2017 Opening Day Live Blog Extravaganza
| 1:02 |
: Happy Opening Day everyone!
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| 1:02 |
: Hi everybody!
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| 1:03 |
: Baseball.
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| 1:03 |
: GO RANGERS!!
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| 1:03 |
: LGM
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| 1:03 |
: I’m here for the extravaganza. Am I in the right place?
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| 1:03 |
: Indeed you are.
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| 1:03 |
: Swydan and I are hanging out for the early games.
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| 1:04 |
: Then Eno and Travis will tag in for us for the 4 pm (eastern) starts.
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| 1:04 |
: Craig and Sporer will follow them for the 7 pm games.
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| 1:04 |
: And then Longenhagen gets the late shift.
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| 1:04 |
: Carson will appear randomly, to keep things off balance.
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| 1:05 |
: If you’ve never been part of one of the these live blogs before, they’re a lot of fun.
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| 1:05 |
: They aren’t traditional chats, so this won’t be as Q&A focused as the regular daily chats, but we will take some questions when there’s downtime.
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| 1:05 |
: And mostly, we’ll just all watch some baseball together.
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| 1:05 |
: Welcome back, baseball!
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| 1:05 |
: Baseball. Wooooooo
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| 1:06 |
: Go Sports Team!
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| 1:06 |
: Stras dialis it up early.
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| 1:06 |
: The upside of being let go from my job is now I can watch opening day!
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| 1:06 |
: Merry Baseball Day everyone!
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| 1:06 |
: Royals
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| 1:06 |
: Lets go Red Sox!! LOVE their opening day lineup!
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| 1:06 |
: CitiField with the standing ovation for Bartolo Colon. Nice to see.
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| 1:06 |
:
Which 1-3 pm game are you most excited about?
MIA (Volquez) vs. WAS (Strasburg) (8.3% | 41 votes)
ATL (Teheran) vs. NYM (Syndergaard) (23.5% | 116 votes)
PIT (Cole) vs. BOS (Porcello) (27.8% | 137 votes)
COL (Gray) vs. MIL (Guerra) (6.9% | 34 votes)
TOR (Estrada) vs. BAL (Gausman) (13.2% | 65 votes)
AHHHHHH I CAN’T DECIDE BASEBALLLLLLL!!!! (20.1% | 99 votes)
Total Votes: 492
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| 1:06 |
: Stras going with the stretch on every pitch. Interesting.
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| 1:08 |
: I’m just here to overreact about Carlos Martinez
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| 1:08 |
: GO JAYS!????????
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| 1:08 |
: How did Jeff manage to get out of this one?
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| 1:08 |
: This might be a betrayal of my Red Sox fandom, but I think I’m most excited to see Jon Gray pitch today.
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| 1:08 |
: He writes a lot.
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| 1:09 |
: Jeff writes so much. I don’t know how he does it. Oh wait, Jeff doesn’t have kids.
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| 1:09 |
: Or pets.
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| 1:10 |
: So Matheny out managed Maddon last night.
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| 1:10 |
: Why is Stras copying me (pitching out of the stretch only)? How common is this across the league?
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| 1:10 |
: With all the emphasis on pitchers being able to repeat their motion, doesn’t it seem strange there are so few starters who do not pitch exclusively from the stretch?
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| 1:10 |
: I think it’s pretty common for relievers.
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| 1:10 |
: A lot less common for starters.
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| 1:11 |
: I remember Ubaldo Jimenez walked like 5 people in the first four innings of his no hitter, and then Bob Apodaca made him pitch from the stretch for the rest of the game.
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| 1:11 |
: So when/how will we find out if the Arizona speed readings were fast or accurate?
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| 1:11 |
: Shouldn’t take long. Velo is pretty easy to compare quickly.
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| 1:12 |
: Bartolo getting the biggest ovation of the day was just awesome.
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| 1:12 |
: Pretty good first inning for Strasburg. Now to watch Syndergaard!
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| 1:13 |
: Pretty bad AB for my NL MVP pick Yelich. Now his season will be a complete failure!
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| 1:13 |
: Choosing Mets feed over Braves feed might be the easiest decision of all-time.
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| 1:13 |
: I know it’s called the disabled list, but Joe Simpson just called David Wright disabled instead of injured, and I laughed.
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| 1:13 |
: Haha
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| 1:14 |
: Ama Frazier as leadoff for the Bucs- a sign of things to come, or just a abnormal DH lineup?
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| 1:14 |
: Stephen Nesbitt wrote that it was a DH thing, becuase Polanco’s shoulder has been bothering him.
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| 1:14 |
: never eating brussels sprouts is the easiest decision of all time
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| 1:14 |
: Roast them. They’re amazing.
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| 1:14 |
: Syndergaard only sitting 98. Sound the alarm. Maybe he’s hurt.
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| 1:14 |
: Brussel sprouts are tolerable if you roast them in the oven, and put bacon bits on them and drizzle some maple syrup over them.
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| 1:15 |
: 93 mph slider. He’s okay.
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| 1:15 |
: Baseball is back!!!
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| 1:15 |
: Dansby Swanson looks like Mike Morse.
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| 1:15 |
: In the face
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| 1:15 |
: IMO, Frazier should lead off and play 2B nearly full-time, even w/o the DH. Clearly Hurdle will disagree and the Pirates will get Hurdle’d
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| 1:15 |
: Their bodies are kind of different.
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| 1:16 |
: TBF, Hurdle had other options and he chose Frazier.
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| 1:16 |
: brussell sprouts cooked in a grill pan on very low heat with butter, salt and truffle oil. sex.
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| 1:16 |
: Trying to watch MLB.tv on iPhone. Stream starts fine and then stops after ~30 seconds, never to start again. This happened last year too – anyone else have this issue?
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| 1:16 |
: I’ve never tried to watch on my phone, sorry.
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| 1:16 |
: 7 pitches, 3 outs. Thor good.
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| 1:17 |
: Wow your feed is way ahead of mine!
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| 1:17 |
: 2 pitches ahead at least
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| 1:17 |
: Sorry!
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| 1:17 |
: All good. I think that is just what happens when you watch the MLB.tv app on a TV instead of a laptop.
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| 1:17 |
: I’m watching the MLB.tv app on a TV.
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| 1:18 |
: Well then your feed is better than mine. 🙂
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| 1:18 |
: But I do have my TV wired to my router instead of running it over Wifi.
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| 1:18 |
: Highly recommend. Never lags.
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| 1:18 |
: Oh, well that’s a difference for sure.
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| 1:18 |
: Dave – using chromecast or a game console?
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| 1:18 |
: I can’t get it to AirPlay from my iPad to the TV either 🙁
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| 1:18 |
: LG’s built-in MLB app. The LG software is actually really good.
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| 1:19 |
: I need a job with a door that I can close. Those must be the best
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| 1:19 |
: Turner-Eaton-Harper-Murphy is a pretty filthy top 4 to start your lineup
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| 1:19 |
: A Turner/Eaton/Harper top of the lineup is so scrappy!
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| 1:19 |
: Definitely want to walk a guy to get to Harper.
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| 1:20 |
: I had an office with a door my last few years at the Rockies. Even better, one whole wall was a giant window, and it was the office at the end of the hall, so no one bothered me. I wish I could have had that office for the rest of my life.
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| 1:20 |
: Volquez is wild. Stop the presses!
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| 1:21 |
: Be men, and give us your obviously incorrect, blatantly biased and obnoxious hipster World Series predictions.
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| 1:21 |
: On Twitter, I said Cleveland over Dodgers, so I’ll say that again.
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| 1:21 |
: Dodgers over Astros.
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| 1:21 |
: Terrible weather in my town today coupled with the thought of missing opening day at work/being Monday was a bummer to wake up to. Suddenly my boss (not a baseball fan) announces he’s leaving at 12:30pm and I’m watching / chatting. Thank you Opening Day gods!
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| 1:22 |
: Paul – cardboard is tolerable roasted in the over, coated with bacon bits, and drizzled with maple syrup.
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| 1:22 |
: Yes, fair.
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| 1:23 |
: Volquez continues to dominate Bryce Harper. Uncanny!
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| 1:23 |
: I feel like I need to hear some poetic language about opening day from Bob Costas right now.
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| 1:23 |
: Go read Jason Linden’s Opening Day piece at THT!
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| 1:24 |
: in a chat the other day, someone said cheeto sandwiches are delicious. What does that look like? Just bread and Cheetos? Is there more to a cheeto sandwich than that?
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| 1:24 |
: $100 says that was Eno.
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| 1:24 |
: Depends on if it’s a hipster Cheetos sandwich. If so, add some srichacha to it.
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| 1:24 |
: Someone at Baseball Prospectus picked the Rockies not just to win the West, but the whole World Series. How would they do that?
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| 1:25 |
: Gray, Anderson and Freeland becoming the new Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz?
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| 1:25 |
: Even that might not be enough.
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| 1:25 |
: Predictions are a fairly silly exercise so they probably weren’t taking it seriously.
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| 1:25 |
: Daniel Murphy K.
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| 1:25 |
: Is this the least productive work-day of the year? Either this or the Monday after the super bowl right?
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| 1:25 |
: That’s a pretty unusual event.
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| 1:26 |
: The first Thurs and Fri of March Madness are on the list as well.
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| 1:26 |
: That was a pretty nasty pitch from Volquez.
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| 1:26 |
: He’s the classic example of why you can’t just evaluate a pitcher on stuff.
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| 1:26 |
: His stuff is really good.
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| 1:26 |
: He’s not.
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| 1:27 |
: The difference in skill between the Nats’ top 4 hitters and bottom 4 hitters is really stark. (Though Rendon is out to be fair)
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| 1:27 |
: They’re about as stars and scrubs as a good team gets.
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| 1:28 |
: Peri peri sauce is the best
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| 1:28 |
: That’s the sauce at that chicken place we ate at in DC, right? I enjoyed that sauce.
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| 1:28 |
: Volquez Ks the side.
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| 1:29 |
: Teheran just fooled Yoenis. Why Teheran doesn’t get the love that Quintana gets? I see both profiles as rather similar.
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| 1:29 |
: Quintana is a lot better.
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| 1:29 |
: I read Jason Linden’s piece . Beyond great!
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| 1:29 |
: I saw your comment. Glad you get to share the Masters and Opening Day with your son. Very cool.
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| 1:30 |
: I don’t draft Mariners or Padres because their broadcasters (TV and radio) are unlistenable. Do you have ones you avoid?
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| 1:30 |
: I just mute guys like Hawk.
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| 1:31 |
: You don’t like Don Orsillo?
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| 1:31 |
: That was for Rudy
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| 1:31 |
: Speaking of March Madness, Ive never understood why they have the championship game on Opening Day every year. I can’t imagine Sunday or Tuesday would be that much worse ratings-wise than Monday…
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| 1:31 |
: Well Sunday is the Women’s Final.
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| 1:32 |
: But yes, I agree with you.
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| 1:32 |
: Hawk for sure, and I really don’t like the Rockies TV guys.
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| 1:32 |
: Rockies broadcast crew is really underrated IMHO – really enjoy their broadcasts…
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| 1:32 |
: Paul vs Casey in a steel cage match.
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| 1:32 |
: Ugh, I can’t stand the Rockies guys.
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| 1:32 |
: I have met very few people in my life who are more full of themselves than Drew Goodman.
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| 1:32 |
: Paul(s) vs Casey in a handicap steel cage match!
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| 1:33 |
: One time I was doing a survey on people’s favorite baseball books. Jeff Huson told me had literally never read a baseball book.
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| 1:33 |
: But yeah, they’re awesome.
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| 1:33 |
: Thor’s 93 mph sliders are just unfair.
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| 1:33 |
: Best pitcher/batter match up we’ll see today?
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| 1:34 |
: Syndergaard/Freeman? Cole/Mookie?
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| 1:34 |
: Estrada/Machado?
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| 1:34 |
: Stanton v. Strasburg?
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| 1:34 |
: We just had Strasburg/Stanton in the top of the second
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| 1:34 |
: Kluber Darvish!
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| 1:35 |
: Darvish/EEE
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| 1:35 |
: Nevermind, misread
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| 1:35 |
: Ha, and I misread your answer. We both lose.
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| 1:36 |
: Thor/Freeman is the right answer, I think.
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| 1:36 |
: Quintana/Miggy not bad either.
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| 1:36 |
: Speaking of examples, Nick Markakis is a great example of a player that people in the game insist is very good even though we know he really isn’t.
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| 1:37 |
: Thor v Markakis!
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| 1:37 |
: 100 mph with movement.
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| 1:37 |
: Sick.
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| 1:37 |
: If Madbum starts to decline as a pitcher do the Giants convert him to a position player?
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| 1:37 |
: He can’t be any worse in LF than Jarrett Parker, right?
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| 1:38 |
: Did you hear what Flemming said yesterday on the broadcast about how they are now tracking pitch velocity out of the hand (as opposed to closer to home plate last year), so everyone’s velocity will be up a bit? Is this true?
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| 1:39 |
: I don’t know if it is or isn’t, sorry.
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| 1:39 |
: Best bet would be to ask Mike Petriello on Twitter.
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| 1:39 |
: He should know.
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| 1:40 |
: How do the Mets get Conforto into the lineup without making a trade?
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| 1:40 |
: Wait for Duda to get hurt.
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| 1:40 |
: Should take a week.
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| 1:40 |
: I love this new MLB commercial break screen. So much better than the old black screen.
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| 1:41 |
: If / when Duda gets hurt any chance Conforto can play first?
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| 1:41 |
: Bruce to 1B, Conforto to RF.
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| 1:41 |
: Do the statcast exit velo leaderboards include foul balls? I don’t think they do but it wouldn’t be all that weird or useless if they did.
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| 1:41 |
: They do not.
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| 1:42 |
: Do y’all miss Big Papi? Who takes over his role? Anybody?
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| 1:42 |
: There’s this new left fielder with long hair…
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| 1:43 |
: Mlb.tv showing 50 cents terrible first pitch during commercial breaks is awesome. They should make this a regualr thing.
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| 1:43 |
: I have a job with a TV in my office and MLB extra innings. I am unproductive today. Don’t tell my boss.
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| 1:43 |
: Their fault for tempting you.
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| 1:44 |
: Totally on them. Also, is your company hiring?
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| 1:44 |
: Will Bradley Jr be a low-in-the-order bat all year, or could you envision him eventually getting bumped to the top third?
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| 1:45 |
: 5-6 is probably the best he does. A) They have plenty of good hitters. B) Farrell doesn’t much care for Bradley.
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| 1:45 |
: Bradley didn’t take off as a major leaguer until Lovullo was the interim manager at the end of 2015.
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| 1:46 |
: Markakis isnt very good? He’s a league average player at worst. Maybe you should watch more baseball. Or maybe look at his statistics. And I hate the Braves.
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| 1:46 |
: Markakis has been worth >2 WAR in one of the last six seasons.
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| 1:46 |
: Yeah. He was very good in 2008. 2008 was a long time ago.
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| 1:47 |
: Heyward didn’t look like he improved much of anything in his ABs last night, still looks uncomfortable in the batters box
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| 1:47 |
: Who did look comfortable against Carlos Martinez?
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| 1:48 |
: How much rope does Glasnow get as the 5th starter?
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| 1:48 |
: Probably depends a bit on their bullpen too. If Watson flops at closer, might be some pressure to move him to RP if he’s struggling.
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| 1:48 |
: Where are the NERD scores? How am I supposed to know what games to watch?!
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| 1:49 |
: Carson usually doesn’t debut the NERD scores until the end of April, if memory serves.
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| 1:49 |
: Hudson and Rivero cant fill the closer role?
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| 1:49 |
: Hudson is a replacement level reliever and managers don’t like using LHPs as closers if they don’t have to.
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| 1:50 |
: Volquez with a line drive single. The pitcher hitting revolution is happening!
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| 1:50 |
: Quintana looking PRETTY GOOD in the Yanks eyes after that Tanaka meltdown yesterday
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| 1:51 |
: Come on, be better than that. One game is one game. I remember Pedro gave up like 400 runs on Opening Day in 2002. He somehow went back to being awesome in his next start.
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| 1:51 |
: I was born outside of the US. After a life of watching the game objectively and only rooting for players that hail from my homeland, I decided to root for a team (mainly because I wanted to pass on my daughter a “fandom”). I chose the team whose affiliate is within a 10 mile range of the place I call home now. Am I doing “fandom” wrong?
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| 1:51 |
: There’s no way to do fandom wrong.
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| 1:51 |
: Root for who you want to.
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| 1:51 |
: And if people don’t like it, who cares?
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| 1:51 |
: Agreed.
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| 1:52 |
: Mark Melancon was the closer I was most worried about going into the season. Remember Jim Johnson a few years back when he went from Baltimore to Oakland? That’s what’s going to happen to Melancon.
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| 1:52 |
: Bold prediction.
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| 1:53 |
: bird or hosmer
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| 1:53 |
: Bird.
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| 1:53 |
: Dave, is this the first time you’ve experienced Opening Day on the West Coast? If so, how are you liking that morning baseball?
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| 1:53 |
: I grew up in Seattle.
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| 1:54 |
: and gary sanchez looks like hell be worse than jt realmuto
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| 1:54 |
: It’s JT Realmuto’s world. We’re just living in it.
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| 1:55 |
: Hosme has a much higher floor than Bird though doesn’t he?
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| 1:55 |
: He’s been a replacement level player in like three of his six years in the big leagues.
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| 1:56 |
: PSA: Noah Syndergaard has an 80 change up now. That is all, good luck everyone.
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| 1:56 |
: Talked to Mike Petriello on the velocity question. He said Statcast measuring is the same this year as it was last year, and that the best way to think about it is that it measures velocity at whichever point in the pitch’s path that it moves at its fastest. And that usually said point when it is moving its fastest is right out of the hand.
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| 1:57 |
: Did you see SI’s baseball issue? They called Hosmer “MVP caliber”
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| 1:57 |
: So that might be what Flemming was referencing. Perhaps he was referencing Statcast vs. PITCHf/x. I’m not sure, since I didn’t hear the comment.
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| 1:57 |
: Hosmer is the easiest guy in baseball for old school writers/scouts to overrate.
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| 1:57 |
: He’s the next Markakis!
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| 1:57 |
: He has gaudy numbers that don’t matter and is bad at the things that have historically been undervalued.
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| 1:57 |
: How quickly do you lose your fandom after becoming a writer covering baseball for a national audience?
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| 1:58 |
: I haven’t lost my fandom. I still go to Fenway and sit in the bleachers 7-8 times a year, even though I can go in for free with my BBWAA card.
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| 1:59 |
: Hosmer isn’t even traditionally good though. He doesn’t hit for power or high average. I seriously don’t understand this perception issue with him
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| 1:59 |
: RBIs, World Series title.
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| 2:00 |
: His performance in the WBC certainly didn’t hurt either.
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| 2:00 |
: Nor did Leyland playing him over Goldschmidt, which I still don’t understand, unless La Russa had asked his good friend Leyland not to play Goldschmidt…
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| 2:01 |
: Isn’t part of the Hosmer thing that people think he’s a good defender even if the metrics disagree? And defensive metrics are comparatively inaccurate for first basemen? At most that’s worth like half a win, though, right?
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| 2:01 |
: That’s part of it, but even if Hosmer was a plus defensive 1B, he’s just objectively not a very good hitter.
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| 2:01 |
: If he was a terrific defensive 1B, okay, he’s Wil Myers without steals. Whee!
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| 2:02 |
: I don’t see anyone grossly overreacting to 3 innings worth of baseball, what gives?
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| 2:02 |
: We did that before you got here.
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| 2:02 |
: For a QB Tom Brady is not very good at throwing a baseball!
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| 2:03 |
: Are defensive metrics actually worse for first basemen? Do they have trouble assigning credit for being a good target and good at picking?
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| 2:03 |
: On the plus side, watching Brady have to bend down to the waist to hug Pedroia was pretty amusing.
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| 2:03 |
: Scoops are included in UZR/DRS, and don’t matter nearly as much as people think.
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| 2:03 |
: Paul, being a Red Sox are you as all in on Benintendi as me? I believe he will become the face of this team over the next few years.
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| 2:03 |
: Positioning is probably a bigger deal at 1B than at other IF positions, so “worse” depends on if you’re trying to measure value or talent.
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| 2:04 |
: I’m trying to stay calm about it. Also, he’ll never be as big in my household as Xander Bogaerts, who is my son’s favorite player.
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| 2:04 |
: Are managers more inclined to limit pitch counts early in the season, or is the general consensus that their starters have been stretched out from spring training?
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| 2:05 |
: That’s a good question. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed one way or the other, but I would think the idea is that the starters are ready.
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| 2:05 |
: I’m about to become The Token Guy In The Chat Watching Brewers-Rockies.
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| 2:05 |
: How much do scoops matter? What is the reasoning behind them not being significant?
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| 2:05 |
: I’ll be checking in on it.
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| 2:06 |
: There’s very little spread in talent in scoops. Most everyone is about the same at it.
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| 2:06 |
: Also, they happen a lot less often than you probably think they do.
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| 2:07 |
: Did you enjoy opening day more as a kid than you do as an adult working in the industry?
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| 2:07 |
: Pirates/Sox and Rockies/Brewers join the fray.
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| 2:07 |
: Probably sticking with Stras/Thor for now though.
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| 2:07 |
: Giancarlo Stanton hit a ball hard.
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| 2:07 |
: /breaking
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| 2:08 |
: No definitely not. I never got to attend Opening Day until I worked for the Rockies. Opening Day at Coors Field is one of the best experiences on planet Earth.
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| 2:08 |
: i applied to that boras corp. entry level position posted on instagraphs (thanks for sharing!) are there any other entry level positions for a recent graduate to look into as a way to break into the baseball industry? The only issue is that I am a Communications major…
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| 2:08 |
: Stanton hit it 111. Not quite Bumgarner-esque.
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| 2:09 |
: The majority of jobs open in the offseason, so unfortunately not.
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| 2:09 |
: Hey first run of the day goes to the Fishes!
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| 2:09 |
: where are you guys getting exit velo? can’t pull up mlb.tv in the office but neither gameday app or desktop is showing them
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| 2:09 |
: It’s in the feed section of the gameday app.
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| 2:09 |
: Or, here. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/gamefeed
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| 2:10 |
: Is there very little talent spread in scoops because it isn’t very difficult, or because every big league first basemen is awesome at it? I remember in little league first base being a key defensive position, but by the time you get to pro ball it’s where you hide bad defenders.
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| 2:10 |
: The latter, I would think.
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| 2:10 |
: 1-2-3 for Porcello
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| 2:10 |
: As an adult you understand the scope of opening day. Kids can love a baseball game in August when the team is 10 games under
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| 2:10 |
: Stras contines to not manage contact very well.
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| 2:10 |
: Hanging curve.
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| 2:11 |
: Yes. Also, pretty sure my son’s favorite game to attend was when he got to run the bases after the game. He (and me) probably couldn’t tell you who won that day.
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| 2:11 |
: Marlins announcer lauding two out RBIs as what win baseball games, because apparently two out RBIs are more valuable than one out RBIs.
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| 2:11 |
: You have 10 seconds to select your walk-up music. Go.
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| 2:11 |
: “Down With the King” by Run DMC
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| 2:11 |
: Strasburg is the Hosmer of pitchers. His perception does not match reality
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| 2:11 |
: Uh, no. Stras is legitimately good.
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| 2:12 |
: How the hell did Bruce let that ball get past him?
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| 2:12 |
: That was Brad Hawpe-esque.
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| 2:12 |
: Freeman triple
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| 2:13 |
: Dan Duquette is currently praising Joey Rickard’s on base and defense skills on the Orioles pregame. Earlier on a radio show he defended pitcher wins. Not exactly inspiring confidence.
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| 2:13 |
: Jay Bruce plays right field like a giraffe.
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| 2:13 |
: Dan Duquette’s job is to talk up his players, not be objective about them.
|
| 2:14 |
: Is anyone else worried about the Yankees Red Sox rivalry? I’m a Yankees fan and I absolutely love Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts, can someone please help me?
|
| 2:14 |
: I approve of the Pirates TV angle.
|
| 2:14 |
: And i happily drafted Sanchez and Bird this year. End of days!
|
| 2:14 |
: This Thor change-up really is great.
|
| 2:14 |
: So he now has three plus pitches.
|
| 2:14 |
: Matt Kemp: overmatched.
|
| 2:15 |
: Hope he doesn’t get hurt like every other Mets pitcher!
|
| 2:15 |
: Really want to see a big day for CUTCH.
|
| 2:15 |
: Lazy fly ball to center his first time up, but yes, I agree.
|
| 2:15 |
: Cole blew it by Benintendi, who seemed to be looking breaking ball.
|
| 2:16 |
: It’s crazy because Thor’s fourth best pitch is his curve ball, a pitch that was easily his best off speed pitch like a year and a half ago.
|
| 2:17 |
: 98 mph two-seamer with run.
|
| 2:17 |
: I don’t know how you hit this.
|
| 2:17 |
: 94 slider?
|
| 2:18 |
: His slider is faster than the average fastball.
|
| 2:18 |
: Kershaw is still the best, but Syndergaard is the most fun pitcher to watch.
|
| 2:18 |
: His stuff is just unfair.
|
| 2:19 |
: Uneventful 1st in Fenway. Porcello and Cole both looked good
|
| 2:19 |
: would people feel differently about these Mets pitchers, and Syndergaard in particular, if the Warthen slider were conventionally referred to as a cutter? because it’s not just a standard slider, I don’t believe
|
| 2:19 |
: I don’t think what you call it matters. 94 mph moving thing is ridiculous.
|
| 2:20 |
: Leon gunned down Polanco.
|
| 2:20 |
: Helped that Porcello threw a fastball right down the middle, but still.
|
| 2:20 |
: In case anyone doesn’t know, if you’re a TMobile customer you can get a free subscription by downloading the TMobile Tuesdays app and Checking it tomorrow
|
| 2:20 |
: Eric Thames AB.
|
| 2:21 |
: Unusually excited for this.
|
| 2:21 |
: Bigger issue for fans: Pace of play or the avg $ to take a fam of 4 to a game?
|
| 2:21 |
: Judging by the fact that MLB’s revenue keeps going up and up, probably pace of play.
|
| 2:22 |
: Why isn’t Jon Gray talked about more?
|
| 2:22 |
: Coors Field.
|
| 2:22 |
: Pretty nasty fastball there.
|
| 2:22 |
: 98 at the knees
|
| 2:22 |
: Jon Gray had a lot of 10+ K games in the second half last year. I’m excited to see what he does with a full season.
|
| 2:23 |
: Just seeing how Thor grips it i would not really call it a slider. He grips is across the seams from the looks of it which is more cutterish in my experience.
|
| 2:23 |
: Save that for when Eno gets here.
|
| 2:23 |
: Watching Thor makes you realize how good Kershaw’s command must be. To be better than a guy with Thor’s pitches (who commands pretty well himself) is crazy. I suppose he has a decent curveball too.
|
| 2:23 |
: His command is insane.
|
| 2:25 |
: How did Thames look? I saw he struck out but Im following on gameday…
|
| 2:25 |
: He looked like Jon Gray is good.
|
| 2:25 |
: Not that he has a lot of competition, but Jon Gray is already 3rd in Rockies history in 10+ K games. http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/game_finder.cgi?request=1…
|
| 2:25 |
: Is baseball more expensive relative to other sports? I get the opposite feeling. You can get decent seats to a Tigers game for $20 a pop. The NFL team across the street are $65 for nosebleeds
|
| 2:26 |
: Baseball is easiest the cheapest option of the major sports, but that is a function of 81 home games.
|
| 2:26 |
: Yeah, try getting 4 tickets to a NHL game.
|
| 2:26 |
: My seats at Fenway range between $20-32 a ticket. Not bad.
|
| 2:27 |
: Also much more seats in a baseball stadium compared to a basketball or hockey arena
|
| 2:27 |
: New Rockies purple: good or bad
|
| 2:27 |
: Good. Brighter is better.
|
| 2:28 |
: Over/Under on Freddie Freeman triples: 2. I’m taking the under.
|
| 2:28 |
: So you’re saying he won’t hit another triple all year?
|
| 2:28 |
: I paid under $10 a ticket for two lower-level A’s tickets a couple weeks from now. Bring a six pack to the parking lot to save on beer money, and I’m looking at all-in with parking and everything under $50 for both of us.
|
| 2:28 |
: All you can eat seats in the right field pavilion are usually around $40 at dodger stadium, great value for what you get
|
| 2:28 |
: Freeman hit 6 triples last year…
|
| 2:28 |
: Are you including the coronary artery disease in what you get?
|
| 2:29 |
: Rockies have $4 Rockpile tickets – deep center field, but $4 is $4.
|
| 2:29 |
: Porcello strikes out Harrison swinging to strand 2.
|
| 2:29 |
: You can get Rangers tickets about ten dollars a person if you watch out for their promos
|
| 2:29 |
: Because of the way Fenway is built, bleacher seats are better than 90% of the seats in the stadium too
|
| 2:30 |
: He (Freeman) is slow as dirt, but he grades out as a good baserunner, and has power. What would be our expectation on total triples in a season for a guy like that? Was the 6 he hit last year about right?
|
| 2:30 |
: Guys who hit the ball as hard as he does have a better chance for triples just from OFs falling down.
|
| 2:30 |
: I agree. I think my seats – right behind the Sox bullpen near the Triangle – are one of the best in the ballpark.
|
| 2:31 |
: Trea Turner highlight alert.
|
| 2:31 |
: Trea Turner might be good at baseball
|
| 2:31 |
: Oh that was pretty.
|
| 2:32 |
: Also you can go to an NBA game for $35-$40 here in Toronto. Again when you compare where you’re actually sitting and the view, the value is pretty close when compared to baseball. Baseball is not “cheap’ by any measure, especially here in Toronto. No tailgaiting here and beers are $12-$14 a piece. Slice of Pizza is $7.
|
| 2:32 |
: You live in a very expensive city.
|
| 2:33 |
: Volquez now 2-2 off Stras, just like we all predicted
|
| 2:33 |
: The cost of baseball depends greatly on whether the team lets you bring in outside food. Coors Field does, Fenway doesn’t. That’s a factor for sure. But most ballparks have cheap eats *nearby* at the very least.
|
| 2:34 |
: Gordon’s speed + Murphy’s arm = no double play.
|
| 2:34 |
: Hanley gets Boston’s first hit.
|
| 2:34 |
: I wonder how hard Gordon would have to hit a ball for Daniel Murphy to double him up.
|
| 2:35 |
: You can bring food into the Rogers Centre. They just started doing it last year. I actually had forgotten about that. Good point.
|
| 2:35 |
: The Mariners have gone nuts with context-aware ticket pricing. Cheapest Home Opener seats are ~$40, about double the normal rate
|
| 2:35 |
: That’s a good thing. Otherwise, the profit just ends up going to scalpers, which is bad for everyone.
|
| 2:35 |
: The best seats in Fenway Are Section 30-32, Left field foul pole but I must admit the Monster experience is like no other.
|
| 2:36 |
: Those are nice too, but those are all the old wood seats, right?
|
| 2:36 |
: Mark Reynolds 2-run homer!
|
| 2:36 |
: Brewers announcers just mentioned that Pitcher velo was being picked up closer to release, and said that MPH readings will probably all be bumped up by 1 MPH. Where did these rumors come from?
|
| 2:36 |
: Hanging breaking ball on the outer half and Reynolds pulled it.
|
| 2:36 |
: Clearly this is a talking point that someone told the TV guys.
|
| 2:37 |
: Could be that this is just how the PITCHF/x (camera) to Trackman (radar) switch was explained.
|
| 2:39 |
: Harper into the wall.
|
| 2:39 |
: Yelich smoked that.
|
| 2:39 |
: It doesn’t seem ideal to bat Moreland infront of Bogarts
|
| 2:39 |
: Don’t you worry, Mitch Moreland is going to hit 400 doubles off of the Green Monster this year. John Farrell said so!
|
| 2:39 |
: Bryce Harper made kind of a meal out of that though
|
| 2:40 |
: If you park, get decent seats, and get food and beer, it’s about 100-120 bucks for two people to go to a game at Camden Yards. There are ways to do it cheaper of course, but it’s tough (especially with online ticket fees).
|
| 2:40 |
: Need context! What team is Mark Reynolds on this year?
|
| 2:40 |
: Rockies.
|
| 2:40 |
: Starting 1B while Desmond is hurt.
|
| 2:40 |
: I definitely keep costs down by finding a meter or neighborhood spot and walking about a mile each way. I refuse to pay $40-50 for parking.
|
| 2:41 |
: Sorry! I should have said Reynolds was on the Rockies.
|
| 2:42 |
: Gerrit Cole up to 99 according to the gun on NESN.
|
| 2:42 |
: 99 from Cole
|
| 2:42 |
: Bryce Harper made a highlight out of a catch that had a 90% catch probability. Doing it wrong
|
| 2:42 |
: That’s a good example of why catch probability needs to take the wall into account.
|
| 2:42 |
: Please tell me Harper didn’t hurt himself!!!
|
| 2:43 |
: Please Harper don’t hurt ’em
|
| 2:43 |
: Jeff Sullivan’s most intriguing sleeper pick, Keon Broxton, up to bat!
|
| 2:43 |
: Frazier another 2 strike hit. All aboard
|
| 2:44 |
: Oh yeah, I need to set my 2017 preferences!
|
| 2:44 |
: According to the Nats’ broadcast, “Statcast has never run into a wall before.”
|
| 2:44 |
: In case you’re not familiar with Game Changer – http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/building-a-top-50-priority-list-for-mlb…
|
| 2:45 |
: $40-$50 to park? Geez, gotta love Cleveland. Even for the World Series we parked less than a mile away and paid $20
|
| 2:45 |
: I think the Rockies official parking lot was $12-$15. Boston is insane.
|
| 2:45 |
: Pro tip: Parking in the surface lots around Coors Field is typically $50 to $75, sometimes as much as $100 for Opening Day. A parking ticket in Denver is $25. So . . .
|
| 2:46 |
: Haha.
|
| 2:46 |
: Broxton, K 🙁
|
| 2:46 |
: For context, there is no paid parking in Bend, Oregon. Every spot in the city is free, all the time.
|
| 2:47 |
: There are lots in Denver up Welton Street that blew my mind when I first moved there back in 2003. One was $1. Then I went a block north, and it went down to 50 cents. And then I went one more block and there was a 25 cent lot. For the whole day! It was like 8 blocks from my office, but I parked there because I couldn’t believe it was true.
|
| 2:47 |
: I guess times have changed.
|
| 2:47 |
: Downside: you’re in Bend, Oregon.
|
| 2:47 |
: Visit Bend and you’ll change your mind.
|
| 2:48 |
: Gauntlet thrown!
|
| 2:48 |
: Coors Field, Fenway and OPACY are all adjacent to public transit! Don’t pay $60 to park, take the train, people!
|
| 2:48 |
: Porcello finishes another inning with a runner on base and a strikeout.
|
| 2:48 |
: Yes, well, depending on how far up Welton you went in 2003, the risk of being stabbed and/or peed on was probably baked into the price.
|
| 2:49 |
: Train takes 2+ hours from where I live. I don’t live directly on the train line that pulls up to Yawkey. I like public transit, but it’s not worth 2 hours to go 23 miles.
|
| 2:49 |
: It just set in that this is the first Opening Day without Vin Scully…..
|
| 2:49 |
: Yes, TJB, that was definitely a factor. But I only parked there during daylight hours, so I was OK.
|
| 2:50 |
: Really enjoying Fangraphs Stadium Parking Live Blog
|
| 2:50 |
: Sorry, we’re just rolling with the comments you give us!
|
| 2:50 |
: I will be in Bend, Sunriver, for the PGA National Club Professional Championship in June to watch my boy play. I am sure it is beautiful, can’t wait.
|
| 2:50 |
: Is there anything better than an Italian sausage from one of the Fenway sausage carts before the home opener?
|
| 2:50 |
: Sunriver is like 20 miles south, for the record.
|
| 2:51 |
: When are we getting parking positional power rankings?
|
| 2:51 |
: No. You go to the carts outside the gates, right? John Henry has enough money.
|
| 2:51 |
: Thoughts on Piscotty extension?
|
| 2:51 |
: Typical good-deal-for-team extension. Piscotty is older so I get why he wasn’t banking on a big FA deal, but he would have done a lot better going year to year.
|
| 2:52 |
: ummm do you not drink on the T paul? people say new englanders aren’t friendly, get on the last commuter out of south station with a 12 pack and you’ll see the best (and terrible worst) of us
|
| 2:52 |
: I don’t live on the South Station lines anymore, sadly.
|
| 2:52 |
: Good thing the Nats ran up the starter’s pitch count! Now they get to face David Phelps for more of the game.
|
| 2:53 |
: Bend has some fantastic white water rafting if you’re into that
|
| 2:53 |
: And wakeboarding too, right Dave?
|
| 2:53 |
: I know it’s all minuscule, but for fun, which first game will have the biggest impact on playoff odds? SEA v HOU? STL v CHI?
|
| 2:53 |
: TOR/BAL.
|
| 2:53 |
: 82 pitches for Volquez… kind of a quick hook?
|
| 2:54 |
: Bend, OR is amazing….as close to Disneyland for adults as it gets…well, adults that don’t find Vegas to be Disneyland, that is
|
| 2:54 |
: Marlins said they’re going to have quick hooks on SPs.
|
| 2:54 |
: Jon Gray has better hair than Thor
|
| 2:55 |
: Tough ruling on Blackmon’s bunt there. Ruled an error, but I don’t know that a good throw gets him.
|
| 2:55 |
: 2 hours to go 23 miles on gameday doesn’t seem so bad. Signed, everyone in West LA.
|
| 2:55 |
: Touche
|
| 2:55 |
: Harper absolute bomb
|
| 2:55 |
: When I was in school up in Cambridge I used to walk over and scalp tickets on the cheap. I’d always hit up one of the carts on Lansdowne outside the park before heading in.
|
| 2:56 |
: Yup, when I went to BU we’d walk over for Pedro starts and get in to games with college IDs for like $8. Fenway never sold out back then, even for Pedro games.
|
| 2:56 |
: Apparently Gerrit Cole and Brandon Crawford are brother-in-laws. Your fun fact of the day
|
| 2:56 |
: Speaking of playoff probabilities, can you guys comment on why Cleveland’s playoff odds went up and Detroits went down after yesterday’s games (which featured no AL Central teams).
|
| 2:56 |
: Probably a depth charts change.
|
| 2:57 |
: Remember when Kemp was going to be the first 50/50 player?
|
| 2:57 |
: Yes, there were some changes made to every team in the AL Central yesterday.
|
| 2:57 |
: He could be the first -50/-50 guy, if we go UZR/DRS.
|
| 2:57 |
: Harper exit velo?
|
| 2:57 |
: 107
|
| 2:58 |
: Can’t spell kemp without a k
|
| 2:58 |
: Jon Gray could be a CY contender on any other team.
|
| 2:58 |
: that changeup of Thors is just not fair
|
| 2:59 |
: Who is best candidate for 50/50 currently in pro ball (non-Trout division)?
|
| 3:00 |
: There isn’t one. The guys who can hit 50 aren’t going to attempt 50 SBs. Injury risk too high for a player of that caliber.
|
| 3:00 |
: Paul Goldschmidt stole 32 bases last year….but no one, really.
|
| 3:00 |
: AMAZING catch by Jackie Bradley Jr., as he bangs up against the wall in the Triangle.
|
| 3:00 |
: JBJ!!! WOW!
|
| 3:01 |
: At a dead sprint by the way.
|
| 3:01 |
: How many Kershaw strikeouts vs. the Padres today?
|
| 3:01 |
: 28?
|
| 3:01 |
: Do you guys hate Bryce Haper’s bears as much as I do?
|
| 3:01 |
: I feel like having bears would be a violation of his contract.
|
| 3:01 |
: he has bears?
|
| 3:02 |
: like, real bears?
|
| 3:02 |
: I think he meant beard.
|
| 3:02 |
: lol
|
| 3:02 |
: Going back to what you said about injury risk and steals – is this something that happens frequently? Do teams tell some of their best players to not steal?
|
| 3:02 |
: It’s not a coincidence Trout stopped running.
|
| 3:02 |
: I was picturing Harper’s backyard being like Scarface’s, when he had the tiger chained up in the yard.
|
| 3:03 |
: If you were like Odor and got to add something to your contract what would you get?
|
| 3:03 |
: I get the day off whenever Syndergaard pitches.
|
| 3:03 |
: Personal chef!
|
| 3:03 |
: Buxton could go all Eric Davis one year, maybe, and approach 50-50 if everything clicked.
|
| 3:03 |
: Trout or prime Granderson I feel like would be the only recent players to have a shot at 50/50
|
| 3:04 |
: Thames is up again.
|
| 3:04 |
: Thames has a huge elbow brace on. Do not like.
|
| 3:04 |
: Is it bad that I have been following the chat and games all day even though I at school?
|
| 3:04 |
: Single biggest key (asides from health) for the Tigers to overtake the Indians this year?
|
| 3:05 |
: No, that’s literally what we want you to do. 🙂
|
| 3:05 |
: Need ZImmerman to be good.
|
| 3:05 |
: How do you predict Gallo’s week going?
|
| 3:05 |
: 50% K%, .250 ISO
|
| 3:05 |
: I like Bryce Harper’s bears
|
| 3:05 |
: I have a client at work who rented a tiger for his birthday this year. It was stupidly expensive (~$50,000).
|
| 3:05 |
: You call Justin Verlander your client?
|
| 3:06 |
: Benintendi looks like he should be a supporting actor in an 80’s teenage drama
|
| 3:07 |
: Which Preller move was worse, trading away Grandal or trading away Turner?
|
| 3:07 |
: Stras threw a nasty curve to David Phelps and was walking off the mound before the ball got there.
|
| 3:07 |
: Or any teenage drama, really. He would fit in perfectly with the Dawson’s Creek or Pretty Little Liars.
|
| 3:07 |
: casts
|
| 3:08 |
: How do you know the PLL cast, Paul?
|
| 3:08 |
: My wife liked that show.
|
| 3:08 |
: Turner > Grandal, but at least he got Myers for Turner (and Ross). Giving up Grandal for Kemp’s contract was the worst non-Shelby Miller trade in recent history.
|
| 3:09 |
: Sox finally get another baserunner. Mookie walks with 2 outs.
|
| 3:10 |
: my mlbtv feed seems to be behind whatever you’re watching, Paul
|
| 3:10 |
: just got the Cole Crawford in-law story on Sox radio. Does this happen every Cole start on Pirate media?
|
| 3:10 |
: Well, Sox game is on cable.
|
| 3:10 |
: Harper is up to 5 opening day homers in 5 opening day games.
|
| 3:11 |
: Gray strikes out Braun to get out of a jam with a filthy pitch that dropped off the table and right into the dirt.
|
| 3:11 |
: Gray has one of the easiest deliveries in baseball
|
| 3:12 |
: Best game to watch right now?
|
| 3:12 |
: Marlins-Nats is 2-1 in the 7th.
|
| 3:12 |
: Marlins bullpen is sneaky good.
|
| 3:12 |
: What is “sneaky good”?
|
| 3:12 |
: A fancy way of saying underrated.
|
| 3:13 |
: Gray has 6 Ks through 3 IP. Villar twice, Thames, Braun, Broxton and Bandy once.
|
| 3:13 |
: Mets/Braves are still scoreless in the 7th too!
|
| 3:13 |
: But then you have to watch the Braves.
|
| 3:14 |
: There’s only been 5 runs across 24 innings so far.
|
| 3:14 |
: Thors done with a blister so, look elsewhere for best
|
| 3:14 |
: I wonder if it’s cold out or something.
|
| 3:14 |
: Or every team has a guy throwing 99 right now.
|
| 3:14 |
: I would be so happy if Rick Porcello started throwing 99.
|
| 3:15 |
: Rich Hill has taught me to fear the blister far more than I should
|
| 3:15 |
: A real rocket for Arenado’s first hit of the year.
|
| 3:16 |
: (Translation: It was a blooper that barely got over second base.)
|
| 3:16 |
: Speaking of those Odor type “perks,” how are they handled from a luxury tax perspective? Do they have to assign a dollar value to them? If not, what’s to stop a team from just buying mansions for players instead of paying them salaries?
|
| 3:16 |
: Yeah, they have to get a quantified value and taxed the same as cash.
|
| 3:16 |
: Though it would have been great if TEX was over the luxury tax threshold and had to send a pony to MLB to pay the 50% tax.
|
| 3:16 |
: Get the rock pile seats, then go eat in the restaurant down the 1st base line. It’s like having a box seat for $5.
|
| 3:17 |
: Yup. Or even cheaper, just go get a normal hot dog and stand behind home plate. Unless you don’t like standing, I guess.
|
| 3:17 |
: But couldn’t teams undervalue what they are giving the players?
|
| 3:17 |
: Teams don’t get to be the ones to put the value on it.
|
| 3:18 |
: Adam Lind
|
| 3:18 |
: Welcome to Washington
|
| 3:18 |
: holy bad goatee Lind
|
| 3:18 |
: ADAM LIND let’s go
|
| 3:18 |
: Adam Lind. Now way
|
| 3:19 |
: So some administrator at the MLB headquarters had to take the time to figure out how much a pony costs
|
| 3:19 |
: MLB’s econ department is huge.
|
| 3:19 |
: Darvish v. Kluber has to be the best OD matchup, right?
|
| 3:19 |
: Since I will probably only be able to say this about seven times this year: Gerardo Parra got on base!
|
| 3:20 |
: Did the rangers not have to buy the horses? Wouldn’t it be as simple as just the amount on the horse receipt?
|
| 3:20 |
: Yeah, my guess is they just said “these horses cost X, so we want X added to your last offer.”
|
| 3:20 |
: I doubt the Rangers actually bought them and transferred ownership.
|
| 3:20 |
: Junior Guerra out of game in Milwaukee. Anyone hear why?
|
| 3:21 |
: Strained quad for Guerra according to the announcers
|
| 3:21 |
: Tried bunting – got hurt.
|
| 3:21 |
: I’m picturing Patrick Bateman looking down at a business card ‘MLB Econ Dept. Livestock Div’ and just going to pieces
|
| 3:21 |
: If you strain your quad trying to bunt, I think you’re doing it wrong.
|
| 3:22 |
: It’s a good thing they have Tommy Milone to fill in for him!
|
| 3:22 |
: why is “horse receipt” so funny to me
|
| 3:22 |
: Tommy Milone is pitching on Opening Day is a sure sign you’re not a winner.
|
| 3:22 |
: JD Drew thinks that is a perfectly reasonable injury.
|
| 3:22 |
: Rigoletto wins.
|
| 3:22 |
: God damn….Of Course Adam Lind hits a home run the first moment he is NOT a Mariner.
|
| 3:23 |
: JBJ double + error / triple.
|
| 3:23 |
: Not a very good turn on the DP opportunity at second for Villar.
|
| 3:23 |
: McCutchen had a hard time picking it up off the ground.
|
| 3:23 |
: He’s an interesting hitter, but he’s not very good defensively.
|
| 3:24 |
: If there were an “All Cistulli team”. They’d be pretty good right? I can only think of Charlie Blackmon, jose Ramirez, corey kluber and mookie betts but I’m sure there are more. Could he have a playoff caliber team?
|
| 3:24 |
: Joc Pederson. Garrett Richards.
|
| 3:24 |
: Yes, it would. Fringe Five successes was his THT Annual piece this past year, btw.
|
| 3:24 |
: Are you doing a split screen Dave, or switching between games?
|
| 3:24 |
: Still a great book to buy even right now, thanks to all the great research in it?
|
| 3:24 |
: Switching.
|
| 3:25 |
: If you were ever wondering what kind of throw it would take for Pablo Sandoval to get an infield single, Jordy Mercer just made it.
|
| 3:25 |
: That was the definition of “lollipop” throw.
|
| 3:25 |
: And now a bunt single by Leon!
|
| 3:25 |
: Into the shift!
|
| 3:26 |
: Cole had a shot, but couldn’t field it cleanly.
|
| 3:26 |
: Paul you are spoiling the game for me!
|
| 3:26 |
: Sorry, I got excited.
|
| 3:26 |
: How didn’t you feel about Mike matheny bring in oh to get 5 outs in the game last night, the right call with the heart of the Cubs lineup coming up right? MLB network was apparently ripping the decision
|
| 3:26 |
: I would have gone with Cecil.
|
| 3:26 |
: Using your closer for multi-innings is a good idea in October, but you can also burn your guys out if you try it all year.
|
| 3:26 |
: The point was made that he only needed Oh for five outs because he left Martinez in too long.
|
| 3:27 |
: Cecil’s hair game is approaching derrick turnbow levels, I wouldn’t trust him
|
| 3:27 |
: matheny commits fireable offenses at least once a game, unless it’s on national TV. gotta ramp it up
|
| 3:27 |
: more importantly why didn’t he PH for Martinez with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 6th
|
| 3:28 |
: Sandoval is still a very big boy.
|
| 3:30 |
: NL managers letting pitchers hit for themselves in high leverage situations late in games is the last real low hanging fruit waiting to be plucked. Everyone does it, and it’s crazy.
|
| 3:30 |
: Wasn’t Carson C in on Greg Bird pretty early too?
|
| 3:30 |
: Was he? I don’t remember that.
|
| 3:30 |
: I don’t mind Hawk Harrelson.
|
| 3:30 |
: Are you deaf?
|
| 3:30 |
: benni!
|
| 3:30 |
: A BENNY BOMB!!!!!!!!!
|
| 3:31 |
: Into the bullpen
|
| 3:31 |
: This inning got away from Cole in a big way.
|
| 3:31 |
: That swing is PRETTY.
|
| 3:31 |
: Fred Lynn has been resurrected!!!!
|
| 3:31 |
: Fred Lynn is still alive, isn’t he?
|
| 3:32 |
: Gausmann working from the stretch too
|
| 3:32 |
: All with 2 outs on Cole
|
| 3:32 |
: Gray only got 1 strikeout in the 4th. He is bad.
|
| 3:32 |
: On a 98mph fastball! Benintendi!
|
| 3:33 |
: Jordy Mercer is also having a very bad inning.
|
| 3:33 |
: You know what they say, 2-out RBIs win ballgames
|
| 3:33 |
: Ender Inciarte with a gun.
|
| 3:33 |
: Is there any franchise and fan base that glamorizes every prospect in their system as much as Boston? So many Lynn, Pedro, Lowe, Varitek comps over the years. Brutal
|
| 3:33 |
: Yankees?
|
| 3:33 |
: cole looked great… until that infield single by panda bear
|
| 3:33 |
: Yup.
|
| 3:33 |
: Bad call.
|
| 3:33 |
: Flores was safe.
|
| 3:34 |
: breaking news: the mets are still slow as hell
|
| 3:34 |
: Flores looked safe
|
| 3:34 |
: SAFE!
|
| 3:34 |
: Inciarte gunned down flores
|
| 3:34 |
: As a Yankees fan, definitely the Yankees. Every prospect is seen as the next HOF
|
| 3:34 |
: Simpson correctly pointing out that Flowers set up in a weird spot.
|
| 3:34 |
: Catching the ball behind the plate gave Flores time to get to the plate.
|
| 3:35 |
: OK everyone. My daughter woke up from her nap, and my son will be home soon, so it is time for me to bid you farewell. Enjoy the rest of Opening Day! Thanks for hanging out with us. You’re in good hands with Dave.
|
| 3:35 |
: I actually have really bad hands.
|
| 3:35 |
: I drop things a lot.
|
| 3:36 |
: Opening Day has been cruel to Brewer fans. So far Junior Guerra has gotten injured and all 4 runs have been scored by former Brewers.
|
| 3:36 |
: Adam Eaton is pretty fast you guys
|
| 3:36 |
: that sneaky good MIA bullpen looks to be more the former than the latter…
|
| 3:37 |
: Daniel Murphy can still hit good
|
| 3:37 |
: When was Nolan arenado a brewer?
|
| 3:37 |
: Maybe he home brews?
|
| 3:38 |
: are we calling up #cistulli to replace swydan?
|
| 3:38 |
: No, but Eno will be here in ~20 minutes.
|
| 3:38 |
: Kevin pillar got a hit!
|
| 3:38 |
: Off an Orioles pitcher, so it’s only .8 MLB hits.
|
| 3:39 |
: It should have been scored an error on Schoop.
|
| 3:39 |
: That was not a hit lol
|
| 3:40 |
: I don’t know if actually *is* effortless, but Cistulli’s evaluation, writing, and general contributions certainly appear as effortless (and as effortlessly impressive) as, say, a Kris Bryant double to the gap
|
| 3:40 |
: Well, I don’t know about all that, but I will say that Carson puts in less effort than the rest of us.
|
| 3:41 |
: Jayson Werth looks lost up there
|
| 3:42 |
: Brad Ziegler looks like every Dad at a local softball game.
|
| 3:43 |
: Stephen Drew, Double Play Machine
|
| 3:43 |
: Blake Treinen’s first save opportunity of 2017: Stanton/Bour/Ozuna. Go get em.
|
| 3:43 |
: Pillar just let a pop up drop 2 feet away from him.
|
| 3:43 |
: Pillar and Carrera just watch it drop
|
| 3:43 |
: Of all the veterans who made one last run at it in Spring Training then got cut, who’s unheralded probably-retirement bums you out the most or deserves remarking upon?
|
| 3:44 |
: Rollins.
|
| 3:44 |
: Pena
|
| 3:45 |
: The Marlins shifted on Stephen Drew earlier in the game. Why does shifting against Stephen Drew work? Why wouldn’t he just take a bunt single?
|
| 3:45 |
: They played Dietrich even with 3B to prevent against the bunt.
|
| 3:45 |
: How close is Rollins to the Hall of Fame? Would strong seasons the past two years have been enough?
|
| 3:45 |
: Peak too short.
|
| 3:45 |
: Hall of Very Good.
|
| 3:46 |
: Rollins’ retirement bumps Trout up to #6 on all time WAR list for active players.
|
| 3:47 |
: Stanton pop up.
|
| 3:47 |
: Not easy to get under a Treinen fastball.
|
| 3:48 |
: Thames up in a big spot
|
| 3:48 |
: Thames for MVP hows that for an overreaction
|
| 3:48 |
: Tied it up, hard hit ball off gray
|
| 3:49 |
: Are Thames’ arms even real?
|
| 3:49 |
: Nasty curve from Treinen.
|
| 3:50 |
: holy 90 mph curve blake
|
| 3:50 |
: huge K from treinen
|
| 3:50 |
: So treinen is gonna be really good huh
|
| 3:50 |
: My goodness. What was Bour swinging at?
|
| 3:50 |
: Treinen looking like a closer this inning.
|
| 3:51 |
: 96-99 on Treinens sinker
|
| 3:51 |
: Why was there any doubt about Treinen as a closer?
|
| 3:52 |
: Command hasn’t been good, doesn’t miss a lot of bats.
|
| 3:52 |
: But stuff is obviously there.
|
| 3:52 |
: Ozuna apparently wasn’t looking for a middle-up fastball.
|
| 3:52 |
: game over.
|
| 3:52 |
: And the Mets run away with it on a 3 run Duda double. I smell a big Duda bounce back year.
|
| 3:53 |
: Mets followed the Red Sox and just opened this one up
|
| 3:54 |
: Mets/Red Sox World Series confirmed
|
| 3:54 |
: Wilmer Flores about to get his second at-bat at the “pinch hitter” position on the day
|
| 3:55 |
: What will it take for the Braves to stop employing Eric O’Flaherty?
|
| 3:55 |
: O’Flaherty has washed up two years ago. I see a DFA in his very near future.
|
| 3:55 |
: Travis Shaw with a couple of doubles.
|
| 3:56 |
: Remember not to take things for granted Dave. Tommy Milone in line for the WIN.
|
| 3:56 |
: Domingo Santana just tried to hit a ball with a launch angle of infinity. He missed.
|
| 3:56 |
: Eric Thames looks like a damn action figure.
|
| 3:57 |
: Santana HBP, now Broxton up.
|
| 3:57 |
: Brewers are the most interesting losing team around
|
| 3:58 |
: Broxton wears high socks well.
|
| 3:59 |
: This is it! This is when Jon Gray finally puts it together and his run prevention matches up with his peripherals! /Jon Gray exits in the 4th with an ERA of 11.25 and a FIP of 1.94
|
| 4:01 |
: Next 5 years, which Santana produces more WAR: Domingo or Carlos?
|
| 4:01 |
: Carlos
|
| 4:01 |
: Gausman more balls than strikes thus far.
|
| 4:01 |
: Hello, Boss! Hello, people!
|
| 4:02 |
: Hola, Eno.
|
| 4:02 |
: Howdy. Eno and I are here to take the marathon-chat batons for the 4 p.m. games…
|
| 4:03 |
: With no high leverage spots in the early games and my replacements here, I’ll bow out of this for now, but I’ll probably swing back later for the night games when Eric is going it alone.
|
| 4:03 |
: Thanks for hanging out with me for a few hours, guys.
|
| 4:03 |
: good riddance
|
| 4:03 |
: Thanks Dave! Whoohoo! Rain in Detroit! A no-hitter in LA! You are up to date on those games.
|
| 4:04 |
: Kershaw has 6K’s already.
|
| 4:04 |
: Eno’s here, time to bust out the real nasty grip pics
|
| 4:05 |
: Rain is actually in Chicago
|
| 4:05 |
: phew
|
| 4:05 |
: Eno! About time you showed up, Domingo Santana is 0-2 and Healy hasn’t hit All of the Home Runs yet, you’ve doomed my fantasy season
|
| 4:05 |
: I’m such a dick.
|
| 4:05 |
: Eno/Travis would you have been as punctual if you weren’t taking over for your boss?
|
| 4:05 |
: There was an urgency to arrive on time, for sure
|
| 4:06 |
: KERSHAW
|
| 4:06 |
: PADRES
|
| 4:06 |
: good lord look at this 90 mph slider from Treinen
Here’s a 90mph Slider from Blake Treinen that Justin Bour didn’t come close to hitting. Crazy good. (Thanks to… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…
|
| 4:06 |
: what’s your opening day sandwich?
|
| 4:07 |
: Had a smoked ham and swiss with plum preserves and avocado on rosemary focaccia that was really great except I put corn on it.
|
| 4:07 |
: So Jon Gray is going to do exactly what he did last year. Look absolutely unhittable and then get shelled for 5 earned in the 5th or 6th and end the season with a 4.5 ERA?
|
| 4:08 |
: Gerrit Cole had a similar day …neither trusted their changeup much a year ago. I didn’t see Gray today
|
| 4:08 |
: Eno! This chat has been lacking in ludes
|
| 4:08 |
: DUNGEON MASTER
|
| 4:08 |
: Eno want to come to my birthday party on Saturday? I’m tasting 30 beers for my 30th. I live in dc tho
|
| 4:09 |
: Francisco Cervelli’s “I can’t believe you’ve done this” face is in mid-season form.
|
| 4:09 |
: What is the most anticipated game of the afternoon/night for y’all?
|
| 4:09 |
: Kluber/Yu
|
| 4:10 |
: Benintendi got around on an up-and-in 98 mph Cole fastball for the three-run shot. I think he can cover about everything
|
| 4:10 |
: Projections seem really low on Benintendi’s power compared to what I see with my eyes.
|
| 4:10 |
: He hit it out of the stadium and into the water in Staten Island.
|
| 4:11 |
: Agreed. Crushes
|
| 4:11 |
: Team TOOTBLAN in Baltimore.
|
| 4:11 |
: ENO! TRAVIS! Welcome fellows!
|
| 4:11 |
: This is Eno’s show, I’m just like the Late Night band dude who laughs at his jokes in the corner
|
| 4:12 |
: I NEED MORE TOILET PAPER FOR MY BYUNG-HO
|
| 4:12 |
: Eno, ever had JOE IPA from 10 Barrel Brewing Co.?
|
| 4:12 |
: Yes I enjoy it very much.
|
| 4:12 |
: Chris Davis is slow.
|
| 4:13 |
: apparently Trumbo is faster.
|
| 4:13 |
: eno = conan, travis = max –
|
| 4:13 |
: Yes!
|
| 4:13 |
: Travis, your addition to the site has been amazing.
|
| 4:13 |
: agreed.
|
| 4:14 |
: That’s very kind of you, Mike. Thanks!
|
| 4:14 |
: Royals/Twins about the start. Contain your excitement everyone.
|
| 4:14 |
: Cesar Hernandez goes yard!
|
| 4:14 |
: Buxton breakout begins … maybe
|
| 4:15 |
: Cesar! Off Reds Opening Day starter Scott Feldman! I think Cesar has tools and this is the year he plays smarter on the basepaths and in the field.
|
| 4:15 |
: Been bugging me for so long: what is tootblan
|
| 4:15 |
: Thrown Out On the Basepaths Like A Nincompoop
|
| 4:15 |
: Federal Donuts fried chicken sandwich at Citizens Bank Park!
|
| 4:16 |
: I’ve crossed that off bucket list and it’s brought me closer to kicking bucket
|
| 4:16 |
: ESPN headline for the Dodgers/Padres preview: “Dodgers optimistic ahead of opener “. One might call that an understatement when said opener involves Kershaw vs. J. Chacin
|
| 4:16 |
: Ha. Breaking news flash
|
| 4:17 |
: As expected, the Padres take an early lead against Kershaw.
|
| 4:17 |
: And yet, 1-0 Padres.
|
| 4:19 |
: Gsellman closing out the 9th for the Mets!
|
| 4:19 |
: V weird. I bet it’s a schedule thing.
|
| 4:19 |
: How can you have a “schedule thing” on the first day of the season?
|
| 4:19 |
: Dodgers broadcast talking about Schimpf and swing path
|
| 4:19 |
: Nice
|
| 4:20 |
: Well no Familia, and maybe the schedule doesn’t have Gsellman starting right away, maybe he stacks up as the fifth guy?
|
| 4:21 |
: Gsellman not starting until Sunday, using Thor again b/c rest days
|
| 4:21 |
: There you go.
|
| 4:21 |
: Kershaw is sooooo good and everyone knows what is coming http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/what-if-clayton-kershaw-werent-so-predi…
|
| 4:22 |
: I want to see Kershaw throw a 3-0 non-fastball today … he never has
|
| 4:22 |
: Gonna happen sooner or later: his mix is starting to converge like you see with older pitchers.
|
| 4:23 |
: Saw Joe Davis showing a graphic and giving an explanation of OPS+ a couple of days ago during the broadcast. I think he is going to be great
|
| 4:24 |
: He reads! I think he’ll be good.
|
| 4:24 |
: I’m pretty sure I met Joe Davis a couple years back when he was doing an ESPN3 broadcast at Clemson. Quite a rise!
|
| 4:25 |
: Duffy 93. Still above-average for a lefty, but not quite league leading.
|
| 4:25 |
: Meanwhile ESPN is trying to figure out what the 4 phones in the Mets dugout are for
|
| 4:26 |
: Anyone discuss Graveman? What’s your take on hI’m Eno?
|
| 4:26 |
: I think the Mets’ TV crew should call every game for every team
|
| 4:26 |
: Graveman has improved his command by going to the sinker (his best pitch) 80+% of the time, but that’s also ruined his ceiling. I think he’s a Dude.
|
| 4:27 |
: Travis, I know it’s one game, but does it change your mind about Cole at all? Also, it’s a positive that Polanco is playing, right?
|
| 4:28 |
: No. He still heeds to trust changeup or find another offering … still leans too much on fastball…still lets big inning get him once in awhile
|
| 4:28 |
: Matt Kemp just TOOTBLANed to end the game.. down 6
|
| 4:28 |
: Matt Kemp: all about the teaching moments.
|
| 4:28 |
: Duffy got Buxton to swing and miss on fastball, changeup and slider
|
| 4:28 |
: eno, do you ever think that you overrate velocity? what about looking at “life” on a fastball / is that measurable
|
| 4:29 |
: What do you guys think Vin’s doing right now
|
| 4:29 |
: Telling Joe what to say via ear piece
|
| 4:30 |
: Spin (RPM) and ride (vertical movement) are also important, yes. I try to look at all three. Duffy, as an example, has tremendous ride. I learned from him to look at movement rather than per-pitch results, because once Duffy started getting ahead in counts, he was able to throw that great moving stuff in counts where batters had to swing.
|
| 4:30 |
: Is pitch movement stabilized within the first game?
|
| 4:31 |
: I’d guess you want three. Velocity is stable in two to three games.
|
| 4:32 |
: yo was that a 94 mph nasty as splitter from Gausman or what
|
| 4:33 |
: Eno, we were talking earlier today about Thor and how his slider might be more of a cutter. The way he appears to grip it suggests more cutter to me. thoughts?
|
| 4:33 |
: Gotta read this: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-mets-are-throwing-the-dan-warthen-s…
|
| 4:33 |
: They throw a cutter/slider hybrid in New York. Keep it in your fingers, snap it a tiny bit at end, but otherwise throw a fastball.
|
| 4:34 |
: First Cesar, now Freddy goes yard of Feldman!
|
| 4:35 |
: Freddy is like the one-man test. Is he hitting 20? Yah ball still juiced.
|
| 4:35 |
: Gausman v Bautista
|
| 4:35 |
: thought that first one was a strike.
|
| 4:35 |
: Any suggestions for how to improve pitch recognition as a fan watching on TV?
|
| 4:36 |
: More straight-away CF camera angles would help
|
| 4:36 |
: Watch with gameday open, too. Velocity helps. Establish the fastball by velocity. Then breaking balls generally cut towards the glove hand, changeups fade towards the throwing hand.
|
| 4:37 |
: Not an encouraging AB for the Buxton Breakout Bandwagon.
|
| 4:37 |
: It wasn’t
|
| 4:37 |
: benintendi facing rivero can’t be fun
|
| 4:37 |
: Rivero would look really good in the Nats’ pen
|
| 4:38 |
: My wife and I (both Mets fans) tried to watch the Yankee game on YES yesterday since, you know, first game of the season. Egads, if there’s ever been anything that makes me glad to be a Mets fan, it’s how much more watchable their broadcast is. The glacial pace of yesterday’s game didn’t help but we tapped out after 2 innings.
|
| 4:40 |
: This is not a comment on YES broadcast, but too many clubs seem to take the approach that it’s OK to dumb-down broadcast. Mets’ team/V.Scully can make even a poor game worth watching, because they’re interesting and broadcast is full of detail …. I’d love to see smarter/more interesting broadcast teams. They add value
|
| 4:41 |
: Duffy has enough plus pitches to succeed. Why was everyone freaking out about his velocity in March?
|
| 4:41 |
: Duffy, perhaps, took a safer approach to WBC than Smyly
|
| 4:42 |
: It’s a big drop but he was sort of in the pen last year and he’s still above average. I shrug I guess.
|
| 4:42 |
: Milwaukee defense blowing the game
|
| 4:42 |
: Davies can’t be Hendricks with them behind him.
|
| 4:42 |
: I was working on a community article about Bethancourt and hybrid pitchers/hitters throughout history. Imagine my dissapointment when i just checked the FG home page haha.
|
| 4:43 |
: sorry dude
|
| 4:43 |
: Following on the mlb website – how does one “pop out sharply?” Apparently that’s what Sano just did.
|
| 4:43 |
: 117 EV, 88-degree launch
|
| 4:44 |
: David Freese isn’t taking awful swings. He’s just playing excellent cricket.
|
| 4:44 |
: Freese had a 3:1 GB:FB ratio last year but a 20 HR/FB% but he seems resistant to adopt a new swing plane
|
| 4:45 |
: I’d love if Arod did broadcasting
|
| 4:45 |
: ARod would probably be great. Everyone says he has an impressive volume of knowledge
|
| 4:45 |
: Last year Duffy started striking people out, but he also generated, by a mile, a career low on IFFBs. Which is more likely to regress: the IFFB rate or the K rate?
|
| 4:46 |
: Went to sinker over rising 4s so it’s a pitch mix question.
|
| 4:47 |
: Those numbers cannot be real. It is impossible to generate that EY with such poor contact.
|
| 4:47 |
: I kid, I kid …. but that would be a loud pop-up
|
| 4:47 |
: Travis, what would his exit velocity need to be to get a homerun with an 88 degree launch?
|
| 4:47 |
: Mach 2?
|
| 4:47 |
: I don’t know. It would be insane though
|
| 4:49 |
: 3 K’s through 2 innings for Duffy
|
| 4:49 |
: Duffy looks just fine
|
| 4:51 |
: how do you plan to utilize all the time saved by the new IBB rule?
|
| 4:51 |
: The next great American novel
|
| 4:51 |
:
|
| 4:52 |
: Last half-inning the Brewers gave away two runs on a botched double play and an errant throw on a steal attempt, but they made up for it this half-inning by running into an inning-ending strikeout/throwout DP.
|
| 4:52 |
: midseason form?
|
| 4:52 |
: Am I insane or ir Forsythe gonna be really great for this Dodgers team?
|
| 4:53 |
: I like Forsythe, I didn’t like the cost
|
| 4:54 |
: Is there a worse 8, 9 hitting combo that Escobar and Mondesi?
|
| 4:54 |
: If Goins and Barney are both on the field at the same time
|
| 4:55 |
: Baltimore’s broadcast uses advanced stats: batting average with runners in scoring position. Every single time there is a runner on second or third.
|
| 4:55 |
: We’re 14 years post-Moneyball and this is still going on
|
| 4:57 |
: how long does molitor keep his job? is the new twins FO giving him another year and then putting someone in more to their liking?
|
| 4:58 |
: I’d be purely speculating but he would seem to be a likely scapegoat — accept he does have living legend status
|
| 4:58 |
: Did you see Puig batflip the no-pitch IBB?
|
| 4:58 |
: legend
|
| 4:59 |
: If there was such a thing as Broadcasting WAR. Would SNY with the Mets have the highest current day WAR. Where would Hawk Harrelson be…lol?
|
| 5:00 |
: SNY moves to 1 post Scully and Hawk, well, lol …. Part of journalism/broadcasting should be explaining and making sense of new topics and information in the game
|
| 5:01 |
: I really feel like Moreland should be bating behind Bogaerts, how big of a deal is this?
|
| 5:01 |
: Lineup slots are worth decimals of runs which are decimals of wins, I don’t get too caught up. Is Xander a better hitter? Yes.
|
| 5:02 |
: Well Joe Simpson said he’d rather have Statcast have a heart rate meter for players than any launch angle or velocity
|
| 5:02 |
: I’ve seen something that suggests you can get heart rate from video data.
|
| 5:02 |
: Which, nutty.
|
| 5:02 |
: BioHarness is legal for game use, right?
|
| 5:03 |
: I think most clubs are interested in in-game heart right
|
| 5:03 |
: Yeah but there’s some difference between player decides to use it and player is compelled to use it if his club decides they should all use it.
|
| 5:03 |
: In terms of fullness of data and also labor relations.
|
| 5:04 |
: nerd alert: I’ve seen competitive smash bros melee players play while wired up for heart rate, pretty interesting
|
| 5:04 |
: Well I think he was suggesting to measures the player’s heart as in ‘grit’ not actual heart rate. Sorry
|
| 5:04 |
: sorry Joe can’t measure that haha
|
| 5:04 |
: In-game heart rate graphic would be cool
|
| 5:05 |
: Davis in Game 7
|
| 5:05 |
: JOCSLAM
|
| 5:05 |
: Could a 2 man outfield (and overloaded infield) work behind Zach Britton?
|
| 5:06 |
: His ground-ball rate is incredible, so, yeah
|
| 5:07 |
: I’m sure some one has calculated what the GB% must be for a 5-man infield to make sense
|
| 5:08 |
: Kimbrel is hitting 99 on the gun!
|
| 5:08 |
: as wild as ever but looks great
|
| 5:09 |
: I saw Josh Bell taken him off the monster … Bell is a nice-looking hitter. Love the approach
|
| 5:09 |
: He’s NL ROY eligible
|
| 5:09 |
: Dodgers bats alive – Joc GS and Grandal a solo shot. So excited. Then I remembered, it’s Chacin pitching…so this is par.
|
| 5:10 |
: GRANDAL! Someone gave him an MVP vote last year
|
| 5:10 |
: Eno, makes me so sad to see Ottavino working in the 8th.
|
| 5:11 |
: Let’s see what Holland’s stuff looks like before we get too sad.
|
| 5:11 |
: do you pronounce chacin’s first name like “jules” or “jowls”?
|
| 5:11 |
: I shouldn’t answer this but I *think* it’s Hooolies
|
| 5:11 |
: Yeah but Bell cost them some runs not scooping the ball earlier.
|
| 5:11 |
: It’s been a rough transition. He’s a worker, though.
|
| 5:12 |
: Most home plate camera angles drive me nuts. Someone mentioned Yankee telecast yesterday but at least the camera angle in Tampa is great. Def changes the whole context of watching a game when you can actually see where the pitch travels over the plate. It’s really hard for me to watch games with these horrible angles anymore.
|
| 5:13 |
: Rockies fans typically pronounced it “yo-LEASE”
|
| 5:13 |
: Agreed. All cams should be dead center. That’s how most people watch most action, via that angle
|
| 5:14 |
: sorry yes love the mostly centered. for analysis, I want right behind center, but sometimes the pitcher himself obscures the ball’s movement in those cases.
|
| 5:15 |
: Ottavino walks 2 straight followed by 3 straight K’s. What a beast
|
| 5:16 |
: are you guys swapping between games or sticking to one?
|
| 5:16 |
: I’m very nuts right now, just jumping around like a maniac. It’s weird.
|
| 5:17 |
: I’m flipping between …. I need a multi-TV arrangement
|
| 5:17 |
: I’ve got Kershaw on the TV, flipping on the computer. GIVENS THE UNICORN
|
| 5:17 |
: I have a five-second attention span right now
|
| 5:17 |
: Does it bother other people when the broadcast switches to a dumbass camera angle (like directly behind home plate) for a full at bat? Is there anyone that enjoys watching from that angle when a perfect dead center view is available?
|
| 5:18 |
: I’d like it if every cast showed every pitcher for at least two pitches from behind home plate. But yeah it’s not fun to watch, that’s just for my research.
|
| 5:18 |
: Votto just hit an infield pop-up. Stop Traffic. This is not a drill
|
| 5:18 |
: WHO DID IT
|
| 5:18 |
: wut
|
| 5:19 |
: Hellickson done it
|
| 5:19 |
: oh man Hell boy and pop-ups.
|
| 5:20 |
: I think Sano will hit 45 one year.
|
| 5:20 |
: Shoot, I missed a Sano homer
|
| 5:20 |
: I need the wife to get on board with a Buffalo Wild Wings like TV setup in our living quarters
|
| 5:21 |
: 91 mph fastball from Duffy on the homer
|
| 5:22 |
: any IBB’s yet??????
|
| 5:22 |
: Puig bat flipped after one.
|
| 5:22 |
: Don’t panic about the slow start Reds fans, they just announced Bronson Arroyo is A-OK to start Saturday!
|
| 5:23 |
: It’s going to be a long year along the Ohio …but Eno has me intrigued in Finnegan
|
| 5:23 |
: Just gotta find one pitcher a year and they’ll be good in ten years.
|
| 5:24 |
: over/under on 10 bronson arroyo starts?
|
| 5:24 |
: I dunno but I’m sure going to miss that delivery when it’s gone.
|
| 5:24 |
: is this about the Twins, or the Reds: Just gotta find one pitcher a year and they’ll be good in ten years.
|
| 5:24 |
: uh, yes.
|
| 5:25 |
: Twins should probably have pulled trigger on Dozier-for-De Leon if it was there
|
| 5:26 |
: Especially if Calhoun was in it. Dude can hit.
|
| 5:26 |
: Love the Justin Turner leg kick…matches his beard
|
| 5:26 |
: How can a leg kick match a beard
|
| 5:27 |
: both got a little ‘nick nick nick firecracker’ in em.
|
| 5:27 |
: Christian Bethancourt warming in the pen!
|
| 5:27 |
: https://t.co/4bYK4K7lY1 wrote about why you won’t see him catch much this year
|
| 5:27 |
: Nice timing
|
| 5:28 |
: Tough to have a first baseman who can’t routinely scoop the bouncers..
|
| 5:28 |
: True. Curious how Statcast is helping teams discern this skill …seems important
|
| 5:29 |
: Oh boy. Bethancourt appears to be hurt
|
| 5:29 |
: OH NO!!!
|
| 5:29 |
: Slid into at the plate. Right knee
|
| 5:30 |
: He’s up and walking around. Staying in?
|
| 5:30 |
: fascinating, in the earlier part of the chat, they said everyone can scoop, so why measure?
|
| 5:31 |
: BUXXXXXXXXXX
|
| 5:31 |
: I’d like to know more about the value of it. I personally have watched Pedro Alvarez and Josh Bell play first base … so there is some skill involved
|
| 5:31 |
: Got spiked big time
|
| 5:31 |
: Yeah, jersey pants torn
|
| 5:32 |
: He’s staying in the game. Good
|
| 5:33 |
: So a backup catcher gets injured covering home plate after a wild pitch HE threw as a relief pitcher? What a world!
|
| 5:34 |
: Crazy. Looks like he’s OK
|
| 5:34 |
: Has anyone ever played all nine positions in a season?
|
| 5:34 |
: for some reason I think of Ryan Freel. I do think someone has gotten close. People say Buster Posey did this in college.
|
| 5:35 |
: Holland throwing hard, but fastball doesn’t seem to have much movement
|
| 5:35 |
: God I hate his mechanics.
|
| 5:35 |
: Jose Oquendo played all 9 right?
|
| 5:36 |
: Campaneris
|
| 5:36 |
: 4 players have played 9 positions in one game.
|
| 5:36 |
: Here’s an article for LJS about guys playing nine positions in one game: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/112257358/prime-9-few-have-played-everyw…
|
| 5:37 |
: Sorry if this has been discussed and I missed it, but do you blame Mike Matheny at all for Oh blowing the save yesterday? 2 innings on opening day?
|
| 5:38 |
: I don’t. Isn’t this what we’ve wanted to see? The best RPs being freed of ninth-only duty?
|
| 5:38 |
: Guy at Caden just caught Pillar’s bat that he threw into the stands backhanded.
|
| 5:39 |
: What was the padres thought process in keeping their rule V guys? Do they value them that much? Wouldnt they be better off working out a trade with the teams they claimed them from? How is Luis Torrens going to benefit from the major league bench?
|
| 5:40 |
: They going to be real bad and their prospects are not going to be ready this year other than in the OF, so they took three guys that might be useful as backups when the rest of the guys come up I guess. I’d do it if I was going to be really bad.
|
| 5:41 |
: Guess this is not the day to verify that Austin Hedges has learned how to hit
|
| 5:41 |
: KERSHAW CHANGEUP
|
| 5:41 |
: kershaw changeup
|
| 5:42 |
: I missed it. Big if true
|
| 5:42 |
: I’m watching Buxton swing and miss
|
| 5:43 |
: The key to getting Buxton out is never throwing him a strike
|
| 5:43 |
: He was able to discern balls from strikes quite well in the minors …. wonder if that’s going to return
|
| 5:44 |
: Could the Rays teach Kershaw a changeup?
|
| 5:44 |
: Hello, Travis and Eno and everyone.
|
| 5:44 |
: Hey, boss!
|
| 5:45 |
: Is the next frontier in player flexibility having position pitchers who can pitch in long relief ala Bethancourt?
|
| 5:45 |
: Otoni 🙂
|
| 5:45 |
: That’s one word for what I’m not.
|
| 5:45 |
: Gatekeeper of posts
|
| 5:45 |
: You’re watching Minnesota, Sawchik?
|
| 5:45 |
: Yeah, I kind of zoned out and it’s still on TV
|
| 5:46 |
: Appears to have the highest leverage index of all the present games, at least.
|
| 5:46 |
: Or, maybe Toronto/Baltimore does. So *nearly* the highest.
|
| 5:46 |
: About that Bethancourt /player flex question: maybe but they won’t play catcher. History says CF. Maybe SS/MI would be great.
|
| 5:47 |
: Like if Ryan Goins could pitch. Or Sam Fuld.
|
| 5:47 |
: Travis you need to head over to Buffalo Wild Wings.
|
| 5:47 |
: Eno does the gameday classic hack still work?
|
| 5:47 |
: Yeah, I do. But I’d worry about laptop on bar top
|
| 5:47 |
: Eno! Please comment on this potential “hack.”
|
| 5:48 |
: the only hack I’m gonna comment on is cistulli
|
| 5:48 |
: Burn.
|
| 5:48 |
:
|
| 5:48 |
: Carson, you need to do a weekly chat. Please?
|
| 5:49 |
: No, looks like the link for the classic is gone.
|
| 5:49 |
: One should endeavor to “leave them wanting more.” In my case, I want to “leave them wanting *any*.”
|
| 5:49 |
: That’s Travis Snider eventually striking out Joey Votto
|
| 5:49 |
: Kershaw’s changeup looks really bad. The only thing going for it is the surprise factor.
|
| 5:49 |
: He’s also thrown it anywhere from 84 to 90 mph today.
|
| 5:49 |
: and he’s been working on it for years!
|
| 5:50 |
: Betancourt is not as you would say, good.
|
| 5:51 |
: So Kershaw is treating this start like his final spring training tuneup?
|
| 5:51 |
: You know what’s strange about that, asabin (et al)? Vin Scully used to refer to Kershaw’s curve as a changeup all the time. Or, at least in a number of games I watched. Which was strange. I wasn’t sure if it was simply a mis-identification or maybe a synonym for a curve from another era.
|
| 5:51 |
: Corey Seager is a monster baseball player.
|
| 5:51 |
: He’s physically impressive.
|
| 5:52 |
: Why would it be hard for Kershaw to throw a change Up?
|
| 5:52 |
: Over the top guy, I’d guess.
|
| 5:52 |
: It’s easier to turn over the changeup from the 2/3 slot.
|
| 5:52 |
: Point of fact, a curveball can be a changeup, if its function is to a significant degree as a change of speed.
|
| 5:53 |
: If the hitter can’t tell it’s a curveball.
|
| 5:53 |
: If there’s a two-thirds arm slot and three-quarters slot, is there also a one-half slot? A 1/10 slot?
|
| 5:53 |
: What was Dan Quisenberry?
|
| 5:53 |
: Carson, I watch every single Kershaw start, and Vin Scully, god bless him, referred to approximately 75% of his curveballs “changeups” and the other 25% “slow curves.” There was no difference between these two pitches.
|
| 5:53 |
: Saw Vin call it a changeup often enough to make me thing it was on person
|
| 5:53 |
: Did you know Scully invented the term “breaking ball”? He said it was because sometimes you couldn’t tell the difference from the press box between the two, so he kind of made it up as a catch all term.
|
| 5:53 |
: shh am watching quisenberry
|
| 5:54 |
: Isn’t 1/2 a sidearmer?
|
| 5:54 |
: So what fraction is Quis, then, Eno?
|
| 5:54 |
: Carson do you think Matt Boyd will have a good year? I know he was one of your fringers a few years back.
|
| 5:55 |
: Quis looks like just short of Bradford and Ziegler. 1/3?
|
| 5:55 |
: The velocity remains a concern. He benefited from a bump a couple years ago, but I’m pretty sure he’s just 90-92 now.
|
| 5:55 |
: Sullivan’s optimistic, though: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-other-interesting-young-tigers-star…
|
| 5:55 |
: So I am, too, I guess.
|
| 5:55 |
: So a softball pitch is 0/1, then?
|
| 5:56 |
: 3/8 is O’Day
|
| 5:56 |
: Quisenberry=0.42
|
| 5:57 |
: After Miguel Sano murdered a Duffy FB in the last AB: BB, CH, CH, CH (popout)
|
| 5:58 |
:
|
| 5:58 |
: That must be a 1/8
|
| 5:58 |
: Did that Votto foulout coujt as an IFFB? Very few things to root for as reds fans. Cant lose one on opening day.
|
| 5:58 |
: yes! sorry.
|
| 5:58 |
: So what chance do we give Diaz to hold on to his roster spot after Kipnis returns?
|
| 5:58 |
: Not particularly great, unless a corner-outfield spot opens up, maybe.
|
| 5:59 |
: BAH GAWD THAT’S ZACH BRITTON’S MUSIC
|
| 5:59 |
: Zach Britton in outside of a save situation. Has Buck Showalter responded to the criticism?
|
| 5:59 |
: How are we not talking about Britton pitching in a tie game in the ninth against the Blue Jays?
|
| 5:59 |
: Rule V guy now pitching for the padres
|
| 5:59 |
: I suppose pitching Britton was on Buck’s to-do list early this season
|
| 5:59 |
: Perhaps it’s more efficient to say a Rule 5 guys *isn’t* pitching for the padres.
|
| 5:59 |
: Adam McCalvy? @AdamMcCalvy
Junior Guerra is on crutches. This is going to be more than a 10-day absence, Counsell says. |
| 6:00 |
: Interesting usage of Oh last night, and now this! RP usage revolution
|
| 6:00 |
: Ack. That’s unfortunate about Guerra.
|
| 6:00 |
: That’s awful news
|
| 6:00 |
: that video is still overhand! Pitcher is just leaning all the way over.
|
| 6:00 |
: Yeah that’s funny.
|
| 6:01 |
: Jenny Finch? 0 Arm slot?
|
| 6:01 |
: But it’s also easy to get too complicated really quickly: what’s his hand slot, what’s his arm slot, what’s his spine tilt.
|
| 6:01 |
: Do we think Kershaw can hold this lead?
|
| 6:01 |
: It’ll be tough against this rejuvenated Padres lineup.
|
| 6:02 |
: Jeremy Hellickson just had an RBI triple. i think i
|
| 6:02 |
: yes
|
| 6:03 |
: think hand slot is the best way to discribe it.
|
| 6:03 |
: Givens is interesting because his arm slot is 1/2 but his hand slot is more over the top.
|
| 6:03 |
: MORE KERSHAW CHANGEUPS. LEFT ON LEFT THIS TIME
|
| 6:03 |
: he’s just f’in around now.
|
| 6:04 |
: Yeah, if you begin to entertain the full compliment of relievers, you probably run into much stranger mechanics.
|
| 6:04 |
: how many of these rookies do the reds intend to keep? Is this just an extended audition?
|
| 6:05 |
: Probably the first question will be answered by the second. If all the rookies end up as MVP candidates, the club will likely retain them all.
|
| 6:05 |
: What about judging arm slot by a clock?
|
| 6:06 |
: Would you flip the clock around for a left-hander? Or leave it the same? So maybe Justin Verlander throws from 2:00, Kershaw from 10:00?
|
| 6:07 |
: Kershaw’s only hit allowed was when they brought the infield in
|
| 6:07 |
: Arm slot question: Who had the most over-the-top arm slot? Josh Collmenter is pretty extreme. Any one know of a pitcher more over the top than him?
|
| 6:07 |
: Eno! Answer this question about over-the-top arm slots.
|
| 6:07 |
: Preston Guilmet
Heath Bell Josh Collmenter Mat Latos Tyler Thornburg Bronson Arroyo Tyson Ross |
| 6:08 |
: That’s done by adjusting release point for height. No info from hand slot or spine tilt. And it’s in order.
|
| 6:08 |
: Those are over-the-top guys?
|
| 6:08 |
: Yeah, most over the top.
|
| 6:09 |
: Bautista just made a crazy catch to save the game
|
| 6:10 |
: redemption for the at-bats he’s had today
|
| 6:10 |
: Here’s Guilmet:
|
| 6:11 |
| 6:11 |
: Or, is this better:
|
| 6:12 |
: Optimistic or pessimistic on greinkes start
|
| 6:12 |
: From Jeff…. http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/zack-greinke-isnt-out-of-the-woods/ Not encouraging
|
| 6:12 |
: This was run in 2015 so there might be a new guy that I saw in the AFL that will be nuttier, but that looks pretty over the top from Guilmet.
|
| 6:12 |
: Good news: it was up from his spring numbers … unless the tracking was off
|
| 6:13 |
: What adds do I have to look forward to once my ISP sells my history containing 12 hours of active fangraphs usage?
|
| 6:13 |
: Dating sites for the sad, alone.
|
| 6:13 |
: Eric Hosmer just struck out on this sequence
|
| 6:13 |
:
|
| 6:13 |
: How could Sylvester Stallone and Kenny Loggins not top the over-the-top list?
|
| 6:14 |
: How early in a career does a pitcher get set into an arm slot? It seems like it would be v hard to change
|
| 6:14 |
: I think it would be cool if fangraphs had a chat that’s just Travis/Dave/Eno & Jeff chatting about baseball, no interaction from us, you guys basically have a chat amongst yourselves in a fish bowl
|
| 6:14 |
: I’d really like to do pieces like this. Carson and I did one. I reached out to Jeff about some piece this year, maybe we will.
|
| 6:14 |
: Seems like LIncecum should have topped that list
|
| 6:14 |
: Top 3%.
|
| 6:15 |
: It would be kind of like this without the cigars …https://www.si.com/more-sports/2014/04/23/sports-writers-tv-show
|
| 6:15 |
: Lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen has occasionally commented on pitchers who’ve changed their slots/mechanics. I think clubs generally try to avoid it, because arms, like Belle and Sebastian, are fragile and precious.
|
| 6:15 |
: Craig Breslow changed his arm slot this offseason. Talk about it on the Ringer pod.
|
| 6:16 |
: yeah this is how it mostly happens: at the end of a career, to save it.
|
| 6:16 |
: I’ve never had MLB.tv before, and I’m like a kid in a candy store right now. ALL OF THE BASEBALL!
|
| 6:16 |
: If you want to Maximize Your Experience, use the GameChanger:
|
| 6:17 |
: What’s on a cheeto sandwich, eno? Just bread and cheetos? Or is there more to it than that?
|
| 6:17 |
: I did ham and cheese, but someone did it better after seeing it and fried the bread in cheetos to give it a cheeto crunchy outside. I think he did like bbq chicken inside with onions.
|
| 6:18 |
: Would three slices of bread qualify as a bread sandwich, or is that just a small stack of bread?
|
| 6:18 |
: usually I want a protein in the middle but I’m German and there is no meal if there’s no protein and some form of potato in it.
|
| 6:18 |
: we’ve entered the run manufacturing stage of KC/MN. Kepler just bunted Polanco over to second
|
| 6:19 |
: And bunted himself to first, after further review!
|
| 6:19 |
: Kershaw hasn’t dropped his arm down today. Do you think he’s given up on that? I know Jeff documented that it was remarkably ineffective.
|
| 6:19 |
: haven’t seen it and if you throw one pitch from that angle, then you’re telling them what’s coming.
|
| 6:19 |
: Hey, if anyone has hot tips regarding bassinets, please share them. Ideally, something that both looks nice and isn’t poisonous would be great. And under $100, ideally.
|
| 6:21 |
: Most basset hounds are not poisonous. I suggest them as a reasonably-similarly-spelled alternative.
|
| 6:21 |
: Is a bassinet a sort of smaller, higher-pitched bassoon? isn’t that called a oboe?
|
| 6:22 |
: You could build one?
|
| 6:22 |
: False.
|
| 6:22 |
: Daren Willman? @darenw
Ryan Schmipf’s HR off Clayton Kershaw was hit 108 MPH… No LHB hit a ball that hard against him all last season. Weird. |
| 6:22 |
: I know we’re off the topic of broadcasters, but I’m enjoying the twins guys
|
| 6:23 |
: You doing TV or radio, Gobble?
|
| 6:23 |
: TV
|
| 6:23 |
: re:bassinet; just get a pack and play. A bassinet is worthless after 6-9 months and a pack and play will be used for years. I think they’re like $40 too. only negative is you have to bend over a little lower, but some an be adjusted. and have bassinet type add-ons.
|
| 6:24 |
: this is probably true. Bassinet is really a short-term add.
|
| 6:24 |
: What did you use, Eno?
|
| 6:24 |
: Carson, I have a bassinet I can loan provided we agree to terms
|
| 6:25 |
: I feel like a Serie B club all of a sudden, Sawchik.
|
| 6:25 |
: wtf is a bassinet
|
| 6:25 |
: This is a reasonable position to hold.
|
| 6:26 |
: agreed on the bassinet/ pack and play
|
| 6:26 |
: We had a little co-sleeper bassinet, they sit on your bed, cost < $50, and prevent any concern about rolling over on the baby. Worked pretty well for those first few months, if you’re not against having the baby in bed with you (there are many strong opinions on this)
|
| 6:26 |
: We had a bassinet that fit into our crazy expensive stroller that we used for a few weeks, but we co-slept for most of the time so we just transitioned with the bassinet.
|
| 6:26 |
: I would say a stroller that can change into multiple things should be your big get.
|
| 6:26 |
: Like a Transformer?
|
| 6:27 |
: Stroller is huge. I’ve probably put 1,000 miles on it, seriously
|
| 6:27 |
: yeah, ours could face both ways, started with a bassinet, then got bigger seats twice, then we added an attachable roller board for the second kid to surf.
|
| 6:27 |
: I don’t know why, but Justin Turner seems like a really good guy. And I’m a Giants fan
|
| 6:27 |
: That’s not entirely English, Eno.
|
| 6:27 |
: He is! He is v nice.
|
| 6:27 |
: I saw a guy turn a restaurant high chair upside down and place a baby carrier perfectly between the legs so that it was level with the table yesterday. It blew my mind
|
| 6:27 |
: Justin Turner is the kind of guy you’d want your daughter to marry and then to teach swing plane to your grandchildren
|
| 6:28 |
: I’ve employed that practice, MCL
|
| 6:28 |
: I edited a chat comment for you Carson.
|
| 6:28 |
: I believe this is referred to as a “life hack,” MCL. As for life hacks, I’m behind the curve. I’ve only just learned that “showering” will prevent disease, etc… Every time I shower I yell, “You’ve been hacked, life!”
|
| 6:29 |
: Thank you, Eno.
|
| 6:29 |
: We had a hand down UppaBaby… that shit was like $1000 or something… pays to have rich brother and sister
|
| 6:29 |
: At what age do you no longer trust your flatulence?
|
| 6:29 |
: Uh so last week…
|
| 6:29 |
: Yes. I would like to know rich people, Altman.
|
| 6:29 |
: WE bought an UppaBaby off craigslist used
|
| 6:30 |
: even pre-breakout I was super sad when the Mets cut Turner because he seemed like such a good dude who really played all out. I still can’t believe that hatchet job the team did on him through the tabloids, accusing him of not hustling. If there’s one thing Turner did every time I saw him play, it was hustle. Happy for all his success.
|
| 6:30 |
: Ewww, Buxton with the three strikeout day, last of which was with the bases loaded
|
| 6:30 |
: Please Buxton
|
| 6:31 |
: Pretty please, Buxton
|
| 6:31 |
: Buxton still having problems
|
| 6:31 |
: I’m 40. Definitely had some shart alarms the last couple of years.
|
| 6:31 |
: I blamed the norovirus but the truth is
|
| 6:31 |
: Bases juiced Sano up to the plate
|
| 6:32 |
: This inning isn’t going perfectly for KC.
|
| 6:32 |
: Eagerly awaiting “$11 Worth of Taco Bell” to chime in on this flatulence discussion…
|
| 6:32 |
: Is the NL going to need to start asterisk’ing the stats accumulated against the Padres and Reds? I say this only half jokingly.
|
| 6:33 |
: If I’m not mistaken Buxton has swung and missed at every off speed pitch today.
|
| 6:33 |
: San Diego’s interesting because they’ve actually cobbled together a pretty interesting collection of position players — while almost completely ignoring the staff.
|
| 6:33 |
: That seems right
|
| 6:33 |
: re: Buxton swing and miss
|
| 6:34 |
: ANDREW TOLES TOOTBLAN
|
| 6:34 |
: Hey, Travis or Eno or anyone: is Toles the starting Dodgers left fielder? Or is platooning with Guti?
|
| 6:34 |
: Is there a rule requiring catchers to squat when receiving behind the dish? For example, could a catcher intentionally stand in an effort to block the home plate’s view of calling balls and strikes?
|
| 6:35 |
: Or just walk away and let the pitch hit the umpire?
|
| 6:35 |
: Sano walk. Another Minnesota run.
|
| 6:37 |
: Castro base hit. More Twins runs.
|
| 6:37 |
: Pitching down in the count 3-1 to Miguel Sano with the bases loaded looks like approximately zero fun.
|
| 6:37 |
: 6-1 Minnesota
|
| 6:37 |
: Toles platooning with Guti while Ethier is out. Unfortunately probably has to go down when Ethier is back
|
| 6:37 |
: Polanco single for Twins. Now up 7-1.
|
| 6:37 |
: Manny Machado is not real…
|
| 6:38 |
: What a play from Machado
|
| 6:38 |
: ooooh mercy
|
| 6:38 |
: Machado just made an amazing play
|
| 6:38 |
: Billy Hamilton triple alert
|
| 6:38 |
: OMG MANNY MACHADO
|
| 6:38 |
: BAH GAWD THAT’S MANNY MACHADO’S MUSIC
|
| 6:38 |
: Enjoy Manny, Baltimore
|
| 6:38 |
: So far, the biggest highlight of the Cincinnati Reds’ season is that they scored a run. That, and Joey Votto isn’t dead yet.
|
| 6:39 |
: I don’t think this will be accepted as the club’s 2017 tagline.
|
| 6:39 |
: “Come see Reds baseball… Joey Votto isn’t dead yet!”
|
| 6:41 |
: the royals have walked in 3 runs this inning. goodbye super pen
|
| 6:41 |
: Ned yearns for yesterday
|
| 6:41 |
: My friend has a bassinet that he can control via wifi to rock and/or play music and looks like a space egg. It’s amazing and he can rock his baby while we play Smash Bros
|
| 6:41 |
: sounds like maybe more than $40 tho
|
| 6:41 |
: This is actually something you invented in a dream.
|
| 6:42 |
: I just turned on the first game of mlb.tv career
|
| 6:43 |
: I will reiterate, this is a great complement to mlb.tv:
|
| 6:43 |
: I want that bassinet and I don’t even have a child or a significant other
|
| 6:44 |
: Am I a bad fan for hoping the Royals fall out of it early so they can burn it to the ground at the deadline?
|
| 6:44 |
: You’re a rational fan
|
| 6:44 |
: Hey, I have to step out for a moment. I will return for at least one or three of Yandy Diaz’s plate appearances.
|
| 6:45 |
: I’d look for a killer return for Duffy, too
|
| 6:46 |
: Many years from now when bumgarner retires and is eventually considered for the hall, will they also take into account his value added at the plate? Just curious
|
| 6:46 |
: Of course
|
| 6:46 |
: It’s value
|
| 6:47 |
: Gerrit cole looked so good then fell apart :/
|
| 6:48 |
: That happens time to time with him….He has trouble getting over mistakes. Pitches emotionally on occasion
|
| 6:48 |
: Jon Gray, too. And they both didn’t throw their third/fourth options much.
|
| 6:48 |
: Cole falls in love with fastball. High usage rate
|
| 6:49 |
: Trumbo walk-off?
|
| 6:49 |
: Well I saw that on TV before I saw it on the feed haha.
|
| 6:50 |
: I prefer Trumbone to Trumbo Jumbo
|
| 6:51 |
: Travis, any insight into the cutch plate discipline issues recently?
|
| 6:52 |
: Who said stand alone power doesn’t have value?
|
| 6:52 |
: He seemed to improve in August and Sept …. Let’s wait and see. His bat has to bounce back, because the glove is in a four-year decline
|
| 6:52 |
: Yeah that defensive decline is v trackable.
|
| 6:53 |
: Oh man it’s not going to be a ton of fun in San Diego this year, maybe.
|
| 6:53 |
: If I get an MVP vote again, regardless of year, I’m voting for Grandal
|
| 6:54 |
: Yaz Grandal just unleashed an awesome bat drop from an over the top arm slot
|
| 6:54 |
: Might be a good year to make a few trips to minor league affiliates, San Diego fans
|
| 6:55 |
: Are Manny Machado and Nolan Arenado on a serious HoF path? I mean you kinda have to be put them on the Adrian Beltre career path with maybe more consistency, right?
|
| 6:55 |
: Absolutely The skill sets are there. But accumulating counting stats requires health and longevity
|
| 6:56 |
:
Miguel Diaz, 98mph 2 seam movement.
  Enjoy him Pads fans |
| 6:56 |
: Golden Age for left side of the infield
|
| 6:56 |
: Blue jays left 26 men on base, 8 courtesy of villain Bautista
|
| 6:57 |
: Man, all the AL East fans HATE Bautista. What have I missed while covering the Pirates?
|
| 6:58 |
: Travis…your boy, Nick Markakis, went 0-4. Can you diagnose what’s wrong with him?
|
| 6:58 |
: Probably Opening Day jitters
|
| 6:58 |
: Grandal with another bomb. Of course I’d be facing him this week in fantasy
|
| 6:58 |
: Grandal has a chance to be top fantasy catcher, imo
|
| 6:58 |
: Esp in OBP league, obviously
|
| 6:59 |
: Wish he could stay healthy for a full season
|
| 6:59 |
: I repeat my comment that the Padres might challenge the 1962 Mets record and let’s not forget that as recently as 2003 the Tigers went 43-119 and had to win their last 5 to do that.
|
| 7:00 |
: Even if they did challenge that mark … they should want the No. 1 pick, so I’m not sure winning 65 or 43 matters that much
|
| 7:00 |
: I suspect there is less shame in holding a record like that nowadays
|
| 7:01 |
: So what did I miss?
|
| 7:02 |
: Not a Tigers game 🙁
|
| 7:02 |
: What do you put the over/under at for Padres pitching staff WAR?
|
| 7:03 |
: Set the line at -1
|
| 7:03 |
: I gotta run. It was fun, thanks for hanging out!!
|
| 7:03 |
: I see you’re in … able hands!
|
| 7:04 |
: Eno, nooooo!!!
|
| 7:04 |
: The cavalry has arrived …
|
| 7:04 |
: Gimme that Cheetos sammich before you leave
|
| 7:04 |
: So, it looks like we are going to be all in on Cleveland and Texas for the next hour, and then Mariners and Astros.
|
| 7:04 |
: fry it up
|
| 7:04 |
: Here is the baton, gents. Don’t fumble it … seamless transition. We’ve achieved much here today
|
| 7:05 |
: Enjoy Klubot-Darvish, everyone. It’s been a pleasure
|
| 7:05 |
: Trade Hanley and Greg Holland to get back Cespedes in 10-team redraft?
|
| 7:05 |
: Thanks Travis. The expectations have been set high.
|
| 7:05 |
: Yeah, you want to collect star power in a 10-teamer. Cespedes > Hanley.
|
| 7:05 |
: Ha. Just remember, the chat doesn’t know the chat is important
|
| 7:05 |
: Klubot vs. Darvish incoming in t-minus 5!
|
| 7:06 |
: As someone who picked Kluber to win Cy Young this year, I’ve got a lot riding on this game.
|
| 7:06 |
: My AL pick is Tanaka….. 😐
|
| 7:06 |
: He’s got 31 starts to make up for that tough first one.
|
| 7:07 |
: What’s everybody think of the MLB At Bat Gameday this year? Feels a lot different.
|
| 7:07 |
: I picked Robbie Ray as the NL Cy Young. I regret nothing.
|
| 7:09 |
: not the most likely pick, seemed to have a lot of momentum. needs more pitches I think.
|
| 7:09 |
: never 4get cistulli picking brewers for wild card last year
|
| 7:09 |
: DId we lose Carson too :
|
| 7:09 |
: Carson promised to come back for Yandy Diaz at bats
|
| 7:09 |
: I still get a white screen whenever I open any match in At Bat, does anyone know why?
|
| 7:10 |
: What are we forecasting for Brantley assuming he can play 140 games this season? I WANT TO BELIEVE.
|
| 7:10 |
: what’s the recommended feed, cleveland or texas
|
| 7:10 |
: Get Tom Hamilton the radio synced w/the video
|
| 7:10 |
: if he can play 140 games, that means he’s healthy. If he’s healthy, let’s say 110 wRC+
|
| 7:10 |
: Can we start referring to “Cistulli” not as a person but as a state of being? Like when Kluber versus Darvish is on but you’re excited about Yandy Diaz, you were a Cistulli or Cistullian.
|
| 7:10 |
: Yes. 1000% yes.
|
| 7:10 |
: Brightness too high
|
| 7:11 |
: If Darvish is healthy, is he better than Kluber?
|
| 7:12 |
: I take Kluber. He’s had three straight 5+ WAR seasons and even when healthy, Darvish hasn’t gotten there.
|
| 7:12 |
: Not that Darvish isn’t very good. If he’s healthy, he is getting paid in 7 months.
|
| 7:12 |
: maybe a flash problem, miky?
|
| 7:13 |
: Yu Darvish is my Cy pick. Very nervous
|
| 7:13 |
: Eric Nadel is no slouch behind the mike either. I believe Fangraphs ranked him #1 last year.
|
| 7:13 |
: Nadel is a beast for sure, totally agree.
|
| 7:13 |
: Can someone make a weighted catch rate stat using the statcast data so we can systematically compare (i’m bad at math but whoever wants to can plagiarize the idea)
|
| 7:14 |
: it will be difficult to weight things with 100 as average, at least for the time being because opportunities are so different, but I’m sure the top minds are working on it.
|
| 7:14 |
: @Sporer — I saw your name on the invite to Rosenheck’s 20-teamer. Why didn’t you play that one?
|
| 7:14 |
: Just wasn’t interested this year
|
| 7:16 |
: Lindor vs. Darvish might be the best hitter-pitcher matchup of the day
|
| 7:16 |
: Lindor’s great, but a lot of that is from defense. He’s probably the 3rd best hitter on the team.
|
| 7:17 |
: The Phillies are playing with fire using Gomez as their “closer”?
|
| 7:18 |
: He’s not their best reliever, probably not close, but probably not a big deal for the team. if he gets too bad, they can just replace him.
|
| 7:18 |
: The game doesn’t really warrant any attention, but I was surprised to see Hellickson as the Phillies opening day starter. Why?
|
| 7:18 |
: They could be looking at sabermetrically and preferring to have Neris/Benoit available in the real hot spots in 6th-8th while giving Gomez the more favorable bases clear, 3-run lead setups
|
| 7:19 |
: Hey Sporer, loving your ESPN daily notes column
|
| 7:19 |
: He is their highest paid player, right?
|
| 7:19 |
: Thanks so much!
|
| 7:20 |
: How many 55+ pitches does Darvish have?
|
| 7:21 |
: Darvish slider on point so far.
|
| 7:21 |
: The slider is great. Hard to say how good the rest of his pitches are independent of it. It’s probably more of a scouting question than a stat question.
|
| 7:22 |
: darn blackouts, because I was totally gonna drive five hours to Arlington today
|
| 7:22 |
: MLB blackouts have nothing to do with attending games. It’s about buying a cable subscription.
|
| 7:22 |
: not that the blackout policy is good.
|
| 7:22 |
: Always have to jump in and listen to some Paul talk
|
| 7:23 |
: What’s goin on, strype? Enjoying Opening Day?
|
| 7:23 |
: I think someone mentioned in a chat earlier this week that they are likely doing it to keep Hector Neris from getting closer stats and thereby deserving closer money
|
| 7:23 |
: that’s certainly a possibility.
|
| 7:24 |
: it could also be they don’t want Neris getting saves for two years before he hits arbitration though, right?
|
| 7:25 |
: although you have to counter potential trade value as closers could theoretically fetch more in trade.
|
| 7:25 |
: Craig, your thoughts on the Piscotty extension?
|
| 7:26 |
: Yeah, it’s based on whether or not you could watch the game on a local station with a cable subscription
|
| 7:27 |
: The annoying part is I can’t even watch Astros games in Austin with my Google Fiber subscription
|
| 7:27 |
: Who else is going to be watching Keuchel and the Stros tonight?
|
| 7:27 |
: Like most extensions, it is good for the team. The FA years you are getting are age-31 and 32 so they aren’t likely to be astronomically valuable, but the guarantee is small.
|
| 7:27 |
: See above… I’ll be listening
|
| 7:28 |
: he looked safe to me.
|
| 7:29 |
: I thought he was pretty clearly safe
|
| 7:30 |
: Do we know at all if the strike zone seems to be higher today than last year?
|
| 7:30 |
: too early to say
|
| 7:30 |
: Micheal Brantley not looking confident out there
|
| 7:31 |
: What do you guys think of these Umpire scouting reports?
|
| 7:31 |
: I dig it
|
| 7:31 |
: hard to say what was going on out there.
|
| 7:31 |
: It’s great to see Mazara and Gallo in the majors, but I still miss Brinson
|
| 7:32 |
: i think you made out okay on that one.
|
| 7:32 |
: If it makes you feel any better, I miss Lucroy.
|
| 7:33 |
: Excited to see what Lucroy does with a full season in Texas
|
| 7:34 |
: I know Eno is gone but this camera angle in Texas is awful. Is it always this far off towards LF?
|
| 7:34 |
: which feed are you watching?
|
| 7:35 |
: I think Darvish plays for another club in 2018.
|
| 7:35 |
: Wait, Eno’s the only one who can appreciate camera angles? 😉
|
| 7:35 |
: that seems likely, and there will be a lot of pitching out there.
|
| 7:35 |
: Does Molina’s extension make a Lucroy extension pretty unlikely?
|
| 7:36 |
: don’t think they affect each other that much. Lucroy should get more years and he will be one of the more sought after FA. Makes a lot more sense for him to get to FA than Molina.
|
| 7:36 |
: I ordered my first non-Baltimore jersey for any sport today: Javy Baez
|
| 7:37 |
: He’s so fun. Big fan of his game. Hope he curbs the Ks some and breaks out this year
|
| 7:37 |
: Matte batting helmets are so in right now. Again, the Pirates were ahead of the curve.
|
| 7:37 |
: Who will be the likely frontrunner for Darvish?
|
| 7:37 |
: They’re so great. MLB The Show 17 got them, too
|
| 7:37 |
: The angle does look off, now that you mention it
|
| 7:37 |
: Let’s try to get through one game first before we get to too much FA speculation.
|
| 7:37 |
: It’s a bit of an old school angle for sure. Didn’t we have a list of all of them ranked before? Probably by Carson?
|
| 7:39 |
: the angle seems a bit low
|
| 7:39 |
: Here’s broadcast angles: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/ranking-baseballs-center-field-camera-s…
|
| 7:41 |
: Does Jose Ramirez look like Barry Bonds a little or am I crazy?
|
| 7:41 |
: Not crazy, but I don’t see it. I see Juan Uribe.
|
| 7:41 |
: Thoughts on opening day so far? My team won so I’m obviously happy, but other than that it has been a solid opening day so far
|
| 7:42 |
: Disappointing for this Tigers fan. It’s like a meth addict was promised meth but then… no meth?!
|
| 7:42 |
: Thoughts on this “closer by committee” rumor coming out of Anaheim? Also what the heck ever happened to Huston Street
|
| 7:42 |
: He’s hurt. I think they’re just waiting for Cam Bedrosian to run away with it
|
| 7:42 |
: Due to scheduling conflicts, I have an auction draft starting at 9 pm tonight.. any strategies to drafting after opening day is mostly over?
|
| 7:42 |
: but now tigers and white sox are providing justification for the day off after home openers.
|
| 7:43 |
: some teams have two off days in the first week, which seems a bit unnecessary
|
| 7:43 |
: Don’t make bids based on what you’ve seen on the positive and if people do, let em overpay. See if you can get a Tanaka discount
|
| 7:43 |
: Ya I usually hate those, Craig, but I totally get it
|
| 7:43 |
: Paul, I saw you quote tweeted that video of Treinen. Im ProboscisMonkey in your twitch stream, and we discussed this last night, but man he has some nasty stuff. I have always had problems with his control/and I would think confidence issues over the years. That slider with a 97-99 fastball with movement can be devastating if done right
|
| 7:44 |
: BAH GAWD THAT’S ROUGNED ODOR’S MUSIC
|
| 7:44 |
: Hey monkey! I’m hoping he’s gained some confidence by the trust they’ve put in him and he let’s his stuff do the work. Really does have some right-handed Zach Britton appeal. Eno always loved him and I should’ve gotten some shares just in case after Eno also called Dyson in Texas last year
|
| 7:44 |
: You’re on bath salts but no faces to eat 🙁
|
| 7:44 |
: Odor with a big first punch
|
| 7:45 |
: Odor is paying for his horses already
|
| 7:45 |
: initial impression: The AL Central is going to be a dumpster fire outside of Cleveland.
|
| 7:45 |
: Probably, but let me still dream until the season actually starts for my Tigers
|
| 7:47 |
: AL Central should have a lot going on. White Sox stil have Quintana and Frazier and Abreu. The Royals are either going to contend or sell everyone. The Twins have Buxton and Sano. Detroit could contend or have a huge sell. Cleveland should romp, but there are a lot of reasons to follow the rest of the division because what they do will matter for the rest of MLB.
|
| 7:48 |
: Also, Adam Lind as the hero of the Nats’ opening day? Who would’ve thought?
|
| 7:48 |
: He should be pretty solid as a righty-killer
|
| 7:48 |
: Thoughts on the Melvin to Detroit rumor?
|
| 7:49 |
: Gallo didn’t strike out!
|
| 7:49 |
: It fits and they need an MLB capable OFer at this point. Maybe reuniting with Justin will get him back on that SD track from last year
|
| 7:49 |
: craig, sano breakout year?
|
| 7:50 |
: Thanks, Paul. Love you and Eno on the pod! Have y’all given any thought to doing FG live blogs once a week for games? Or is there not enough demand/would it be too taxing on the FG team?
|
| 7:51 |
: I wouldn’t call for a breakout because he would have to be really good for that to happen, but he could get to like a 120-125 wRC+ in a very powerful way, but he just strikes out to dang much.
|
| 7:51 |
: My guess is the latter would be the issues. Most of the team has a family, they can’t all just sit here watching game after game like my lame ass
|
| 7:51 |
: With some little injury luck, the Tigers could get a wildcard spot. Right?! Right?! Also, Cleveland’s pitchers tend to get hurt
|
| 7:51 |
: Yes, but perfect health is already out the window before first pitch with JDM down. Zimm has to come back and both of Boyd and Norris need to be solid or better for 150+ IP
|
| 7:51 |
: “Twins have Buxton and Sank” two unproven players with relatively high ceilings. Just like every other division.. just admit it, AL central sucks
|
| 7:52 |
: What did you guys think of the WBC?
|
| 7:52 |
: not sure there are really any others out there that have a former best prospect in baseball who hasn’t broken out and is still young enough to break out.
|
| 7:52 |
: I absolutely loved it. I was in early and stayed engaged throughout. It was the WBC I dove headfirst into
|
| 7:53 |
: WBC was great. It is a lot of fun to see players get excited about outcomes in March. Sort of felt like it carried over a bit into last night’s game.
|
| 7:53 |
: that’s one Yandy Diaz AB. Cistulli still in hiding after that one.
|
| 7:54 |
: Profar could still break out
|
| 7:54 |
: i suppose that is possible
|
| 7:55 |
: I think i watched over 24 hrs straight of the WBC.
|
| 7:55 |
: Dylan Bundy could break out.
|
| 7:56 |
: that might be possible, too, though not as likely.
|
| 7:58 |
: Is this gun hot? Yu just hit 98.
|
| 7:58 |
: statcast had one at 97.9 so not hot.
|
| 7:58 |
: I heard on another game today that they’re measuring differently this year and it’s going to yield about a +1 MPH across the league.
|
| 7:59 |
: Actually, before I disseminate bogus info, I want to be clear that it might’ve been specific to that stadium of that game and not all, but they mentioned that it’d be measured out of the hand as opposed to at 50 ft.
|
| 7:59 |
: only one out, but he would have tied the game on that one.
|
| 7:59 |
: The AL Central sucks on paper, sure, but that’s the beauty of baseball! For all we know both wild cards could come from the Central! (lol)
|
| 7:59 |
: Clint Hurdle could break out.
|
| 8:00 |
: he did a couple years ago.
|
| 8:00 |
: OK, so the meth did get delivered… it just went to Vandelay.
|
| 8:00 |
: Earlier in the day people brought up that pitches are being measured earlier so speed will be up.
|
| 8:00 |
: what on earth Santana
|
| 8:00 |
: wow. bizarre play.
|
| 8:00 |
: Wow Santana just got doubled up for no reason and the Indians can’t tie up the game. Baseball is weird.
|
| 8:01 |
: Buxton had a 70 FV put on him. What are the odds of reaching it? What’s his current FV?
|
| 8:02 |
: he’s a 3-win player right now, so what’s that, like a 55? So maybe you put a 60 on his future value with 70 maybe still in there.
|
| 8:03 |
: Craig, what are your feelings about deliberate tanking in MLB?
|
| 8:04 |
: I think you need to do whatever you can to put your organization in the best position to win. If that means you lose for a year or two, so be it. I don’t think there is any excuse to let it go for any longer than that. You might not be a playoff team in 3 seasons, but your efforts should be showing enough fruit that you should make investments to be more competitive.
|
| 8:06 |
: re: pitch speed. i don’t know if that will make speeds more or less uniform with brooks, and if everything isn’t adjusted, it will be hard to compare players and leagues within seasons which seems difficult.
|
| 8:07 |
: Kluber is getting rocked, 3 2Bs and 2 HRs…I’m sad
|
| 8:07 |
: still early
|
| 8:07 |
: Carlos Gomez, comeback player of the year?
|
| 8:07 |
: still early
|
| 8:07 |
: Opening Day OPS for the Dodgers starting 9: .800, 1.400, 1.600, 1.750, .933, 1.583, 2.000, 1.267, 1.167
|
| 8:07 |
: sustainable against the padres.
|
| 8:08 |
: Who the most likely to put something together, Gallo, Buxton, or Profar? All young enough to still figure it out
|
| 8:08 |
: Buxton. he’s still got defense at a premium position which raises his floor.
|
| 8:08 |
: But obviously he’ll be a contender. I prefer it to be someone like him who actually logged 400+ PA. When it’s someone returning from injury, I’m just kinda meh on it. I’m not saying it’s not hard to come back from severe injury, but I just prefer it to be someone who actually struggled in a real sample
|
| 8:09 |
: It’s very hard to deliberately tank in MLB. You’d have to commit over a statistically significantly sample of games/at bats.
|
| 8:09 |
: 5 Rule 5 picks is commitment!
|
| 8:09 |
: When people say “tanking” instead of “rebuilding” what is implied? Some sort of malicious intent? Isn’t this a necessary part of the game?
|
| 8:09 |
: Ya, it does carry a more negative connotation.
|
| 8:09 |
: it’s also difficult because you really need local support/attendance
|
| 8:09 |
: Odor again
|
| 8:10 |
: The downside of being a Mariners fan with the zags in the final. I get to watch about an hour of the game until every tv in the city gets changed to a different channel
|
| 8:11 |
: Any chance Victor Robles sees some PAs this year?
|
| 8:11 |
: I wouldn’t completely rule it out, but it’d take a lot so I put it at very low probability. These days it’s impossible to say no, though
|
| 8:12 |
:
Carlos Gomez and all his glory…
 |
| 8:12 |
: so probably don’t throw odor anything near the strike zone.
|
| 8:12 |
: They’re both SSS, but which type is the lesser evil, Tanaka getting shelled or Gray cruising and then blowing up?
|
| 8:12 |
: You really can’t take anything from either. The only thing that would be meaningful is if we learned Tanaka was ailing
|
| 8:13 |
: Am I missing something or is it absurd that run counted? Shouldn’t the guy not tagging supersede the run?
|
| 8:13 |
: not a force out.
|
| 8:14 |
: There was a post her last year on which stat stabilization. Haven’t been able to find it.
|
| 8:14 |
| 8:16 |
: If Rachel Phelps were the owner of the Padres, how much different would her roster look than San Diego’s current roster?
|
| 8:16 |
: she would already be in San Diego. Miami might not have the same appeal.
|
| 8:17 |
: his hitting and pitching WAR were both 0.3
|
| 8:17 |
: Joey Gallo struck out. I’m utterly shocked.
|
| 8:17 |
: So weird.
|
| 8:17 |
: I miss the hill already
|
| 8:18 |
: Houston’s new CF camera angle is so fire… going to be watching a lot of ‘tros games this year
|
| 8:18 |
: uhh maybe be a bit more careful about the usernames you aprove
|
| 8:18 |
: Pics? Stupid ROOT Sports
|
| 8:18 |
: sorry about that
|
| 8:19 |
: Ya, not used to such childish tools. We gotta keep an eye out
|
| 8:20 |
: Ball is FLYIN in Arlington
|
| 8:20 |
: so do Napoli and Encarnacion have a conversation about how the latter replaced the former?
|
| 8:21 |
: lol
|
| 8:21 |
: any unusually slow mlbtv issues?
|
| 8:21 |
: it seems like it always takes a bit of time at the beginning of the season, but that could be just because it has been so long since baseball.
|
| 8:22 |
: What is wrong with username “Craig Edwards”?
|
| 8:22 |
: you’d be surprised
|
| 8:23 |
: Not sure there’s much difference between Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor with the bat. That’s meant to prop up Ramirez, not besmirch Lindor
|
| 8:23 |
: i missed dingers so much and i’m so happy they are back
|
| 8:23 |
: time to test some more juiced ball theories.
|
| 8:24 |
: what if the ball keeps getting juiced, what if the home runs keep going up and one day everyone is barry bonds?
|
| 8:25 |
: then the guy who is Barry Bonds to the rest of the Bondses will be a golden god.
|
| 8:26 |
: frontera salsa jars are very difficult to open for some reason, one of those reasons is that I am not a small individual.
|
| 8:27 |
: That was a bomb.
|
| 8:27 |
: this seems to be happening a lot.
|
| 8:28 |
: Klubot…Kluhuman?
|
| 8:28 |
: malfunction?
|
| 8:28 |
: “The Year of the Springer Dinger”
|
| 8:29 |
: sponsored by…
|
| 8:29 |
: Didnt Kluber get lit up early last year as well?
|
| 8:30 |
: April ERA the last three years: 4.24, 4.14, 4.14 in 105 total IP
|
| 8:30 |
: what do you guys think of jessica mendoza as an announcer?
|
| 8:31 |
: I’m impressed. She’s sharp.
|
| 8:31 |
: i like the ESPN Sunday night crew. I think they all do a good job.
|
| 8:32 |
: What do you think of Zunino this year?
|
| 8:32 |
: I try not to
|
| 8:32 |
: Something up with the FG scoreboard page? Mine still shows CLE vs Texas as not even starting yet…
|
| 8:33 |
: I had problems with on the at bat app too so could be a bigger issue.
|
| 8:33 |
: Not only do I think she is good, but I think its also good for the game to have her in the position that she is in.
|
| 8:35 |
: RE: Kluber’s struggles early. Is that a thing or just a weird coicedence/SSS?
|
| 8:37 |
: While not the case here, it can be difficult to pitch in colder weather.
|
| 8:38 |
: What do you guys think of Schimpf? He took Kershaw deep 1 more time then any left hander did all season last year.
|
| 8:38 |
: He’s still going to hit a lot of homers. Maybe Kershaw had a talk with Jack Morris about how to pitch to the score.
|
| 8:38 |
: It only took me an inning and a half of watching baseball to see a ridiculously low pitch called a strike. Is there any real reason to expect MLB to shrink/raise the zone?
|
| 8:39 |
: not that likely. It’s pretty hard to do league-wide and given the union didn’t agree to it, there would have to be a pretty crazy conspiracy. That said, i do think the the lowest part of the zone should be a few inches higher.
|
| 8:39 |
: I don’t know for sure re: Kluber, but I do recall ppl being worried about him at some point in every April
|
| 8:41 |
: 4 walks for Darvish so far.
|
| 8:42 |
: Seems like Yu is having trouble locating tonight
|
| 8:44 |
: that’s 5 now.
|
| 8:45 |
: He’s walked 6 batters five times before.
|
| 8:47 |
: Lindor dbp with bases loaded no outs hurts big time
|
| 8:48 |
: yeah that was a big break.
|
| 8:48 |
: i love yu
|
| 8:48 |
: i know
|
| 8:50 |
: Why Is Seattle playing Jarrod Dyson in LF instead of CF? Is his not a much better CF than Martin?
|
| 8:50 |
: I don’t think it matters all that much, but they might just be going with some stability.
|
| 8:51 |
: Other than Greinke, have any of these aces who have been hit hard (Tanaka, Kluber, Darvish) been dealing with diminished velocity?
|
| 8:51 |
: i know there were reports early on Lester, though he didn’t really get hit hard.
|
| 8:51 |
: Ya I’m not sure Dyson is SOO much better that he must start in CF over Martin
|
| 8:51 |
: I know the metrics love Dyson
|
| 8:52 |
: Where does Mazara go from here developmentally?
|
| 8:53 |
: i think you hope for more power. He hit 20 homers, but only had 13 doubles last year. Those need to go up, especially in that park.
|
| 8:55 |
: What was the batted ball speed on Bregmans hit?
|
| 8:55 |
: 85. It is a hit just 13% of the time.
|
| 8:56 |
: STL has locked up most positions now, except for 3B and LF (and they’ve got Gyorko and Grichuk under team control for years). There’s still a sizeable gap between them and CHC. How in the world do they plan on closing that gap?
|
| 8:56 |
: Starting pitching and they need at least one star position player.
|
| 8:57 |
: Is there a place we can pull statcast from for specific plays?
|
| 8:57 |
: there is a gamefeed drop down at baseball savant
|
| 8:57 |
: Carlos Martinez: Cy Young award winner
|
| 8:58 |
: still kershaw’s to lose, but you have to be encouraged by last night’s game.
|
| 9:01 |
: it’s kind of amazing the darvish has gotten through six innings in 86 pitches while walking 5 batters
|
| 9:01 |
: It’s one game, but 3 K’s on opening day for Buxton has got to be a real bad sign. Is he going to settle in as at least a scratch hitter who plays great CF?
|
| 9:01 |
: Very high on Carlos Martinez this year and not just because of last night’s awesomeness. He’s on the ace track.
|
| 9:01 |
: Benoit pitching in the 6th inning mean he’s got no shot at saves?
|
| 9:02 |
: It’s the stock answer, but it’s also apt: it’s just one day. Bullpens are remarkably fluid. Neris is almost certainly the next-in-line, but Benoit has done it before and managers often value that (too highly)
|
| 9:04 |
: i wouldn’t worry to much about one game. Duffy struck out 8.
|
| 9:04 |
: In terms of catching the Cubs, I don’t see the Cards being better on paper for awhile but championships arent won on paper. Yankees should have won 10 straight or so but didn’t. Get to the playoffs and take your chances there.
|
| 9:06 |
: I’m short on closers, and have Hanley to cover first. Should I trade Matt Carpenter for Kenley Jansen? And if no, what if I add in Salvy Perez (as an upgrade over my Brian McCann, 12 team 1 catcher league)
|
| 9:06 |
: getting to the playoffs is important, but the division still gives you a much better shot, and the cubs still have a big advantage.
|
| 9:06 |
: So happy I know about that gamefeed drop down at baseball savant now. Thank you Craig
|
| 9:06 |
: Can’t get a much better closer than Kenley. Get it done!
|
| 9:06 |
: no problem.
|
| 9:06 |
: Is Longenhagen here yet?
|
| 9:06 |
: Think he’s 9 CT.
|
| 9:06 |
: Stuck with me for another hour
|
| 9:06 |
: Velocity doesn’t seem to be Kluber’s problem tonight. That’s 40 command
|
| 9:07 |
: Ya it’s rarely ever his issue. Eno tabbed him as a bad fastball guy a couple years ago and the toll will eventually come due on that when his secondary stuff backs up. For now, I’m not worried. If anyone wants to give me a shred of a discount after today, I’m in.
|
| 9:07 |
: I’m lurking but working on loading and formatting the Angels list.
|
| 9:08 |
: How long can a six player list take?!
|
| 9:08 |
: Keuchel threw 6 pitches on that Haniger K, and only 1 was in the zone.
|
| 9:08 |
: It’s not THAT bad.
|
| 9:09 |
: Kershaw is the no question best pitcher in baseball. Has been for awhile and will be for a awhile still most likely. Assume he keeps the mantle this season and next but then begins to fade, who are you picking to take that title? Martinez, Thor … any others?
|
| 9:09 |
: That’s how he succeeds, by getting batters to chase. They did less of it last year, but make no mistake that the jump in ERA was heavily injury related, too. I think he’s more of a mid-3.00s guy when the league is adjusted to him, not mid-4.00s. If the shoulder is right, he’ll be solid again this year
|
| 9:11 |
: i think syndergaard is the best bet, but martinez has that opportunity. i don’t see too much of a reason for kershaw to fade, but obviously anything can happen. Bumgarner, one of the Toronto pitchers. I don’t see MLB running low on pitchers who can be great.
|
| 9:12 |
: Man the Indians are a fun team. Speaking of, how did that mid-late 90s team not win any championships? They were terrifying?
|
| 9:12 |
: Winning it all is hard. They didn’t have great pitching, lost a year to the strike and lost two WS. they did just about everything.
|
| 9:13 |
: I don’t think Keuchel has thrown a single pitch in the upper two-thirds of the zone. Someone’s not buying into the Fly Ball Revolution.
|
| 9:14 |
: keuchel’s heat maps always look nuts–so much low and a huge portion out of the zone.
|
| 9:14 |
: Is he working down and out? (blacked out here). If he’s staying below the zone and getting chases, he’s not going to get clobbered. It’s when guys try to work low and miss just above their target that they get crushed by the upper cut swingers.
|
| 9:14 |
: Who do you think finishes with the highest ’17 WAR? Drury, Duvall, Pederson, Calhoun.
|
| 9:14 |
: If Buxton is hitting terribly, how long of a leash does he get? Keep playing nearly everyday until June, give him until July?
|
| 9:14 |
: Pederson for me. Also big on Drury’s bat.
|
| 9:15 |
: Keuchel lives in the lower part of the zone — one of the pitchers that stands to lose the most if MLB raises it
|
| 9:15 |
: how terribly? if he’s at like 75 or 80 wRC+ above, you just let him keep playing. Not sure how more triple-a time is going to help him.
|
| 9:15 |
: Ya there would bea TON of guys who could see some issues by a raised zone. So many guys succeed low in the zone. The guys who can take big steps are those who can be effective with the high fastball a la Verlander last year
|
| 9:16 |
: If you were Dallas Keuchel, would you have considered changing the pronunciation of your last name at some point in your life? Koo-chel, maybe?
|
| 9:16 |
: lololololol, I’d probably just want it pronounced how it’s supposed to be. Koo-chel… lol
|
| 9:19 |
: Klubot is done, just cancel the CLE season…..
|
| 9:19 |
: he settled down after the third. might want to wait one more game before giving up.
|
| 9:20 |
: Eric what do you think are the odds that Gallo figures out how to make contact?
|
| 9:20 |
: I’m still in on Gallo. I buy the athleticism and hitters like him have blossomed late in the past, Chris Davis the obvious one, Ryan Howard wasn’t really up until 26, etc.
|
| 9:20 |
: And he doesn’t have to be a great hitter, just hit enough to get to the 80 raw. But it’s probably going to take an adjustment yet.
|
| 9:21 |
: Do groundball pitchers usually have a higher LOB%? Given they would give up more base hits, more runners possibly, but they’d also be more likely to get double plays and give up less extra base hits with runners on
|
| 9:21 |
: I don’t think so, but don’t know for sure. LOB% is mostly luck and defense.
|
| 9:22 |
: Carlos Correa’s homer shouldn’t count until he returns his hair to the Darko Milicic Follicle Emporium
|
| 9:22 |
: Is there a better feeling in the world than when your pitcher gets brought back out in the 7th and proceeds to lose his QS.
|
| 9:23 |
: Paul Sporer looks like Car Seat Headrest
|
| 9:23 |
: yes. lots of better feelings.
|
| 9:23 |
: Is this an insult? I have no idea what that is.
|
| 9:23 |
: I know this is the 44th time I’m bitching about it in the last hour, but I’m so mad I can’t watch Houston games in Austin freakin Texas.
|
| 9:24 |
: How long will Correa continue playing SS over Bregman?
|
| 9:25 |
: a while probably. I would think the difference would need to be pretty drastic to justify a change.
|
| 9:25 |
: Org has identical grades on both of their gloves there. Bregman has work at other spots under his belt already. Makes sense to keep as is, imo.
|
| 9:28 |
: Correa did a pretty good Machado imitation at 3rd in the WBC though.
|
| 9:28 |
: there was a pretty compelling reason for that though.
|
| 9:28 |
: Since u guys didn’t chat yesterday (boo!), I wanna ask a Yankees question: Gary Sanchez went 0 for 5 and looked to be swinging at any breaking ball out of the zone — announcers made a point of saying he finished last year 2 for 29 after the league figured this out — has he shown trouble in the past (minors or whatever) in recognizing the O-Breaking Ball? — btw, you guys are chatting today (yay!)
|
| 9:28 |
: Yes. Was always a 70 raw, 70 arm catcher with breaking ball recog and receiving issues as a prospect.
|
| 9:30 |
: Stretch time in Texas. Not exactly the battle of aces and we are in to both teams’ bullpens.
|
| 9:32 |
: Isn’t one of the minor bonuses of shifts not having to move guys like Correa as quickly?
|
| 9:32 |
: Yerp, I’m convinced it’s why Tampa and Oakland employ the types of SS’s they do throughout the org.
|
| 9:32 |
: I know people have talked about the shift making it easier to have worse 2B defensively, which might have helped offense at the position.
|
| 9:33 |
: Thanks Pie 🙂
|
| 9:34 |
: Thoughts on Brantley? Can he get back to being an MVP type?
|
| 9:34 |
: Favorite part of Opening Day?
|
| 9:34 |
: I think 2014 is pretty unrealistic and his 2015 is probably closer to best-case at something close to four WAR.
|
| 9:34 |
: Just the fact that it’s here. I’m SO glad baseball is back.
|
| 9:35 |
: No more spring training traffic in AZ
|
| 9:35 |
: Bold predictions after the season starts? C’mon Paul!
|
| 9:35 |
: I like that the games feel really important because there haven’t been any games for a long time even though it is just one game in a long season. It tricks you.
|
| 9:36 |
: Oh ya, they’re completely invalid now. ?
|
| 9:36 |
: What top SP with a bad outing are you least concerned about? Most concerned?
|
| 9:37 |
: I think both Kulber and Darvish showed enough to think they will be fine. Greinke and Tanaka probably at the other end.
|
| 9:38 |
: 5 years from now: Nomar Mozara or Gregory Polanco?
|
| 9:38 |
: that’s a long time, but I’ll say polanco
|
| 9:39 |
: Who the worse manager, Scoscia or Matheny?
|
| 9:39 |
: It’s not even close.
|
| 9:40 |
: I’ve heard weird stuff about Scioscia.
|
| 9:41 |
: Is John gibbons a good manager? I’m not convinced that the clashes he’s had in the past were his fault
|
| 9:41 |
: Not personally weird, just that he maybe visits the back fields and does a little more instructing than a manager typically does.
|
| 9:42 |
: Truth be told the difference between be good and bad as a mgr isn’t that much
|
| 9:42 |
: I’ve seen weird stuff from Matheny. Not personally weird, just like maybe he consistently makes poor decisions and mishandles young players.
|
| 9:43 |
: Wait are you actually concerned about Tanaka after one game?
|
| 9:44 |
: if we are just going off of one game, he’s on the spectrum closer to worrying than others. It’s not worth overreacting to, but there is a small degree of worry there.
|
| 9:45 |
: Ya I’m not outright concerned, but if we’re ranking them, he’s higher on the concern list just because of the known UCL issues
|
| 9:45 |
: T/F, Roberto Perez is the Indians starting catcher by July 1st
|
| 9:45 |
: T
|
| 9:45 |
: What do you think about Yulieski?
|
| 9:45 |
: I think he’s in the pantheon of ‘what if’ players that we didn’t get to see play in MLB at their peak like Josh Gibson and Sadaharu Oh.
|
| 9:45 |
: a 50/50 split wouldn’t be surprising.
|
| 9:48 |
: I imagine a bad manager would have more negative effect then a good manager
|
| 9:49 |
: i think the bad stuff is easier to notice than the good, although I’m not sure the good can’t be pretty positive, especially handling the bullpen and getting the whole roster playing time.
|
| 9:49 |
: Have to admit it was a little weird seeing encarnacion put his arm out in a uniform not the Jays.
|
| 9:50 |
: Speaking of ‘what if’ players, Koji as a reliever in MLB his whole career could have been a HoF case. He’s been stupid stupid stupid good all at an advanced age.
|
| 9:50 |
: Koji’s splitter to Mo’s cutter.
|
| 9:51 |
: Can Odor sustain his early success?
|
| 9:53 |
: the 928 wRC+ might come down a bit, but he did hit 33 homers last season. I might be slightly worried that k rate goes up a little bit more. With his poor walk rate he is reliant on that power and BABIP and high k’s make him more reliant on BABIP. He was still only a little bit above average after adjusting for park last year.
|
| 9:54 |
: 3-0 greenlight for Correa with no outs and a runner on third. Sac fly. 3-0 Astros.
|
| 9:54 |
: So strange not to see Tal’s Hill.
|
| 9:55 |
: Paul, can you win a fantasy league without an ace? Basically, no top 25 sps.
|
| 9:55 |
: Depends on # of teams and format, tbh
|
| 9:55 |
: Encarnacion goes deep for Indians!
|
| 9:55 |
: Andrew Miller is pitching in a non-playoff Andrew Miller role.
|
| 9:55 |
: A nice welcome to the team!
|
| 9:55 |
: does everyone that leaves the yankees immediately grow a beard? just because they can?
|
| 9:56 |
: maybe they just realize that beards are great.
|
| 9:56 |
: Jesus Andrew Miller’s numbers cannot be real
|
| 9:56 |
: you said it man
|
| 9:57 |
: Just finished the bold predictions Paul. Delino or Jankowski for my last OF? OBP league
|
| 9:57 |
: Delino, obv!
|
| 9:57 |
:
|
| 9:57 |
: oh, ok
|
| 9:57 |
: You guys answering any fake baseball questions tonight? Like, say I’m on the high side of Jake Lamb but also like young Joc… Given their supposedly increased playing time against lefties, who gets my last lineup spot? (points league, k’s count)
|
| 9:57 |
: Why do sac flies count negatively towards OBP but not BA?
|
| 9:58 |
: Boy, that’s tough. That’s a pair of players I’m very high on for ’17. I’ll lean Joc slightly.
|
| 9:58 |
: another reason that OBP is better at measuring player skill than BA
|
| 9:58 |
: carseat headrest is great, definitely a compliment
|
| 9:58 |
: Awesome, thanks!
|
| 9:58 |
: We miss you Andrew 🙁
|
| 9:58 |
: Its still kind of crazy that the yankees had miller, betances and chapman.
|
| 9:59 |
: and they still have 2 of 3
|
| 9:59 |
: Eric, Seth Beer is the best prospect in college right now, right?
|
| 9:59 |
: Best bat, maybe. There are scouts who worry it’s DH-only though. If he goes to the Cape this summer and rakes with wood, he’s probably the odds on favorite for 1-1 heading into the fall. But there’s still a long time between now and June 2018, and what if someone with a much better defensive profile, like Nick Madrigal, starts hitting for power all of a sudden?
|
| 10:00 |
: told you odor’s wRC+ would go down.
|
| 10:00 |
: And part of it is there’s just not much in the way of college bats right now.
|
| 10:00 |
: Just won a dollar off my dad betting that Napoli would strikeout, easy money.
|
| 10:00 |
: shame
|
| 10:00 |
: Okay, it’s 7 pm so I’m officially here for the next three hours. Let’s get weird.
|
| 10:02 |
: Thanks for hanging out with me for while! Bring it home, Eric!!!
|
| 10:03 |
: Andrew Miller-14 pitches, 10 strikes, two strikeouts. He’s still Andrew Miller.
|
| 10:04 |
: Peace, Paul.
|
| 10:04 |
: Eric: Fernando Tatis Jr? What level of nudity does he inspire? (Reference: latest Tweet)
|
| 10:05 |
: He did this Saturday morning:
Nick Neidert vs. Fernando Tatis Jr. This hit an 18 wheeler in the parking lot
 |
| 10:06 |
: Eric, what do you make of prospects getting somewhat unexpectedly challenging assignments? The rumor is that the Brewers are sending Mario Feliciano to Low A as an 18 year old C. Should I take that as they love him, they have no one else, or a little of both?
|
| 10:06 |
: Probably the last Yandy Diaz AB of the night
|
| 10:07 |
: It’s usually seen as a good sign, that the org wants to challenge the player and that they have confidence he’ll find ways to compete.
|
| 10:07 |
: I have been here since the first pitch Eric and will help bring you home. Sam Travis or Jake Bauers?
|
| 10:07 |
: Bauers
|
| 10:07 |
: Carson here for 0 Diaz at bats,
|
| 10:07 |
: Carson broke a promise to come back. Does he have a 20 punctuality grade?
|
| 10:08 |
: The mustache creates drag, slows him down.
|
| 10:08 |
: OH what a play by Keuchel on the Martin attempted bunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
| 10:08 |
: he is quite good defensively
|
| 10:08 |
: Eric can you give me a profile on Tellez? Literally had not heard about him till sp and now he’s all I keep hearing about
|
| 10:09 |
: Jays list should run tomorrow or Wednesday. It’s in the can, just needs Carson’s touch. I feel as though I wrote very fairly about him, given my skepticism in the past.
|
| 10:09 |
: From a scouting standpoint, who’s better right now between Naquin and Zimmer?
|
| 10:09 |
: Zimmer is the better prospect but the bat needs polish. He’s a huge man with long, Wethian levers and strikes out a ton.
|
| 10:09 |
: Werthian*
|
| 10:10 |
: I’m primarily on Angels/A’s but expect you all to keep me posted on pertinent doings in the other games.
|
| 10:10 |
: Cleveland takes 6-5 lead.
|
| 10:12 |
: Back to back singles for Yunel Escobar and Kole Calhoun (who swung at first pitch after Graveman went 3-0 to Yunel the prior PA)
|
| 10:12 |
: Cleveland adds another, up 7-5. Could be 2 consecutive games where they score 7. Last time it wasn’t enough.
|
| 10:13 |
: too soon craig
|
| 10:14 |
: Eric where would Bird, Sanchez and Severino rank on the Yankees prospect list if they still retained their status?
|
| 10:15 |
: Bird would be in the 50s, Sanchez would be up top, Severino I’d have to sit and go over the injury history, find starters with comparable deilveries, dig in and figure it out after a lot of thought.
|
| 10:16 |
: not soon enough craig
|
| 10:16 |
: make it 8.
|
| 10:17 |
: Okay, there’s no way Cleveland blows this so I’m going to sign out of this chat and leave things to Eric. Thanks for all the questions and enjoy your evening.
|
| 10:18 |
: Ryon Healy at DH today for Oakland, think he’s a better fit at 1B than 3B. I have to think, Yonder Alonso gets booted from the lineup if Matt Chapman hits his way to the bigs this year.
|
| 10:19 |
: What to make of these 97, 98 mph gun readings for Graveman? Heard he was touching 98 in ST too, or I’d just assume readings were running hot. Given his already excellent GB tendencies, could this newfound velocity be a BFD for him?
|
| 10:20 |
: They’re legit. Has been 95-97 per the statcast data on baseballsavant
|
| 10:20 |
: OK, who knows anything about Alex Claudio?
|
| 10:21 |
: He throws a ridiculous changeup
|
| 10:22 |
: Anyone also watching the ncaa championship tonight?
|
| 10:22 |
: I am not, but go Tar Heels.
|
| 10:23 |
: 1-2-3 for Ricky Nolasco, whose curveball looks good.
|
| 10:23 |
: Eric: could you say a few things about Chance Sisco and/or Ryan McMahon?
|
| 10:24 |
: Sisco is likely to catch, almost certain to hit. Hasn’t been catching that long and made great strides.
|
| 10:25 |
: McMahon sure has a pretty swing. But I saw him swing and miss so much last fall that I’m off it. Scouts aren’t, though. Too much power to bail for the ones I’ve spoken to that are.
|
| 10:25 |
: What does DD inevitable spend to get Eric Hosner at the deadline. Devers?
|
| 10:26 |
: I thought about exactly this as I made my AL East division pick.
|
| 10:26 |
: How does someone like Miguel Diaz not get protected? Stuff looks ridiculous
|
| 10:26 |
: Inconsistent strike thrower and was hurt a lot.
|
| 10:27 |
: But you’re right, he has great stuff. Some have a future 6 on the breaking ball and changeup.
|
| 10:28 |
: Sliding catch by Matt Joyce in foul territory. Slid into the Angels bullpen’s thermos of coffee.
|
| 10:28 |
: If I could go back to Graveman, though, this is a big difference for him, no? Do you see this development as auguring a breakout season?
|
| 10:29 |
: It is, he was 91-94 last year. If he’s 94-97 with sink that’s a different guy.
|
| 10:30 |
: I’m watching baseball, basketball, and the Canada-USA match in the curling world championships. What a life.
|
| 10:31 |
: HAAAAAAARRD!
|
| 10:31 |
: That’s what they yell, right?
|
| 10:31 |
: Hey Eric is the Oneil Cruz hype legit? 6’8 3B are pretty rare. He’s going straight to Low-A
|
| 10:32 |
: He’s stunningly huge. I have never seen an infielder this big. He’s 6’7 or 6’8 and playing 3B. He was 6’4 as an amateur. He hit two, well-struck opposite field fly balls when I saw him Saturday.
|
| 10:33 |
: But — and I can’t believe I’m saying this — it takes him forever to bend to the ground and get his glove down there. And I just don’t know how to evaluate that.
|
| 10:34 |
: Danny Espinosa pops up, runner stranded on first. We’re bottom 2 and scoreless in Oakland.
|
| 10:34 |
: Who do you like more of the young A’s duo- Cotton or Manea?
|
| 10:34 |
: Cotton.
|
| 10:35 |
: Thoughts on JD Davis?
|
| 10:35 |
: arguably an 8 arm, got a lot of big league reps this spring due to the WBC guys from Houston being away and the coaching staff came away impressed.
|
| 10:36 |
: Ricky Henderson just now on A’s broadcast: “I’m so proud of myself.”
|
| 10:36 |
: And wearing sunglasses at 7:36pm local time. He’s a god.
|
| 10:40 |
: Thor with a blister injury and next start is pushed back … and so it begins for the Mets.
|
| 10:41 |
: Stephen Vogt homers, turned on a full count 90mph fastball on the inner half. 1-0 OAK
|
| 10:42 |
: I’m gonna ask a question about an milb player selected at random. Tell me what you know about him
|
| 10:42 |
: Okay
|
| 10:42 |
: 104 exit velo on the Vogt finger
|
| 10:43 |
: Do you believe in Stephen Vogt Eric???
|
| 10:43 |
: Vogt looks like my cousin-in-law, Mark.
|
| 10:44 |
: Plouffe GIDP strands Lowrie. End 2, 1-0 OAK
|
| 10:45 |
: I hope Vogt’s finger didn’t achieve a 104mph exit velo
|
| 10:45 |
: Same.
|
| 10:45 |
: Wait, Angels are playing and no Trout post yet? I know it’s only one game but are you worried about Fangraphs love of Trout beginning the down slide?
|
| 10:46 |
: Fun fact: Trout was almost drafted #4 overall to Pittsburgh. Tony Sanchez’s willingness to cut a deal played a huge role in his selection.
|
| 10:46 |
: My random player is Rando Moreno
|
| 10:47 |
: Your random player’s name is Rando? My dentist’s name is Crentist.
|
| 10:47 |
: Hamdsome Rando.
|
| 10:48 |
: If Chapman doesn’t push Alonso out through Healy, does a good start from Maxwell in AAA push him out by moving Vogt to 1st?
|
| 10:48 |
: A very itneresting question that I don’t have an answer for at the moment.
|
| 10:48 |
: Any thoughts on Luis Robert?
|
| 10:49 |
: I’m in. Power/speed, body has improved since he defected.
|
| 10:49 |
: Jose Canseco in the A’s booth for those with access to MLB.tv
|
| 10:49 |
: Jose Canseco “My phone number is out there and I still get a lot of crank calls.”
|
| 10:50 |
: Get a new number, Jose.
|
| 10:51 |
: Eric, crazy assumption that Canseco doesn’t enjoy the crank calls
|
| 10:51 |
: You’re right, I’m a moron.
|
| 10:52 |
: Jose Canseco: “Honestly, this suit is probably 20 years old.”
|
| 10:53 |
: It is forest green
|
| 10:54 |
: Two out walk for Calhoun, Trout up with two outs.
|
| 10:56 |
: Wall scraping homer for Trout, 2-1 Anaheim.
|
| 10:57 |
: Graveman threw what looked like a cutter that caught too much of the plate.
|
| 10:57 |
: If you were to put scouting grades on Trout right now what would he get?
|
| 10:58 |
: I guess like 7 hit with 60 raw, 6 run (not an 8 runner anymore), 55 or 60 glove, 4 arm.
|
| 10:59 |
: Maybe this is a guy you put a 65 on the raw power to show that it plays up due to all the contact he makes?
|
| 10:59 |
: 113.4mph off the bat, fastest ball in the air of the season
|
| 10:59 |
: the only time I saw Trout play in person he hit two bombs #ToastyFacts
|
| 11:00 |
: He sucked when I saw him in the AFL. Was exhausted from the season.
|
| 11:01 |
: how many guys would you give an 8 hit tool? altuve?
|
| 11:01 |
: Yup, Cabrera, Votto, Mookie, Pedroia may still be there,
|
| 11:02 |
: Marcus Semien drops the bat head and drives one a foot short of the wall in left center.
|
| 11:03 |
: Do you have a favorite band/singer?
|
| 11:03 |
: The Clash, though The Smiths encroached when I got into them. Favorite singer is Sam Cooke.
|
| 11:04 |
: What about you guys?
|
| 11:05 |
: ^
|
| 11:05 |
: Real Estate is a great band, new album just came out, rock solid.
|
| 11:05 |
: Any thoughts on Rajai Davis’ potential replacement Jaycob Brugman down in the A’s AAA affiliate?
|
| 11:05 |
: He’s a bench OF for me at the moment.
|
| 11:05 |
: the new menzingers album is elite
|
| 11:06 |
: Graveman still touching 96 in the 4th.
|
| 11:06 |
: Been getting into some Bon Jovi a bit lately. Electric stuff
|
| 11:08 |
: Love the Pixies. Angel Olsen’s new album is great as well
|
| 11:11 |
: Nolasco has allowed just two baserunners thru 4.
|
| 11:11 |
: Vogt dinger only blemish.
|
| 11:11 |
: Not finger.
|
| 11:11 |
: When I say the phrase “Worst offensive every-day player”, who immediately pops into your head?
|
| 11:12 |
: Kozma, but that’s literally the name that popped in, not the one I think it is.
|
| 11:14 |
: Tony Wolters
|
| 11:14 |
: Tony Wolters story.
|
| 11:14 |
: So, for those of you that don’t know, Wolters began his pro career as a shortstop.
|
| 11:16 |
: And the system had a lot of potential SS types in the lower minors with Wolters, and it was clear by 2013 or so that Wolters was going to be too big for SS and Cleveland couldn’t justify keeping him there and sacrifice the development of the other SSs like Ronny Rodriguez,
|
| 11:17 |
: So he started catching and was obviously bad initially, but by mid-season the pitchers on the staff were psyched to throw to him.
|
| 11:17 |
: It was odd that it only took that long.
|
| 11:17 |
: Wolters supposedly has crazy good makeup
|
| 11:18 |
: Vogt almost touched up a curveball for homer #2. Calhoun made a leaping catch at the wall.
|
| 11:18 |
: Nick Ahmed if he’s starting
|
| 11:18 |
: This is a good one^
|
| 11:23 |
: Wow, this chat is still going on? God bless baseball (and Fangraphs)
|
| 11:23 |
: Gerrit Cole, yikes. And his diminishing K-rate, yikes.
|
| 11:23 |
: Was at least throwing really hard today. He unraveled after Sandy Leon bunted his way on against the shift.
|
| 11:24 |
: Cole was staring into the dugout after that. Not a good look for those who Trust the Process.
|
| 11:25 |
: I’ve been here since about 1230pm, this chat has been a blast!
|
| 11:25 |
: Muy bien
|
| 11:25 |
: I always lumped Ronny Rodriguez and Doryss Paulino together. Are either of them still on the radar?
|
| 11:26 |
: Paulino is on the fringes, he made the honorable mention section of the list: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-18-prospects-cleveland-indians/
|
| 11:27 |
: Rodriguez is stuck in Triple-A, posting OBPs around .300 but playing all over the place.
|
| 11:27 |
: Graveman went 2-0 on Calhoun with Escobar at 2B and Trout on deck. Worked back to 2-2 and got a fly out to end the inning.
|
| 11:28 |
: Graveman still sitting 93-94 with sink. I wonder if it plays down because of his slot. Are his splits crazy?
|
| 11:28 |
: Which prospect in your top 50 do you think is most at risk of dropping off this season? Hitter and pitcher.
|
| 11:28 |
: Good question.
|
| 11:30 |
: Jorge Mateo feels volatile
|
| 11:30 |
: And I’m concerned about the direction Jeff Hoffman has gone in.
|
| 11:30 |
: Giolito?
|
| 11:31 |
: Nah, we’re all sticking with Giolito a while yet, I think.
|
| 11:32 |
: Jed Lowrie leadoff single on 3-1 fastball, piped. Plouffe, Alonso, Semien next three for Oakland.
|
| 11:33 |
: Adeiny Hechevarria got 541 PA last year and slashed .238/.283/.311. That’s a 56 wRC+ — and he posted an identical 56 wRC+ in 578 PA in 2013.
|
| 11:33 |
: Another popular answer for the “worst hitter among regulars” question
|
| 11:34 |
: Yonder Alonso rbi single to CF. Tied at 2.
|
| 11:34 |
: Nolasco is locating, got squeezed a bit in Lowrie AB, good piece of hitting by Alonso on heater on the black, away.
|
| 11:36 |
: Eric, Jose Ramirez big surprise last year and HR on opening day. What changed since prospect days? What’s his future like?
|
| 11:36 |
: I think people looked at his measureables and thought him small. But he’s not, he’s just short. So maybe people undersold the power.
|
| 11:37 |
: Largely, and I know this is a dubious distinction, but Ramirez is also one of those intangible, confidence and feel for baseball guys who just outplay their physical tools.
|
| 11:37 |
: Ramirez was in the big leagues already at 21, back in 2013.
|
| 11:38 |
: In the middle of a playoff race in September, too.
|
| 11:39 |
: Comment on that throw by Trout?
|
| 11:39 |
: Would refer you to the tool grades posted above.
|
| 11:39 |
: The talk of Barreto as a potential star seems to have cooled a bit, think he can still get there or will his power, contact keep him at ‘pretty good’?
|
| 11:39 |
: I still believe in the bat but think he made need to move to CF. Actions were bad in the AFL.
|
| 11:40 |
: What is your philosophy on pushing prospects? Do you think guys are better off getting a bit exposed by a higher level? Or should teams let guys get some seasoning and dominate a level before getting promoted?
|
| 11:40 |
: I’d push guys who have worked hard, produced results, and who I thought could deal with failure.
|
| 11:41 |
: All three, not just one of them.
|
| 11:41 |
: Who’s a better speculative add for keep forever OBP Amed Rosario or Gleyber?
|
| 11:41 |
: This is one of several ‘Gleyber or Amed” questions in the queue. I’d refer you to the top 100 article.
|
| 11:42 |
: top 5 hitter in baseball only a 70? do non measured Plate displince vault him up or just higher standards for an 80
|
| 11:42 |
: The former. Hit tool is just bat to ball skills, only.
|
| 11:43 |
: The 356 of you still here are nuts.
|
| 11:43 |
: And I love you.
|
| 11:44 |
: The A’s have a Shibe Park restaurant in the ballpark now? I am offended.
|
| 11:44 |
: DANCE LONGENHAGEN!!!
|
| 11:45 |
:
|
| 11:46 |
: Running grab from Rajai Davis on the warning track.
|
| 11:46 |
: Ryan Dull is warming in the Oakland bullpen. Graveman up near the century mark on pitches.
|
| 11:47 |
: I could see that thanks for answering. Considering you seem to measure 4-5 players with an 80 hit how many players have 80 game power? Stanton and?
|
| 11:48 |
: These are generally solid guidelines: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/scouting-explained-the-20-80-scouting-s…
|
| 11:48 |
: if hit tool is bat to ball skills only does Cano get an 80?
|
| 11:48 |
: I wouldn’t argue with you.
|
| 11:49 |
: oh god what is that thing on trout’s head? is it alive?
|
| 11:51 |
: Just another one of many hip styles available at Darko Milicic’s Follicle Emporium
|
| 11:51 |
: Where do you stand on the jump in homeruns? Juiced ball, players swinging up, change in instruction, adjusting to the shift, all of the above?
|
| 11:53 |
: Some combination of randomness, batted ball data putting emphasis on certain batted ball profiles, and batted ball data allowing ‘worse’ defensive players to play the middle infield spots, players with more power but less range than if we weren’t positioning fielders as efficiently as we are now.
|
| 11:54 |
: Nolasco mixing in his breaking balls more often now. Just screwed with Healy’s timing with a low-70s curveball, than came back with a slider away, then spotted his fastball on the corner.
|
| 11:54 |
: Longenhagen time out for beverage acquisition
|
| 11:56 |
: Khris Davis homered, beverage acquired.
|
| 11:56 |
: Do you have any announcers that you cannot stand listening to? My dad gets HEATED when he hears Tim McCarver’s voice
|
| 11:57 |
: I listened to an announcer say a player should fire his agent today.
|
| 11:58 |
: There are guys that rub me the wrong way with the way they criticize players.
|
| 11:58 |
: And it’s not that they’re critical, just a specific way.
|
| 11:58 |
: The tone of which I don’t have the words for right now.
|
| 11:58 |
: Graveman threw 93 sinkers tonight out of his 104 total
|
| 11:59 |
: Angels ‘pen warming quickly after Nolasco gives up another baserunner, then goes 3-1 to Lowrie. He’s at 86 pitches
|
| 11:59 |
: What do you think about the Braves jumping Fried, Allard, and Soroka over high A?
|
| 12:00 |
: I know for sure but I think they just had a roster crunch at Hi-A with all the arms and picked the ones they thought could best compete in Double-A. I think it says a lot about how the Braves view those guys.
|
| 12:01 |
: Also remember Fried was a little old for the level last year because of TJ
|
| 12:03 |
: Nolasco is done.
|
| 12:03 |
: A’s up 3-2 with the bags full.
|
| 12:03 |
: You mention efficiency in shifting players, but the top 10 teams to shift last year all missed the playoffs. Are teams starting to adjust to shifting now. Hell Sandy had a bunt single today.
|
| 12:04 |
: What if those 10 teams shifted the most because they played the teams with shift-worthy hitters more often than others, and those hitters are also the best hitters which is why shifting teams records look bad?
|
| 12:04 |
: When I was working at BIS, teams that we tracked as shifting the most were the ones that saw Boston the most.
|
| 12:05 |
: It wasn’t so much about the team’s style of play, but a number dictated by the teams they were playing against.
|
| 12:05 |
: But I agree that players and teams are starting to make adjustments in the metagame.
|
| 12:06 |
: How much MLB do you watch versus MiLB?
|
| 12:07 |
: Depends on how you count certain things. Just on time it’s probably 5:1 milb and draft stuff to MLB ratio.
|
| 12:08 |
: But on games it’s more than that. Especially because of spring training back field stuff. I was in three places last Friday but saw got eyes on 7 different games that day.
|
| 12:09 |
: Yonder Alonso flyout to right on a 3-2 breaking ball from Alvarez. No damage caused by Nolasco’s fatigued inning. Still 3-2 Oakland.
|
| 12:09 |
: Do you think Matt Chapman can hit enough to stick around, or is he Matt Dominguez 2.0?
|
| 12:09 |
: More power than Dominguez but I’d be lying if his name isn’t lurking in the back of my mind when I watch Chapman.
|
| 12:10 |
: What are the backfields?
|
| 12:10 |
: The fields set off to the side, away from big league spring training stadiums. It’s where minor leaguers work out and play games during the spring.
|
| 12:11 |
: I’m sure you’ll cover this in a couple weeks once you get to the Angels top prospects, but can Jefry Marte hit?
|
| 12:11 |
: Not rookie eligible but I think he hits enough to stay in the big leagues, yes.
|
| 12:11 |
: How do you forecast command with young pitching? Is it mostly athleticism and mechanics? Are there specific body types that might lend themselves to better command (other than maybe height?)
|
| 12:12 |
: You hit on the major points
|
| 12:13 |
: I agree with you on the shifting thing was just a stat I heard today that surprised me. But in the sox game today Cole’s reaction after the shift on Sandy was pissed. If the pirates did not shift then sox might not have scored a single run that inning.
|
| 12:13 |
: Yeah he was clearly furious.
|
| 12:14 |
: Has Leon ever bunted before? That might be something an advance scout would see.
|
| 12:14 |
: Do you see Frankie Montas as a bullpen piece long term?
|
| 12:14 |
: Yes
|
| 12:15 |
: Your 16 year old cousin, Ryan Dull, is done with computer club and striking out the side.
|
| 12:15 |
: Just double-checking, Ryan Dull is 16 years old, right?
|
| 12:16 |
: Confirmed
|
| 12:16 |
: He needs a ride to the mall.
|
| 12:16 |
: If Jurickson Profar had been healthy, do you think he would have become the player scouts thought he would in 2013?
|
| 12:17 |
: A polished and versatile infielder with modest across the board tools and great baseball instincts? Yes.
|
| 12:17 |
: There was some dissent about how much upside was really there, but yeah I think he would have already had a pretty good career at this point.
|
| 12:17 |
: Dull should be closing by the end of the year if Oakland ships their bullpen vets out at the deadline. Over Doolittle imo
|
| 12:18 |
: I’ll throw Montas’ hat in the ring
|
| 12:18 |
:
BTW, Frankie Montas’ dad has this hat.
 |
| 12:21 |
: lol there’s like 4 security guards beside Klay Thompson
|
| 12:22 |
: Sounds like some of those early 00’s Villanova teams
|
| 12:22 |
: I see UNC won the thing
|
| 12:23 |
: Was Graveman actually good tonight or is this because it was the Angels?
|
| 12:23 |
: His fastball was good. 93+ with heavy sink.
|
| 12:24 |
:
WAR and ISO on a big league scoreboard are reminders of a truism in life.
The nerds always win. |
| 12:24 |
: I’m not sure Jeff is right given the way current environmental policies are being altered….
|
| 12:25 |
: I think it just means the guy operating the scoreboard in Cincy is a nerd.
|
| 12:27 |
: 2-out walk by Norris, Joyce on first. Healy is up.
|
| 12:27 |
: And Norris is behind.
|
| 12:27 |
: What does Justin Dunn need to work on? My father was one of his high school coaches.
|
| 12:28 |
: Nothing specific, just needs reps as a starter. Command needs to improve, but every pitcher is constantly working to improve their command so that’s not a revelation of any kind.
|
| 12:28 |
: Healy missed a 2-0 cookie AND another one on 2-1.
|
| 12:29 |
: FanGraphs Opening Day chats are superb. Carson is amazing. Eno is fantastic. Sporer is great. You are wonderful. *shakes fist at Sullivan for not being here*
|
| 12:29 |
: Thanks.
|
| 12:29 |
: How do TV broadcasters so consistently butcher Spanish pronunciation
|
| 12:30 |
: Gringos.
|
| 12:30 |
: Also, as I get older I find myself butchering them more frequently.
|
| 12:30 |
: My grandfather started mispronouncing names that he had not previously had issues pronouncing, so I’m convinced it’s a genetic, aging thing.
|
| 12:30 |
: Anyone watching ESPN broadcast? Why do they keep showing announcers? They’re nice, but not more important than the game.
|
| 12:31 |
: Does anyone else find ESPN cutting back to the announcer’s booth every 15 seconds absolutely unbearable? It totally disrupts the flow of the game broadcast
|
| 12:31 |
: Okay, I’m putting on the ESPN cast here, too.
|
| 12:33 |
: JC Ramirez warming in one bullpen, Ryan Madson warming in the other.
|
| 12:33 |
: Doo with the specs
|
| 12:33 |
: I just spent opening day not watching any baseball, but this chat was just as good as the real thing
|
| 12:34 |
: ok, so you graded out all these prospects, but can you tell me how ocean currents have helped population genetic structure in fish?
|
| 12:34 |
: Not, but I’d be interested to know, specifically, what they’ve done to sharks.
|
| 12:35 |
: Although I think I could guess based on looking at some of the ones who migrate huge distances and ones that don’t
|
| 12:35 |
: JC Ramirez sounds like a character in a 90’s kids sports movie
|
| 12:35 |
: He was once part of the Cliff Lee deal, sent from Seattle to Philly.
|
| 12:36 |
: Sorry, all out of questions. The Angels just don’t have much in the way of prospects worth talking about.
|
| 12:37 |
: I finished their list today and I have the list at 14.
|
| 12:37 |
: Here, you guys are still hanging around:
|
| 12:37 |
: Jahmai Jones
Brandon Marsh Matt Thaiss Chris Rodriguez Alex Meyer Nate Smith Jamie Barria Keynan Middleton Nonie Williams Julio Garcia David Fletcher Jake Jewell Taylor Ward Michael Hermosillo |
| 12:38 |
: I’m also reading a paper on (lemon) sharks that go back to their birthplace to breed!!
|
| 12:38 |
: I used to lie on my out of office auto response at my day job and say I was tagging lemon sharks in Florida when I was really at Fall League games.
|
| 12:39 |
: Ryan Madson entering for Trout.
|
| 12:39 |
: Oakland’s list soon as well?
|
| 12:39 |
: They’re last. But yes, soon. Like next 14 days and I’ll be done with everyone.
|
| 12:39 |
: NO JOHN SCHUKNECHT!?!?! #fakenews
|
| 12:40 |
: You’re right, I should double check on that.
|
| 12:40 |
: I didn’t see him this spring.
|
| 12:40 |
: Of the 6 teams (AL West and Toronto) yet to be published, which team do you think will be most interesting?
|
| 12:40 |
: Houston
|
| 12:41 |
: The Royals system seems to be depressingly mediocre. Can you give me someone in their system interesting to watch?
|
| 12:42 |
: Trout’s worst at-bat of the night and the guy doubles.
|
| 12:43 |
: DJ Burt is a lot of fun
|
| 12:44 |
: Interesting that Cron’s pull-heavy approach allows Lowrie to play really close to the bag and thus hold Trout there as well, keeping him an extra step away from home in the event of a hit.
|
| 12:45 |
: Alas, fielder’s choice, inning over.
|
| 12:45 |
: What’s a realistic outcome for me?
|
| 12:46 |
: I think there are three: 1) You rake enough to profile at first even with mediocre power, 2) you don’t, 3) You destroy the Cal League this spring and are traded if the big club is competitive.
|
| 12:46 |
: Which list is tougher, a system like the angels where you are scraping for guys at the bottom, or a system like the yankees or padres where everyone in the system is interesting?
|
| 12:46 |
: Angels are harder to do, Yankees/Padres systems take longer.
|
| 12:46 |
: No effing way is his name DJ Burt
|
| 12:46 |
: Dawon Burt, shortened to DJ
|
| 12:48 |
: thoughts on Brandon Marsh? What are your grades for him?
|
| 12:48 |
: Arguably the most upside in the system, chance for 6 raw, 6 run
|
| 12:48 |
: Khris Davis has doen it again.
|
| 12:49 |
: Davis was on the first-pitch slider Ramirez threw him. Revisionist history yeah, but that’s on Maldonado, too.
|
| 12:49 |
: Sorry forgot to add this, how far away is Marsh?
|
| 12:49 |
: Really, really
|
| 12:50 |
: REMINDER THAT THIS IS KHRIS DAVIS APPRECIATION CHAT
|
| 12:50 |
: I’m glad I chose this as my name for the night
|
| 12:50 |
: Not waiting around till the 21st this year, going for 50!!!!
|
| 12:51 |
: Not on the Angels list and therefore free to be Cistulli’d is Sherman Johnson.
|
| 12:53 |
: So if I name my kid Chris/Khris Davis Lastname will he be a big league slugger?
|
| 12:53 |
: You need to pick a new iteration of Chris
|
| 12:53 |
: Re: Sherman Johnson, I’m guessing you don’t see the bat progressing?
|
| 12:54 |
: I literally didn’t see it because, in 5 ABs I saw this spring, Sherm didn’t swing.
|
| 12:54 |
: I sourced his report from scouts, entirely.
|
| 12:54 |
: Have some with a 3 on the arm.
|
| 12:54 |
: thats an unlucky balk
|
| 12:54 |
: Balk and IBB, 2 on 2 out for Semien
|
| 12:55 |
: This is a terrible game
|
| 12:55 |
: I watched Hi and Low-A games Saturday and am psyched at the level of play
|
| 12:55 |
: Oh and an ASU game on Friday night. Ick.
|
| 12:56 |
: What the hell is Yonder Alonso….masticating?
|
| 12:56 |
: I don’t care if it’s a good game or not, it’s the first baseball I’ve gotten to watch all day, and I am just so grateful and happy
|
| 12:57 |
: JC Ramirez is doing a performance art piece, enacting the return Philly got from Seattle for Cliff Lee.
|
| 12:59 |
: Don’t need to tell anyone Simmons is incredible
|
| 12:59 |
: Eric what did you think of the WBC?
|
| 12:59 |
: I always enjoy it in a way I rarely get to enjoy baseball anymore.
|
| 12:59 |
: How many MLB shortstops make that play on Rajai?
|
| 1:00 |
: Maybe 5? Tulo is particularly good at that one, Lindor, Galvis, Iglesias….that it?
|
| 1:00 |
: Khris Davis has the first 3-hit game for Oakland on OD since 02 (David Justice & Jeremy Giambi)
|
| 1:01 |
: Didi?
|
| 1:01 |
: Yup, could see that.
|
| 1:01 |
: Okay, let’s lock in on the game here in the 9th
|
| 1:04 |
: Casilla has fallen behind 2-1 on Maybin and Simmons, then went to a fastball away, and then a curveball each time.
|
| 1:04 |
: Danny Espinosa, take note.
|
| 1:04 |
: Another breaking ball on 3-2? With a right on deck?
|
| 1:04 |
: Switch hitter, excuse me
|
| 1:04 |
: Nope, fastball.
|
| 1:06 |
: First pitch swinging from Espinosa, well struck flyball to right taken by Joyce. 2 out
|
| 1:06 |
: Pinch hitting for Maldonado: Ben Revere
|
| 1:07 |
: Game, A’s are 1-0
|
| 1:07 |
: Thanks for coming tonight, everyone.
|
| 1:07 |
: Happy baseball season. I’ll be chatting in the morning as well, though probably for a bit less than usual because of tonight.
|
Dave is the Managing Editor of FanGraphs.