymborski
I don't mind if there are more games, but I'm eventually going to have to go to the bathroom, and for a Kindle amount of time
lzfreak
There should be a break for this around the 14th inning
Dan Szymborski
Simpson inside-the-park home run after he's tagged at third and he splits in half because he's two tiny Chandler Simpsonlettes inside a Chandler Simpson homonculus, and one of them scores
Antonio Bananas
Brewers win 2.5 to 2?
millvillemeltdown
this explains his gait (it does not at all)
Crapshoot
no clue why Ortiz didn't challenge the 0-1 pitch (felt way outside)
millvillemeltdown
i think after 18 innings they should allow reentry of substituted players. at 27, the roster expands to the 10 closest fans behind the dugout. at 45, the game ends. at 72, the game restarts from a save state. at 90, the cba is forcibly overwritten
lzfreak
This seems reasonable
Sean Dolinar
So we'd see Front Row Amy and Marlins Man bat?
alden
and after 91 you just flip a coin
Solitaire
roll in Bud Selig to do the shrug emoji like in that All-star game
Davy Andrews
I think after 13 innings everybody just gets to nap on the field for 25 minutes.
Davy Andrews
The home team is required to provide blankets.
lzfreak
Every time Aranda moves to make a play I mentally assume there will be no outs recorded
A Salty Scientist
After 13 innings, a win should count as 2 games
Dan Szymborski
millvillemeltdown, how about after 18 innings, plays who retired and last played with the teams may re-enter the game.
Dan Szymborski
Or maybe after 18 innings BOTH teams lose. The series goes back to 2 to negative one
BryanB
This
millvillemeltdown
baumann from game 9 of the world series: please let me go home
MyBloodyBallantine
I think after 12 innings they need to remove 1 defender each inning until it is just pitcher and catcher.
BryanB
After ten innings each team gets to pick a player from the team they defeated during the post
comradeyurika
Give Smoltz the 19th…for both teams
moomin
Two immaculate innings, naturally
lzfreak
The team with more small ball gets Smoltz. The other team gets Davis
Seuss2004
Every time I see Chourio I am sad that I am not listening to Scott Franzke saying JACKson
Crapshoot
In the 20th inning remove one defender hockey style
BryanB
This is not the Brews best game, Rays can take them
Davy Andrews
Will Bauers finally hit one hard enough to get out to dead center?
David
Or see 30 pitches
Ben Schneider
After 20, bring in Schwarber for the swing-offs
asf123
Has Jonny DeLuca ever been introduced to Paul LoDuca?
Deduno Abides
After 12 innings, Rob Manfred and the head of the MLBPA have to pitch and the winner gets to pick one item in the next CBA.
Ben Schneider
This would actually be higher stakes than winning the WS
Brian547
Flags fly forever…CBA's are temporary
Davy Andrews
How can this keep happening?
Rollie's Mustache
Oh… oh no.
Solitaire
dear lord
Paul
After 12 innings, the benches clear and they play beer pong.
asf123
That’s totally unfair with a team from Wisconsin. Come on.
Crapshoot
How is that call not clear??
Seuss2004
OoOoOoOoOoH
MyBloodyBallantine
Oof
lzfreak
Big yikes
David
So many mental errors
BryanB
After 15 innings they close one eye
Benny The Jet
Oh noooooooooo
GammaDraconis
No harm. Just foul.
Paul
Got it done
BryanB
No worries Bauers has nothing
Brian Reinhart
yelling "I got it" is for amateurs
lzfreak
It's too bad this is a 3-0 game 4 because it's been quite exciting
Seuss2004
I only tuned in like 2 innings ago and just saw the one F&$%in racist Republican ad, have there been more?
Brian547
You know the answer to this
Antonio Bananas
I saw one where Republicans said "liberals are the new racists". So at least they admit they've been racist this whole time.
millvillemeltdown
"nyerr, we're the og racists" is maybe not the own they thought it would be
Antonio Bananasedited
After the 12th inning you move the fences in 5 feet and it's 5 more feet each additional inning
BryanB
Love this!!
A Salty Scientist
The first two were tense as well. And last night's had something we've never seen before. For a potentially short series, it's been pretty damn good.
BryanB
After thirteen half the team is replaced by Savannah Bananas
Ben Schneider
Rather, each additional inning leads to an additional Banana Ball rule
Brian Reinhart
OK Brewer fan, getting Ashby glasses, cool, but growing the same beard? Now you're weird
Solitaire
Simpson walk off little league home run starting from a bunt please
BryanB
I think Simpson and Contreras should just arm wrestle
Solitaire
I would also accept Simpson triple followed by walk off steal of home
Paul
After 13, the defense has to wear the oven mitts.
millvillemeltdown
on both hands!
lzfreak
Rasmussen unlikely for tomorrow
Rich Hill's Fastball
Just need a "Homer Simpson" headline
Deduno Abides
Aaron Ashby for Congress.
Brian Reinhart
ugh, my parents are about to be repped by Mark Teixeira
Solitaire
how fast was that throw to first?
BryanB
135 mph
millvillemeltdown
i think playing pokemon vgc in my spare time has broken me because i hear a speed -> 135 -> "chien-pao flutter mane miraidon korai-"
BryanB
Aaron Ashby for lenscrafters
Sean Dolinar
That was a bullet.
Brian Reinhart
that Ashby throw to first
BryanB
No wait, call-in vote for best under eye wins!
asf123
Has anyone been to a baseball park and left thinking “You know what? What this experience was really missing was a DJ.”?
A Salty Scientist
That needs to be added to his pitch count. 100 to Bauers
Perhaps not the best swing decision there by Mesa.
Davy Andrews
Petriello just posted the Statcast data on the throw: 79.7 mph.
lzfreak
You mean 179.7, right?
Brian547
Points in favor of my psychology theory on the ability of others to influence actions and decisions here. I saw the play before the chat about it and honestly thought it was not that high effort of a throw.
millvillemeltdown
doesnt chris davis have a pitcher win under his belt
i forgot about the wells walls convergence and got very confused by who was pitching
asf123
Now that Tyler Wade has retired, someone has to take the baton. Or maybe Taylor Ward retired? No, I think it was Wade.
Matt Martell
Speaking of Tyler Wade, I cannot see his name and not think about how Ohtani used to exclusively call him “ikemen,” which means “hot guy” in Japanese.
Kenny
I give up.
millvillemeltdown
but also i hope taylor walls appears as pitcher briefly
Rich Hill's Fastball
Where's Taylor Ward when ya need him
Rollie's Mustache
Has anyone seen Dan and his Kindle? It's been a minute.
Kenny
Maybe it has to happen, after two losses, in Milwaukee …
millvillemeltdown
i really, really want them to clinch at home
Davy Andrews
In case you're all wondering, the game will end as soon as my daughter wakes up with a dirty diaper and I have to stop watching. Should be in the next 45 minutes.
millvillemeltdown
let's see how many outs occur in the intervening time
lzfreak
Lotta poop related end game conditions from the staff
Davy Andrews
Other kind of dirty diaper.
harrisry
I have an 18 month old and a 4 month old, your Early Shift series ran at the perfect time to remind me the hardest part was over but also about to start again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading those, thank you. I'm so tired.
danodea
Peyton Manning has SO much money, why did he become spokesman for yet another company? Dude must just love doing commercials
millvillemeltdown
line must go up
asf123
You think there’s such a thing as “enough money?” Welcome to America, komrade.
g4
His agent needs to eat too
Antonio Bananas
Who has more? Peyton or John Cena?
danodea
Barkley, Shaq… I feel like we're forgetting someone else
danodea
Also the bats in the header got me again. I thought there were bugs on my screen. Please can I turn them off lol
Davy Andrews
Yes, you can.
GammaDraconis
Click on your name. You can change it in your settings there
Davy Andrews
Click your name on the top right, click Seasonal Banner until it says Off.
Davy Andrews
But know that you will be hurting Sean's feelings.
danodea
I've liked the other ones!!! I'll turn them back on for Thanksgiving
asf123
“Ghost runner” shouldn’t be an option. Sorry not sorry 😆.
Sean Dolinar
I might make a batless one next year. I don't have a good idea for Thanksgiving yet. We'll do snow/Christmas lights again.
danodea
It's the bats going left to right that are the issue for me
Crapshoot
brave to bring Boozer in here I gotta say
Ben Schneider
I don't think Carlos Boozer is playing rn
Brian547
Is Cam?
Brian Reinhart
my partner on the need for a grounds crew here: "It's that fidgety dude. He did it."
millvillemeltdown
hmmm i wonder to whom they may be referring to
asf123
Martínez is like a cat about to take a dump.
millvillemeltdown
at least his k strut does not simulate cat post-dump
Antonio Bananas
Wish commentary would have laid out for that. Grounds crew work is top notch ASMR
Brian Reinhart
don't you mean Baseball Zen
viceroy
As a former pitcher, blaming the mound is such a classic strategy. Rarely pays off
millvillemeltdown
i really want to point a shotgun microphone at rich hill or payton tolle or just one of those notable grunters to get a really crispy high def sound
Rich Hill's Fastball
*grunts*
asf123
😖
Davy Andrews
The beginning of this sentence really had me worried.
millvillemeltdown
wait til you hear what they call the windscreens
danodea
I sat front row at the visiting bullpen at an Indy Indians game to watch Rich Hill warm up last year. It was glorious. I said "can we get a selfie" and he said "not right now" and then never gave me another chance to ask, which was totally fair and I'll remember the experience forever
comradeyurika
Ump is up past their bedtime
Brian547
New way to win in extras first one to find the buried treasure in the mound!
millvillemeltdown
digging towards ronald acuña jr's secret gambling den
Brian547
If you find that you definitely are the loser
Solitaire
Booser doing everything he can other than throw pitches
asf123
Oh, your PitchCom “isn’t working?” Fine, you can do hand signals.
Ben Schneider
Turang should definitely run now
Sean Dolinar
Everything is a swing this series.
g4
Yes. The consistency is appreciated but I'd prefer more leniency across the board
Sean Dolinar
I could go either way with what's a swing or not; just be consistent.
Brian Reinhart
if the Rays win, Jax, Martinez, Baker, Wells threw 20+ tonight. could Peralta throw an inning tomorrow? Rasmussen in relief/bulk? otherwise they have Cleavinger, Matz, Seymour, Sulser; Kelly threw only 12 tonight; and Booser if they win now
millvillemeltdown
cameron "bedro paez" booser
millvillemeltdown
(i definitely meant to type pedro baez but, sure!)
David
Rays gotta win it here I think
Brian Reinhart
at least MIL will have Megill behind Mis.
Phil
Had to do a bunch of stuff before bed. I gather this game is still going somehow? And Ashby is somehow still pitching? Is this like a time loop thing or something?
Crapshoot
Curious at people's thoughts of Murphy only using Megill for one batter?
Brian Reinhart
could be very handy in game 5
Crapshoot
but weird to use Ashby for 7 batters then no?
Rich Hill's Fastball
He's got more quality options than Cash
Davy Andrews
Truly hilarious to bring in a new pitcher to face Walls.
Solitaire
Walls gotta feel good about chasing Ashby
lzfreak
Is Ashby having the best relief postseason in mlb history?
Matt Martell
Ask the Mailbag!!!
Brian547
Still A. Miller
David
Up there with Andrew Miller I’d guess
Phil
Depends on your definition of "relief," surely. See Yamamoto, Eovaldi, etc.
Davy Andrews
Correction: Ask Mailbag.
Rollie's Mustacheedited
He's the first RP to open a postseason with 16.2 scoreless IP in MLB history according to TheScore app push notification I got.
millvillemeltdown
has mailbag been eating enough?
Antonio Bananas
2003 Rivera had 16 innings 0.56 ERA and a 0.44 WHIP.
Antonio Bananas
Which Id adjust for run environment as being on par with this
Matt Martell
Wow this is such an interesting hook
moomin
the legend of Taylor Wallops grows
asf123
Makes sense in that Walls isn’t going to get a hit regardless of who’s pitching. Beyond that..
Brian Reinhart
Wallskoff now guaranteed
Davy Andrews
Walls last base hit was nine days ago.
millvillemeltdown
so he's due
David
He’s due!!! /s
millvillemeltdown
same hat david
David
Beat me to it
Bobo Polaroids
Senzatela as the potential winning pitcher in a deciding World Series game is such an odd outcome to contemplate.
Anonymous Member #46
/points at "2025 World Series Legend Will Klein" cross-stitch
Solitaire
Super relief ace or recent member of the Colorado Rockies. Murphy overthought this
Crapshoot
Im going to laugh when Walls hits a walk-off HR here
Crapshoot
I meant this in the 15th inning when he's up next
danodea
Yandy plz I need to go to bed
asf123
If we get to tomorrow I think Matz has to take some bulk innings, no?
lzfreak
Matz might be bulk pitching tonight still
asf123
Fair point.
Phil
Uh oh, Bill is fallible.
GammaDraconis
ABS system got it wrong that time.
Phil
That's the only explanation.
asf123
Contreras cannot fail, he can only be failed.
Crapshoot
CONTRERAS MADE AN ABS ERROR I've seen everything now
Kenny
Do you trust ABS, or do you trust Contreras?
Antonio Bananas
If its within like 0.2 inches should we really overturn the call? Gotta be within margin of error right?
Rich Hill's Fastball
We don't need an 18-inning game EVERY world series…
lzfreak
Max Muncy has signed a one day contract with the Tampa Bay Rays
Anonymous Member #46
nonsense
Solitaire
Jorge Mateo always seemed very likeable when he was with the O's. I hope he gets to win a World Series game
Jonathan
1,2,3 of the Rays order has to produce something
Davy Andrews
Senzatella has a place in my heart by being one of the rare pitchers whose delivery looks like it belongs to a position player pitcher.
Matt Martell
I remember when Yankee fans thought Jorge Mateo was the Second Coming of Derek Jeter
Brian547
Hate this PR call here
asf123
Agree. Fewer than two outs, maaaaybe.
Dylan
I wonder what the % likelihood of a run is here with a better runner compared to a worse one. I can't imagine the pinch runner adding that much expected value with 2 outs.
Dylan
I feel like I'd rather keep Yandy available AND save the PR for a higher run probability situation
Sean Dolinar
The double clutch…oof.
LooseSeal
Too high
Brian Reinhart
I should go to bed now. but also Steven Matz should go to bed now
Phil
Have to go to bed. Good night, all. Sean, thanks again for making all of this happen!
Sean Dolinar
Thanks for stopping by and being a Member.
Seuss2004
Well thats gonna be a no from me dawg
Rich Hill's Fastball
Good night to everyone on the east coast being responsible!
Phillip Denny
At what point during an extra inning game without the Manfred Man is it appropriate to just start swinging for the fences?
lzfreak
2nd inning
asf123
I have it on good authority from John Smoltz that you always want to make soft contact.
millvillemeltdown
this is why we love steven kwan !!!
Antonio Bananas
Not a fan of that PR. It's not Billy Hamilton for like 2017 Albert Pujols or something
harrisry
Baseball fans: we want more baseball, please don't let the Brewers sweep.
harrisryedited
Baseball Gods: Best we can do is a 20 inning game.
Antonio Bananas
Anyone dressing up for Halloween? Does the FG staff do anything for it?
Sean Dolinar
I like dressing up. I don't like spending time to procure a costume. I have a friend and he has always taken it seriously now his family of four has a theme every year. Usually it's something Marvel-esque.
millvillemeltdown
if this game doesnt end on a yeli bomb, maybe he's the pitcher of record?
Davy Andrews
Derek Jr. is going as a pumpkin.
Kenny
Remember: 27 more innings this game is the same as getting three more games!
Dylan
This game feels like it should now end with Yandy's spot coming up in a key situation
Brian Reinhart
lol of course
asf123
My God, STFU, DJ.
Davy Andrews
You can't be serious.
Rich Hill's Fastball
BOOM
Phillip Denny
I demand we see Miz for the bottom of the 12th now.
Phillip Denny
I would also accept Woodruff I suppose
millvillemeltdown
or yelich. it could still be yelich
Matt Martell
WOAHHHH
asf123
Wow. Not the best of times for Seymour.
Sean Dolinar
I love the crowd.
drplantwrench
put the kid to bed, dealt with a tantrum, and just sat down to see a home run
comradeyurika
No doubter
Brian Reinhartedited
Pratt, Hamilton, Frelick. just like they drew it up
Brian Reinhart
none of them with 5+ homers in the reg season
endaround
None of them with a iso above .100
millvillemeltdown
pooper cratt !?!? almost like my pooper cat ….
millvillemeltdown
(he had worms)
asf123
Just a total hanger.
danorris101
Those were some terrible seats behind Drohan
Crapshoot
so who closes for MIL? Not gonna be Harrison or Woodruff I imagine (the latter's stuff didn't look great yday)
Phillip Denny
I imagine it'll be Senzatella for Caminero then Drohan after him
Crapshoot
Has Drohan made an appearance at all? Genuinely curious
brewersbibliophile
I was skeptical of Pratts bat, but he’s pleasantly surprised me this year.
Brian Reinhart
Joey Ortiz has 5+ homers on the year so he's not eligible to hit one now
millvillemeltdown
bauers needs to seymour pitches (i'm sorry)
Brian547
As much as it is poor strategy, Miz to close is just too much fun… DO IT.
asf123
Two words: Rollie Fingers.
Antonio Bananasedited
Huge pop for a visiting team's go ahead extra inning home run in the World Series.. poor Rays
David
Palacios’ arm stresses me out
asf123
Mark my words: Palacios is done as a 2B.
war2d2
Palacios certainly seems to be having issues with his throwing
David
He should try the Seymour no look chuck it move
Rollie's Mustache
No ABS challenge for TB in the bottom of the inning now. The game will probably end on a borderline strike call. Or a check swing. Probably a check swing.
cashgod27
I just cannot believe Cash put Seymour in this game
Brian Reinhart
the manager report cards for this are gonna be like 4,000 words. even if it ends here.
Anonymous Member #46
Everyone left threw yesterday.
asf123
He’s getting the yips in real time.
Crapshoot
Who else does he have left? He used the Baker bullet already
millvillemeltdown
focal dystonia is a real jerk
Brian Reinhart
today was a great day to read Sam Miller's piece about how helmets are falling off at record levels
Benny The Jet
Chourio seems on him
A Salty Scientist
He was mad at his bat half a dozen times in that at bat.
drplantwrench
putting up stats that tie you with babe ruth, i would guess, is a good thing
Solitaire
Ashby or Chourio for MVP?
GammaDraconis
Pratt
danodea
Contreras
Brian Reinhart
huh. how many ABS challenges did they win?
Rich Hill's Fastball
the friends we made along the way
drplantwrench
im getting an mvp??
Alan Sherman
if you're gonna go friends we made along the way, ya gotta delete dodger flair
Phillip Denny
Screw it, give it to Murph.
asf123
Frelick, for intensity of eyes.
David
Caminero about to swing out of his shoes
war2d2
he said “for more on Cooper Pratt…” but it sounded like “for moron…”
David
“For Mormon Copper Pratt”
danodea
We should do these chat rooms for Dominican league games
asf123
In.
Brian Reinhart
let Brendan mod em
drplantwrench
updating the stat i said earlier, brewers have 12 of the 13 hardest hit balls
Crapshoot
I love baseball but if I never see this "Tom Brady 7 ring powers" ad again it will be too soon; makes me year for "Frank TV"
Sean Dolinar
FOX has always had interesting choices.
drplantwrench
but the single hardest hit ball is by the rays, into a DP
BryanB
Bauers can’t buy a hit tonight
drplantwrench
to be fair, most players dont use money for hits
Crapshoot
whoa
GammaDraconis
oops
Solitaire
oh dear
Alan Sherman
Sean can we randomly pick 1 game a day during the regular season as the chat game?
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, we are trying to figure out what exactly we want to do.
BryanB
Again with the NOT THROWING TO FIRST
Rich Hill's Fastball
Oh no
Crapshoot
That was a brutal throw – can't blame Bauers for that.
LooseSeal
I can and will… he should’ve stretched and scooped the short hop
asf123
Great positioning, poor execution.
Rollie's Mustache
Ortiz had the rest of the year to throw that ball to first and get Jr.
danodea
Oh no Caminero
Benny The Jet
Yikes
Phillip Denny
I know that's gonna get scored as an E5 but a good 1B picks that all day.
Bobo Polaroids
Sure would be nice to still have Mateo available as a PR…
Matt Martell
This is where I would like to have Mateo
Matt Martell
Damn Bobo beat me to it
asf123
Oof. Diaz and Caminero both out. And also, STFU, DJ.
Anonymous Member #46
Bauers picks that on grass.
Phillip Denny
Can Williamson run well?
David
Simpson with a two run walkoff with two outs. Count it.
asf123
So who’s left on the Rays’ bench? Jorge Cantu?
Anonymous Member #46
Damian Rolls
Alan Sherman
even if bauers had just dropped it he would have time to pick it up before caminero got there. Instead he bounced it away
war2d2
Wade Boggs
Brian Reinhart
Kyle Harrison now officially the only rostered Brewer not to play in the WS
BryanB
If this goes to another game I’m making the infield throw to first all night
Solitaire
Caminero is staying in to run?
drplantwrench
whats jiman choi up to these days
asf123
Ah, Junior is staying in.
Rollie's Mustache
The only natural outcome now is a 122 mph ground ball double play followed by a controversial check swing final out.
Davy Andrews
I believe Hicks had a 34 wRC+ against lefties this year.
Davy Andrews
Sorry, 45.
Davy Andrews
So naturally.
Phillip Denny
Something something small sample something something…
asf123
Dammit, apparently your feed is like 25 seconds ahead of mine.
millvillemeltdown
ssssss
Alan Sherman
If Caminero's spot in the lineup comes up again, the Rays have kept the game going, probably by scoring this runner
Solitaire
I would have put all my money on Caminero not going 1st to 3rd on a grounder
danodea
He still looks hurt
drplantwrench
get brett phillips a bat
Brian547
That was so dumb
Crapshoot
wow. I feel for Drohan here – tough situation
danodea
Fascinating decisions being made
millvillemeltdown
why is ceddy in now, of all times
Davy Andrews
I just hope the game keeps going and we see what he's like a third base.
LooseSeal
caminero’s right hamstring appears to have 175 feet of running in it
Bobo Polaroids
Sorry I really do not think they're going to squeeze with a dinged-up Caminero on 3rd.
Matt Martell
I'm shocked Chourio didn't even bother throwing to third
BryanB
Same
Sean Dolinar
Embarrassed from the transfer bobble.
lzfreak
Is Carl Crawford available?
David
Not until the 20th inning
Sean Dolinar
Are we going 13?
Solitaire
Why wait for the pinch run?
BryanB
I hope not
Brian Reinhart
very satisfying that that foul grounder bonked a rosin bag off a BP mound
danodea
I have to be awake in 5 hours
Benny The Jet
Did he get (more) hurt?
Brian Lerner
Why not squeeze?!
Phillip Denny
This is a hot take but I think I put my middle infielders in double play depth instead of infield in here? I think?
Phillip Denny
Welp.
Sean Dolinar
Like for that reason?
Phillip Denny
in my mind I cared a lot more about the runner on 1st than the runner on 3rd. Tie game isn't the end of the world here so long as you can turn two.
drplantwrench
DP -> K -> 15 more innings
Davy Andrewsedited
Baby's still asleep, by the way.
BryanB
Throwing away Pratts heroics
Rich Hill's Fastball
TIE GAME
LooseSeal
Would’ve been a DP if they were playing DP depth
lzfreak
Rays are being pesky
BryanB
Drohan throwing it away
Brian547
Infield in= bad confirmed
cashgod27
Drohan can't buy an out. MIL couldn't afford that error when they were down to the bottom of their bullpen.
asf123edited
Wow. The Rays have no real offensive threats left, but hey, it’s tied and they have a DJ!
Crapshoot
the BABIP god giveth, and they taketh.
Davy Andrews
This is where you bunt it OVER the first baseman's head.
Davy Andrews
Ballgame over.
cashgod27
I don't hate putting the infield in. You're up 3-0, take risks, be aggressive
BryanB
Please don’t post the results
Rich Hill's Fastball
Use chat delay
Benny The Jet
We ain't done yet
millvillemeltdown
i once saw something about "joey gallo pops bunt out to yasmani grandal at 1st" and it destroyed my entire psyche
LooseSeal
Simpson needs to be squaring earlier
LooseSeal
Or not
Benny The Jet
How funny would it be if he homered
Crapshoot
Lol. TB deserves a game at least, but if they lose this from here …
Phillip Denny
Man they gotta get Drohan out of there like yesterday
Brian Reinhart
Kyle Harrison so far in the doghouse he might actually be dog food
Phillip Denny
And then consider phantom IL'ing him to get someone else on the roster for tomorrow lmao
Brian547
Was that a barrel?
Phillip Denny
only 91.8 off the bat
BryanB
Drohan = LVP
danodea
"We'll cya later tonight" is a cool call tbh
Rich Hill's Fastball
Amazing call
Rollie's Mustache
You kinda have to leave Drohan in given circumstances but man, sick to your stomach moment as a manger.
cashgod27
Error, single, single, single, single. That's the Rays way!
millvillemeltdown
what a crazy game
Benny The Jet
LOL
drplantwrench
NOT THE LAST CHAT
Sean Dolinar
We have been given a ⚾️ reprieve!
David
I love everything about this, let’s go 7!!!
BryanB
See ya tomorrow folks. Hopefully Brews will go the distance.
Crapshoot
See you all tomorrow!
Matt Martell
That was fun
GammaDraconis
gg. Good chat. We'll see you tomorrow night
Benny The Jet
Excited we get to do this at least one more time
Sean Dolinar
Median 12 innings per the poll!
kaijohn
ITS STILL BASEBALL SEASON! YES!
lzfreak
Who is pitching for TB tomorrow?
brewersbibliophile
I am
asf123
We all are!
drplantwrench
brewers in front of their home crowd (not the one in tampa) will be nice
brewersbibliophile
Couldn’t agree more
danodea
Game 5 is in Tampa though
danorris101
David Price
Rich Hill's Fastball
Great game, thanks for chatting all
brewersbibliophile
Baseball is fun
Solitaire
Didn't I read somewhere that Ben Williamson is only on the Rays because Dave Cameron texted Jeff Sullivan, "hey you guys want Ben Williamson?"
drplantwrench
whats the probability that both junior and yandy are out
Sean Dolinar
Alright everyone! We have at least one more of these tomorrow!
Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a different universe – perhaps one in which Junior Caminero fielded William Contreras’ two-out bouncer in the top of the fifth inning and fired to first base rather than second – Chandler Simpson’s stunning, self-obliterating catch in the second inning would have been the lasting memory of Game 3, and maybe the entire 2026 World Series. In service of the sublime, Simpson hurled himself into the left-field wall with such furor that he may have literally altered the stadium. And somehow, just before impact, he hauled in a baseball and, and just after impact, he kept hold of it. The catch saved a run, but not the game. It will go down as a footnote, a highlight that we’re at first delighted by and eventually accustomed to. But it deserves its own life and its own lore. I have made notes about the various small pieces of this play that can and should delight us for years to come.
Everybody Froze
For just a moment, everybody froze. The umpire and the catcher followed the ball as they always do. Sal Frelick finished his backswing and, as if caught halfway into doing the splits, held his bat out in front of him like a lightsaber while he tried to decide whether the ball would stay fair or slice foul. Freddy Peralta has never allowed a home run down the left-field line at Tropicana Field, but he clearly knows all about the short corner, which specializes in allowing 90-mph pokes like Frelick’s to leak out of the field of play. Peralta kept his head down, facing toward first base for just a split-second before curiosity got the best of him. Frelick finally decided the ball would stay fair and started running.
The Looming Wall
It’s hard to even see, but this is my favorite part of the play. This is Simpson, already at full speed by the time the broadcast cuts to the high home camera, gauging his distance to the wall. It’s his one and only chance to take his eye off the ball, to consider his own safety, to run the numbers. He has to figure out whether he can make the catch, whether he should pull up and play the ball off the wall. He does it so far from the wall, and you have to imagine that he did not like any of the answers he got. But he made the catch anyway. He didn’t slow down at all. He leapt for the ball and he crashed into the wall face first and he held onto the ball and he got it into the infield. He checked the wall, saw that the only way to catch the ball was to crash into it at full speed, and just went ahead and did it anyway.
This catch was no miracle. It was many, many flavors of wonderful, but it happened because Simpson quite simply looked at the wall and decided that he was willing to crash into it. Read the rest of this entry »
Hello everybody. Good sports day today, Serie A is going already, some League Cup to follow. AFL, of course, and apparently another baseball game of modest import tonight. Should be fun. Let's get to it.
Darren Knowles
Thanks for the chat! Thoughts on Zion Rose? Eric mentioned wanting to see Zion Rose try some CF—any idea if the Royals plan to try that out?
Brendan Gawlowski
I liked Rose and agree that it'd be interesting to see him in CF. Not sure yet if the Royals are going to explore that, it's on my list to ask when I get to their system.
ADoctolero
What's your take on Buster Posey essentially hand-waving away any potential injury to a Giants pitcher in the name of improving their stuff? They definitely need to do that as an organization, but I'm not sure it's the best idea to say out loud to the media that they're going to push guys to a breaking point and oh well if they break.
Brendan Gawlowski
Do you have a link?
Nickname (required)
What do you make of Tai Peete's AFL? Is he in the Cardinals T10 ? Is he a future T100 guy?
Brendan Gawlowski
Obviously he's crushing it in Arizona. He's a guy I'm rooting for, but I don't think a whole lot has changed about him or the profile. He's a high risk player with a lot of swing and miss risk on spin and big upside if it all clicks. Top 10 in the system, everyday projection for me as a scout… Does that translate to the Top 100? Instinct is no, but we'll see how it shakes out.
BKhipsterball
Do you miss ash bats? The sound of contact just doesn't hit the same anymore
Brendan Gawlowski
I miss the aesthetic, too. If the league ever decides to get serious about making it easier to hit the ball but harder to hit it over the fence, ash bats could have a role to play.
dshtern1
Enjoyed Eric's writeup of Dax Kilby. Who do you like more between Dax and Yostin Pena in the Yankees system and why?
Brendan Gawlowski
Dax. In part because I think Dax is perfectly fine at short.
eccentricatlfan
Pretty sure I haven’t asked it yet (and apologies if I have), but for Deyvison De Los Santos, is there much to be read into his contact rate improvement at AAA, or is this just improvements from repeating the level and that there’s not really a meaningful change in his profile at the plate?
Brendan Gawlowski
It's up a little bit, but 73% for a bat-only guy in his sophomore year of AAA isn't great. Still projects as a bench bat/Asia masher.
mbushskbum
I am so enthused to see the Brewer – Rays WS (although as a Reds fan watching the Brewers success is a bit painful). I admire both organizations for combining Analytics, Scouting, and Player Development attached to a clear organizational philosophy. I think the Cardinals are well on their way to similar success. My Reds – well….. How to you evaluate combining those three arms and organizational philosophy. Is one more important than another in your view or is organizational philosophy that is most important supported by the three arms of success?
Brendan Gawlowski
I don't really think about it in terms of one being more important than the others, you have to do all of it to be competitive, particularly if you can't spend your way out of lousy PD/scouting. The consequences for being complete dogshit analytically are enormous in a way that they don't seem to be for having the worst scouting/dev staffs, so in that sense… It's important not to be awful there. But at this point, I don't think the gap between the sixth and twenty-fourth best group analytically is all that big.
Eh, his comments seem fine. Everybody understands that this is where the game is at right now.
romananthonyglazer
I was surprised that Franklin Primera was not on the top 100 given his amazing performance so far on every level. What is there to be concerned about in Franklin's profile other than being in Single A
Brendan Gawlowski
His approach and long swing are going to be stress tested by better pitching/more velocity and he's not super projectable. I suspect he'll be a pick to click.
Nils
How do you know when a ranked prospect just has an off year vs a complete change in valuation? Thinking how Francisca went from a 45 here after the '24 season to not even a 35+ last year to now right back to 45 again.
Brendan Gawlowski
It can be tricky, and also hard to communicate what a down year means. Oftentimes when this happens, a player's ceiling doesn't change, but his odds of reaching it go down. That can shift a player down from an FV perspective.
Brendan Gawlowski
I would also say… Without placing a value judgment on it, because I think you can argue for either approach… I think Eric is more inclined to move a player's FV, and I'm more inclined to let things play out over a long period. These are tendencies rather than absolutes, but something to keep in mind as you read our lists this cycle.
romananthonyglazer
If Kristian Campbell was a prospect right now, what fv do you think he would have and what would change?
Brendan Gawlowski
40+ and glad I don't have to commit to that.
Rollie's Mustache
What would be the minor league level equivalency of AFL pitching quality? I see B-ref shows 5.85 ERA, 10K/9 and 6.5BB/9 as league averages. Is that like Cal League caliber? Or worse, Complex-type competition? Or is there no direct comparison here? Thx Brendan.
Brendan Gawlowski
It varies so much, the KBO isn't a bad comparison in that sense, from an overall talent perspective. The walk rates are very much of the complex, though.
BKhipsterball
Sell high on Gasser in dynasty after last night?
Brendan Gawlowski
If someone's willing to buy him as more than a no. 4, sure
millvillemeltdown
how controllable are diet/sleep/etc in the minor leagues? my understanding is the conditions are much worse which makes me suspect there are a lot of gains being left on the table
Brendan Gawlowski
Conditions are way better than they were 10 years ago. Some teams do a better job than others of procuring good housing/providing healthy meals, but even the worst are here are doing a lot more than was common in the early-mid 2010s.
Brendan Gawlowski
Of course, you're still dealing with teenagers and early 20 somethings and like everyone else at that age, a lot of them… will eat, drink, or sleep sub-optimally. That's just life.
jk0924
Why were you so low on Cam Cannarella and Brandon Compton? They both had a wrc+ of 149 and 156, and Cannarella is a consensus top 100 prospect on every other list in baseball. Are you guys going to change there grades for upcoming season?
Brendan Gawlowski
I think the reasons are clear from their writeups… It's fine to disagree. They both performed so well after publication that I definitely want to give them a fresh look, certainly possible that I was light, it happens. Cannarella's defense in particular is something that I agonized over at the time. The reputation didn't match the tape, but the tape is also not as good/reliable as the eye test in person. It's possible that if I saw him in the park, I would've felt differently.
WarrenJ
What's the next experimental rule in the AFL? Having the outfielders wear a ball and chain?
Brendan Gawlowski
I think the experimentation is broadly fine. I kind of liked watching outfielders need to go back on the ball. I'd tweak it so that they don't have to sit practically on the foul line, see what that looks like.
canderson20
Have any of the A's arms at the fall league caught your eye? I know Richardson has struck everyone out but I'm wondering if that's a blip or more to look forward to of him
Brendan Gawlowski
You named the one.
riibett
Hey Brendan! Eric said in his chat Briggs McKenzie looked like diet MadBum, what have your thoughts on him been?
Brendan Gawlowski
Should we just sneak peak a full blurb here?
Brendan Gawlowski
Why not
Brendan Gawlowski
McKenzie received Atlanta’s biggest bonus in the 2025 draft, signing for a cool $3 million. A year of pro instruction and weight training have worked wonders, as McKenzie has filled out considerably and added a few ticks of velocity. After operating either side of 90 mph this time last year, he now sits 92-94 while touching a little higher, and he could have more growth ahead of him.
McKenzie is an athletic and projectable lefty with a clean, if long, arm swing and a deceptive delivery. That motion helps his stuff and pitchability play up, and they’re already quite good to begin with. He can move his fastball up and to both sides of the plate, and run his long and tight sweeping breaking ball on and off the dish as well. His fading CH is inconsistent but flashed above average a few times during my look at him in the AFL.
The southpaw was only in Arizona because injuries took a big bite out of his 2026 campaign. He threw just 26 innings during the regular season, and at one point was on the 60 day IL with nerve irritation in his pitching elbow. While that sounds a little scary, he is back on the mound and looked no worse for wear in the Fall League. Projecting outward, McKenzie has mid-rotation traits. He has sufficient velocity and seems likely to develop the command. And while his arsenal is still a little lean, there’s plenty of time for him to add a second breaking ball or a two seamer. While we want to see more length and durability, and perhaps another tick on the gun, before we consider bumping him onto our Top 100 list, I anticipate he has another gear and he’ll be a Pick to Click for me this winter.
Jeremy Fox
There are orgs that are good at getting their young pitchers to add velocity, and orgs that are good at teaching their young pitchers new pitches. But are their orgs that are good at improving command?
Brendan Gawlowski
Boston was the first org that came to mind. Seattle's had some success here, too.
Darren Knowles
How does the Royals' Brooks Bryan look for Surprise? Thanks!
Brendan Gawlowski
Powerful. 35+/40 area as a thumper from the left side.
drummer66
What have you seen from Padres prospects in the Arizona Fall League? Specifically, Alex McCoy, Ty Harvey and Winyer Chourio. Francis Pena, too.
Brendan Gawlowski
McCoy and Harvey were the most interesting of the group. McCoy's power might just be an 80, that gives him a path to value even if he's pretty flawed everywhere else. Harvey's a good athlete behind the plate, like the bat speed. Suspect he'll stay in the Top 10 of that system even after a rough year in the Cal League. Says something about both him and SD's system.
millvillemeltdown
do you ever think about how traits/tools fit into a team context while scouting? eg. the arraez fit with the phillies, or like how a prospect might add defensive value to a poor defensive major league team
Brendan Gawlowski
All the time, usually more from a developmental context than immediate team need.
drplantwrench
considering his hot run, whats preventing arjun nimmala from taking the next step up the T100 rankings and/or FV rating?
Brendan Gawlowski
That he might not be a shortstop.
dashrockwell
Assuming the Red Sox get Franklin Arias in the lineup relatively near the beginning of 2027 (if there's a 2027), what's a reasonable expectation for him next year? Does his peak look something like Michael Young's good years with the Rangers? His EV numbers seem more "average to plus" than "25+ homers on the reg"
Brendan Gawlowski
Arias is a better defender. The dream here is Lindor Lite.
Phil
Re: changes to FV, how much of that difference with Eric (I understand it's a friendly disagreement) is scouting philosophy vs journalistic philosophy? Seems like player development is hard to report, because you can't just keep running articles that say, "still waiting to see how this plays out long-term." The internet wants content!
Brendan Gawlowski
I don't even know if it's a disagreement, more of an initial instinct. I don't know if there's a "right" answer to how sensitive FV should be to performance, it's so context specific.
Brendan Gawlowski
And you can find examples where both approaches were justified. Like, Hartman was sending signals right away this spring that he was a different guy than he was in '25. Moving quickly was the right answer there. Meanwhile, Ethan Salas had a rough couple years but the tools never really changed…
drplantwrench
follow up q, is it arjun's defense then? is it range/technique/arm?
Brendan Gawlowski
Range just okay, he's not that quick, footwork doesn't look great, can scatter his throws when he's not lined up well. Love the hands, growing chance it all plays better at third.
war2d2
Brendan! Piggybacking on the Posey question (I’ve not seen those quotes either): at what point do you think it becomes a question of morality about pitcher injuries? I’m speaking as a father of a 12yo who A) plays baseball, B) has 99th percentile velo for his age, and C) can’t hit a lick. As a dad I’d really prefer he was a position player, but his path forward (at least to HS /JuCo, or university if he makes it that far) is almost certainly tied to his arm. I realize teams aren’t coercing players against their will to go to Driveline and gain velo only to blow out, but at some point does a front office become (if not legally at least morally) culpable when they tell a kid “you’d be a real prospect if you just threw a little harder”?
Brendan Gawlowski
Complicated question, no easy answers, but very different context in the professional game versus teenage ball. At your son's age, the focus should be on having fun. Run screaming from anyone who wants to max out a 13 year old's stuff plus, or who wants to throw him all the time.
Brendan Gawlowski
For the professionals, it's a different equation. There are a lot of risks inherent to being a professional athlete, and for a pitcher, subjecting your arm to a greater risk of injury in the search of better stuff is part of the equation. That said, I do think teams should feel some moral obligation to lower their injury rates, and I think players should be educated about which teams tend to get their guys hurt, and which do a better job keeping them healthy.
Brendan Gawlowski
There's also a competitive angle here, too. At a certain point, you have enough injuries that you're doing something wrong. Like, Miami's injury rate is counter productive.
Matthew Rosenbaum
How has Charles Davalan looked at second in the AFL?
Misio improving his walk rate from 13.4% to 14.4% to 11.8% to 6.6% since 2023 is an XX% outcome ??
Brendan Gawlowski
97.54th
war2d2
I pulled him from travel ball and only have him in Little League (juniors) because I didn’t like the vibes I was getting. Maybe I’m costing him long term but like you said, I want him to have a great time and make a lot of happy memories.
Brendan Gawlowski
Be wary of teams that play in a lot of tournaments. They're fun, but unless the team is bringing a ton of pitching and has a responsible coach, the good ones can get run into the ground.
eccentricatlfan
One other question: quite a bit has been made about the Rays as of late and how they’ve utilized their sinkers, especially cases where pitchers are able to tunnel them effectively with their four-seamers. If this becomes part of the next big trend where teams try to develop this with their pitchers, which orgs particularly stand out as the best suited towards using this strategy?
Brendan Gawlowski
The usual suspects.
ADoctolero
I guess as optics go, I would have liked to see something like, "we're going to do everything we can to keep our guys healthy through this process," rather than, "no one is gonna get in trouble for pushing a guy so hard he breaks."
Brendan Gawlowski
Personally, I thought Posey hit his marks there. I also don't care that much about optics. What people do is more important than what they say, which is in turn more important than how the media/social media perceives what they say.
Domingo Ayala
How do ash bats make it easier to hit the ball?
Brendan Gawlowski
They don't (at least as far as I'm aware, I suspect we'll learn more about bats and bat technology in the future) but my understanding is that they don't hit the ball as hard so, in a world where it's easier to hit but you don't want the homer rate to explode, their use could theoretically help maintain balance. Speculation on speculation here.
Brian Martin
Dax Kilby follow up—what should the defense development Plan A be? Play him at SS as long as he can kinda handle it? Or switch to an easier position now to speed his path to the majors?
Brendan Gawlowski
I would just play him at SS. I thought he looked like a 50/55 type there and spoke to two scouts who felt similarly. I've also heard that at least one team has him graded that way based strictly on their defensive metrics, for what that's worth.
Brendan Gawlowski
Now, maybe he grows off of it, or maybe he'd be so good in center that you could justify moving him there based on that. But just from what I've seen, I wouldn't be in any hurry to move him.
BKhipsterball
You had Angel de los Santos as a long term pick to click. How we feeling about him now?
Brendan Gawlowski
Similarly! Better than my other two year dart throw guess.
Phil
How repeatable is the Bauersaissance, really? Even if you accept that MIL is better at post-prospect development, that doesn't mean they can Bauersify any equivalent hitter who's bouncing around the league. How do they know who they cam help? Is it initially luck–they just have to get a guy and see? Can they predict it? Or is it totally luck and I'm giving them too much credit even for Bauers himself?
Brendan Gawlowski
Can they reliably turn a 40 into a 60? Probably not. Do I think they can turn 35+/40 types into 45's more often than most other teams? Yes.
fishnchips
How did Salas look to your eyes in his callup time in September/playoffs? Any shading to his grades based on his MLB looks?
Brendan Gawlowski
He looked great. He's (obviously) much closer to actualizing the future grades than he was a year ago and the 55 future power looks low since he's 20 years old and basically already there.
Brendan Gawlowski
He's a great prospect.
Brendan Gawlowski
I saw Eric said he'd put him in the top 5 in his last chat and, yeah, that seems about right.
Big Fan
So….can you confirm that you're working on the Atlanta list?!?!
Brendan Gawlowski
I'm 98% done with it.
benae
Favorite non top 100 LHP in the milb as of today and why?
Brendan Gawlowski
Two for the price of one. Justin Lamkin's a fun watch as a pitchability guy who can kind of toy with hitters. I'm very interested in monitoring Kash Mayfield's development with Detroit.
Fangraphs Man
Eric seems to slightly revised his confidence in Bonemer's bat upwards- do you agree with this? Is there a path to him being an all star level LF even if he's a LF?
Brendan Gawlowski
He's scary, I think toward the bottom of the Top 100 is the right place to slot in the guy with a scary swing and limited defensive value… but also a lot of power and pretty good barrel feel.
benae
Any prospects that you love but you have worries that they are majorly blocked by the current big league club around their debut?
Brendan Gawlowski
No, talent pushes its way through eventually. The closest thing to this was River Ryan w/LAD.
Big Fan
You mentioned a few weeks ago that you were working on lists. Can you share what we should expect over the next month or two?
Brendan Gawlowski
99.87% done with Toronto, close to that with Atlanta, ~90% done with Boston. After that I might start on Texas… From there, no plans. I'll try to keep folks informed on a rolling basis where possible. The two things that kind of push a system up or down are the number of potential T100 guys (higher priority to do quickly) and the teams who have a lot of talent coming up from the DSL (these get pushed back on the off chance we can get a meaningful look in the spring).
Brendan Gawlowski
Eric has done that for a few years now and it makes a ton of sense.
benae
Does Seth Hernandez have major reliever risk long term or are you a believer in his ability to be a starter 5+ years from now?
Brendan Gawlowski
Every pitcher has some reliever risk, but Hernandez's is about as low as can be for a teenage flamethrower. He's really good.
Salty
non-prospect related, but what do you make of Victor Mesa's season? Just a late-bloomer or did he really benefit from change of scenery/team better at player development?
Brendan Gawlowski
Little of column A, little of column B. He looks like a good player going forward. Curious to see if he gets much ROY consideration.
benae
Do you think that Dzierwa has ace potential? If not, who in the MILB do you think currently has that no. 1 ceiling?
Brendan Gawlowski
Good pitching prospect, but ace is a little hot there. Seth Hernandez and Ryan Sloan might be the only two I'd project as aces right now.
RAH
Can David Sandlin establish himself in the CWS rotation next year?
Brendan Gawlowski
Yes.
jgcrocke
I’ve seen some notes from Arizona recently about the outfield positioning rules they’re testing, which seem to effectively boost doubles and (especially) triples. Any thoughts on types of prospects who would look better/worse to you under those rules, if adopted at MLB? Just a boost to fast corner outfielders or would it impact hitting grades as well?
Brendan Gawlowski
Speed in the outfield becomes imperative. Fourth outfielders with wheels and contact skill but not a ton of pop would get a lot more valuable.
Brendan Gawlowski
As would groundball pitchers, I suspect.
clydethedog
Charlie Condon and Josue De Paula have to get an early look in 27 correct?
Brendan Gawlowski
De Paula for all practical purposes has arrived. I don't know exactly how the Dodgers sort out the roster, and I can't guarantee that the answer is JDP is in the Opening Day lineup and stays there for 155 games, but he'll play a ton. Condon I would think is about ready to go but, as I said last week, Colorado's approach with him raises questions that require further investigation.
Phillip Denny
In retrospect, why didn't Ashby get developed as a starter? Was it health, command, a little of both?
Brendan Gawlowski
He… did? He even made 19 big league starts in '22.
Phillip Denny
If you were the Brewers and decided not to bring Bauers back, what would your confidence level be of 1B shaking out to be some combination of Vaughn/Fischer/Burke?
Brendan Gawlowski
Vaughn definitely part of the solution. Burke/Fischer have a shot to grow into a role there in 2027 but I are probably not part of the Opening Day plan. You're probably either committing to playing Vaughn there every day or looking for a Nate Lowe type to platoon.
hofstrascott20
Have you seen Ramcell Medina of the Royals at all recently. He seemed like a guy you were intrigued on a year or two ago, but his power hasn't really shown up at all in games like it was projected it might. Thanks a lot.
Brendan Gawlowski
Stock down, didn't hit much on the complex. Raw power was 30 grade.
Broken Bat
Curious about high rated prospects making it into Show in last 2-3 years but still young enough to bloom maybe this year; Based upon your evaluations, give us 2-3 position player guys you still think just need more time. Love the chats.
Brendan Gawlowski
Cam Smith might have another gear. Amador showed signs of life at the end of the year. For a deep shot, I'd like to see Max Muncy get a healthy year…
clydethedog
when it comes to fast risers who end up getting shots in the MLB (Leo Bernal this year, Michael Harris in the past), can we chalk this up to the club identifies something they like more than the public?
Brendan Gawlowski
Sometimes yeah. Sometimes its just org philosophy to push quickly. I wouldn't throw Bernal into that category though, he's moved at about a level per year.
daml91
Crazy to think the presumptive WS champions have the #1 prospect in the game knocking on the door. What is the plan with Made in 2027 if you're the Brewers? Start at AAA? What if he signs a contract extension? Does he supplant Pratt who has been leaky in the postseason at SS?
Brendan Gawlowski
What's crazy is that this has happened a few times in recent memory. Langford was ranked second and was the Opening Day starter for the defending champs, and then Roki was the top guy on the 100 prior to the 2025 season.
Brendan Gawlowski
As for the plan on Made, no need to rush, AAA would be just fine out of the gate.
scotth855
Looking back at the Cubs farm post their 2020-2023 rebuild, they had a top 5 (maybe even #1 farm system) that produced basically PCA, Busch, and nobody else. How much of that was an entire industry miss, overvaluation of a big market team's prospects, or just regular prospect hit/miss cycle?
Throughout the playoffs, the Brewers have blitzed past their opposition so quickly that their bullpen management has felt like an afterthought. The Rays, meanwhile, have subsisted on having their starters work deep while keeping their bullpen relatively fresh. Those two trends haven’t played much of a role in the World Series yet, and they might not; the Brewers are on the verge of a sweep, after all, and a 10-1 rout yesterday left the leverage arms in both ‘pens fresh. But with tonight’s Game 4 pitting Griffin Jax against a yet-to-be-announced Brewers opener, relievers are squarely on the menu, so let’s review how each ‘pen stacks up in terms of rest and familiarity.
Brewers Bullpen
MIL Pitcher/TBR Hitter Matchups, 2026 World Series
The Brewers went to the same pattern twice to open the World Series: Abner Uribe for the top of the lineup, then Aaron Ashby afterwards for a longer stint. I don’t know the exact size of the reliever familiarity effect, but it definitely isn’t zero, and with a full bullpen game, the Brewers will have to think through their matchups carefully to minimize how many looks at the same guy they’re giving the opposition. Read the rest of this entry »
Good afternoon, folks! Welcome to what will be my final chat of the 2026 baseball season, as we're somewhere from one to four games away from the World Series wrapping up.
Jay Jaffe
That escalated quickly last night, didn't it? The Brewers eight-run fifth inning turned the series from a still-competitive one to a steamrolling in the making. Given the uncertainty of the upcoming offseason, I wouldn't mind a longer series, but I don't blame Brewers fans for being over the moon right now.
Jay Jaffe
Anyway, yesterday I wrote about Rays catcher Liam Hicks and two plays from Game 2 that loomed large — and then he didn't even get into Game 3 because the Brewers started lefty Robert Gasser. https://blogs.fangraphs.com/liam-hicks-has-been-a-fine-catch…
Jay Jaffe
Before I dig in, a reminder that to submit a question, you have to be logged into your FanGraphs user account (a paid membership isn't necessary but thank you if you're among our subscribers). And a quick announcement of some upcoming dates of interest:
Jay Jaffe
The Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot for Managers, Executives and Umpires will be announced on Monday, November 2, with the results announced on Sunday, December 6. |
The dates for the BBWAA ballot are Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, January 1
Jay Jaffe
Our site is dark for election day, November 3, so in all likelihood my first look will come the day after that. And now, on with the show.
crew87
Excellent article on Liam Hicks. Do you have a sense of why he didn't play yesterday?
Jay Jaffe
Hicks really scuffled against left-handed pitching this season (.192/.274/.231, 45 wRC+) where the righty-swinging Nick Fortes was basically platoon-neutral, hitting 252/.315/.361(91 wRC+) against lefties.
brewballsandstrikes
If the Brewers break out the brooms once again tonight, where do you think their 2026 postseason run ranks among the all-time great playoff performances?
Jay Jaffe
I'm working on a piece to answer that question 😉
Alex Remington
The Rays baserunning has seemed as error-prone as the 2006 Tigers' pitcher fielding – it's not the only reason they've lost, as the offense has been disastrously thin too, but for a team that's scored 7 runs in three games, it's been pretty amazing to watch them get 3 CS AND get thrown out at home from short left field! Are there any similar baserunning collapses like this that you can remember?
Jay Jaffe
I don't have a comprehensive answer for this but just last fall, Addison Barger was doubled off second base to end Game 6 and then Isiah Kiner-Falefa got a poor jump and failed to slide into home plate in the bottom of the ninth in Game 7. Those plays loom quite large given the outcome of the series.
Jay Jaffe
I suppose it's unsporting to pile on the 1991 Braves for Ron Gant getting pulled off first base by the Twins' Kent Hrbek in Game 2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiraekmCNv4) but Lonnie Smith's subsequent failure to score from second on a Terry Pendleton double in the eighth inning of a scoreless Game 7 was a huge gaffe in what became a 1-0 Twins win in 10 innings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiraekmCNv4)
Anonymous Member #46
What will it take for Tampa Bay to win four straight and take the World Series?
Jay Jaffe
A decision by the Brewers to move back to Seattle and return to being the Pilots. Given a likely territorial dispute with the Mariners, I don't see this getting wrapped up by first pitch tonight at 8ish pm ET.
Jay Jaffe
Beyond that, I think it will take some Gashouse Gorilla-like rallies by the Rays, but I'm not holding my breath.
grandbranyan
Since Murphy took over in 2024, Brewers hitters have scored the most runs in each of the RISP and Two Out splits. Over that same time frame Brewers pitchers have the lowest wOBA and fewest runs allowed in each of the RISP and Two Outs splits. Is this as close as we might get to seeing something like a manager's influence on his team's mindset / level of determination showing up in the stats?
Jay Jaffe
I wouldn't lay it all on Murphy so much as crediting it as an organizational philosophy and manifestation involving both the pitching side and the hitting side. Coaches and front offices need to find the right players and supplement them with the right instruction and data to pull that off.
Jay Jaffe
It's still damn impressive and, assuming the Brewers do take the series at some point, it will be quite the organizational accomplishment.
triplesandtea
How is Brooklyn these days?
Jay Jaffe
Autumn in Brooklyn is lovely. Recently I joined Citi Bike so I can now bike around Prospect Park as an exercise option, and seeing the leaves change color is a nice little treat that I associate with that.
drplantwrench
both the devil rays and brewers have fantastic jerseys. when is the fangraphs article about wearing a great jersey influencing win probability coming out?
Jay Jaffe
I thought Monday's Devil Rays throwback jersey was quite silly. As the D-Rays, they never won more than 70 games, and reached that mark just once. The franchise's exorcism of the Devil coincided with their sudden rise to relevance in 2008, when they won their first pennant. Why they would want to invoke the bad old days is absolutely beyond me.
On the other hand I generally love the Brewers' uniforms, with the powder blues being my favorites
StuShea
What strategy do you see the mets adopting for 2027? Do they run this back? Thanks.
Jay Jaffe
I absolutely can't see them running back this year's squad. We'll see what happens with Bo Bichette's player option — and the CBA's tax penalties, sigh — but I suspect they'll make an effort to lean into the youth movement even if it means eating some salary.
Andrew G
With the potential bookends of WBC title and WS have other players had the year(s) that Contreras and Chourio have had?
Jay Jaffe
I believe that Alex Bregman and Luke Gregerson in 2017, via Team USA and the Astros, are the only ones to do it thus far.
kcglaser
I know in my heart that Yelich isn't going to make the HOF. Let's say he has 5 more mid seasons and somehow gets to 2500 hits and 300 HR – that still won't do it, will it? Especially if they're at DH?
Jay Jaffe
I don't see that as likely to be enough. He had big ssons of 7+ bWAr in 2018 and '19 but otherwise hasn't had a single 5.0-WAR season (4.9 in 2016) and then nothing else above 3.8.
tjcook87
Who’re you most looking forward to appearing on the ballot? Who do you wish to get a look that you’re least certain will appear? I think for the latter, I would want Bill White to come back for a second look, but I’m not optimistic there’ll be room for him to get a fair shake in voting.
Jay Jaffe
I suspect that White receiving the Buck O'Neil Award this past summer may mean he won't be on the ballot, and certainly won't be particularly well positioned if some combination of Bruce Bochy, Dusty Baker, Lou Piniella, Joe West, Dave Dombrowski, Billy Beane, and Theo Epstein are all on there (which isn't to say they will all be on there). I'll be most excited for Baker's appearance given the way the baseball world came around on him during his final years managing.
grandbranyan
If the Brewers finish things off today with an 11 W – 1 L postseason and the first ever eight game LCS/WS sweep (on top of their 103 regular season wins) did we just witness a Top Ten single season ever? Looks like other WS winners with at least 114 combined wins have been 1998 NYY (125), 2018 BOS (119), 2022 HOU (117), 1986 NYM (116), 1970 BAL (115), 1975 CIN (115), 1909 PIT (114), 1927 NYY (114), 2009 NYY (114), and 2016 CHC (114).
Jay Jaffe
Good question, one I'll try to address in the aforementioned piece.
crew87
If you're Kevin Cash, what's your pitching plan for game 4 and 5? Game 4 is a kitchen sink game, and then figure out Game 5 when it comes, but would you even consider Rasmussen for either game?
Jay Jaffe
Well, as we heard early in last night's game, the original plan was to go with Nick Martinez for Game 5. I suspect they stick with that because bringing Rasmussen back on three days of rest, after throwing 89 pitches in Game 2, isn't likely to boost their odds, paritcularly when going up against Misiorowski.
tjcook87
In a hypothetical Game Six/Game Seven scenario, what former Brewers would most hype up the crowd for a first pitch? How loud a response would CC Sabathia generate, for example?
Jay Jaffe
Well, they went with their Hall of Famers Robin Yount and Bud Selig before Game 1, and Paul Molitor before Game 2. If you're thinking in terms of franchise icons, the next in line is probably Ryan Braun. In terms of other recent icons, Prince Fielder certainly spent a lot longer in Milwaukee than Sabathia, who's really much more associated with the Yankees now that he's got the Hall of Fame plaque, the Yankee Stadium plaque, and the retired jersey number. Stars from the 1982 team would include Cecil Cooper and Gorman Thomas. I don't have a great feel for who would generate the loudest response but I think fans would be happy to see any or all of them, though I strongly suspect this series won't get back to Milwaukee.
Eshan Mehere
brian cashman has to be in the HOF conversation no? I mean 29 consecutive winning seasons is ridiculous. also is there any chance milwaukee sells high on garrett mitchell
Jay Jaffe
For sure, eventually. Cashman is too young to be placed on the ballot while still active. A manager has to be 65 or older and 6 months into retirement to be eligible, while an exec has to be 70 or older (can still be active).
drplantwrench
Do you think the crowd being mostly/substantially brewers fans points to the unhealthy state of baseball fandom in tampa bay?
Jay Jaffe
not particularly. The more lopsided a series, the less likely fans of that team are to shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars per ticket. I'd say this is more a commentary on the enthusiasm of Brewers fans willing to travel and to pay big bucks.
tjcook87
Ew Joe West
Jay Jaffe
Indeed.
ResumeMan
Someone in Ben's chat yesterday said they hope the "45 degree rule" on checked swings that's being tested in the minors doesn't get adopted in MLB because "it will advantage the hitters." But the hitters *need* advantages, they're totally outclassed right now. If this rule can shave off a few K's and also give them a split-second more time to commit, all to the good. If that results in too many dingers, maybe then you can soften the ball.
Jay Jaffe
While I haven't done any research on the leagues that have experiemented with it, a 45-degree rule sounds quite reasonable AND I think could slightly nudge offense upward while lowering strikeout rates without forcing pitchers to do something like throwing from a longer distance (which I think will lead to them throwing harder to chase velocity nonetheless)
grandadmiralbraun
With Joey Ortiz basically becoming that "well-rounded offensive player with great defense" that the FG prospect write-up foretold and three years of team control, does he become a possible trade-candidate for the Brewers to replenish parts elsewhere (similar to the Durbin deal with Boston)? The Brewers have Pratt locked up thru 2033 and Jesus Made seemingly ready….
Jay Jaffe
At some point, he's probably trade fodder, but I don't know that a move will be imminent. Made had an excellent season in Double-A at age 19 but I'm not sure that the Brewers need to bulldoze their roster to find a spot in the infield for him on Opening Day 2027. Having a veteran like Ortiz could be quite helpful when it's time to break him in.
war2d2
Jay! I don’t really have a question, just a feeling of existential dread about my, like, third-most-hated team winning the WS heading into what will probably be a long, cold winter. Baseball has been a welcome crutch for me in what has been one of the more difficult years of my adult life, and I’m both sad to see it go and sad to see the season end this way. Any recommendations for staving off the darkness in the winter months?
war2d2
I realize now that sounded a lot more ominous than I intended; I’m not in any peril, and fall/winter are usually the seasons I’m most comfortable in. Just feeling bereft is all.
Jay Jaffe
There are a million books, TV shows, and movies out there that you probably haven't gotten to yet that can fill the void. Just to throw some TV series out there, lately my wife and i have been streaming Slow Horses, The Night Manager, The Gentlemen, The Lowdown, The Diplomat, Shoresy, Rivals, Shrinking, and Great British Bakeing Show. We loved Widow's Bay, and and I just found an SCTV archive on Netflix
Fun-Hating Dork
The secondary market in Milwaukee during Games 1 and 2 was apparently so nutso that it was legit cheaper to fly to Tampa, get a hotel and go to Game 3.
Jay Jaffe
That's wild!
Alex Remington
Why wasn't Simpson subjected to the concussion protocol after ramming full speed into the wall?
Jay Jaffe
That's a good question. I imagine since he didn't appear impeded after making the play, the Rays didn't send their training staff out to check on him. I don't know for sure but I suspect somebody at least checked on him in the dugout or clubhouse after he came in. He sounded fine during his brief in-game interview with Ken Rosenthal.
Given the possibility of lingering effects, I do imagine (and hope) that the Rays staff is keeping an eye on him.
Alex Remington
"it's unsporting to pile on the 1991 Braves for Ron Gant getting pulled off first base by the Twins' Kent Hrbek in Game 2" – It is indeed, as that was unsportsmanlike conduct for which Hrbek should have been either warned or ejected! Alex Rodriguez was criticized far more for slapping Bronson Arroyo's glove. Hrbek pulling Gant off the bag was, *at best*, a bush league play; to my eyes, insofar as he was trying *successfully* to get one over on the umps, it was outright cheating, no more licit than the hidden ball trick and quite a bit less charming.
Jay Jaffe
File this under World Series Plays That Would Have Been Affected by a Replay Challenge.
Bud Smith
Kyle Harrison is quite close to spending the entire postseason on the active roster, yet never appearing in a game. Can you recall any other cases of that happening?
Jay Jaffe
I can't think of any offhand. Crowd, got any nominees?
daml91
Who you got for WS MVP right now? Seems very close to me between Chourio and Contreras.
Jay Jaffe
Yeah it's down to those two, I think. Chourio is 8-for-14 with a double, 2 RBI, 3 steals, and one big assist (the Hicks play), Contreras is 7-for-13 with 3 RBI, 3 caught stealing (in 7 attempts) and god knows how many successful challenges behind the plate. Either would be a reasonable choice but I can see Contreras getting it on the basis of handling the pitching staff.
Jay Jaffe
OK, i just created a poll on that MVP question which published at the top of the chat, please vote if. you're still around.
JustinPBG
Chris Turner (backup C) played zero innings for the 2000 Yankees. So it's probably backup catchers
Jay Jaffe
Regarding the rostered players who didn't play in the postseason. Backup catcher makes sense.
Grandpaboy
Two O/U questions. (1) Skubal signing date: 11/15 (2) Total deal $400m. What say you?
Jay Jaffe
I've got the Skubal capsule for our upcoming Top 50 Free Agents list, but I've only given these questions brief thought. My hunch is that his lack of a robust 32-start platform season and the impending lockout both keep him shy of $400 million, and if he signs before the lockout it will be in the final week. Like November 30ish
rbetzel
There had been whispers of Stephen Vogt interviewing in SEA (since then, they've been shot down). But it would seemingly require that he be traded to SEA. This got me thinking… what kind of return could a club expect for a manager? Cash? How do you unambiguously quantify a manager's contribution to a team?
Jay Jaffe
Well, we've seen a few trades of managers in the 21st century. The Rays acquired Piniella and infielder Antonio Pérez rom the Mariners in exchange for outfielder Randy Winn — a 3-4 win player at his peak _ in October 2002. The White Sox acquired a couple of scrubs for Ozzie Guillen in September 2011, and the Blue Jays acquired Mike Aviles for David Carpenter and manager John Farrell in October 2012. The Winn return was widely viewed as an overpay, so I'd say that future returns aren't going to be guys who leave very big impacts even if it's a very good manager like Vogt.
michaelgarman
Not exactly what the question is asking but Charlie Silvera won six World Series rings with the Yankees ('49-'53 and '56) and only appeared in a single game (1949 G2). Backup catchers again
Jay Jaffe
notable, though those World Series didn't include additional rounds of playoffs.
Jeremy Fox
The '82 Brewers were Harvey's Wallbangers. What should the nickname of this Brewers team be? Pat's Bats seems too, uh, pat.
Jay Jaffe
Nothing alliterative or rhyming with Pat or Murph(y) comes to mind for me. Whatever it is, the bar is very high to beat Harvey's Wallbangers
souldougie
Do you have any personal baseball "Mandela Effects"? For me, I could've sworn Harvey Kuenn was a hall-of-famer (not that I think he deserves it necessarily), to the point where I thought I remembered seeing a plaque for him in my book about the HOF I had as a kid.
Jay Jaffe
Once in awhile I get confused about which popular 19th century players are in and which aren't, guys like Jack Glasscock, Bill Dahlen, and Tony Mullane, but I always figure it out before I have to go look it up. I know from recent experience that I tend to lump Roger Clemens and Pete Rose in with their Hall of Fame teammates whe I'm reeling off a list, then of course I have to go back and re-engineer those sentences.
Jay Jaffe
Ok folks, that's it from me this week. No chat for me next week as we'll be dark for election day. Please go vote! And enjoy the rest of the World Series, if you can.
Jay Jaffe
Looks like Contreras is winning World Series MVP poll by a 2-to-1 margin. Not sure if I have to close it separately or not. If not, I'll keep it open for those who come across the transcript
Thanks for stopping by!
Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2026-27 free agent market.
In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor league contract, or won’t receive a contract at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Statistics are prorated to full season values where noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2027 Steamer600 projections.
Below are ballots for 11 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of relievers. Read the rest of this entry »
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