Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
On Wednesday night, for the second time in two days, the pitcher’s mound at Tropicana Field became the star of the World Series. Jacob Misiorowski, he of the 6-foot-7 frame and 7-foot-6 extension, was having trouble finding purchase with his front foot when he finished his absurdly long stride. On Tuesday night, Cam Booser, whose extension is not far from average, had suffered similar difficulties in the 11th inning of Game 4, so on back-to-back nights, we the baseball viewing public were treated to the sight of emergency mound repairs, replete with tamps and buckets of clay.
After Tuesday night’s difficulties, the broadcast made sure to be prepared to talk about the mound during Game 5, which the Brewers won, 4-1, to secure their first World Series in franchise history. One mound story came ready-made: Some players believe the pitching mound to be higher at Tropicana Field than at other ballparks. This is an easy thing to check. I’m going to run the numbers, but let’s start at the beginning.
You might have heard that assertion before. Alex Speier wrote about it in the Boston Globe in 2021. He noted that certain pitchers were credited with more extension at the Trop than in other ballparks, though he also raised the possibility that the difference was the result of some sort of calibration error, as 2021 was the first full season after Statcast switched tracking systems from Trackman to Hawk-Eye. Just last year, Chris Bassitt told The Athletic that Tampa Bay’s higher mound somehow increases his spin rate. Clearly, this narrative has taken hold around the league. None of us knows how often Major League Baseball is sending somebody out to measure each mound with a ruler, a protractor, and a plumb bob to make sure that each mound adheres perfectly to the rulebook specifications.
Moreover, it’s a fact that major league mounds can vary. In 2023, Eno Sarris had players vote on their favorite mounds. Tampa Bay’s came in first, partly because, said Paul Blackburn, “It’s definitely taller.” The rulebook is very specific about the layout of the mound, but the mound is created by people, and a different group of people at each ballpark. They do plenty of measuring, but the tolerances involved surely leave some wiggle room. The mound is built out of clay that is tamped down by hand, then covered with a thin layer of soil conditioner. There are different brands of clay and soil conditioner. There’s no rule about how compacted the clay of the mound has to be. Yankee Stadium’s “mound feel” graded out well in Eno’s poll. On the other end of the spectrum, you might recall that multiple players have complained that the mound in Sacramento is too hard.
Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The mounds also change. The pitching rubbers wear out from time to time, necessitating reconstruction. When a ballpark has other events going on, the grounds crew has to take the whole thing apart and build it back up again, by hand, with more tamping. For Tampa Bay, of course, the whole stadium got rebuilt after it was destroyed by a hurricane. Regardless of the complaints in previous seasons, this year’s mound isn’t even the same by Ship of Theseus rules. It’s brand new.
At this point, we should acknowledge that the Rays aren’t hiding anything about the way they build their mound. In fact, here’s a whole video from 2015 in which they show you how they go about replacing the pitching rubber. Not only do they check the height of the mound, they check it with a laser level.
I mentioned the rulebook specifications earlier. Most of those rules are laid out twice. The second time comes on page 160, in Appendix 3, in a diagram that is, at the top, titled “Layout of the Pitching Mound,” but down below labeled “Suggested Layout of the Pitching Mound.” Read into that what you will.
The text below the diagram reads:
Pitching Mound: An 18′ diameter circle, center of which is 59′ from back of home plate.
Locate front edge of rubber 18″ behind center of mound.
Front edge of rubber to back point of home plate, 60’6″.
Slope starts 6″ from front edge of rubber.
The degree of slope from a starting point 6″ in front of the pitcher’s plate to a point 6′ toward home plate shall be 1″ to 1′, and such degree of slope shall be uniform.
Level area surrounding rubber should be 6″ in front of rubber, 18″ to each side and 22″ to rear of rubber. Total level area 5′ x 34″.
You might notice a few things here. It’s weird that it doesn’t say so in this section, but the rubber must be 10 inches above ground level. It says so on page two. The slope down toward the ground begins six inches in front of the rubber, it must be uniform, and it drops one inch per foot, which works out to a slope of 4.764 degrees. Then comes the even weirder part: The rulebook only says that this uniform slope needs to extend for five-and-a-half feet (or six feet from the front of the rubber). From that point on, the angle of the slope is presumably up to the discretion of the grounds crew. Here I would remind you that lots of pitchers have long enough strides that their front foot lands beyond that point.
I cannot imagine why the rulebook stops dictating the angle of the slope six feet from the rubber, leaving four-and-a-half feet of mound with no direction whatsoever. In theory, if one grounds crew sculpted a mound so that, after the point where the rulebook leaves off, the slope was a bit steeper, then pitchers would be able to stride farther and drop farther. That might make it feel like the mound – or at least the tabletop – is a little bit taller. The same effect could be achieved by not tamping the landing area as firmly, which would allow the pitcher’s front foot to plant deeper into the clay, again causing them to fall a bit farther and making the tabletop feel higher.
We also have to acknowledge that other factors can affect the perceived height of the mound. The backdrop is an important piece of the puzzle. When you’re standing on the mound, a home plate area that’s pressed right up against the back wall makes it feel like you’re 10 feet tall and standing right on top of the batter. When the back wall is farther back, it feels like home plate is 70 feet away. The height and slope of the stands behind home plate can also affect the perceived distance to home. Steep stands can make you feel like you’re at the bottom of a well, like you’re pitching uphill. This one is pure speculation on my part, but I wonder if turf fields make the mound seem taller, because they don’t have blades of grass sticking up a little bit above the level of the dirt, making the ground feel a bit closer.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
You might also recall earlier this month, when the Yankees surprised many of us by starting Gerrit Cole in Game 1 of the ALDS. They eventually revealed that they did so because his four-seamer plays up in the Trop. It gets more induced vertical break in the still air of a dome than it does outdoors, where a crosswind can foul things up. That’s particularly notable because in the same article where Bassitt told The Athletic that the high mound increased his spin rate, Jeff Hoffman said that the high mound increased the vert on his fastball. He may have been right about the effect but wrong about the cause, and that may be the key to the whole puzzle. Maybe the way the ball moves in Tampa Bay’s park is part of what makes pitchers feel like the mound is taller.
As I mentioned earlier, Statcast lets us check this pretty easily. This year, 10 Rays pitchers threw at least 100 four-seam fastballs both at home in Tropicana Field and on the road. I pulled their average release height (measured from the ground) and their extension for all of those four-seamers. Then I put all those numbers into a table so that I could share them with you, the fine people of FanGraphs.
As you can see, there’s almost no difference whatsoever. The average difference in extension was zero. Four pitchers had lower release points at home and six had higher release points. No player had a home-road split larger than 0.6 inches. The average difference was 0.008 feet, which works out to 0.096 inches. The average pitcher’s release point was a bit less than a tenth of an inch higher at home, and I’d remind you that release point can move around a bit. For example, during Game 5, Misiorowski’s four-seamer had an average release height of 5.16 feet, but he released balls as low as 4.96 feet and as high as 5.46 feet. That’s a spread of more than six inches.
The Statcast numbers indicate that pitchers are releasing the ball at the exact same height and with the exact same extension whether they’re in the Trop or elsewhere. If you really want to argue that Tampa Bay’s mound is taller, then I guess you can hang your hat on those 0.096 inches, but I think that’s well below the point of statistical significance. The mound is the same height.
Just for the sake of thoroughness, I also went back and checked the 2021 numbers that Speier cited. Once again, I wanted to compare apples to apples, so I only looked at four-seamers from pitchers who threw at least 100 in the Trop and 100 elsewhere. As Speier noted, there was a real measured difference in extension. The 11 players in that sample (congratulations to Rasmussen on being in both groups!) saw their extension increase by an average of 3.16 inches. Here’s the really interesting thing. Those players saw their release height drop at home, by an average of 1.01 inches. Maybe this was just a calibration issue. Or maybe the mound was slightly steeper, which caused players to stride slightly farther and release the ball slightly lower. We may never know the whole truth. But this issue no longer exists.
Mounds are definitely different around the league. I am on board with the idea that big league pitchers know the mound so well that they have a “The Princess and the Pea”-level ability to notice even the slightest differences. I also recognize that once a narrative takes hold, it’s hard to shake. We know that the air currents in the Trop make the ball move differently, and that at least one player attributed that difference to the height of the mound. I’m sure something about the background also makes the mound feel different, and probably something about the way the mound is sculpted. If there is a difference in the height of the mound, though, it’s less than a tenth of an inch, and I do not think even major league pitchers are sensitive enough to notice that, especially when there are so many other factors at play.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The past nine years were the best run in Milwaukee Brewers history: eight postseason appearances, six division titles, 869 regular-season wins, for a 93-win-per-season pace over almost a full decade. An MVP, a Cy Young — probably two, by this time next month — and plenty of turnover: two front office bosses, two field managers, 193 players.
But 11 teams had been to the World Series since 2018; six had won. Not the Brewers. Until this year.
The nervous 12-inning staring contest of Game 4 delayed Milwaukee’s coronation by just one day. Cooper Pratt put the Brewers ahead with an RBI single in the second. Jacob Misiorowski pitched the best game of his postseason career — 5 2/3 scoreless innings with just two singles and a walk allowed — before leaving with a cramp after 86 pitches.
The Brewers’ relentless offense tacked on some insurance runs in the middle innings and their indomitable bullpen held the line. The 4-1 final score reflected the Brewers’ most normal game so far this postseason, after a string of nail-biters and comebacks, punctuated by a massive blowout in Game 3. The most routine win of Milwaukee’s postseason didn’t feel it; the first championship in franchise history can’t be taken for granted until it’s in the bag. Read the rest of this entry »
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the World Series game today. Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual staff Q&A chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
semmerling
Go Rays!
millvillemeltdown
go baseball
Sean Dolinar
Good evening, everyone!
Mousebumples
Let's go Brewers!
rluzinski
I am about as bored with the current narrative (pressure now on the Brewers) as I was with the previous one (Rays were done after game 3 and the sweep was inevitable). We assume the players are as emotionally unstable as the fans.
rluzinski
Fanthropomorphizing?
Sean Dolinar
I like that word!
Sean Dolinar
The reality is that there were 3 close games and one blowout. A few different 9th innings and it could be 3-1 Rays, and everyone is talking about how the Brewers keep blowing it even though they have performed better.
brewersbibliophile
NLDS was the same way. Padres could have easily swept that. It’s crazy how close it’s been for the Brewers
Matthew Tobin
Genuinely curious: What do the markets have on the velo of Miz’s first fastball?
Brian547
not sure about the markets (screw those losers) but I think something like 104.5 is possible
lzfreakedited
I'm fascinated to see how Cash navigates this mess he's made of his available pitching
rluzinski
Welcome to steal it, cus it happens a lot.
brewersbibliophile
Im getting drunk for the first time in months. If any Mets hate comes out of me, I apologize in advance.
DavidRifkinedited
what did we do to deserve that : (
Brian547
For the sake of BrewersBiblio… Mets AKA Smoltz for the remainder of the chat
brewersbibliophile
They’ve hurt hurt me with both of my teams.
Rob
Never apologize for Mets hate. Sincerely, a Phillies fan.
danodea
Let's go Rays
Dan Szymborski
MIZ MIZ MIZ MIZ MIZ MIZ
Brian547
That the game's brightest young star (personal opinion) is starting the potential last game of the season can only be a good thing.
Dan Szymborski
Sorry MLB commercial, it's not darkest right before the dawn, it's typically darkest at solar midnight, usually in the wee hours of the AM long before sunrise
Nick Smith
What do you expect from the same folks who think it's impossible to know how many days October has?
David
It’s saying something that FanGraphs is the only place sufficiently nerdy for me, and I play on the U Chicago math department softball team.
BryanB
Good evening everyone! Gonna try hard to just enjoy baseball and not yell at my team!
Brian547
I feel like BK is super throwing Chef whats her name under the bus.
Dan Szymborski
If BK is admitting their chicken nuggets have sucked, shouldn't they be offering us some free new ones as compensation? WHY WERE YOU SELLING THEM TO US IF THEY WERE BAD
BryanB
Lack of double-blind randomized experiments?
Dan Szymborski
You'd think they'd check to see if they sucked
BryanB
BK as a company only hires people that lack taste buds.
Brian547
Oh man if they randomly released different Beta versions to different markets and didnt tell anyone, Props.
alden
Read this as Brian Kenny at first
Dan Szymborski
I'm on an actual TV Fox rather than stream tonight, so maybe the commercials I see will match more than a minority of you
Dan Szymborski
"OK, we need to advertise MLB. How about Bill Hader losing his mind slowly?"
g4
I still love Bill Hader
BryanB
Jackson’s never seen a pitch he didn’t like
Dan Szymborski
We all know that Drew Rasmussen isn't related to Dennis Rasmussen, but what my book suggest is that maybe he is?
I have a theory that all baseball players are related
Dan Szymborski
I like Chourio first to put the pitcher in a false state of belief that the Brewers are going to swing at whatever he chucks out there
BryanB
Genius
brewersbibliophile
Im surprised more people aren’t wanting the Rays to win. If I were an outsider, I’d avsultely want them to win, just to keep the series going
BryanB
We’re a passionate bunch
BryanB
Bauers on a roll! Of not hitting I mean.
alden
Puyallup, WA’s favorite son, Drew Rasmussen
Dan Szymborski
I'm rooting for the Brewers to win in 7, so rooting for the Rays to win today and game 6
Brian547
second
brewersbibliophile
I want to root for Game 6, but I also don’t want to tempt fate.
raregokus
I made it 3 minutes with Smoltz's commentary, but the part where he started saying Rasmussen was pitching better because he's more tired broke me
GammaDraconis
Rasmussen looking good
David
You just wonder how long he’s good for
BryanB
I just want it to go back to Wil so the Brews can hit some homers
BryanB
Jumanji Part 3: The Search for More Money
alden
Jumanji: the FLAMETHROWER
lzfreak
The kids love this one
Dan Szymborski
My rooting interests: Manfred Getting Eaten by a Hippo> Brewers in 7 > Rays in 7 > Brewers in 6> Brewers in 5 > Brewers in 5 and the broadcasters mostly talk about the Yankees and celebrities
asf123edited
What other Burger King products are we going to find out have been terrible all along??
Dan Szymborski
I don't understand how you can have new Jumanji movies with the same cast. HOW ARE YOU PLAYING THIS GAME AGAIN
Dan Szymborski
"OH, here are the lousier players in the lineup too"
BryanB
If only there was some non-verbal way to communicate with someone. I dunno, like “hands” or something.
Dan Szymborski
trash can, but a legal one that does morse code
Nick Smith
I want to see someone get Jumanji'ed into a worker-placement Eurogame.
BryanB
“You’ve been transformed into a bushel of wheat”
BryanB
Have yall been following the AFL outfield adjustment results? Insane.
brewersbibliophile
I heard offense was up, but I didn’t hear any specifics about it
BryanB
33% increase in hits and runs. Over 200% increase in triples.
brewersbibliophile
I could go for some more triples
Dan Szymborski
Those flies piss me off in MLB the Show. You hit the Perfect/Perfect window and it's precisely hit to the CF who doesn't move a millimeters
Jon Becker
Hello all! I am going to try to remember to stick around here for more than a few messages
Jon Becker
It appears Misiorowski's IVB is back to (and actually better than) normal so far
GoatBenRice
Dome at sea level causes craziness
g4
Is this true?
Dan Szymborski
Hey Jon!
Deduno Abides
Mound problems again?!
BryanB
Just make it out of concrete!
Brian547
I think the conspiracy of road mound Miz has actually gotten to him.
Jon Becker
Did not expect this much feet chat this early in the game
Sean Dolinar
I've never seen so many mound problems in a dome.
BryanB
I feel like that’s a bald joke.
raregokus
What if you got extra fractions of a win for winning longer extra inning games? The series would be 3-1.33, and the Rays would only need to win 2 more as long as they play 6 more extra innings
brewersbibliophile
Insert “that just might be crazy enough, TO GET US ALL KILLED” squidward meme
Dan Szymborski
Are we allowed to talk about hard toes?
GammaDraconis
Should have stuck with the slippery mound.
Dan Szymborski
I think the worst feeling for any pitcher would be something forearm related. Or family tragedy
jzmaxson27
Or maybe having a soft toe.
Brian547
Line drive to the…?
raregokus
Existential dread
BryanBedited
I will allow a hit to Caminero only because I have his RC
Jon Becker
That might've been the fastest first inning of the series by a good ten minutes
jzmaxson27
Don't jinx it! I'm hoping I WON'T be exhausted at work tomorrow.
Nick Smith
Back to business: hitting it right to Turang.
brewersbibliophile
As a truck driver, GTA is such a stress reliever. I get to live out all my road rage fantasies. Can’t wait for 6 to come out.
Sean Dolinar
Have you ever played Just Cause?
brewersbibliophile
I have not, nor have I heard of it. Should I?
BryanB
I played Spy Hunter in 1982 on my Apple II+, does that count?
Sean Dolinar
It's a more destructive open world GTA-like game. It's older at this point.
Brian547
BeamNG
Yer Main Guy
Why have more people claimed the Brewers are gonna win, than that the Brewers will win in five?
Sean Dolinar
Hahaha, I noticed that too.
g4
That was me. Silliness
jzmaxson27
I really appreciate them using the slow mo camera to show him walking with the trainer there. Helped me really make sense of the action.
Davy Andrews
Hello everyone. What is happening with Cooper Pratt?
GammaDraconis
MVP
Jon Becker
Great read (or great guess) by Turang there
BryanB
I think the first/third base coaches are on crack
alden
Pooper Cratt.
Brian547
Out of the basepath…. Drink!
Sean Dolinar
We have basepaths again!
BryanB
I think you should be able to run to home in that situation
Sean Dolinar
Love that high home replay.
BryanB
That was inside
Brian547
Only one run there feels like a big, well not mistake, wasted opportunity.
brewersbibliophile
I forgot the downside of watching the game at the bar is everyone here believes they are experts at coaching. It’s inexcusable Frelick didn’t run home on that rundown, according to the people here
Brian547
Tell them the fangraphs chat guy says that you are correct and they are wrong and stupid. That will fix it!
brewersbibliophile
Im wearing Chicago Cubs shorts, so I’m not trying to draw attention to myself…
g4
Ur killing me BBphile. Tickets to G6 and Cubs shorts? Bile rising. 😉
bosoxforlife
What is inexcusable is Pratt not stopping at 1st. 1st and 3rd with 1 out is optimum in that in that situation.
BryanB
I feel like the rookies show their rookiness in the post
Sean Dolinaredited
Was that a combo Polymarket/election ad? Two of everyone's favorite things!
Nick Smith
That one feels extra gross.
brewersbibliophile
It’s quite impressive that gambling has found a way to make politics feel even more disgusting
Matthew Tobin
That Polymarket ad shows the entire problem. She needs to bet everything he'll lose and THEN blow the whistle
AdvantageSchneider
Tampa can’t sell out a World Series game and they can’t have a decent mound that doesn’t require in game service. Embarrassing for a franchise.
BryanB
That mound looks like they just dumped rubble on it
Nick Smith
And now I'm looking at the pitchers' feet. Thanks, Miz.
GammaDraconis
So how many pitches before Miz throws something other than a fastball?
BryanB
When it fails?
millvillemeltdown
who is the largest shoe size (avg) : listed height
millvillemeltdown
i have a suspicion that shoe size might be very slightly positively correlated with velocity
baseballfan115
Whats the record for consecutive fly outs in a ws game? Either/both outs recorded by fly out and consecutive batters who flew out
millvillemeltdown
but getting a height-independent measure for that sounds difficult (longer levers apart from foot)
asf123
Literally everything Smoltz says is in service of trying to deny the reality that baseball has been revealed as a game of strength and power rather than finesse and strategy. Everything.
alden
True, and ironic considering he was successful mostly because he was one of the foremost power pitchers of his generation
David
The Pat Murphy angry smile
BryanB
I wonder if Jackson would swing at a bowling pitch.
Brian547
More research/public availability for whatever pain drugs they used to "fix" Jr's foot for this game. ?
GammaDraconis
At least they caught it this time, but is it that hard for them to communicate?
BryanB
Yes. There are no ways to communicate.
Sean Dolinar
Overcorrection from last night.
jzmaxson27
At this point I can only assume Caminero has a fetish for running into his teammates.
baseballfan115
The replay showed Caminero screaming for it several times. It also showed neither looking at each other after the play…
David
I wonder if it’s because so many catchers wear the ear piece and an earplug in the other ear
Davy Andrewsedited
Really interesting of Fox to go to commercial with "Rockin' in the Free World," which is very much in the news right now.
Brian547
I think Fox is semi aware that they are just highly paid trolls at this point
brewersbibliophile
Semi?
Brian547
How much credit for self awareness do you want to give them?
Worm Burner
It's also a song up there with "Born in the USA" that will be played completely ignorant of the context of the lyrics.
JohnThacker
FOX usually plays a lot of jam bands going into commercial. Lots of Phish, lots of Grateful Dead. This series has seen First Tube and Tweezer.
jcathtraverse
it's been tweezer reprise this series, not tweezer
JohnThacker
It's not like FOX is a big single entity deciding top down to troll, it's mostly Jacob Ullman likes jam bands and picks what to play.
BryanB
Need a poll for most mistakes we’ll see tonight: running into each other, running too far, or misthrowing to first
Davy Andrewsedited
New rule. Everybody dives twice on every play.
asf123
Jeez. Your feed is significantly ahead of mine.
Davy Andrews
I'm using an antenna. Much faster than cable and streaming.
raregokus
You can set the chat to delay to match your feed in the settings
bosoxforlife
Gameday is almost a minute ahead of Direct TV. I wish I could find a way to use that advantage.
Dave from DC
Bar bets?
Philip Christy
Has there been any data about how much slower pitchers' average fastball velocity is in the postseason compared to the regular season? And is it different for starters and relievers?
Davy Andrewsedited
I think I've written about this. Pitchers throw harder in the postseason. Adrenaline. And shorter outings.
Philip Christy
Huh. Even by the end of October?
brewersbibliophile
They also pitch better when tired according to the expert in the booth
Davy Andrews
Here's Eno from a couple weeks ago: "The average postseason adrenaline velocity bump is just over one mph. Gavin Williams was up 1.9 mph today and Freddy Peralta is up 2.5 ticks"
The Brewers pitching coach is named Hook? And he's not the one who pulls the pitcher?
war2d2
And their manager is named Murphy and, so far as I know, he never gets folded up into an apartment wall.
BryanB
Wait until you find out his rank in the military
raregokus
He probably doesnt even listen to Blues Traveler either
Nick Smith
No dives. B-
Solitaire
Why is it so hard to convince players that running through first is faster?
jzmaxson27
Instinct is awfully hard for logic to override in a split second.
Davy Andrews
Going to go against the grain here and say that I think there is a specific way to dive and get there faster, though most people don't dive into first that way.
Solitaire
I believe I read somewhere that if you dive in such a way that you launch yourself forward and touch the base before touching the ground you are indeed faster. But standard baseball slide is slower and (a) no more propulsion from legs and (b) friction with ground
millvillemeltdown
i am also appealing to the logic of the "layout" or "bid"
Solitaire
If the sideline is yelling "bid for glory" I'll allow it
millvillemeltdown
yes i will shoehorn in frisbee things. no i will not attend a tournament or even my local pickup group.
millvillemeltdown
(i might attend a tournament. health and homework willing.)
Solitaire
the once and future frisbee player
Matt Martell
I think that Cooper Pratt baserunning blunder is going to come back and hurt the Brewers
BryanB
I wanna see Yandy hit the ball with his arm
alden
Super Mario Sluggers Donkey Kong style
brewersbibliophile
Is Murphy rubbing off on Miz? He looked pretty pissed off there.
war2d2
If true that seems like an HR issue.
brewersbibliophile
I’d love to see Murphy get called into an HR meeting
war2d2
“So the reason we called you in…no, I don’t want a pants-pancake. What even is that.”
brewersbibliophile
Never let them know your next move
Solitaire
Yandy has one cheek with triple-wide eyeblack and one with single-wide. What?
raregokus
You wouldn't get it. Yandy is deep into postmodern eyeblack art.
jzmaxson27
His ever evolving war paint is one of the things I love the most about him.
asf123
It’s almost like it it isn’t really there for the stated purpose.
war2d2
I coach little league. It’s never there for the stated purpose.
GammaDraconis
Diaz and Frelick competing for most injured?
AdvantageSchneider
Frelick hurt Diaz delay of game.
BryanB
Oof
AdvantageSchneider
Tampa Bay delay of games.
Brian547
That the broadcast did not use their AI tokens to show me a comparison between Yandy and Miz biceps should get them all fired.
BryanB
I like how they squeeze ads into any possible break
raregokus
I wonder if it's even possible for Yandy to fully button his jersey
BryanB
This whole “let’s experiment with telepathy” thing isn’t working
Solitaire
Is it just insanely loud in the dome and nobody can hear each other?
BryanB
That’s my assumption
Nick Smith
Not the fans, the crumbling of the mound.
Andrew G
Everyone seems a bit on edge as well
Kenny
OK, how many of you were betting three innings, Brewers winning, and count them zero strikeouts for Miz?
jzmaxson27
They need to summon Pat Morita to visit Yandy in the locker room.
Brian547
Miyagi…. My KK lore needs updating
BryanB
I don’t know how a hitter can even see these pitches
jzmaxson27
Was it Adames or Paredes who famously could not?
Blue Shoes
Adames couldn't see pitches in Tampa
BryanB
See in Milwaukee I bet that’s an HR
GammaDraconis
HR in 19/30 parks
alden
Hit the weight room JC
millvillemeltdown
more bat speed training
BryanB
Been really impressed with Simpson in this post
Brian547
No no no announcer man… infield in=bad
BryanB
Keep your eye on the ball. Baseball 101.
Matt Martell
Someone I know said that Simpson fella can really fly
alden
I had been thinking the devil rays jerseys were holding TB back. They should know better than anyone that they’ve really only ever had success with the true Rays jerseys
Sean Dolinar
I didn't want to believe this, but I can't find any evidence to counter.
BryanB
Miz is done
AdvantageSchneideredited
After another two innings.
GammaDraconis
That was close.
Matt Martell
Trying to imagine blocking a 102-mph fastball from Miz with a runner on third
BryanB
Again with the throws to first. I just can’t.
BryanB
Please put someone else at third.
Brian547
Palacios is available if you are willing to play him at 3rd
Blue Shoes
Make a good throw to third base challenge: impossible
alden
Can’t blame them for getting their payday but I didn’t think Parquet Courts would be the type of band willing to sell out to Starbucks
AdvantageSchneideredited
Nm
Solitaire
Cash thinks he's got 5 bullpen innings tonight?
brewersbibliophile
I think it’s more about Rasumssen than the bullpen.
Solitaire
I'm sure you're right, but 48 pitches seemed pretty light to me.
brewersbibliophile
I’d like to think he could’ve gone more, but I won’t pretend to know that for sure. It’s making the Game 2 start look a lot worse though.
AdvantageSchneider
Cooooop!
BryanB
Cooper. Man.
lzfreak
This could be the dagger inning
Sean Dolinar
I keep on getting confused with the crowd cheering for what just happened was good for the Rays or the Brewers.
sadtrombone
I saw a game in Denver like that when they played the Cubs. It was wild because no matter what happened half the crowd went crazy.
Matthew Tobin
Don't the Rays know we need to squeeze every ounce of baseball out of this series because we don't know when we'll have it again?
Brian547
Just enjoy it we are all going to die next week anyway.
Mario Mendoza
Is that when Grand theft Auto comes out?
Brian547
#6 is in the real world
asf123
Smoltz must be soooo disappointed that they scored with a hit rather than a bunt.
jj1986
Ashby comes in when and for how long?
Solitaire
Was Williamson drawn really far in? Shouldn't they have been at double play depth?
Brian547
Infield in=bad
BryanB
I think the rule is you can’t be good at defense AND offense
sadtrombone
Here we go again…
Rollie's Mustache
If Ashby comes in and gets some big outs is he the WS MVP? Leads the team in +WPA to this point.
jzmaxson27
Feels like Pratt maybe has the inside edge at this point? Think they'll always give it to an offensive player over a reliever.
Blue Shoes
If Ashby gets like 6 outs, I think it should be him
Blue Shoes
Of course, I thought Ashby should have been NLCS MVP, so YMMV
Brian547
I'm still on Contreras
AdvantageSchneider
Pratts best game was in a loss. Unless he gets another 2 hits tonight.
brewersbibliophile
If an offensive player gets it, it should be Chourio. Ashby should be the MVP though.
Matthew Tobin
Rays need the Brewers to bring Shane Drohan in for some inexplicable reason
BryanB
Chourio RISP master
Bud Smith
What would it take for Kyle Harrison to finally get into a game?
jzmaxson27
Spring Training to start.
Andrew G
10 run lead 2 outs in the 9th
A Salty Scientist
Probably a blowout or another long extra inning game. I think Woody would be trusted more.
Kenny
Gangsters to pay Pat Murphy.
lzfreak
They should give out a postseason mvp award and Ashby would get that
BryanB
Need to DH for Bauers
AdvantageSchneider
Not with the lead he’s the best defensive option at first
Solitaire
I've been watching the playoffs for a month now and still don't know what a self-driving network is
brewersbibliophile
It’s a network that drives itself.
BryanB
Not just self-driving, self OPTIMIZING
Gravesmaster
Self optimizing
brewersbibliophileedited
That clears it up even more
Solitaire
willem_dafoe_forehead_slap.gif
jzmaxson27
I assumed it was a network that could identify all the stop signs, busses and motorcycles in the captchas.
Rollie's Mustache
The day I learned that users were unwittingly training self-driving cars by filling out those CAPTCHAs was the day I knew we were doomed.
brewersbibliophile
Wait…what?
baseballfan115edited
Is google trying to turn people off of sabermetrics? These full moon stats cant be real…
jdbolick
Contreras challenging pitches has been my favorite part of the World Series.
brewersbibliophile
Gary Sanchez challenging every PA has been my favorite part of the season.
BryanB
You had me at Contreras
AdvantageSchneider
And being mostly correct.
jdbolick
And threatening to do it before the ump even makes the call.
Crapshootedited
Hi guys, missed you all silly me socializing with real humans at a bar instead of on the internet
brewersbibliophile
Im at a bar!
BryanB
Are you at the same bar?
brewersbibliophile
Are you at an Irish bar?
Crapshoot
are you at True Laurel in the mission in SF? IF so…
brewersbibliophileedited
I am not
brewersbibliophile
Food just showed up for me, and I forgot I even ordered
73 pitches and a slightly tired BP? No way. One more inning at least.
BryanB
I refuse to let facts and data get in the way of my sincerely held deeply flawed belief
GammaDraconis
Nasty K
Brian547edited
That felt like Miz taking credit for Yandy making a bad swing
jzmaxson27
What is best in life Miz? "Blowing fastballs by injured DH's and hearing the Lamentations of their fans "
BryanB
You win the chat for using the word “lamentations”
Brian547
apparently getting half swings at cutters in the waste zone?
g4
Conan rules
Kenny
Still feels crazy to me that he has no runs in, 15 outs, and only two by K.
Jeremy Fox
The Miz, contact manager
Matt Martell
Our Mailbag is a little light on submissions for this week. Anybody have any World Series related questions to submit?
BryanB
What World Series had the most beer consumed per capita?
brewersbibliophile
Are the brewers the greatest team in American history, or world history?
Brian547edited
I need a full write up on the Strunk and White of when its Our Mailbag v Mailbag v The MAILBAG…
Nick Smith
We don't know they play baseball in other solar systems.
Kenny
What year will the Padres win a WS? The Rockies?
BryanB
What player has had the most injuries in a world series? The most HBP?
Solitaire
Seems like consensus is that Ashby won't win MVP this year. When has a reliever deserved it most?
Antonio Bananas
Run environment-adjusted best RP playoff performances
Mousebumples
Is there an acronym for successful/unsuccessful/bullied ABS challenges by a catcher? Can we backronym something for Wild Bill?
Matt Martell
Everyone in here send your questions to mailbag@fangraphs.com!
Solitaire
that seems like a lot of work
BryanB
I think it’s Balls Eyed for Low Pitch or Hit
brewersbibliophile
Im a paid subscriber, this should be good enough! /s
Matt Martell
But Mailbag (re: Davy) is hungry!
TKDC
What has a bigger impact on World Series ratings: the popularity/market size of the teams or the competitiveness/excitement of the games/series?
AdvantageSchneider
1982 suds series.
Alan Sherman
Mailbag, how does the mound at the Trop taste different from the mound in an open-air ballpark?
Deduno Abides
Back in the McCarver days, I used to successfully predict what he was going to say before he said it. That made announcers seem useless.
David
Yeah, I'm going with this ballgame is over. 3 runs feels like a mountain right now.
Sean Dolinar
This feels insurmountable.
brewersbibliophile
It is
BryanB
Never say never. I mean until the game is over.
GammaDraconis
Found the guy who didn't have it tonight. How many more do Tampa have in their bullpen?
AdvantageSchneider
Chandler took a bad route. Probably wouldn’t have caught it but it was a bad route.
Antonio Bananas
Already not a fan of Floridians and now the poor Rays getting no home game support. No redeeming qualities
Brian547
They are like baselines… only real sometimes.
asf123
The Sanibel/Captiva area is nice. Mostly harmless retired Midwesterners. Still hasn’t fully recovered from Hurricane Ian, from what I hear.
brewersbibliophile
I worked in Tampa for two years. I went to the mall one time and went to the sports store. 90% of what they sold was Yankees stuff. It was honestly embarrassing.
raregokus
Are there a bunch of empty seats I'm missing or something? I feel like the whole "the Rays have zero fans" thing is a little overblown
ra1nyd9ys
I'm guessing it's more so that the stadium seems filled with Brewers fans who traveled over.
raregokus
Huh. I really haven't gotten that vibe watching on TV
TKDC
I have. They booed Diaz’ injury delays, the “Coop” for Pratt has been loud.
jdbolick
The Rays had the lowest playoff game attendance since 1919. Game 1 of the ALCS felt like a home game for Cleveland. Florida just doesn't care about baseball.
ra1nyd9ys
Oh wow
A Salty Scientist
Interesting decision there
bosoxforlife
Had to let it drop. How could he give up another run???
jzmaxson27
Is letting it drop actually the right decision?
bosoxforlife
In this situation, it is the only decision.
Brian547
I think let it drop is correct here.
A Salty Scientist
When down already? I think so.
Jeremy Fox
Cooper Pratt, stealth WS MVP candidate?
GammaDraconis
Up to .62 WPA for the series.
A Salty Scientist
4-0 seems so much worse than 3-0
Jeremy Fox
And 3-0 was already very bad
JohnThacker
And the marginal difference from 4-0 to 5-0 or 6-0 (the risk of a big inning if you let it drop somewhat worse) doesn't seem as bad as the 3-0 to 4-0 jump.
baseballfan115
Take the out. He has a chance to throw out Contreras. Drop it and Pratt might hit a double
Eltneg
What's the win probability difference if the RF lets that drop? I understand it's not really feasible to conevy that in the moment but would love to know, feel like the extra run's a killer.
cochrane97@gmail.com
It could have been 5-0 if Pratt gets a hit though
cashgod27
Difference between 3 and 4 is more important than the difference between 4 and 5 especially for a team that's struggled to score all postseason
cochrane97@gmail.com
That makes sense.
cashgod27
Should've let it drop. The Rays have only scored 5 or more three times this postseason
A Salty Scientist
And they're running out of time to do it
cochrane97@gmail.com
Guy had 6 hits in last 6 ABs
Brian547edited
WE bump there was only 1% so we may be wrong
drplantwrench
dropping by to say go brew crew!!
Crapshoot
I think WPA is underestimating the gap – who the hell knows, but 4 runs against this bullpen feels like it would be D-Backs vs Mariano level shock
Eltneg
Even before seeing that "teams are 27-4 when they score 4+ runs in this postseason" stat I was just thinking Game 2 was the death blow, brutal for the Rays to score 4 with their ace pitching on full rest and still lose
AdvantageSchneider
Here comes Vaughn
cochrane97@gmail.com
A slightly better throw and that sac is a double play and no runs score
Brian547
Anyone have insight on the relevant arm?
asf123
The right one.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Just got home! How'd Miz look? The line's a bit confusing
BryanB
….good? Mostly?
AdvantageSchneider
5 Ip and 0 ER IS pretty darn good
drplantwrench
was talking to a non baseball fan coworker (whos also a data scientist) and we were brainstorming an idea to take the derivative of WPA to measure how fast the "vibes" can change
raregokus
We might be 3 innings from no baseball for who knows how long. We desperately need a Rays comeback.
BryanB
No we’re gonna do a Fangraphs winter league watch chat! Hopefully
A Salty Scientist
If this goes the way it looks, the Pads and Rays should play for 2nd place.
Jeremy Fox
Dodgers-Guardians for third place, like in the World Cup
brewersbibliophile
I’ll be attending Puerto Rican winter league from November 7-15. Anyone who wants to find me on Bluesky is welcome to join the unofficial official chat!
SadaharuWhoa
They will play baseball in March.
Hope springs
Jeremy Fox
Why is Matz coming in? Your season's already on life support and you absolutely cannot give up any more runs here. Is Matz really the most likely to get out of this with no more damage?
Solitaire
Unless Martinez is somehow available, I'm not sure who else they're supposed to use in the 6th. Sulser? Missing-fastball Baker?
sadtrombone
I figured this would happen at some point. They don’t have enough pitching they trust and this is what happens when you wear out your whole bullpen.
Eltnegedited
Has Baker been that bad Matz is the best option here?
g4
Chandler is the slowest fast-AF left fielder in history
AdvantageSchneider
Matz .574 vs lefties 873 vs righties no idea why they didn’t PH Vaughn there. That could have been the dagger.
Bud Smith
Gotta keep Hamilton in for his defense
Davy Andrews
I am Mailbag and Matt Martell has advised me that I should solicit questions. I am hungry. For questions. Though I also enjoy Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
drplantwrench
my Q: is baseball the "vibiest" of all sports? is there a way to measure that?
BryanBedited
Which players have dyed their hair?
brewersbibliophile
There’s a stat called BLEPH that measure that
jzmaxson27
Is this the lowest salaried World Series (relative to league average pay) in the modern era? If not, which series were lower? Were they more even in outcome?
Antonio Bananas
1. Best RP post season performances. Adjust for run environment of that year's playoffs. 2. See how much better Mike Trout's career would be if he played in Babe Ruth's…environment (add in as many AAA and AA players as you'd need essentially)
BryanB
If you had another player to place on the field where would you put him?
Brian547
Best estimates of actual MLB revenue and the current distribution there of?
Rich Hill's Fastball
What is the absolute optimal pitch mix (assuming, say, you get 4 pitch types) within reason? Give a pitcher an ideal arm angle for theoretical stuff and play around with it/
g4
If the Crew holds on, has their been a World Series champ that's been so close to losing most of their wins?
Brian547
Is this the worst FA class ever?
A Salty Scientist
I go the other way. Would baseball be more interesting with 8 on the field? And would you play 3 in the OF or 5 in the IF?
drplantwrench
what WS is this one the most like in terms of similar teams?
g4
I never think of good questions. But y'all do a fantastic job with the mailbag
brewersbibliophile
I’m gonna miss baseball if this is it.
lzfreak
Is Smoltz cautioning Misiorowski on getting addicted to… pitching well?
David
Look, you're not going to be good forever kid, so start learning to be worse now.
BryanB
Bwahaha
Jeremy Fox
I'm watching in Canada where Sportsnet has its own announcing crew, so thanks for mentioning Smoltz by name. Occasionally people in this chat start complaining or riffing about totally random stuff, and I just have to assume that Smoltz must've said something crazy.
TKDC
Smoltz is terrible, and I say that as someone who cheered for him so hard as a child.
Nick Smith
Some of that is also just us.
Jeremy Fox
Mailbag Q: can you build/develop more Ashbys (or further back, Andrew Millers)? If so, how?
bosoxforlife
How can you not mention Mariano?
David
I think you definitely can't create another Mariano.
Jeremy Fox
Mariano was great, but he wasn't used the way Ashby has been this year (regular season and playoffs), or the way Miller was in his great playoff run. No shade on Mariano to ask about how to build/develop a guy who's used differently than Mariano was.
asf123
Yeah, yeah, yeah…strikeouts bad, radar guns bad…🙄
Brian547
Only I am allowed to throw it fast and bendy too… how do you think I stood out enough to get to the hall of fame?
Antonio Bananas
I got one for the mailbag: give us an analysis of Smotlz and quantify his claims to measure how wrong they are
Jeremy Fox
A bottomless source of Mathemadage posts for Ben.
TKDC
Miz is still not pitching “old school” enough for Smoltz, even though he has allowed zero runs with very few strikeouts. The guy still just seems to hate baseball.
lzfreak
He got really excited about football though on that Lions promo
Davy Andrews
Calf cramp. Calf cramp!
Rich Hill's Fastball
Oh cramp
asf123
FireJohnSmoltz dot com is available…just sayin’.
GammaDraconis
How many more "worst things for a pitcher" does Smoltz have?
Brian547edited
Cramps are the worst thing in the world! But have you ever had space cramps?
brewersbibliophile
I love me some pickle juice
lzfreak
That's a bummer of a way to finish this start for Miz
Jeremy Fox
Oh man that's a bummer. For him and the team.
A Salty Scientist
As someone who gets cramps all the time, it's so annoying. And yes, do the pickle juice.
hopbitters
Just the kind of advice I'd expect from a briny scientist
millvillemeltdown
disc knower
Rich Hill's Fastball
At least it's not an elbow or shoulder injury
A Salty Scientist
Pretty sure those are actually the worst things that can happen to a pitcher.
BryanB
I mean he got them almost six innings. That’s awesome.
brewersbibliophile
More than I expected
AdvantageSchneider
He said he wanted to throw 120 pitches. I expected 6 out of him.
Bud Smith
If they hold on here, Miz WS MVP? 2 wins, 1 run in 10.2 innings
David
Aaron Ashby would like a word.
raregokus
Gotta be Willy C right?
TKDC
Would be especially fitting in first year of ABS!
Antonio Bananas
If like to see a orthopedic surgeon who's never seen baseball watch that slo-mo of Miz' pitching motion and give their thoughts
asf123
“Give that guy my number”
Brian547edited
Kyle Boddy kinda used to do this when Driveline was in its infancy… He nailed Strass sadly.
Eltneg
Does MLB oversee the home team groundskeepers in the playoffs? If this was the '50s the Rays would've def tried to make the bottom of the mound as soft and loose as possible to screw with Miz's stride.
Sean Dolinar
I don't know for sure, but probably nothing special. The umps can make them do things, though.
Crapshoot
Sad for him to come out like this – but I think if you had asked the Brewers if they could get 5 2/3rds from him with 0 runs, they would gladly have taken it
cochrane97@gmail.com
I have no idea who MVP will be. Chuorio 10 hits, Pratt 6 straight hits, Miz 2 W.
brewersbibliophile
Ashby is my vote. Chourio is my likely to get it.
raregokus
I'm confident it won't be Bauers at least
sadtrombone
These things are all narrative, so Chourio seems most likely. Ashby has been pretty good too.
Matt Martell
Pat Murphy would veto the Pratt MVP because of bad baserunning if he could
Andrew G
How heavily does abs fit in? 🤣 id vote contreras
TKDC
At least he wasn’t loafing!
cochrane97@gmail.com
Miz has .50 win percent added over the series and chuorio is actually only + .02!
cochrane97@gmail.com
Pratt + .61 wpa
springtraneing
they just said on the radio feed that contreras will challenge if he doesn't win it
ra1nyd9ys
Speaking of, I recently read the Pat Murphy anger level article and thoroughly enjoyed it.
BryanB
Worst feeling in the world? Mmm no. Giving up the series winning HR.
BryanB
So the secret folks is get good players and have a good coach.
GammaDraconis
And a good clubhouse vibe
sadtrombone
I recommend scoring more runs than the other team, preferably every game if you can manage it
g4
Monkey never cramp. Just sayin
brewersbibliophile
I started eating bananas before I went for walks, and I’m not saying it worked for my leg cramps, but in my mind they worked.
TKDC
It’s crazy how every team that is about to win the World Series always seems to have a great clubhouse!
bosoxforlife
Contreras has contributed with the bat , the arm and his eyes. He leads IMHO
g4
I second this. Contreras' double today pushed him ahead of Chourio
drplantwrench
dj khaled voice
drplantwrench
ANOTHER ONE
raregokus
Bauers continuing to make his case for MVP
BryanB
Bauers for the loss
Jeremy Fox
Driving, game on radio. Need an update on how pissed off Pat Murphy looks.
brewersbibliophile
He’s the kind of pissed off where the guy who ordered after he did got his food first.
raregokus
No you don't, you knew before you asked the question! He's eternally curmudgeonly
Matt Martell
"No you don't!” — Nathan Fielder
raregokus
Maybe if Ashby shuts it down from here he wins MVP? Otherwise I don't see a way it could happen
Solitaire
would need TB to rally to at least one run game if not tied, then have Ashby slam the door for couple innings
rluzinski
Uribe, Megill.
cochrane97@gmail.com
Smoltz on that bauers DP ball with xBA of .420 “that’s about as easy as a play you’ll ever get as a first baseman”
Eltneg
To be fair xBA doesn't account for fielder location. That was smoked but right at the 1B who was playing on the line.
cochrane97@gmail.com
Had to make a nice throw too though!
brewersbibliophileadmin edited
F**king hiccups. I hate drinking
AdvantageSchneider
Nice back door there by JoJo
Matt Martell
Smoltz talking about people who "have no business talking baseball…"
lzfreak
Yeah ironically this was his best take of the night too
Brian547edited
Apparently I have no credibility. I talked about it in the, this would be fun and I want it to happen sense… but definitely am guilty.
raregokus
Why did it take so long for Simpson to take off for 2nd?
GammaDraconis
Had to go back and touch 1st base
raregokus
Holy crap he didn't touch first
Antonio Bananas
Smoltz says *anyone* who thought Miz should come in last night has no business talking baseball… wait until he hears there is a guy out there who would rather give up a HR than walk the leadoff hitter!
AdvantageSchneider
He’s not wrong about that.
Andrew G
Ump cam during reg season great!
Playoffs no thanks
David
I'm good without it any time on anything but select replays
asf123
Ugh…cue up “putting pressure on the defense.”
asf123
Yep. Nailed it.
Solitaire
If Contreras wins, is MLB really gonna tout all his ABS challenges? Do they really want to highlight that there's so many wrong calls to correct?
TKDCedited
Yes. The Umpires don’t really have a say here. They’ll claim they “fixed it”
raregokus
He should get to pie the ump whose calls he got overturned most
brewersbibliophile
That’d be a great way to send off CB Bucknor
asf123
It’s baffling to me that ABS challenges are apparently so popular that MLB (and T-Mobile, of course) are building entire ads around them.
David
This is their idea of marketing the game, smdh
JohnThacker
Smoltz wondering if the gloves are too large and should be regulated is probably his best comment this postseason.
raregokus
The Roki photoshop still makes me cackle every time I see it
Brian547
Guys… didnt we talk about whether pine tar is legal on the mitts? and regulating them?… Smoltz reads our chats!!!
Crapshootadmin edited
In the spirit of being contrarian – who actually likes Smoltz? Is this just the case the average baseball viewer is 55 and remember him at his peak, and thus think highly of him? I'm willing to accept the case for him, but a guy who s**ts on the game doesn't seem like it helps to sell it
asf123
I’m 49 and I remember collecting his rookie cards and his peak very well. Can’t stand him in the booth.
asf123edited
I’m having to mute after every pitch. This DJ should be imprisoned.
raregokus
He's trying to drown out Smoltz! He's trying to help!
Dan Szymborski
I dunno, Crapshoot, I remember Smoltz at his peak (though I'm 48, not 55) and he kinda annoys me. During Mis's cramp was like his required one time per postseason when he's useful
Dan Szymborski
I just don't get as mad at broadcasters as I used to. There's simply not for me.
jzmaxson27
I actually watched many games broadcast by Joe Morgan. Smoltz is just garden variety compared to that.
jdbolick
One thing I forgot to mention last night is how much I realized I missed extra innings without a runner on second.
drplantwrench
at least we dont have to listen to rex hudler anymore
Dan Szymborski
Honestly, if you're a serious enough fan to subscribe to an indie baseball website and spend what could be the final game of 2026 watching here with us, the broadcasters aren't really there for you, either.
bosoxforlife
I am with you 100% Dan, I haven't listened to an inning or missed more than a few here at Fangraphs.
lzfreak
That will not stop us from complaining!
asf123
Yeah, I sometimes read the comments at The Athletic – there is very much a market for “I reject everything we’ve learned about baseball in the last 30 years.”
raregokus
I'm just complaining for the love of the game — I've had him muted since the first inning
Eltneg
Not over till it's over and all that but can't see this Rays lineup scoring 5 runs in 2 innings against Uribe/MeGill
g4
Brian Anderson is a great help to his color men. He knows how to lead a horse to water.
Phil
I admit I kind of liked Tim McCarver, despite stathead scorn. My grandfather was a Mets fan so I grew up listening to him, and he had folksy charm. Plus it was kind of fun when he was instantly proven wrong.
g4
Not impressed by Joe Davis
jzmaxson27
He's a lot better with Hershiser. I think he just doesn't trust Smoltz and tries to fill in more color on these national casts.
raregokus
Sarcasm aside Smoltz is a bad broadcaster because his play by play guy can never trust him: either Smoltz trips over his words so badly you have no idea what he's saying or he veers off on some tangentially related rant halfway through. Davis has to constantly be on guard to jump in and save him
Dan Szymborski
John Smoltz to FanGraphs readers is like Yelp food reviews for Andrew Zimmern.
alden
I hope we get to see Palacios make another little league lollipop throw to first
Antonio Bananas
Murphy would be great cast in a post apocalyptic movie where surviving a zombie outbreak is how he finally connects to his rebellious son.
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
He wouldn't be a great national broadcast guy because he's a huge homer, but I often miss Hershiser as the color guy during the playoffs
Brian547edited
Mailbag: Who among the FGers would make the best announcer?
sadtrombone
Eric Longenhagen and I don’t think it would be close
Brian547
I'm going to risk a ban from Dan and unironically suggest Carson.
GammaDraconis
I've switched to the Brewers radio broadcast. not so hard to get it synchronized.
sadtrombone
I’m a baseball on the radio fan myself. There’s something about it that is magical.
bosoxforlife
Absolutely right! I miss Joe Castiglione so much that I am having a tough time accepting Will Flemming.
jdbolick
I grew up listening to Jon Miller, then got Gary Thorne as an adult, and have Kevin Brown now. As a result, national broadcasters always felt underwhelming and I generally tune them out.
Solitaire
O's fans really have been blessed with announcers. Baseball players, less so.
alden
I’m not really that old (29) but I still miss bob costas
lzfreak
Costas totally lost me with the Pedro Strop thing
Dan Szymborski
I've also never made an underwear spreadsheet, for the record
TKDC
I think this denial isn’t helping you.
David
I think they should have like 8 different booths, and you can pick based on mood.
Eltneg
Would love a permanant crowd noise option
asf123edited
Provided the DJ is imprisoned.
Dan Szymborski
Brian, I'm not a mod status for the unstructured chats, so I cannot ban you being nice to Carson sadly!
David
Feeling goofy? Here's Bennetti. Want good color? Here's Darling. etc.
Dan Szymborski
David, you know they'd figure out how to do it with AI
Phil
In last night's chat, someone posited an extra inning rule in which eventually Smoltz and Davis take over as pitchers. My question is, which would you rather have? Smoltz is almost 60 and Davis is 38, so Davis might last longer before breaking down, even if Smoltz presumably remembers how to throw a curveball.
lzfreak
Oh give me the Hall of Famer
TKDC
Smoltz easily, as long as he can still physically throw.
raregokus
When do the guys in the pregame show get involved? Jeter vs. Smoltz is more of a competition, but still not much of one
AdvantageSchneider
Not ph for walls?
jdbolick
Right? I am an ardent Walls defender, but not pinch hitting here is indefensible.
AdvantageSchneider
I looked at their bench Mullins would seem to be their best option. Not that much of an improvement.
Deduno Abides
And Joe Buck always gave the vibe that he felt we were there to watch him instead of the game.
TKDC
Buck always sounded like he couldn’t wait to call football again.
Antonio Bananas
Smoltz has inspired me to keep my Duolingo streak going. This time next year, I hope to be fluent enough in Spanish to be able to watch the ESP broadcast.
brewersbibliophile
Bruh…why is this inspiring me???
Dan Szymborski
Yeah, take the Hall of Famer
A Salty Scientist
That may help for Chourio's MVP case
Rich Hill's Fastball
Joe Davis is a broadcaster's broadcaster; sometimes he isn't necessarily a fan's broadcaster
Solitaire
Let us save a few reproachments for the Arod/Papi/Jeter trio who are incapable of expressing anything that wouldn't show up in a comments section. Is it that hard to find a thoughtful player? Can I not have a panel of Joey Votto, Sean Doolittle, and Brent Rooker?
Rich Hill's Fastball
The crew for Phillies-Braves wild card round was fantastic
TKDC
The Wheeler Proclamation notwithstanding
Antonio Bananas
And add Pedro and Rollins so we can get the hilariously awkward "who is Pedro's daddy tonight" segment.
Phil
Another idea was Manfred vs. Bruce Meyer–I think Manfred's probably likelier to be able to get one over the plate.
Brian547
does this mean that Ashby is closing?
Eltneg
That feels a little too cute, Megill's fresh and can go two innings
jdbolick
But Ashby is WAY better. Megill has been sketchy in the postseason.
Eltneg
Yeah but he threw 31 pitches yesterday, he's been dominant but he's still human
lzfreak
Ashby human? Citation needed
g4
Hit the gym Yandy. Too weak.
jdbolick
I've noticed that throughout this series. He keeps thinking he hit one out.
Crapshoot
Im obviously biased as a giants fan but I think Jon Miller doing national stuff is utterly amazing. Him and Dave Flemming (another awesome person) are so so good
brewersbibliophile
Jon Miller is a top 3 broadcaster left in today’s game.
raregokus
Yeah up until now it didn't matter what booth you got for a Giants game, it was gonna be good
alden
Megill is a notorious bunt hater so maybe it should be oops all bunts here on out for the flappy bois
asf123
Stop, you’re making Smoltz aroused.
David
I've got so many (bad) ideas for TV booth combos by mood now. Banned announcers, for the anti-woke, manned by Thom Brennamen and Curt Schilling.
jzmaxson27
John Rocker for on field reporting I assume?
Rollie's Mustache
Rocker and Jose Canseco locked in a cage for two minutes instead of the 7th inning stretch.
asf123
Paired with Lenny Dykstra.
raregokus
One more inning until lockout abyss 🙁
jdbolick
I don't care. Being this happy for Milwaukee will sustain me for a while. It feels so good to see an organization do everything right and get rewarded. Plus, their fans are so likeable.
Benny The Jet
If this is it, a huge thank you to Sean and everybody who had a hand in putting these together! It has been great meeting so many of you, I hope we get the chance to do this again soon!
alden
Thank you Sean & staff we love you and appreciate all you do! 🫶
Phil
I would definitely recommend these chats as one of the innumerable benefits that make membership worth it–worth mentioning in the whatever marketing you guys do.
brewersbibliophile
@brewersbibliophile on Bluesky. Anyone wanna add me would be appreciated. I’ve enjoyed these chats.
Sean Dolinar
Thanks everyone for being here with us.
jdbolick
I also have a suspicion that the labor stoppage won't be too long. The owners know that the MLBPA will never budge on a salary cap under any circumstances, so presumably they have something else they want to get out of negotiations.
raregokus
Let's hope!
rluzinski
They will never budge on something every other major American professional league already has on? I am not so sure. Will be about making sure the players get their earned piece of the pie I think.
A Salty Scientist
A union is going to generally be more unified than 30 different owners, many of whom don't have the stomach to lose that much money with a long strike.
TKDCedited
They’ve seen how it works. You can’t unpop that cork. I’d bet those other unions are jealous of MLBPA. They know they’ve lost.
rluzinski
As a Brewer fan who's been frustrated by the economic disparity in baseball for years, I am quite fine with a WS win followed by a lockout.
BryanB
Even if you’re not Christian I think the Jesus commercial is best. That or Sweeney. I mean basically the same ad.
raregokus
Did I miss the ad where Jesus tries to get me to gamble on sports while wearing nothing but catcher gear?
Daclubbies
Do his dads switch off weekends having a catch?
jdbolick
It's nice that the Brewers get to win the title in front of their fans.
Daclubbies
Need a booth from All the Smoke (except N Swisher)
Rich Hill's Fastball
Cash's pitching decisions will be rightfully questioned (Seymour here???), but at some point your offense just has to score runs
alden
Yeah this is mostly on TB’s bats. TB pitching held up pretty well outside of G3
brewersbibliophile
Cash will be questioned, but the real story is, he ran into a buzz saw. It would take the ‘27 Yankees to stop a team like this.
sadtrombone
Certainly the last two games have not been good.
sadtrombone
I wouldn’t go that far but I don’t think there is any question which team has more talent here. The Rays are just outgunned.
jdbolick
And Peralta's blowup was extremely predictable, to the point that I said it would happen immediately after Game 2. It's too bad that I'm so philosophically committed to never betting on sports that even Sweeney couldn't convince me.
Dan Szymborski
JD, now you're *really* jinxing it, unless my feed is 10 minutes behind
Dan Szymborski
Though I do like the joke
TKDC
Another good WS question would be who has won the MVP with the lowest cWPA for the series?Would presumably be like here, one without an easy winner.
Brian547
Livan Hernandez sucked in the 1997 WS and I hate you for making me remember that.
Rich Hill's Fastball
One more half inning <3
Dan Szymborski
Did the bottom of the 6th take longer than 7-8-9 combined if this ends quickly?
David
Feels like it!
jm6321033
Yes
brewersbibliophile
My receipt says I have 10 beers in me. Do I have an 11th before the end of this inning??
Antonio Bananas
Spotted Cow?
brewersbibliophile
Guinness
Solitaire
this is very milwaukee
jzmaxson27
If you are capable of typing the question without grammatical mistakes or spelling errors then the answer is yes.
lzfreak
Get home safe
brewersbibliophile
If my wife don’t answer, then I’ll be walking the half mile home 😅
Dan Szymborski
I don't like commercials that feel like someone didn't want to just pay NBC for the rights to use Ron Swanson
Nick Smithedited
Dammit! Beat me to the store-brand Nick Offerman joke!
lzfreak
If the Rays actually come back and win this they still have no rested pitchers for game 6. Cash really has not managed his staff well this series.
asf123
🍻
jdbolickedited
Two hits through eight innings after the extra innings last night is crazy. Can't say enough about Milwaukee's pitching staff.
asf123
Not a save situation, so I guess they don’t bring in Rollie Fingers. Maybe Dan Plesac.
sadtrombone
John Axford!
Dan Szymborski
I always like going against A's Rollie Fingers in MLB the Show because it looks like Luigi is on the mound against you
Rollie's Mustache
Harsh but fair.
raregokus
Caminero has a plane to catch
GammaDraconis
Cancun is calling
Dan Szymborski
The Mario Brother, not the murderer
brewersbibliophileedited
The less cool Luigi
raregokus
Sure, if we want to just erase Goomba lives like that
Antonio Bananas
At what point do the Mets (or Phillies or Yankees) raid Milwaukee of it's front office?
David
Mets tried!
Paul
The Mets won't be able to figure that one out.
Brian547edited
Mets bashing and it was not Biblio. Chat complete!
brewersbibliophile
My last comment may not get approved, so *expletive* the Mets
Dan Szymborski
I'm excited to see if Pat Murphy actually stops looking like he's annoyed during the celebration
asf123
I think he just has Resting Manager Face.
raregokus
He's allowed to smile but ONLY if he looks like a proud father as he does so
BryanB
Luckiest hit EVER
asf123
Wow.
Eltneg
This looks and sounds like a home crowd, my goodness
TKDC
I’m not sure if I’ve ever met a Rays fan, and I went to watch a couple games at the Trop.
jdbolick
Jason Collette is a hardcore Rays fan.
JohnThacker
The only Rays fan I know of is Dick Vitale.
TKDC
Never met him
jdbolick
That reminds me to praise Hicks. I was skeptical about him being full-time catcher for a playoff team but his defense has been much better than I expected and his challenges have been nearly perfect as well.
asf123edited
Let’s just hypothesize that the Rays come back to win the Series after that. Best baseball story ever?
Phil
Don't think so–the story would be the collapse.
asf123
But that particular play would be more infamous than Buckner, right?
Matt Martell
I want the Rays to threaten enough to get Ashby in the game
alden
Shoulda bunted smh
BryanB
Pitching out of the zone the right call here
Sean Dolinar
It's not quite over yet…but it’s been a fun postseason. I’m really glad all of you chose to be here with us this October.
Hopefully this lockout is quick. We will have editorial coverage and some interesting payroll tools during the negotiations.
You all are why we are able to do what we do, and I know these chats have been something I’ve looked forward to. I’ve enjoyed getting to know a lot of you. We are going to find more places to build community on FG.
Phil
Thank you, Sean!
Deduno Abides
FanGraphs makes baseball better
brewersbibliophile
I’ll be signing up for one of the MVP things or whatever they’re called if games are missed. I love this site and don’t want to see it go anywhere.
GammaDraconis
So Simpson get's his first HR here?
TKDC
Simpson HR, calling it.
Daclubbies
Gotta hit it to bring Ashby in
brewersbibliophile
There is hope!
David
I've got Simpson for MVP
Crapshootedited
Ok -if you're Murphy – do you bring in Ashby here? Megill's longest outing of the world series, and even a HR isn't enough yet.
BryanB
Yes!!!
jdbolick
Serious question, what is going on with Megill's pants?
asf123
They’re losing the battle with the rest of Megill.
BryanB
Megill is not the man
Phil
Megill has one more hitter either way, yes?
brewersbibliophile
I think he’s in until it’s tied
Paul
I'd make a change
Paul
He's hoping for a pop up
raregokus
Richie's gonna homer
GammaDraconis
Of course it ends with Turang fielding the ball
jdbolick
Condolences to the diehard Rays fans who genuinely do love their team, but this is the happiest I have been about a World Series win since 1983.
Phil
There we go.
Crapshoot
WOO HOO MILWAUKEE
raregokus
Congrats Milwaukee
alden
Congrats Crew! Mostly happy for Vogey lol
brewersbibliophile
Former cubs Minor league legend!
war2d2
“You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.”
Thank you all and it better not be 18 months until the next game!
Sean Dolinar
🍻Rounds of Spotted Cows all around!🍺
Rich Hill's Fastball
Ballgame
jtrichey
Man, I'm so sick of the Brewers.
Daclubbies
Congrats Milwaukee
A Salty Scientist
It's been over a decade since I lived in Madison, but I'll always have a soft spot for the Brew Crew. Enjoy it fans.
rluzinski
Finaafuckingly
TKDCedited
Congrats to one of the sneakiest most dominant teams in MLB history.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Congratulations Brewers fans, you deserve this
David
That was a fun series, I wanted 2 more, but congrats MIL!
drplantwrench
Man, i'm so not sick of the brewers
Brian547
Good job August!
Pauledited
I enjoy Vogelbach following Murphy around in the hug line.
Nick Smith
Congrats, Brewers!
Sean Dolinar
Sorry to those who have tickets to Game 6 and 7!
brewersbibliophile
Yo 🙁 I wasn’t gonna tempt fate by rooting for Game 6 though.
Solitaire
Every body drink you beers *drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink drink*
brewersbibliophile
I’m a 12 pack in
Solitaire
autocorrect must be doing good work for you
ra1nyd9ys
Somehow, Pat Murphy still manages to look serious. Not quite as angry as usual though.
Phil
They're reading a statement thanking Rays fans, but most of the people there are Brewers fans.
jdbolick
I have some sympathy. I spent too many games at Camden hearing Red Sox and Yankees fans.
ra1nyd9ys
NEW JERSEY MENTIONED!!
jdbolick
Camden Yards.
ra1nyd9ys
Darn. I had guessed as Camden NJ is way closer to New York than Camden Yards is, lol. I guess most people in that area are probably Phillies fans, though.
war2d2
Thanks for everything, Fangraphs people. Not how I wanted it to end, but was a great season in these chats nonetheless.
Rich Hill's Fastball
FanGraphs is wonderful
ra1nyd9ys
I got the subscription recently and I'm so glad I did
Brian547
Only good place on the internet! So much better than… We are all going dateless!
Crapshoot
How does anyone NOT love baseball?
brewersbibliophile
I’ve never felt more pedantic about baseball.
brewersbibliophile
I love you FanGraphs. @brewersbibliophile on Bluesky. Find me. Ill
brewersbibliophile
Miss yall
Antonio Bananas
Thanks Fangraphs for making this happen. Best community in sports.
Andrew G
Thank you Fangraphs!
jdbolick
"Almost a home game for us"
drplantwrench
we should do this more often
drplantwrench
chat for every week of FA/lockout
Paul
Thank you, FanGraphs team! Keep it up and hopefully we get a 2027 season!
ra1nyd9ys
Thank you FanGraphs!!
asf123
Congratulations to the Brewers – a very well-deserved title. And thank you to FanGraphs! This Chicagoan and Cubs fan couldn’t be happier for Brewers fans. Cheers!
brewersbibliophile
I said the same thing about Counsell as I’ll say about Murphy. They’ve gone as far as they’ll go under him. Time to fire the manager and find the next guy!
ra1nyd9ys
The power of friendship!!
Sean Dolinar
It really is all about the friends we make along the way.
jdbolick
lol. I love the ******* bleeps. *** yeah. Let's ******* go!
Antonio Bananas
Rosenthal doing his best Mean Gene to Megill's Andre here
Paul
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I'm out.
bosoxforlife
The unsung heroes of this post-season has been the Brewers fans who came in droves to Florida to bring their team the World Series Championship. 3 cheers to all the fans!
Sean Dolinar
I still can't believe the crowd.
Sean Dolinar
I was texting friends and we were talking about what do you do if you are the Rays to make the atmosphere better for you.
Antonio Bananas
Move to a state that's not full of transplant octagenarians
Rich Hill's Fastball
Adios, friends!! See ya on the other side. Thanks for a great month
OnWI1933
Well that was something. Congrats to the Brewers and their front office. Amazing accomplishment
Solitaire
I had the volume down, can someone tell me whether the crowd booed Manfred?
Matthew Spence
Congrats Brewers,, well deserved
brewersbibliophile
Goodnight yall! See ya next year.
Sean Dolinar
They brought the Brewers fans on the field? That's cool!
AdvantageSchneider
I think that’s just the brewers employees. They flew 400 of them to the game. Took 3-4 planes.
BryanB
Chatting with yall has been a highlight of my year!
BryanB
“We’ll recognize the team in a minute, let’s talk to the head of HR! Get up here!”
TKDC
A guy who should, but maybe doesn’t, realize nobody cares what he has to say.
BryanB
And I work in HR so I can say that
drplantwrench
you work in… home runs…?
BryanB
Lolol I wish. Human Resources.
Antonio Bananas
In how many parks would you work in HR though? For the rest of your career, how much xHR do you project?
BryanB
Yay!!!!!!
David
Bill trying to give away the hardware to Ashby, gotta love it.
asf123
Class move by Contreras calling Ashby up to the podium.
TKDC
It was, guy is so emotional right now. Wonderful to see
asf123
Imagine what it must feel like for a player like Contreras, to work your entire life at the sport and then not only to win your team’s first championship, but to be named MVP of the series.
brewersbibliophile
How wild is it to even be where he is right now. He was a random throw in for a much larger trade.
brewersbibliophile
Early reports says Zips has brewers at 79 wins next year, 4th place finish. /s
drplantwrench
thats not bad for an 80 game season
Antonio Bananas
Any podcasts or alternative post game shows out there?
brewersbibliophileedited
I don’t get to see my nephew very often, but him texting me throughout these playoffs has been a highlight of my life.
Sean Dolinar
Alright, I'm going to close this down. Once again, thanks everyone for a good season.
Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2026-27 free agent market.
In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor league contract, or won’t receive a contract at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Statistics are prorated to full season values where noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2027 Steamer600 projections.
Below are ballots for 12 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of relievers, some of whom have starting experience. Read the rest of this entry »
Free agency begins five days after the end of the World Series. As in other recent seasons, FanGraphs is once again facilitating a contract crowdsourcing project, with the idea being to harness the wisdom of the crowd to better understand and project the 2026-27 free agent market.
In recent years, we’ve added a few features to these ballots based on reader feedback. You now have the option to indicate that a player will only receive a minor league contract, or won’t receive a contract at all. If there is a player option, team option, or opt out in a player’s contract, you’ll be able to indicate whether you think he will remain with his current team or become a free agent. Statistics are prorated to full season values where noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the projected WAR figures are from the first cut of the 2027 Steamer600 projections.
Below are ballots for 12 of this year’s free agents — in this case, a group of starting pitchers. Read the rest of this entry »
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It didn’t always feel like a Rays home game. Multitudes of Brewers fans, unable to procure or afford tickets to Wisconsin’s first World Series games in 44 years, had flown to Florida to see their team clinch. But home field advantage played a part in the Rays’ improbable, dramatic 12-inning 4-3 win in Game 4 to extend the World Series at least one more night.
The Tropicana Field turf is one of the fastest playing surfaces in the league, and the Rays are able to derive an advantage from it that no other team can extract from its own home field. So while the Brewers took the lead in the top of the 12th by hitting the ball in the usual direction — up, in the form of Cooper Pratt’s solo home run — the Rays struck back with four grounders and a liner in the bottom of the inning.
The decisive hit, by Ben Williamson, went straight into the turf, bounced over Milwaukee’s drawn-in five-man infield, and landed… who cares where. The Rays are still alive. Read the rest of this entry »
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the history of teams that take 3-0 leads in best-of-seven series, the highlights and lowlights of the first three games of the World Series, the need for an objective check-swing standard, complaints about the broadcasting of John Smoltz, and Rob Manfred’s competitive-balance comments.
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the World Series game today. Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual staff Q&A chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
DavidRifkin
Baby’s posting from the mobile app! Go Sean+team
Rich Hill's Fastball
^^ Thank you for these all month, Sean.
Sean Dolinar
Appreciate this.
Mousebumples
Watching with my littles (4 & 7), and we'll see how long they make it tonight.
sadtrombone
I am already falling asleep so good luck to them.
Phil
Poll is quite certain about a sweep, so far.
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, I feel like we need to make that stock/investment advice…past performance doesn’t guarantee future results
danodea
Dustin May is gonna pitch 9 shutout innings
Rich Hill's Fastball
Dustin May is going for his fourth ring, which would tie him with Betts for most among active players. Dustin May!
war2d2
He’ll _have_ those rings but did he really _earn_ those rings like Betts did…
war2d2
Honestly kind of unfair to May, the man tore his larynx for god’s sake. (not sure how that applies vis-a-vis rings)
lzfreak
May's ring last year is particularly suspect since he wasn't on the Dodgers when they actually won it
tdmoc
Won't be able to watch this one, but I wanted to thank Sean and co for these chats – they've been an excellent companion for the post season.
Sean Dolinar
Thanks for stopping by!
war2d2
I second tdmoc’s message, thanks for all the hard work on the revised chat, it’s been great!
Phil
Sean, has Fangraphs ever considered having a masthead somewhere? It's only from these chats that I've realized just how much you do, which is truly incredible–I hope you have a properly august title. And there was a very funny moment on EW when Lindbergh didn't realize that Meg had been promoted. How was anyone to know?
Sean Dolinar
We always talk about a masthead, then just don’t make one. Honestly, we’d forget to update it. lol, probably.
Sean Dolinar
People should read the Wikipedia article about FG. It’s really stuck in the past.
Michael Baumann
Meg got promoted?
Matt Martell
You knew this!
war2d2
Wait when was Meg promoted?
Sean Dolinar
Yeah to Editor in Chief back in Dec 2024. Or around then.
war2d2
Oh I knew that. I thought maybe she was moved up to “Publisher” or “God-Queen of Greater Fangraphia”
comradeyurika
Selfishly hoping it ends tonight because I won't be able to see the remaining games live
Matthew Tobin
I feel like throwing May is a "Well if we win that would be great, But we will win at home anyways" move
sadtrombone
I imagine he goes 2, maybe 3 innings tops. But that is needed, they can’t really run out 9 different guys to pitch one inning each.
brewersbibliophile
Get the series wrap ups written, today’s game is just a formality.
lzfreak
I think the Rays definitely have an avenue to win tonight. In particular, they're much more likely to throw their A bullpen arms. And Jax > May. Tomorrow would be much harder but today is quite winnable in my eyes.
Sean Dolinar
Another early challenge today!
Jim H
Way to show Contreras he's not the only guy who can challenge on the corner.
Sean Dolinar
This game is over! 😫
Phil
I only realized from your previous comment that it had started. Still haven't successfully logged on. . .
Nick Smith
That throw was not close.
Brian547
What is the consensus view on the longest possible odds for a legit WS team against another. Lets assume like best player gets hurt, worst starter available is starting, bullpen was used into oblivion last night, its a 4 PM game, facing a team that won 110+ with 1999-2000 Pedro starting… 75/25? 90/10? its not worse than 90-10… Right?
Brian547
I guess what I'm trying to ask is, what the longest odds ever offered were for a single game?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Jax is nibbling too much. His stuff is good enough to just aim down the middle
Brian Reinhart
At this point just watching to see if (a) the Rays can get one, and (b) Pat Murphy will get Drohan and Harrison in so the whole roster's played.
lzfreak
I don't understand why the broadcast always thinks Martinez is a big part of the pitching plan yesterday and today. Isn't he the expected starter tomorrow? You need to win all the games, you can't just go all out with all your starters tonight.
jcathtraverse
I think this is from Verducci's pregame interview with Cash? but it doesn't make much sense, and also just sounds too specific, so I suspect he's lying.
Jim H
Other than the joy of not hearing Smoltz's voice for a long time, why are 60% in favor of the series ending early going into a lockout?
BryanB
Brewers fans?
Jim H
60% seems like a lot of Brewers fans, but I guess so.
drplantwrench
smaller percentage than those in tampa bay
g4
Brewer fans make up over 60% of fans in the Trop alone
BryanB
After this we should rewatch the previous World Series together in reverse order 🙂
alden
Robert “literally Sandy Koufax” Gasser
Brian547
Kornheiser made that comparison on PTI today and I think Pablo's eyes rolled into his head in both shame and shock.
alden
Robert “The Pinky Finger On the Hand of the Left Arm of God” Gasser
BryanB
Wait until Chandler “literally Rickey Henderson” Simpson
drplantwrench
dustin may looks like that kid who wipes ice cream on his forehead to cool down
BryanB
lol Contreras
Jon Becker
He's been doing that all postseason, I do wonder if it does lead to more strike calls
Brian547
I strongly believe that this sort of psychology will work. People are influenced by perception way more than they want to believe.
Phil
The fact that framing has gotten less subtle but still works has an interesting relation to this phenomenon. Even if umpires see someone the catcher is trying to make a pitch look like a strike they are still willing to believe it is one.
aldenadmin edited
Almost feels like James Harden doing crazy s**t and forcing the refs to call him out on it. Would drive me up a wall if I were competing against him but as a spectator I respect the hustle.
BryanB
I love the Billy Bob Thornton commercial where he just randomly starts talking to the young woman
Nick Smith
And no one else is allowed to say a thing.
BryanB
And I love/hate liberty bibberty
Solitaire
With respect to the idea that people are allowed to enjoy whatever they like, what unholy reason can there be to love bibberty?
Rich Hill's Fastball
I hate/hate liberty bibberty
BryanB
I didn’t say I was proud of it.
drplantwrench
i watch the games on mute, partially because of the announcers, partially to avoid liberty bibberty
BryanBedited
Wait I just figured it out. The announcers aren’t announcing for us, they’re announcing for people that have never watched baseball. Or any sport. Or TV.
Nick Smith
Jeez, why are we all hating on the horrifying giant mangy tennis ball with human teeth?!?
Davy Andrews
Hey everybody!
lzfreak
The Rays should sell tickets to watch from the catwalks
Sean Dolinar
How would fan interference work on the A/B/C ring?
drplantwrench
thats exactly what the Phantom of Baseball wants them to do
Davy Andrews
You catch a ball, you get signed to a contract.
Nick Smith
Only one way to find out!
BryanB
If you catch it your team gets a run
Jim H
If you drop it, you get ejector seated into a surprise bungee jump
g4
If that's an intentional American Dad reference, chef's kiss
Brian547
The way Simpson moves is strongly reminiscent of Hunter Pence to me.
Davy Andrewsedited
Yes! 100% co-sign.
David
Sorta like an athletic alien inhabiting a human body for the first time?
alden
Somebody oughta check on him and see if he has a fused vertebrae like Pence
Davy Andrews
Oh my God, the Rays are selling tomahawk steaks?
Anonymous Member #46
Rarely
Brian547
Feels like it should have been an ATL thing….
Sean Dolinar
This confused everyone I’m watching with.
Brian547
Guess in ATL it would have to be a Tomahawk chop?
drplantwrench
wheres the thumbs down emoji?? need it for the dad jokes
Brian Reinhart
maybe a job for the thinking emoji
Jonathan
As a Cardinal fan who watched 90% of May’s starts in the first half – my man, what have you done to your beard lol? This guys confidence must be through the roof to rock that.
Davy Andrews
Yet another use for the thumbs down.
lzfreak
He's sporting the Randy Dobnak
Sean Dolinar
I get the hint.
Davy Andrews
Can't believe Simpson didn't end up on third on that play.
Solitaire
I tbought he was!
drplantwrench
this chandler simpson guy should be higher in the batting order
BryanB
Looks like the Rays aren’t impressed
lzfreak
A Chandler Simpson extra base hit! Somebody bat this guy 3rd
Anonymous Member #46
What was Turang doing there?
Matthew Tobin
Rays absolutely need 1 one run this inning
BryanB
I have a good feeling
raregokus
I have zero confidence this lead will last more than an inning
Jim H
Ugly K.
Brian547
Which pitcher over 6'5" throws from the lowest arm angle? Sale?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Tyler Rogers is 6'3", so yes
Jim H
Today I learned the Rogers brothers are only 6'3".
lzfreak
I also immediately looked up Tyler Rogers height
Brian547
Do we know what Randy J's was?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Randy was much more over-the-top than Sale
Davy Andrewsedited
Man, do I hate this AI slop Fox seems to love.
Ben Schneider
Hi everyone, nice to see the Rays lead after two innings
raregokus
Jiffin Grax sounds like the name of the protagonist of the worst Star Wars fanfic ever written
Davy Andrews
Get ready for Dax Kilby.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Terrin Vavra, anyone?
Brian Reinhart
I am irrationally upset by the name Tai Peete
drplantwrench
i hope fox used millions on tokens to make the stupidest thing i could imagine
BryanB
Libberty Bibberty?
Davy Andrews
Bryan's still got it.
Benny The Jet
This is getting crazy
BryanB
I feel like Bauers has had a couple of those? Need to work out more?
Jonathan
Just missing the barrel I’d guess
Jim H
I'm pretty confused about Jax still being around after that Chourio hit.
Ben Schneider
I suspect Cash wants to get him through the 3rd inning before turning over to the bullpen with possibly another game tomorrow
Jim H
The walks he's issued don't inspire confidence after a man is already on.
Jonathan
That changeup from Jax is filthy
BryanB
Jax looks like the evil Nazi in the next Indiana Jones movie
raregokus
So wait, then who will play the good Nazi or the morally ambiguous Nazi?
Brian547
While the Jax family has been established in the United States for generations, their lineage blends ancestral roots from the German Rhineland and the British Isles
BryanB
Stealing on 1-2? Is that normal?
danodea
Not convinced that was a swing
BryanB
It clearly crossed the 45-degree angle if you regress ball spin on arm angle and adjust for humidity
Sean Dolinar
Most people forget the humidity adjustment!
BryanB
Oh MAN
AdvantageSchneider
Not going to show replay on that check swing ?
drplantwrench
theyre too busy writing the prompt for AI to make a 2 second interstitial with pat murphy surrounded by vampires
David
Yeah, not been a huge fan of the swing judgements this series.
Jim H
Wow, got to give Jax credit for getting through that after the walky inning.
Davy Andrews
Yandy mixing up the eye black tonight.
Ben Schneideredited
You know athletes are creatures of habit if they wear eye black in a dome at night
Brian547
The also switched the uni's
Brian E.
They are back to wearing their Sam Fuld tribute jerseys
Solitaire
Yandy's eyeblack is growing
raregokus
It's so funny and depressing to imagine some Fox intern pushing 5 data centers in Utah to the max so they can make a graphic about ABS challenges with William Contreras as Gandalf or whatever
drplantwrench
honestly, thats more imaginative than you give them credit, hed just be a wizard in a stupid cartoon purple "moons and stars" gown like hes a cereal character
AdvantageSchneider
2 replays of a foul ball zero on the check swing
raregokus
See, clearly it was no big deal then! Nothing to worry about!
BryanB
I’m not SUPER impressed with either pitcher. He says while eating chocolate on the couch.
drplantwrench
my arm hurts when i throw a baseball now: a story of the internet's harshest pitching critic
Jim H
The way things are trending, I'm going to have to buy Halloween candy for a 3rd time.
BryanB
They say chocolate cures cancer
war2d2
My arm makes accordion noises when I throw.
Brian547
Did Kalshi just tell me that I should rely on gambling to predict the weather? Is this a soft launch of the new NOAA?
drplantwrench
liberty bibberty is now the secretary of education
BryanB
Contreras under eye slowly moving to mouth
BryanB
Rays watched some highlight reels!
lzfreak
DeLuca is having a really nice night out there
Rich Hill's Fastball
What a catch
drplantwrench
man one of these hart hit balls is gonna find grass at some point, right
Solitaire
Nice to see the Rays remember they're good at defense
AdvantageSchneider
Brewers need to stop hitting rockets and start hitting more Texas leaguers
Jim H
Rays secret weapon tonight – pitching to hard contact.
Jim H
Huge, high risk catch. Jump looked a little confused on reply, but great catch. Eyes tracking it was good replay.
raregokus
To think, there's an alternate universe out there with Paul DeLuca and Jonny Lo Duca instead of the other way around
Nick Smith
And so it begins.
BryanB
Fable reference?
Nick Smith
Nope, just trying to sound portentous.
BryanB
Brewers see two outs as an insult
Rich Hill's Fastball
And here. we. go.
Jim H
Frelick was sick of watching Rays make nice catches against him.
danodea
Team of destiny
Brian547
I like that the patch on the left arm of Jax looks like it just says Rays WET from the camera angle.
drplantwrench
there we go. finally not catchable balls
BryanB
GREAT slide view
drplantwrench
im on a little bit of a delay, but why was the broadcast showing the back of a sign
BryanB
It glitched
GammaDraconis
Tampa's falling apart again.
Nick Smithedited
There's no destruction like self-destruction.
drplantwrench
the rays have not hit a ball harder then 90mph. the brewers have hit 8
Matt Martell
That's a great challenge buy Hicks, whose made plenty of questionable ones this series
comradeyurika
I can't believe Jax is still in
lzfreak
I think he'll be out next inning
Snerd
Gutsy, gutsy outing by Jax so far
Brian Reinhart
OK so now Cash has told us to look out for Nick Martinez. Rasmussen on 3 days' rest tomorrow?
lzfreak
This completely blows my mind. Maybe tomorrow is Seymour?
Brian Reinhart
Matz??
danodea
I think they'll be happy to figure that issue out if they can actually get to tomorrow
lzfreak
Or maybe Martinez is Yamamoto-ing from here on out
Brian547
I told you all that Cash was jealous of Vogt's MOTY awards.
What constitutes the baseline there? It's judgement right?
drplantwrench
i think baselines are fake and runners should be able to go anywhere they want
Sean Dolinar
I watched that Josh Harrison play in 2014. I stopped believing in baselines that day.
Matt Martell
I think he stayed in the baseline, but that is not reviewablle
Sean Dolinar
I'm not sure what you can review there.
Rollie's Mustache
Not a throw Hamilton probably should've made but I'd have liked to see Bauers come off 1B to keep that from getting away.
comradeyurika
Baffling turn of events. I think he was out of the baseline, but challenging the tag is bizarre when the baseline element isn't challengeable
drplantwrench
i knew chandler wasnt gonna be doubled off, but its hilarious for the camera to pan over and me to hold my breath seeing how close it is, only for chandler to be in RF already
raregokus
simpson, chandler simpson
he's the greatest guy in history
from the
town of springfield
he's about to hit a chestnut tree
Rollie's Mustache
I need that Simpson Simpsons t-shirt in a medium post haste.
Brian547
I heard something about 3 feet from where the tag is attempted but that seems super arbitrary… anyone know the actual rule?
Davy Andrews
So…it seems like I might have cursed Chandler Simpson.
Sean Dolinar
Now there's a baseline.
drplantwrench
baselines. are. fake.
Jim H
That's just really, really bad with RH power at the plate vs. Romero.
Dan Gerousedited
Why is the baseline rule non-reviewable? My contention is that most non-reviewable plays should be reviewable.
Sean Dolinar
Everything becomes more litigious. NFL tried that with pass interference and stopped that real quick.
Jim H
I guess Cash/Jax are going for the complete game tonight.
Phil
Hamilton!
Ben Schneider
Before I could even type "Jax is still in there?"
jzmaxson27
These Brewers man.
Rollie's Mustache
Uh, well, that's making amends for the defensive misplay.
A Salty Scientist
Sort of a reverse conservation of greatness for us ultimate nerds.
Solitaire
Greetings fellow scientific ultimate nerd. Stealing when winning by too much is a spirit foul
Sean Dolinar
This is a good game.
Brian Reinhart
can we put links in here? friend sent me the Chandler Simpson T-shirt link
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, I just approve the links.
Jon Becker
That is Not What You Want on an 0-2
Jim H
I don't love second guessing people with inside info, but why Jax again?
Snerd
Really not even a bad pitch. Just went up and got it
AdvantageSchneider
All because of the threat of the bunt.
Matt Martell
David Hamilton, he of the .091 ISO…
David
Destiny is weird
Phil
Is Hamilton the new Enrique Hernandez? He's not just a different hitter in the postseason, he's a different category of hitter.
lzfreak
Maybe he's Daniel Murphy-ing
Paul
This IS a good game.
BryanB
Two outs so this is where they make thirteen runs
BryanB
Or not
Matthew Tobin
Meg and Craig need to do something about the lack of Dog Park ads in the World Series
BryanB
I’ve seen several new ads today. I’m unreasonably pleased.
Brian547
I got a new one, but it is for a movie remaking a story from 200+ years ago that has been made 250000000 times
So if they win and keep winning, Rasmussen on short rest tomorrow, Martinez game 6, Peralta game 7?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Rasmussen and pray for…well rain wouldn't work
Brian547
Is it bad form to point out that really really hard rain did work to stop baseball in the Trop?
lzfreak
They seem very reluctant to use Rasmussen on even regular rest so I'd be shocked to see them use him on short rest
Rich Hill's Fastball
Dodgers ran Ohtani on short rest last October in a do-or-die. It…didn't work for those few innings but they were willing to try
Phil
Well, yeah, but I'm confused by the plan all around.
BryanBedited
Love Uribe when he’s on
BryanB
F cancer
Jim H
Antonym of Murderer's Row is 'Mesa Jr., Palacios, Walls'.
Brian Reinhart
Jaywalker's Row
lzfreak
"There's no game 5 without winning game 4" is true sure but the goal is to win the World Series, not avoid a sweep. I disagree strongly with this move
BryanB
Rays pulling out all the stops
Rich Hill's Fastball
Using Martinez before Baker here feels indefensible
GammaDraconis
Got to keep him for the save /sarc
Sean Dolinar
I love when a team gets desperate with the pitching during the WS.
Brian547
Only when its not the team I am supporting.
BryanB
What a lot of people don’t know about Nick Martinez is he has the jimmy legs.
Solitaire
Restless leg syndrome
Phil
Now I want the Rays to win just to see what Cash will do tomorrow.
lzfreak
Maybe Murphy will get Misiorowski up now
Brian547
This is my whole reason for supporting Tampa tonight… I want one more Miz start!
David
I’m getting word Cade Smith is warming in the bullpen
Ben Schneider
The Rays honestly could use a Grant Taylor to pitch the rest of the game
Brian547
Its not 10-0… I am confused….
Rich Hill's Fastball
Louis Varland is up too
danodea
2 out base hit. Water is wet. Etc.
asf123
They can’t even keep Martinez in the frame for a close up shot.
BryanB
Wow
lzfreak
How did Simpson field that
BryanB
Who are the rookies in this game? Chourio, Pratt, …?
lzfreak
Chourio is a 3 year mlb veteran
BryanB
Uhh I mean NOT Chourio
Antonio Bananas
Who is excited for the Highlander remake?
BryanB
Maybe?
Brian547
Is a French guy playing a Scottish guy and a Scottish guy playing a Spanish guy?
Antonio Bananasedited
Cavill is Macleod. Crowe is the spanish guy. So not quite.
asf123
Currently in the game, or on the roster? Lara is a rookie.
lzfreak
I think Mesa qualifies as a rookie too
David
Henderson
Alan Sherman
If the same team had Grant Taylor, Louis Varland and Cade Smith, would they be able to go with a 4 man rotation?
danodea
Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeez
Rollie's Mustache
Ooooof.
Rich Hill's Fastball
woah
Crapshoot
This defense is so so good. I love great offense, but something about absurd defense wins out
David
Every margin play it feels like
Solitaire
That's some destiny right there
Bobo Polaroids
Oof, that's so deflating.
asf123
Oof.
Davy Andrews
The Rays have to stop hitting it so hard.
asf123
John “soft contact wins” Smoltz is completely vindicated!
Matt Martell
OK, John Smoltz
GammaDraconis
Nothing he could do about that
brewersbibliophile
That was beautiful
Nick Smith
Wow!
Antonio Bananas
Bruuuuuutal bad BABIP luck
Jim H
Ouch. Don't even want to see the exit velo.
Rollie's Mustache
108.1 mph off the bat with a .890 xBA. So of course it's a double play.
millvillemeltdownedited
i am remembering that gidp that stanton hit directly at bobby witt jr that he just had to laugh at
mlommleredited
Dammit, did I miss the ultimate frisbee nerdery?
millvillemeltdown
shoot did i miss it too!?
Solitaire
I am still here for it. I forget who I was responding to, but there are dozens of us! Dozens!
millvillemeltdownedited
a salty scientist it was!
millvillemeltdown
god i miss frisbee. i am so bad at it
Solitaire
I've never played anything more welcoming of new or bad players. Love the general attitude of it being for everyone. You somewhere with a pickup group?
mlommleredited
@solitaire Denver. Yeah, the cult of frisbee has to be pretty welcoming 🙂
Phil
Maybe stop hitting it toward Turang. . .
Antonio Bananas
Would TB have been more successful if they had an actual home field advantage vs such a high amount of away fans? Like give then a Philly environment
Brian547
Most guys with crazy batspeed look like they swing really hard or are enormous… Jr is neither of these things
Rich Hill's Fastball
Ashby gets the 7th+, right?
lzfreak
After 2 days off Ashby will pitch innings 7-12
David
Effectively makes the game feel over
mlommler
Is it too late for Ashby as Cy Young?
brewersbibliophile
He had it wrapped up by the All Star Break
asf123
I mean yeah, he’s probably not going to get to 500 career wins.
scottbot
My local bar prioritized local regular season nba and nhl over the WS on the TV’s tonight 🫠
brewersbibliophile
What’s your market?
scottbot
Boston
Phil
That's very Boston.
brewersbibliophile
I guess I sorta get it. There’s probably more interest for those teams. In surprised they don’t have enough TVs for all three though.
Rollie's Mustache
I was going to guess Toronto. Passionate NHL and NBA market who can't possibly feel like watching the away team hoist the commissioner's trophy in a Domed ballpark.
Phil
In Boston, the baseball season ended September 30th. There's a rumor there are still some games someplace but Bostonians know better.
scottbot
Yeah, cheaped out on just two boxes
Phil
That is also very Boston.
Brian Reinhart
won't someone think of the David Hamilton superfans??
scottbot
You’d better believe a few are still doing the Keno though (also very Boston / here’s your sign)
jtrichey
Why are Joe Davis and people here saying there's nothing Yandy Diaz could do on that line drive? Taught forever to just freeze on a line drive until you know it's through. He should not have take 2 steps on that liner. It was a good catch, not an unbelievable catch.
Phil
How long do they ride Martinez here? Until he gives up a baserunner?
Solitaire
Now that you've burned him you gotta get everything you can, right? You're gonna need a fresh bullpen if there's a tomorrow
Bobo Polaroidsedited
He's got the changeup working and the Rays might take a while to score a run, I think as long as his stuff looks good Martinez is going to get to work for a while
mlommler
Makes sense. Obviously you gotta win this game but even if you do there are three more to win.
asf123
I think I’d struggle to hit Martinez’s change- up.
millvillemeltdown
i'd struggle to hit a padded wall
Ben Schneider
That could have been scary
Antonio Bananas
My wife's analysis of Martinez is he has to pee and thats where his set up dance comes from
asf123
Whatever he’s taking for restless leg syndrome, it’s not working.
Brian547
Raffel Betancourt used to do this too at a much much slower tempo… I have always wondered how he would have delt with the pitchclock … Now I know
millvillemeltdown
similar to cl*vinger
Brian547
Very sure he never existed.
millvillemeltdown
you know what you're right.
asf123
Is Palacios getting the yips?
Matt Martell
Palacios with the 30-grade throw
Rich Hill's Fastball
It's that time: what's everyone's favorite stretch?
Matt Martell
I love a good calf stretch
Antonio Bananas
Pigeon or happy baby
brewersbibliophile
I particularly enjoy a good stretch after a fulfilling meal.
Sean Dolinar
piriformis-involved stretches
asf123
Willie McCovey
Solitaire
corpse pose
moomin
Different kind of stretch, but partial to the Thera-cane over the traps and shoulders
scottbot
Anything but sweet Caroline
Brian Reinhart
standing up and stretching and going "uuuaaawwwwwhhhh"
millvillemeltdown
waking up in the morning scrunched into a small pellet of human and having to extend every joint i have and scream along with the cacophony of creaking and crackling and the searing pain
millvillemeltdown
i am a relatively long human who contracts very heavily in their sleep
Solitaire
I am imagining the inverse of those dinosaur-sponge-in-a-capsule toys
Davy Andrews
Why does Joe Davis think people want him to spoil the challenges?
BryanB
AGAIN!
lzfreak
Nick Martinez vs Jacob Wilson is a matchup I'd watch
David
That would be a great super cut
Solitaire
Kevin Gausman has faced Jacob Wilson. I don't know how to get the video but I bet it's entertaining
scottbot
Channeling that Shaq / cat meme
Jim H
Watching a guy like Martinez battle is damn fun to watch.
Rollie's Mustache
Turang, human vacuum at the keystone.
Alan Sherman
very surprised Hall not Ashby
Rich Hill's Fastball
Ashby for the boppers
lzfreak
The last 3 batters have made 4 Turang-induced outs
lzfreak
Oh hey Baker is on the roster
Rich Hill's Fastball
I like using Baker for the heart of the order in the 8th, assuming he can't go more
asf123
Rays failing the Turang Test.
scottbot
This wins on so many levels with the FG crowd
lzfreak
That's 5 Turang-induced outs in 4 batters
comradeyurika
See what happens when you don't hit it to Turang?
Brian547
The MLB record for the most consecutive outs credited to a single defensive position player in a game belongs to Jerry Grote, who recorded 10 consecutive putouts on April 22, 1970
Matt Martell
This probably had to do with strikeouts, right? Grote being a catcher
jj1986
That's all Tom Seaver
asf123
What about non-catchers?
Rollie's Mustache
Man… Mesa Jr could've used a big hit there in a bad way.
Brian547
On June 25, 1937, right fielder Ben Chapman set the MLB outfielder record by recording 7 consecutive putouts in a row.
Rollie's Mustache
I see Google Gemini got it right the second time. 😉
Brian547edited
correct. Just fun. Not claiming any credit or doing any looking beyond a casual search.
asf123
Ok, now what about non-racists?
Kenny
As I pointed out yesterday, the "team of destiny" screenplay requires Yelich to hit a home run. This is the at bat. I acknowledge that he has not inspired confidence that he can hit the ball out of the infield this series, singles and walks not withstanding. Just putting this here so I get some credit if it happens.
asf123
Chapman was one of Jackie Robinson’s worst antagonists, no?
millvillemeltdown
i do not know how much we have advanced in the past 50 years such that we can pick a fielder who has made many consecutive putouts (not interrupted by balls in play, no outs?) who is definitively Not Racist. but that could also be my biases
asf123
I guess someone needs to ask Turang some tough questions 😆.
Kenny
Oh, well.
Brian547
Kinda love the use of Baker here.
Jim H
Yeah, and getting three outs on so few pitches is huge.
Solitaire
Huh, Baker pretty helpful after all
Crapshoot
It makes sense to go down swinging with your best arms, and Tampa doesn't have the Brewers murderer row (ie, Ashby + Megill)
millvillemeltdown
if a one-inning arm has a very short inning, at what point do you go to him for another inning? 8 pitches? 5? 3?
Rich Hill's Fastball
@milville, MIN and NYY flairs must've given you some strange emotions the last couple decades
millvillemeltdown
i'm still looking for funny combos of letters moreso than teams, and have barely been alive for multiple decades. however this is very funny and true, and didi gregorius may be my eternal enemy?
asf123
What are you doing hanging out here at the old folks’ home??
Solitaire
Your description of waking up made me assume you were over 40
millvillemeltdown
i have joint/soft tissue problems
Alan Sherman
millville's flairs aren't about teams
jj1986
Who is next in for TB? Wells? Cleavinger? I assume not Booser
scottbot
Is Brice Turang tall Kinsler? The offensively potent IKF? Vanilla Jazz?
millvillemeltdown
say what you will about ikf's bat but he's a heckuva pitcher
asf123
Nah, Vanilla Jazz is like Pat Metheny.
millvillemeltdown
+2, w metheny ref
scottbot
I also stand corrected : Turang and Kinsler both listed at 6’0”
Alan Sherman
how can a guy named Didi be an eternal enemy?
Brian547
Isnt it SIR Didi?
moomin
a Rays batter challenging? Now I've seen everything
GammaDraconis
Ump wanted to see what would happen
Alan Sherman
Turang is alt universe Brandon Crawford: better hitting, slightly weaker defense
Rich Hill's Fastball
This is giving Brandon Crawford too much credit (ignore my flair; I promise I'm not biased, totally not)
Solitaire
Why does the ad about new college students not knowing how to do laundry feature a guy who appears to be in his mid 30s?
Nick Smith
I think he's in all the ads this year.
Solitaire
I cannot get on board with advertising cinematic universes
BryanB
Bring back Lily
Alan Sherman
drafted out of southern california
Alan Sherman
well he's clearly not max muncy
asf123
Not *a* Max Muncy.
Dan Szymborski
He's the thing, there are other forms of Max you can be
asf123
Maxmaxxing?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Hello Dan!
Alan Sherman
Kinsler may have been embellishing though, how many guys' listed heights changed with the beginning of ABS this year
Antonio Bananasedited
Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS was a blowout and then game 4 was an extra innings game. Just saying, maybe?
Alan Sherman
neither of the maxes muncy are comparable to turang
Dan Szymborski
Should be that you have no duplicate names. Already a Max Muncy in the majors? Fine, you can be Maxwell Muncy or Maximillian Muncy or Max Power Muncy.
millvillemeltdown
sag/aftra rules?
lzfreak
This would be hard to enforce for the Luises Garcia
Antonio Bananas
Or Max Munchy
Rich Hill's Fastball
How would we deal with the Luises Garcia? or is it Luis Garcias
Rich Hill's Fastball
Hahaha lzfreak, same thought
millvillemeltdown
someone breaks the mold to be luiz garcia
jj1986
This is particularly a problem for the Yuniors Marte, neither of whom has a middle initial!
lzfreak
I once had a fantasy transaction where I picked up Luis Garcia and dropped Luis Garcia
Rich Hill's Fastball
There was once a Luiz Gohara
millvillemeltdown
i think the real answer is we'd see a lot more matronyms
scottbot
I like how we just settled on one being “sea bass” and the other 2+ duking it out for relevancy with the Alex Gonzalez bunch
alden
Hey I remember him
GammaDraconis
Need a poll! How many innings does this game go?
Sean Dolinar
done
Dan Szymborski
I decided I should be fashionably late so that the game doesn't go long enough for you all to tire of me.
asf123
This is a somewhat better game than last night.
Davy Andrews
Hi Dan!
Alan Sherman
like michael b. jordan
asf123
Minor quibble, but he should have gone with Michael Jordan (b).
Dan Szymborski
Davy, I had a dream that you and Ben had a podcast called Bendavy and say "Ahh"
Davy Andrews
We'll get right on that.
Brian547
Wait did Yandy fix the eye black?
BryanB
Omg if I see one more HP commercial I’m going to…not buy one.
scottbot
Dude you’re not getting a HP
viceroy
Are ad breaks longer in the World Series? The mid inning reliever switches make it feel like watching a compilation of ads with a few moments of baseball in between
Rich Hill's Fastball
They're half a minute longer than the regular season!
Antonio Bananas
That'll help interest!
Sean Dolinar
2:15 for regular games, 3:10 for WS games. Nationally broadcast games during the season are 2:40.
Sean Dolinar
The extra time really adds up.
Dan Szymborski
Someone should do a tic-tac-toe eye black and if the pitcher gets you out, they get to put the O and if you reach base, you get to put an X.
asf123
Oh man, I hate ridiculous eye black, but I love this.
millvillemeltdown
i do actually think keeping score on your face could be fun
Solitaire
Eyeblack hangman – they strike you out they get to guess K. You fly out, an F is guessed, etc. Object is to stay alive for the game. Good luck if you GIDP.
Alan Sherman
no Yandy still had his design
lzfreak
I love that the poll goes from 9 to 35
Dan Szymborski
Oh, and hi Davy too!
lzfreak
If the game goes 35 innings I'll hate the Nick Martinez relief appearance for a completely different reason
millvillemeltdown
booo hiss thumbsdown thumbsdown
Brian Reinhart
Sean cracked a dad joke so bad even he couldn't handle it
Antonio Bananas
Instead of longer ad breaks, have they considered selling in-game sponsorship? "This at bat is sponsored by L'Oreal, because you're worth it"
millvillemeltdown
stay the HELL away from brandon marsh l'oreal. you dont want to know what's in there.
Ben Schneideredited
What if MLB and Project Runway switched corporate sponsors
asf123
Er, they’ve pretty much already done that. In addition to the longer ad breaks…as was inevitable.
How long until Blue Chew gets involved? "Blue chew, get some wood on it"
Rollie's Mustache
Seemed like a good idea until Cialis decided to sponsor a Junk-Mastrobuoni at bat.
asf123
I’m working from home tomorrow with no scheduled meetings or calls. I’m in for whatever.
Brian Reinhart
we're not talking enough about how the Brewers' custom protective cups have affected this series
Rich Hill's Fastball
This is an effectively wild topic if I've ever heard one
millvillemeltdown
do you think jazz would have done better this season if he'd had one of those
Rich Hill's Fastball
OMG
Dan Szymborski
"This Cal Raleigh appearance is brought to you by Cologuard."
BryanB
Mitchell shoulda hit that one out of the park
asf123
No, he should have made soft contact!
Crapshoot
The defense again – just wow. No words (obviously not as good as Simpson's catch yday)
BryanB
I mean all he did was catch it
Dan Szymborski
Hitting a homer is the optimal strategy
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
Homers kill rallies, Dan /sarcasm
comradeyurika
Wow
BryanB
Brewers just don’t have the strength
Phil
Dan, would you have the capability, if you wanted to, to build a live version of Zips? Basically, likelihood for each team to score in an inning assuming no pinch-hitters (which in extra innings would also give you the likelihood for the game to be extended)? I'm not suggesting you should do this, just wondering about the feasibility. . .
David
Gotta get Yelich back up tonight so he can hit the scripted homer, so whatever that takes.
Dan Szymborski
David actually has the bits and pieces from the ZiPS matchup tool that he could put it together
Phil
Fascinating.
Antonio Bananas
Could individual players get their bats sponsored? Like could Jake Burger have a McDonalds logo on his bat?
Dan Szymborski
I'm not internetty smart enough to do it myself
brewersbibliophile
My GOAT gonna give the brewers the win here
BryanB
Man so many pitches taken right down the middle
millvillemeltdown
it's good strategy to take down the middle, nod knowingly and purse your lips
Dan Szymborski
I'm torn in that I'm kinda rooting for the Brewers, but only when we get to 7 games. I take more baseball over either team winning
Brian Reinhart
Really hard to imagine a situation where I'd root for a sweep.
Phil
I'm for Brewers in either 4 or 5, because I have a conference starting Thursday.
Brian547
out
BryanB
Ugh another too close to call
Matt Martell
You gotta challenge this, but I don't know if there's enough to overturn it
brewersbibliophile
I thought that was out as it happened.
Rich Hill's Fastball
He's certainly out, but might not be enough on replay
Ben Schneider
Sure looks like he got the oven mitt
Solitaire
Palacios pulling his glove away from the hand to try and tag the body is crazy to watch in slomo
A Salty Scientist
I'm not sure there's enough there
Rollie's Mustache
Um, why is it taking this long.
GammaDraconis
Trying to avoid a "stand"
David
Looks like stands to me
BryanB
Reasons
asf123
It looks clearly out to me, but my eyesight isn’t great 😆.
Paul
I think he missed him by like 1/4 inch.
lzfreak
Davis and Smoltz disagree!
brewersbibliophile
I don’t think there’s enough to overturn
millvillemeltdown
unrelated but i bake so much bread and yet i own zero oven mitts. these baseball players and their handwear upset me greatly
Dan Szymborski
See, my inclination is to root for John Smoltz being sad
Sean Dolinar
We need them to zoom in.
millvillemeltdown
even enhance a little bit
Paul
Wow!
BryanB
Wrong call
Davy Andrews
Wait, why don't you use oven mitts? Oven mitts are great.
millvillemeltdown
because i don't have them! the store is so far away, and i don't want to give jeff money over something so trivial. i just use a kitchen towel
Antonio Bananas
Who chooses the bumper music?
Sean Dolinar
I haven't seen anything convincing. But 🤷♂️
Jim H
Was not expecting that.
BryanB
NY paid off
brewersbibliophile
Oh wow
asf123edited
Score one for my aging eyes! 🥂
lzfreak
Lmao Smoltz thought he had the definitive safe angle
scottbot
I think he very well may have: all the wrong motivations to call him out / try to extend the series on mlb’s end?
Rollie's Mustache
Quite literally a perfect throw by Hicks.
Rich Hill's Fastball
We will at least get one more inning of baseball this year
Brian547
He was clearly out of the basepath
BryanB
I hate that this game has gotten to the point that we stop and take five minutes to see if a ball was .0007 inches away
Dan Szymborski
Even more than ENHANCE scenes in TV murder shows where they create higher resolution out of nowhere, it always bugs me that they're not starting with a good shot in the first place. "OK, let's start with the suspect's license plate from 300 feet away shot."
Seuss2004
We need Dana Scully to tell them that the resolution is too poor and it won't help much to enhance it.
millvillemeltdown
i watched "the conversation" for class and got to see "zoom, enhance" but for audio. you're a literal sound designer. you work with tape. you should know better.
asf123
Catchers seem to be throwing way more toward the first base side these days for exactly this reason.
Benny The Jet
That's just about the first break that hasn't gone the Brewers' way
BryanBedited
I feel like they weren’t lucky early in the game too
Dan Szymborski
This would be a good moment for Max Scherzer to go to the mound and we can find out if anyone's brave enough to get him off of it
BryanB
Even tho I’m for the Brews I hope the Rays walk it off
Davy Andrews
Chandler Simpson walk-off.
Solitaire
inside the park, please
asf123
Walk-off bunt.
lzfreak
With Simpson it should be called a "run-off"
Benny The Jet
Visions of Scott Podsednik
millvillemeltdown
i'm rooting for him hitting it through the roof of the trop ohtani/tokyo dome style
Dan Szymborski
"Now pitching for both teams…Max Scherzer, apparently."
Sean Dolinar
FIFA this past summer really ruined my opinion of replay's use in sports. Like something like this overturn, he *probably* gazed the oven mitt, but I didn't see anything definitive. I'd rather go with the call in the moment than overturn and find things wrong that aren't called in the moment and aren't obviously wrong.
BryanB
The dehumanization of baseball
Kenny
The problem is that the rule's preference for keeping the call on the field – you need a high level of certainty to overturn – is not honored. But getting rid of it altogether will bring immediate and obvious regrets. You can't pretend video isn't there when it is.
Brian Reinhart
Megill throwing only five pitches in a game that could go to extras. Hmmm
lzfreak
I think this is fine since his team is up 3-0
David
Abby has 13 innings in him
Brian Reinhart
fair, Megill's well positioned for tomorrow. Maybe he can start for the Rays
asf123edited
There will come a time, I think in the fairly near future, when no one remembers either Harry Belafonte or the original Beetlejuice. Will Day-O finally be put to rest at that point?
Brian547
Just think how long WWRY hung around and the staying power of 7NA… as im told "a good song never dies"
Antonio Bananas
Seven Nation Army is an actual good song though.
MyBloodyBallantine
Wow, gotta challenge that
Rich Hill's Fastball
I'll admit, I want a Caminero walkoff and a "we will see you tomorrow night" call
Davy Andrews
Dude, someone needs to tell Joe Davis that he is ruining the whole challenge system.
Davy Andrews
The whole point is that it's fun to see the little graphic.
Ben Schneider
He's also the ruining the whole "good play-by-play" thing
Sean Dolinar
We got a mean of 13.6 innings for the game. Median 11 inning. A couple jokesters chose 35 innings.
millvillemeltdown
i choose to believe that it lasts through any potential lockout until spring training
Dan Szymborski
asf123, you'd take away the only calypso song that everyone knows?
asf123
If they played the whole song, that would be fine!
Dan Szymborski
I like the song clip enforcement song. "You can do Walking in Sunshine, but you have to reserve a buttload of time and play the ENTIRE firetrucking song"
asf123
Yeah, I watched a little of the Rays’ clinching postgame, and I was thinking “Wait, are they *still* playing ‘Walking on Sunshine’ on a constant loop?”
harrisry
I understand this is not timely and everyone is tired of talking about it, but I'm caring for a newborn and this is my free moment: what was the final split on the 'Did Yandy swing?' poll? Thanks for doing these game threads, it's been fun dropping in when I can!
Sean Dolinar
I have that!
BryanB
I feel like it was pretty even
Solitaire
I don't know the answer to your question but congrats!
Sean Dolinar
55/45 yes
Sean Dolinar
I feel like the yeses came in later, and the no was more instant.
Dan Szymborski
I'm calling it first: day-o will outlast Oh Yeah
asf123
Tell you what, you can keep anything else if ”Everybody clap your hands” is forever eliminated. Deal?
Sean Dolinar
👏👏👏👏👏
BryanB
Why is it so hard to throw to first?
Alan Sherman
35 innings! 35 innings!
Rollie's Mustache
Caminero looks very not 100%.
Brian Reinhart
18 innings and Yusmeiro Petit gets the W
lzfreak
Extras! I love postseason extra innings!
Paul
Here we go.
millvillemeltdown
extree, extree!
drplantwrench
cant wait for the HR derby to resolve this
MyBloodyBallantine
I have plans tomorrow, friday, and saturday, so i hope this ends tonight!
Paul
76 in the chat. It was 40-something 30 minutes ago.
Sean Dolinar
Welcome, everyone!
Sean Dolinar
I wonder how many we'd get if this was Game 7 of LAD-TOR.
Brian Reinhart
I think I was pacing my living room for that one and wouldn't be able to look at a computer
Brian547
I am fully onboard with the abolition of the Manfred Man as a sticking point in negotiations… just call it a draw in the regular season.
A Salty Scientist
Simpson getting his first ever barrel and walking it off would be the funniest thing ever.
Dan Szymborski
I don't mind if there are more games, but I'm eventually going to have to go to the bathroom, and for a Kindle amount of time
lzfreak
There should be a break for this around the 14th inning
Dan Szymborski
Simpson inside-the-park home run after he's tagged at third and he splits in half because he's two tiny Chandler Simpsonlettes inside a Chandler Simpson homonculus, and one of them scores
Antonio Bananas
Brewers win 2.5 to 2?
millvillemeltdown
this explains his gait (it does not at all)
Crapshoot
no clue why Ortiz didn't challenge the 0-1 pitch (felt way outside)
millvillemeltdown
i think after 18 innings they should allow reentry of substituted players. at 27, the roster expands to the 10 closest fans behind the dugout. at 45, the game ends. at 72, the game restarts from a save state. at 90, the cba is forcibly overwritten
lzfreak
This seems reasonable
Sean Dolinar
So we'd see Front Row Amy and Marlins Man bat?
alden
and after 91 you just flip a coin
Solitaire
roll in Bud Selig to do the shrug emoji like in that All-star game
Davy Andrews
I think after 13 innings everybody just gets to nap on the field for 25 minutes.
Davy Andrews
The home team is required to provide blankets.
lzfreak
Every time Aranda moves to make a play I mentally assume there will be no outs recorded
A Salty Scientist
After 13 innings, a win should count as 2 games
Dan Szymborski
millvillemeltdown, how about after 18 innings, plays who retired and last played with the teams may re-enter the game.
Dan Szymborski
Or maybe after 18 innings BOTH teams lose. The series goes back to 2 to negative one
BryanB
This
millvillemeltdown
baumann from game 9 of the world series: please let me go home
MyBloodyBallantine
I think after 12 innings they need to remove 1 defender each inning until it is just pitcher and catcher.
BryanB
After ten innings each team gets to pick a player from the team they defeated during the post
comradeyurika
Give Smoltz the 19th…for both teams
moomin
Two immaculate innings, naturally
lzfreak
The team with more small ball gets Smoltz. The other team gets Davis
Seuss2004
Every time I see Chourio I am sad that I am not listening to Scott Franzke saying JACKson
Crapshoot
In the 20th inning remove one defender hockey style
BryanB
This is not the Brews best game, Rays can take them
Davy Andrews
Will Bauers finally hit one hard enough to get out to dead center?
David
Or see 30 pitches
Ben Schneider
After 20, bring in Schwarber for the swing-offs
asf123
Has Jonny DeLuca ever been introduced to Paul LoDuca?
Deduno Abides
After 12 innings, Rob Manfred and the head of the MLBPA have to pitch and the winner gets to pick one item in the next CBA.
Ben Schneider
This would actually be higher stakes than winning the WS
Brian547
Flags fly forever…CBA's are temporary
Davy Andrews
How can this keep happening?
Rollie's Mustache
Oh… oh no.
Solitaire
dear lord
Paul
After 12 innings, the benches clear and they play beer pong.
asf123
That’s totally unfair with a team from Wisconsin. Come on.
Crapshoot
How is that call not clear??
Seuss2004
OoOoOoOoOoH
MyBloodyBallantine
Oof
lzfreak
Big yikes
David
So many mental errors
BryanB
After 15 innings they close one eye
Benny The Jet
Oh noooooooooo
GammaDraconis
No harm. Just foul.
Paul
Got it done
BryanB
No worries Bauers has nothing
Brian Reinhart
yelling "I got it" is for amateurs
lzfreak
It's too bad this is a 3-0 game 4 because it's been quite exciting
Seuss2004
I only tuned in like 2 innings ago and just saw the one F&$%in racist Republican ad, have there been more?
Brian547
You know the answer to this
Antonio Bananas
I saw one where Republicans said "liberals are the new racists". So at least they admit they've been racist this whole time.
millvillemeltdown
"nyerr, we're the og racists" is maybe not the own they thought it would be
Antonio Bananasedited
After the 12th inning you move the fences in 5 feet and it's 5 more feet each additional inning
BryanB
Love this!!
A Salty Scientist
The first two were tense as well. And last night's had something we've never seen before. For a potentially short series, it's been pretty damn good.
BryanB
After thirteen half the team is replaced by Savannah Bananas
Ben Schneider
Rather, each additional inning leads to an additional Banana Ball rule
Brian Reinhart
OK Brewer fan, getting Ashby glasses, cool, but growing the same beard? Now you're weird
Solitaire
Simpson walk off little league home run starting from a bunt please
BryanB
I think Simpson and Contreras should just arm wrestle
Solitaire
I would also accept Simpson triple followed by walk off steal of home
Paul
After 13, the defense has to wear the oven mitts.
millvillemeltdown
on both hands!
lzfreak
Rasmussen unlikely for tomorrow
Rich Hill's Fastball
Just need a "Homer Simpson" headline
Deduno Abides
Aaron Ashby for Congress.
Brian Reinhart
ugh, my parents are about to be repped by Mark Teixeira
Solitaire
how fast was that throw to first?
BryanB
135 mph
millvillemeltdown
i think playing pokemon vgc in my spare time has broken me because i hear a speed -> 135 -> "chien-pao flutter mane miraidon korai-"
BryanB
Aaron Ashby for lenscrafters
Sean Dolinar
That was a bullet.
Brian Reinhart
that Ashby throw to first
BryanB
No wait, call-in vote for best under eye wins!
asf123
Has anyone been to a baseball park and left thinking “You know what? What this experience was really missing was a DJ.”?
A Salty Scientist
That needs to be added to his pitch count. 100 to Bauers
Perhaps not the best swing decision there by Mesa.
Davy Andrews
Petriello just posted the Statcast data on the throw: 79.7 mph.
lzfreak
You mean 179.7, right?
Brian547
Points in favor of my psychology theory on the ability of others to influence actions and decisions here. I saw the play before the chat about it and honestly thought it was not that high effort of a throw.
millvillemeltdown
doesnt chris davis have a pitcher win under his belt
i forgot about the wells walls convergence and got very confused by who was pitching
asf123
Now that Tyler Wade has retired, someone has to take the baton. Or maybe Taylor Ward retired? No, I think it was Wade.
Matt Martell
Speaking of Tyler Wade, I cannot see his name and not think about how Ohtani used to exclusively call him “ikemen,” which means “hot guy” in Japanese.
Kenny
I give up.
millvillemeltdown
but also i hope taylor walls appears as pitcher briefly
Rich Hill's Fastball
Where's Taylor Ward when ya need him
Rollie's Mustache
Has anyone seen Dan and his Kindle? It's been a minute.
Kenny
Maybe it has to happen, after two losses, in Milwaukee …
millvillemeltdown
i really, really want them to clinch at home
Davy Andrews
In case you're all wondering, the game will end as soon as my daughter wakes up with a dirty diaper and I have to stop watching. Should be in the next 45 minutes.
millvillemeltdown
let's see how many outs occur in the intervening time
lzfreak
Lotta poop related end game conditions from the staff
Davy Andrews
Other kind of dirty diaper.
harrisry
I have an 18 month old and a 4 month old, your Early Shift series ran at the perfect time to remind me the hardest part was over but also about to start again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading those, thank you. I'm so tired.
danodea
Peyton Manning has SO much money, why did he become spokesman for yet another company? Dude must just love doing commercials
millvillemeltdown
line must go up
asf123
You think there’s such a thing as “enough money?” Welcome to America, komrade.
g4
His agent needs to eat too
Antonio Bananas
Who has more? Peyton or John Cena?
danodea
Barkley, Shaq… I feel like we're forgetting someone else
danodea
Also the bats in the header got me again. I thought there were bugs on my screen. Please can I turn them off lol
Davy Andrews
Yes, you can.
GammaDraconis
Click on your name. You can change it in your settings there
Davy Andrews
Click your name on the top right, click Seasonal Banner until it says Off.
Davy Andrews
But know that you will be hurting Sean's feelings.
danodea
I've liked the other ones!!! I'll turn them back on for Thanksgiving
asf123
“Ghost runner” shouldn’t be an option. Sorry not sorry 😆.
Sean Dolinar
I might make a batless one next year. I don't have a good idea for Thanksgiving yet. We'll do snow/Christmas lights again.
danodea
It's the bats going left to right that are the issue for me
Crapshoot
brave to bring Boozer in here I gotta say
Ben Schneider
I don't think Carlos Boozer is playing rn
Brian547
Is Cam?
Brian Reinhart
my partner on the need for a grounds crew here: "It's that fidgety dude. He did it."
millvillemeltdown
hmmm i wonder to whom they may be referring to
asf123
Martínez is like a cat about to take a dump.
millvillemeltdown
at least his k strut does not simulate cat post-dump
Antonio Bananas
Wish commentary would have laid out for that. Grounds crew work is top notch ASMR
Brian Reinhart
don't you mean Baseball Zen
viceroy
As a former pitcher, blaming the mound is such a classic strategy. Rarely pays off
millvillemeltdown
i really want to point a shotgun microphone at rich hill or payton tolle or just one of those notable grunters to get a really crispy high def sound
Rich Hill's Fastball
*grunts*
asf123
😖
Davy Andrews
The beginning of this sentence really had me worried.
millvillemeltdown
wait til you hear what they call the windscreens
danodea
I sat front row at the visiting bullpen at an Indy Indians game to watch Rich Hill warm up last year. It was glorious. I said "can we get a selfie" and he said "not right now" and then never gave me another chance to ask, which was totally fair and I'll remember the experience forever
comradeyurika
Ump is up past their bedtime
Brian547
New way to win in extras first one to find the buried treasure in the mound!
millvillemeltdown
digging towards ronald acuña jr's secret gambling den
Brian547
If you find that you definitely are the loser
Solitaire
Booser doing everything he can other than throw pitches
asf123
Oh, your PitchCom “isn’t working?” Fine, you can do hand signals.
Ben Schneider
Turang should definitely run now
Sean Dolinar
Everything is a swing this series.
g4
Yes. The consistency is appreciated but I'd prefer more leniency across the board
Sean Dolinar
I could go either way with what's a swing or not; just be consistent.
Brian Reinhart
if the Rays win, Jax, Martinez, Baker, Wells threw 20+ tonight. could Peralta throw an inning tomorrow? Rasmussen in relief/bulk? otherwise they have Cleavinger, Matz, Seymour, Sulser; Kelly threw only 12 tonight; and Booser if they win now
millvillemeltdown
cameron "bedro paez" booser
millvillemeltdown
(i definitely meant to type pedro baez but, sure!)
David
Rays gotta win it here I think
Brian Reinhart
at least MIL will have Megill behind Mis.
Phil
Had to do a bunch of stuff before bed. I gather this game is still going somehow? And Ashby is somehow still pitching? Is this like a time loop thing or something?
Crapshoot
Curious at people's thoughts of Murphy only using Megill for one batter?
Brian Reinhart
could be very handy in game 5
Crapshoot
but weird to use Ashby for 7 batters then no?
Rich Hill's Fastball
He's got more quality options than Cash
Davy Andrews
Truly hilarious to bring in a new pitcher to face Walls.
Solitaire
Walls gotta feel good about chasing Ashby
lzfreak
Is Ashby having the best relief postseason in mlb history?
Matt Martell
Ask the Mailbag!!!
Brian547
Still A. Miller
David
Up there with Andrew Miller I’d guess
Phil
Depends on your definition of "relief," surely. See Yamamoto, Eovaldi, etc.
Davy Andrews
Correction: Ask Mailbag.
Rollie's Mustacheedited
He's the first RP to open a postseason with 16.2 scoreless IP in MLB history according to TheScore app push notification I got.
millvillemeltdown
has mailbag been eating enough?
Antonio Bananas
2003 Rivera had 16 innings 0.56 ERA and a 0.44 WHIP.
Antonio Bananas
Which Id adjust for run environment as being on par with this
Matt Martell
Wow this is such an interesting hook
moomin
the legend of Taylor Wallops grows
asf123
Makes sense in that Walls isn’t going to get a hit regardless of who’s pitching. Beyond that..
Brian Reinhart
Wallskoff now guaranteed
Davy Andrews
Walls last base hit was nine days ago.
millvillemeltdown
so he's due
David
He’s due!!! /s
millvillemeltdown
same hat david
David
Beat me to it
Bobo Polaroids
Senzatela as the potential winning pitcher in a deciding World Series game is such an odd outcome to contemplate.
Anonymous Member #46
/points at "2025 World Series Legend Will Klein" cross-stitch
Solitaire
Super relief ace or recent member of the Colorado Rockies. Murphy overthought this
Crapshoot
Im going to laugh when Walls hits a walk-off HR here
Crapshoot
I meant this in the 15th inning when he's up next
danodea
Yandy plz I need to go to bed
asf123
If we get to tomorrow I think Matz has to take some bulk innings, no?
lzfreak
Matz might be bulk pitching tonight still
asf123
Fair point.
Phil
Uh oh, Bill is fallible.
GammaDraconis
ABS system got it wrong that time.
Phil
That's the only explanation.
asf123
Contreras cannot fail, he can only be failed.
Crapshoot
CONTRERAS MADE AN ABS ERROR I've seen everything now
Kenny
Do you trust ABS, or do you trust Contreras?
Antonio Bananas
If its within like 0.2 inches should we really overturn the call? Gotta be within margin of error right?
Rich Hill's Fastball
We don't need an 18-inning game EVERY world series…
lzfreak
Max Muncy has signed a one day contract with the Tampa Bay Rays
Anonymous Member #46
nonsense
Solitaire
Jorge Mateo always seemed very likeable when he was with the O's. I hope he gets to win a World Series game
Jonathan
1,2,3 of the Rays order has to produce something
Davy Andrews
Senzatella has a place in my heart by being one of the rare pitchers whose delivery looks like it belongs to a position player pitcher.
Matt Martell
I remember when Yankee fans thought Jorge Mateo was the Second Coming of Derek Jeter
Brian547
Hate this PR call here
asf123
Agree. Fewer than two outs, maaaaybe.
Dylan
I wonder what the % likelihood of a run is here with a better runner compared to a worse one. I can't imagine the pinch runner adding that much expected value with 2 outs.
Dylan
I feel like I'd rather keep Yandy available AND save the PR for a higher run probability situation
Sean Dolinar
The double clutch…oof.
LooseSeal
Too high
Brian Reinhart
I should go to bed now. but also Steven Matz should go to bed now
Phil
Have to go to bed. Good night, all. Sean, thanks again for making all of this happen!
Sean Dolinar
Thanks for stopping by and being a Member.
Seuss2004
Well thats gonna be a no from me dawg
Rich Hill's Fastball
Good night to everyone on the east coast being responsible!
Phillip Denny
At what point during an extra inning game without the Manfred Man is it appropriate to just start swinging for the fences?
lzfreak
2nd inning
asf123
I have it on good authority from John Smoltz that you always want to make soft contact.
millvillemeltdown
this is why we love steven kwan !!!
Antonio Bananas
Not a fan of that PR. It's not Billy Hamilton for like 2017 Albert Pujols or something
harrisry
Baseball fans: we want more baseball, please don't let the Brewers sweep.
harrisryedited
Baseball Gods: Best we can do is a 20 inning game.
Antonio Bananas
Anyone dressing up for Halloween? Does the FG staff do anything for it?
Sean Dolinar
I like dressing up. I don't like spending time to procure a costume. I have a friend and he has always taken it seriously now his family of four has a theme every year. Usually it's something Marvel-esque.
millvillemeltdown
if this game doesnt end on a yeli bomb, maybe he's the pitcher of record?
Davy Andrews
Derek Jr. is going as a pumpkin.
Kenny
Remember: 27 more innings this game is the same as getting three more games!
Dylan
This game feels like it should now end with Yandy's spot coming up in a key situation
Brian Reinhart
lol of course
asf123
My God, STFU, DJ.
Davy Andrews
You can't be serious.
Rich Hill's Fastball
BOOM
Phillip Denny
I demand we see Miz for the bottom of the 12th now.
Phillip Denny
I would also accept Woodruff I suppose
millvillemeltdown
or yelich. it could still be yelich
Matt Martell
WOAHHHH
asf123
Wow. Not the best of times for Seymour.
Sean Dolinar
I love the crowd.
drplantwrench
put the kid to bed, dealt with a tantrum, and just sat down to see a home run
comradeyurika
No doubter
Brian Reinhartedited
Pratt, Hamilton, Frelick. just like they drew it up
Brian Reinhart
none of them with 5+ homers in the reg season
endaround
None of them with a iso above .100
millvillemeltdown
pooper cratt !?!? almost like my pooper cat ….
millvillemeltdown
(he had worms)
asf123
Just a total hanger.
danorris101
Those were some terrible seats behind Drohan
Crapshoot
so who closes for MIL? Not gonna be Harrison or Woodruff I imagine (the latter's stuff didn't look great yday)
Phillip Denny
I imagine it'll be Senzatella for Caminero then Drohan after him
Crapshoot
Has Drohan made an appearance at all? Genuinely curious
brewersbibliophile
I was skeptical of Pratts bat, but he’s pleasantly surprised me this year.
Brian Reinhart
Joey Ortiz has 5+ homers on the year so he's not eligible to hit one now
millvillemeltdown
bauers needs to seymour pitches (i'm sorry)
Brian547
As much as it is poor strategy, Miz to close is just too much fun… DO IT.
asf123
Two words: Rollie Fingers.
Antonio Bananasedited
Huge pop for a visiting team's go ahead extra inning home run in the World Series.. poor Rays
David
Palacios’ arm stresses me out
asf123
Mark my words: Palacios is done as a 2B.
war2d2
Palacios certainly seems to be having issues with his throwing
David
He should try the Seymour no look chuck it move
Rollie's Mustache
No ABS challenge for TB in the bottom of the inning now. The game will probably end on a borderline strike call. Or a check swing. Probably a check swing.
cashgod27
I just cannot believe Cash put Seymour in this game
Brian Reinhart
the manager report cards for this are gonna be like 4,000 words. even if it ends here.
Anonymous Member #46
Everyone left threw yesterday.
asf123
He’s getting the yips in real time.
Crapshoot
Who else does he have left? He used the Baker bullet already
millvillemeltdown
focal dystonia is a real jerk
Brian Reinhart
today was a great day to read Sam Miller's piece about how helmets are falling off at record levels
Benny The Jet
Chourio seems on him
A Salty Scientist
He was mad at his bat half a dozen times in that at bat.
drplantwrench
putting up stats that tie you with babe ruth, i would guess, is a good thing
Solitaire
Ashby or Chourio for MVP?
GammaDraconis
Pratt
danodea
Contreras
Brian Reinhart
huh. how many ABS challenges did they win?
Rich Hill's Fastball
the friends we made along the way
drplantwrench
im getting an mvp??
Alan Sherman
if you're gonna go friends we made along the way, ya gotta delete dodger flair
Phillip Denny
Screw it, give it to Murph.
asf123
Frelick, for intensity of eyes.
David
Caminero about to swing out of his shoes
war2d2
he said “for more on Cooper Pratt…” but it sounded like “for moron…”
David
“For Mormon Copper Pratt”
danodea
We should do these chat rooms for Dominican league games
asf123
In.
Brian Reinhart
let Brendan mod em
drplantwrench
updating the stat i said earlier, brewers have 12 of the 13 hardest hit balls
Crapshoot
I love baseball but if I never see this "Tom Brady 7 ring powers" ad again it will be too soon; makes me year for "Frank TV"
Sean Dolinar
FOX has always had interesting choices.
drplantwrench
but the single hardest hit ball is by the rays, into a DP
BryanB
Bauers can’t buy a hit tonight
drplantwrench
to be fair, most players dont use money for hits
Crapshoot
whoa
GammaDraconis
oops
Solitaire
oh dear
Alan Sherman
Sean can we randomly pick 1 game a day during the regular season as the chat game?
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, we are trying to figure out what exactly we want to do.
BryanB
Again with the NOT THROWING TO FIRST
Rich Hill's Fastball
Oh no
Crapshoot
That was a brutal throw – can't blame Bauers for that.
LooseSeal
I can and will… he should’ve stretched and scooped the short hop
asf123
Great positioning, poor execution.
Rollie's Mustache
Ortiz had the rest of the year to throw that ball to first and get Jr.
danodea
Oh no Caminero
Benny The Jet
Yikes
Phillip Denny
I know that's gonna get scored as an E5 but a good 1B picks that all day.
Bobo Polaroids
Sure would be nice to still have Mateo available as a PR…
Matt Martell
This is where I would like to have Mateo
Matt Martell
Damn Bobo beat me to it
asf123
Oof. Diaz and Caminero both out. And also, STFU, DJ.
Anonymous Member #46
Bauers picks that on grass.
Phillip Denny
Can Williamson run well?
David
Simpson with a two run walkoff with two outs. Count it.
asf123
So who’s left on the Rays’ bench? Jorge Cantu?
Anonymous Member #46
Damian Rolls
Alan Sherman
even if bauers had just dropped it he would have time to pick it up before caminero got there. Instead he bounced it away
war2d2
Wade Boggs
Brian Reinhart
Kyle Harrison now officially the only rostered Brewer not to play in the WS
BryanB
If this goes to another game I’m making the infield throw to first all night
Solitaire
Caminero is staying in to run?
drplantwrench
whats jiman choi up to these days
asf123
Ah, Junior is staying in.
Rollie's Mustache
The only natural outcome now is a 122 mph ground ball double play followed by a controversial check swing final out.
Davy Andrews
I believe Hicks had a 34 wRC+ against lefties this year.
Davy Andrews
Sorry, 45.
Davy Andrews
So naturally.
Phillip Denny
Something something small sample something something…
asf123
Dammit, apparently your feed is like 25 seconds ahead of mine.
millvillemeltdown
ssssss
Alan Sherman
If Caminero's spot in the lineup comes up again, the Rays have kept the game going, probably by scoring this runner
Solitaire
I would have put all my money on Caminero not going 1st to 3rd on a grounder
danodea
He still looks hurt
drplantwrench
get brett phillips a bat
Brian547
That was so dumb
Crapshoot
wow. I feel for Drohan here – tough situation
danodea
Fascinating decisions being made
millvillemeltdown
why is ceddy in now, of all times
Davy Andrews
I just hope the game keeps going and we see what he's like a third base.
LooseSeal
caminero’s right hamstring appears to have 175 feet of running in it
Bobo Polaroids
Sorry I really do not think they're going to squeeze with a dinged-up Caminero on 3rd.
Matt Martell
I'm shocked Chourio didn't even bother throwing to third
BryanB
Same
Sean Dolinar
Embarrassed from the transfer bobble.
lzfreak
Is Carl Crawford available?
David
Not until the 20th inning
Sean Dolinar
Are we going 13?
Solitaire
Why wait for the pinch run?
BryanB
I hope not
Brian Reinhart
very satisfying that that foul grounder bonked a rosin bag off a BP mound
danodea
I have to be awake in 5 hours
Benny The Jet
Did he get (more) hurt?
Brian Lerner
Why not squeeze?!
Phillip Denny
This is a hot take but I think I put my middle infielders in double play depth instead of infield in here? I think?
Phillip Denny
Welp.
Sean Dolinar
Like for that reason?
Phillip Denny
in my mind I cared a lot more about the runner on 1st than the runner on 3rd. Tie game isn't the end of the world here so long as you can turn two.
drplantwrench
DP -> K -> 15 more innings
Davy Andrewsedited
Baby's still asleep, by the way.
BryanB
Throwing away Pratts heroics
Rich Hill's Fastball
TIE GAME
LooseSeal
Would’ve been a DP if they were playing DP depth
lzfreak
Rays are being pesky
BryanB
Drohan throwing it away
Brian547
Infield in= bad confirmed
cashgod27
Drohan can't buy an out. MIL couldn't afford that error when they were down to the bottom of their bullpen.
asf123edited
Wow. The Rays have no real offensive threats left, but hey, it’s tied and they have a DJ!
Crapshoot
the BABIP god giveth, and they taketh.
Davy Andrews
This is where you bunt it OVER the first baseman's head.
Davy Andrews
Ballgame over.
cashgod27
I don't hate putting the infield in. You're up 3-0, take risks, be aggressive
BryanB
Please don’t post the results
Rich Hill's Fastball
Use chat delay
Benny The Jet
We ain't done yet
millvillemeltdown
i once saw something about "joey gallo pops bunt out to yasmani grandal at 1st" and it destroyed my entire psyche
LooseSeal
Simpson needs to be squaring earlier
LooseSeal
Or not
Benny The Jet
How funny would it be if he homered
Crapshoot
Lol. TB deserves a game at least, but if they lose this from here …
Phillip Denny
Man they gotta get Drohan out of there like yesterday
Brian Reinhart
Kyle Harrison so far in the doghouse he might actually be dog food
Phillip Denny
And then consider phantom IL'ing him to get someone else on the roster for tomorrow lmao
Brian547
Was that a barrel?
Phillip Denny
only 91.8 off the bat
BryanB
Drohan = LVP
danodea
"We'll cya later tonight" is a cool call tbh
Rich Hill's Fastball
Amazing call
Rollie's Mustache
You kinda have to leave Drohan in given circumstances but man, sick to your stomach moment as a manger.
cashgod27
Error, single, single, single, single. That's the Rays way!
millvillemeltdown
what a crazy game
Benny The Jet
LOL
drplantwrench
NOT THE LAST CHAT
Sean Dolinar
We have been given a ⚾️ reprieve!
David
I love everything about this, let’s go 7!!!
BryanB
See ya tomorrow folks. Hopefully Brews will go the distance.
Crapshoot
See you all tomorrow!
Matt Martell
That was fun
GammaDraconis
gg. Good chat. We'll see you tomorrow night
Benny The Jet
Excited we get to do this at least one more time
Sean Dolinar
Median 12 innings per the poll!
kaijohn
ITS STILL BASEBALL SEASON! YES!
lzfreak
Who is pitching for TB tomorrow?
brewersbibliophile
I am
asf123
We all are!
drplantwrench
brewers in front of their home crowd (not the one in tampa) will be nice
brewersbibliophile
Couldn’t agree more
danodea
Game 5 is in Tampa though
danorris101
David Price
Rich Hill's Fastball
Great game, thanks for chatting all
brewersbibliophile
Baseball is fun
Solitaire
Didn't I read somewhere that Ben Williamson is only on the Rays because Dave Cameron texted Jeff Sullivan, "hey you guys want Ben Williamson?"
drplantwrench
whats the probability that both junior and yandy are out
Sean Dolinar
Alright everyone! We have at least one more of these tomorrow!
Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a different universe – perhaps one in which Junior Caminero fielded William Contreras’ two-out bouncer in the top of the fifth inning and fired to first base rather than second – Chandler Simpson’s stunning, self-obliterating catch in the second inning would have been the lasting memory of Game 3, and maybe the entire 2026 World Series. In service of the sublime, Simpson hurled himself into the left-field wall with such furor that he may have literally altered the stadium. And somehow, just before impact, he hauled in a baseball and, and just after impact, he kept hold of it. The catch saved a run, but not the game. It will go down as a footnote, a highlight that we’re at first delighted by and eventually accustomed to. But it deserves its own life and its own lore. I have made notes about the various small pieces of this play that can and should delight us for years to come.
Everybody Froze
For just a moment, everybody froze. The umpire and the catcher followed the ball as they always do. Sal Frelick finished his backswing and, as if caught halfway into doing the splits, held his bat out in front of him like a lightsaber while he tried to decide whether the ball would stay fair or slice foul. Freddy Peralta has never allowed a home run down the left-field line at Tropicana Field, but he clearly knows all about the short corner, which specializes in allowing 90-mph pokes like Frelick’s to leak out of the field of play. Peralta kept his head down, facing toward first base for just a split-second before curiosity got the best of him. Frelick finally decided the ball would stay fair and started running.
The Looming Wall
It’s hard to even see, but this is my favorite part of the play. This is Simpson, already at full speed by the time the broadcast cuts to the high home camera, gauging his distance to the wall. It’s his one and only chance to take his eye off the ball, to consider his own safety, to run the numbers. He has to figure out whether he can make the catch, whether he should pull up and play the ball off the wall. He does it so far from the wall, and you have to imagine that he did not like any of the answers he got. But he made the catch anyway. He didn’t slow down at all. He leapt for the ball and he crashed into the wall face first and he held onto the ball and he got it into the infield. He checked the wall, saw that the only way to catch the ball was to crash into it at full speed, and just went ahead and did it anyway.
This catch was no miracle. It was many, many flavors of wonderful, but it happened because Simpson quite simply looked at the wall and decided that he was willing to crash into it. Read the rest of this entry »
Hello everybody. Good sports day today, Serie A is going already, some League Cup to follow. AFL, of course, and apparently another baseball game of modest import tonight. Should be fun. Let's get to it.
Darren Knowles
Thanks for the chat! Thoughts on Zion Rose? Eric mentioned wanting to see Zion Rose try some CF—any idea if the Royals plan to try that out?
Brendan Gawlowski
I liked Rose and agree that it'd be interesting to see him in CF. Not sure yet if the Royals are going to explore that, it's on my list to ask when I get to their system.
ADoctolero
What's your take on Buster Posey essentially hand-waving away any potential injury to a Giants pitcher in the name of improving their stuff? They definitely need to do that as an organization, but I'm not sure it's the best idea to say out loud to the media that they're going to push guys to a breaking point and oh well if they break.
Brendan Gawlowski
Do you have a link?
Nickname (required)
What do you make of Tai Peete's AFL? Is he in the Cardinals T10 ? Is he a future T100 guy?
Brendan Gawlowski
Obviously he's crushing it in Arizona. He's a guy I'm rooting for, but I don't think a whole lot has changed about him or the profile. He's a high risk player with a lot of swing and miss risk on spin and big upside if it all clicks. Top 10 in the system, everyday projection for me as a scout… Does that translate to the Top 100? Instinct is no, but we'll see how it shakes out.
BKhipsterball
Do you miss ash bats? The sound of contact just doesn't hit the same anymore
Brendan Gawlowski
I miss the aesthetic, too. If the league ever decides to get serious about making it easier to hit the ball but harder to hit it over the fence, ash bats could have a role to play.
dshtern1
Enjoyed Eric's writeup of Dax Kilby. Who do you like more between Dax and Yostin Pena in the Yankees system and why?
Brendan Gawlowski
Dax. In part because I think Dax is perfectly fine at short.
eccentricatlfan
Pretty sure I haven’t asked it yet (and apologies if I have), but for Deyvison De Los Santos, is there much to be read into his contact rate improvement at AAA, or is this just improvements from repeating the level and that there’s not really a meaningful change in his profile at the plate?
Brendan Gawlowski
It's up a little bit, but 73% for a bat-only guy in his sophomore year of AAA isn't great. Still projects as a bench bat/Asia masher.
mbushskbum
I am so enthused to see the Brewer – Rays WS (although as a Reds fan watching the Brewers success is a bit painful). I admire both organizations for combining Analytics, Scouting, and Player Development attached to a clear organizational philosophy. I think the Cardinals are well on their way to similar success. My Reds – well….. How to you evaluate combining those three arms and organizational philosophy. Is one more important than another in your view or is organizational philosophy that is most important supported by the three arms of success?
Brendan Gawlowski
I don't really think about it in terms of one being more important than the others, you have to do all of it to be competitive, particularly if you can't spend your way out of lousy PD/scouting. The consequences for being complete dogshit analytically are enormous in a way that they don't seem to be for having the worst scouting/dev staffs, so in that sense… It's important not to be awful there. But at this point, I don't think the gap between the sixth and twenty-fourth best group analytically is all that big.
Eh, his comments seem fine. Everybody understands that this is where the game is at right now.
romananthonyglazer
I was surprised that Franklin Primera was not on the top 100 given his amazing performance so far on every level. What is there to be concerned about in Franklin's profile other than being in Single A
Brendan Gawlowski
His approach and long swing are going to be stress tested by better pitching/more velocity and he's not super projectable. I suspect he'll be a pick to click.
Nils
How do you know when a ranked prospect just has an off year vs a complete change in valuation? Thinking how Francisca went from a 45 here after the '24 season to not even a 35+ last year to now right back to 45 again.
Brendan Gawlowski
It can be tricky, and also hard to communicate what a down year means. Oftentimes when this happens, a player's ceiling doesn't change, but his odds of reaching it go down. That can shift a player down from an FV perspective.
Brendan Gawlowski
I would also say… Without placing a value judgment on it, because I think you can argue for either approach… I think Eric is more inclined to move a player's FV, and I'm more inclined to let things play out over a long period. These are tendencies rather than absolutes, but something to keep in mind as you read our lists this cycle.
romananthonyglazer
If Kristian Campbell was a prospect right now, what fv do you think he would have and what would change?
Brendan Gawlowski
40+ and glad I don't have to commit to that.
Rollie's Mustache
What would be the minor league level equivalency of AFL pitching quality? I see B-ref shows 5.85 ERA, 10K/9 and 6.5BB/9 as league averages. Is that like Cal League caliber? Or worse, Complex-type competition? Or is there no direct comparison here? Thx Brendan.
Brendan Gawlowski
It varies so much, the KBO isn't a bad comparison in that sense, from an overall talent perspective. The walk rates are very much of the complex, though.
BKhipsterball
Sell high on Gasser in dynasty after last night?
Brendan Gawlowski
If someone's willing to buy him as more than a no. 4, sure
millvillemeltdown
how controllable are diet/sleep/etc in the minor leagues? my understanding is the conditions are much worse which makes me suspect there are a lot of gains being left on the table
Brendan Gawlowski
Conditions are way better than they were 10 years ago. Some teams do a better job than others of procuring good housing/providing healthy meals, but even the worst are here are doing a lot more than was common in the early-mid 2010s.
Brendan Gawlowski
Of course, you're still dealing with teenagers and early 20 somethings and like everyone else at that age, a lot of them… will eat, drink, or sleep sub-optimally. That's just life.
jk0924
Why were you so low on Cam Cannarella and Brandon Compton? They both had a wrc+ of 149 and 156, and Cannarella is a consensus top 100 prospect on every other list in baseball. Are you guys going to change there grades for upcoming season?
Brendan Gawlowski
I think the reasons are clear from their writeups… It's fine to disagree. They both performed so well after publication that I definitely want to give them a fresh look, certainly possible that I was light, it happens. Cannarella's defense in particular is something that I agonized over at the time. The reputation didn't match the tape, but the tape is also not as good/reliable as the eye test in person. It's possible that if I saw him in the park, I would've felt differently.
WarrenJ
What's the next experimental rule in the AFL? Having the outfielders wear a ball and chain?
Brendan Gawlowski
I think the experimentation is broadly fine. I kind of liked watching outfielders need to go back on the ball. I'd tweak it so that they don't have to sit practically on the foul line, see what that looks like.
canderson20
Have any of the A's arms at the fall league caught your eye? I know Richardson has struck everyone out but I'm wondering if that's a blip or more to look forward to of him
Brendan Gawlowski
You named the one.
riibett
Hey Brendan! Eric said in his chat Briggs McKenzie looked like diet MadBum, what have your thoughts on him been?
Brendan Gawlowski
Should we just sneak peak a full blurb here?
Brendan Gawlowski
Why not
Brendan Gawlowski
McKenzie received Atlanta’s biggest bonus in the 2025 draft, signing for a cool $3 million. A year of pro instruction and weight training have worked wonders, as McKenzie has filled out considerably and added a few ticks of velocity. After operating either side of 90 mph this time last year, he now sits 92-94 while touching a little higher, and he could have more growth ahead of him.
McKenzie is an athletic and projectable lefty with a clean, if long, arm swing and a deceptive delivery. That motion helps his stuff and pitchability play up, and they’re already quite good to begin with. He can move his fastball up and to both sides of the plate, and run his long and tight sweeping breaking ball on and off the dish as well. His fading CH is inconsistent but flashed above average a few times during my look at him in the AFL.
The southpaw was only in Arizona because injuries took a big bite out of his 2026 campaign. He threw just 26 innings during the regular season, and at one point was on the 60 day IL with nerve irritation in his pitching elbow. While that sounds a little scary, he is back on the mound and looked no worse for wear in the Fall League. Projecting outward, McKenzie has mid-rotation traits. He has sufficient velocity and seems likely to develop the command. And while his arsenal is still a little lean, there’s plenty of time for him to add a second breaking ball or a two seamer. While we want to see more length and durability, and perhaps another tick on the gun, before we consider bumping him onto our Top 100 list, I anticipate he has another gear and he’ll be a Pick to Click for me this winter.
Jeremy Fox
There are orgs that are good at getting their young pitchers to add velocity, and orgs that are good at teaching their young pitchers new pitches. But are their orgs that are good at improving command?
Brendan Gawlowski
Boston was the first org that came to mind. Seattle's had some success here, too.
Darren Knowles
How does the Royals' Brooks Bryan look for Surprise? Thanks!
Brendan Gawlowski
Powerful. 35+/40 area as a thumper from the left side.
drummer66
What have you seen from Padres prospects in the Arizona Fall League? Specifically, Alex McCoy, Ty Harvey and Winyer Chourio. Francis Pena, too.
Brendan Gawlowski
McCoy and Harvey were the most interesting of the group. McCoy's power might just be an 80, that gives him a path to value even if he's pretty flawed everywhere else. Harvey's a good athlete behind the plate, like the bat speed. Suspect he'll stay in the Top 10 of that system even after a rough year in the Cal League. Says something about both him and SD's system.
millvillemeltdown
do you ever think about how traits/tools fit into a team context while scouting? eg. the arraez fit with the phillies, or like how a prospect might add defensive value to a poor defensive major league team
Brendan Gawlowski
All the time, usually more from a developmental context than immediate team need.
drplantwrench
considering his hot run, whats preventing arjun nimmala from taking the next step up the T100 rankings and/or FV rating?
Brendan Gawlowski
That he might not be a shortstop.
dashrockwell
Assuming the Red Sox get Franklin Arias in the lineup relatively near the beginning of 2027 (if there's a 2027), what's a reasonable expectation for him next year? Does his peak look something like Michael Young's good years with the Rangers? His EV numbers seem more "average to plus" than "25+ homers on the reg"
Brendan Gawlowski
Arias is a better defender. The dream here is Lindor Lite.
Phil
Re: changes to FV, how much of that difference with Eric (I understand it's a friendly disagreement) is scouting philosophy vs journalistic philosophy? Seems like player development is hard to report, because you can't just keep running articles that say, "still waiting to see how this plays out long-term." The internet wants content!
Brendan Gawlowski
I don't even know if it's a disagreement, more of an initial instinct. I don't know if there's a "right" answer to how sensitive FV should be to performance, it's so context specific.
Brendan Gawlowski
And you can find examples where both approaches were justified. Like, Hartman was sending signals right away this spring that he was a different guy than he was in '25. Moving quickly was the right answer there. Meanwhile, Ethan Salas had a rough couple years but the tools never really changed…
drplantwrench
follow up q, is it arjun's defense then? is it range/technique/arm?
Brendan Gawlowski
Range just okay, he's not that quick, footwork doesn't look great, can scatter his throws when he's not lined up well. Love the hands, growing chance it all plays better at third.
war2d2
Brendan! Piggybacking on the Posey question (I’ve not seen those quotes either): at what point do you think it becomes a question of morality about pitcher injuries? I’m speaking as a father of a 12yo who A) plays baseball, B) has 99th percentile velo for his age, and C) can’t hit a lick. As a dad I’d really prefer he was a position player, but his path forward (at least to HS /JuCo, or university if he makes it that far) is almost certainly tied to his arm. I realize teams aren’t coercing players against their will to go to Driveline and gain velo only to blow out, but at some point does a front office become (if not legally at least morally) culpable when they tell a kid “you’d be a real prospect if you just threw a little harder”?
Brendan Gawlowski
Complicated question, no easy answers, but very different context in the professional game versus teenage ball. At your son's age, the focus should be on having fun. Run screaming from anyone who wants to max out a 13 year old's stuff plus, or who wants to throw him all the time.
Brendan Gawlowski
For the professionals, it's a different equation. There are a lot of risks inherent to being a professional athlete, and for a pitcher, subjecting your arm to a greater risk of injury in the search of better stuff is part of the equation. That said, I do think teams should feel some moral obligation to lower their injury rates, and I think players should be educated about which teams tend to get their guys hurt, and which do a better job keeping them healthy.
Brendan Gawlowski
There's also a competitive angle here, too. At a certain point, you have enough injuries that you're doing something wrong. Like, Miami's injury rate is counter productive.
Matthew Rosenbaum
How has Charles Davalan looked at second in the AFL?
Misio improving his walk rate from 13.4% to 14.4% to 11.8% to 6.6% since 2023 is an XX% outcome ??
Brendan Gawlowski
97.54th
war2d2
I pulled him from travel ball and only have him in Little League (juniors) because I didn’t like the vibes I was getting. Maybe I’m costing him long term but like you said, I want him to have a great time and make a lot of happy memories.
Brendan Gawlowski
Be wary of teams that play in a lot of tournaments. They're fun, but unless the team is bringing a ton of pitching and has a responsible coach, the good ones can get run into the ground.
eccentricatlfan
One other question: quite a bit has been made about the Rays as of late and how they’ve utilized their sinkers, especially cases where pitchers are able to tunnel them effectively with their four-seamers. If this becomes part of the next big trend where teams try to develop this with their pitchers, which orgs particularly stand out as the best suited towards using this strategy?
Brendan Gawlowski
The usual suspects.
ADoctolero
I guess as optics go, I would have liked to see something like, "we're going to do everything we can to keep our guys healthy through this process," rather than, "no one is gonna get in trouble for pushing a guy so hard he breaks."
Brendan Gawlowski
Personally, I thought Posey hit his marks there. I also don't care that much about optics. What people do is more important than what they say, which is in turn more important than how the media/social media perceives what they say.
Domingo Ayala
How do ash bats make it easier to hit the ball?
Brendan Gawlowski
They don't (at least as far as I'm aware, I suspect we'll learn more about bats and bat technology in the future) but my understanding is that they don't hit the ball as hard so, in a world where it's easier to hit but you don't want the homer rate to explode, their use could theoretically help maintain balance. Speculation on speculation here.
Brian Martin
Dax Kilby follow up—what should the defense development Plan A be? Play him at SS as long as he can kinda handle it? Or switch to an easier position now to speed his path to the majors?
Brendan Gawlowski
I would just play him at SS. I thought he looked like a 50/55 type there and spoke to two scouts who felt similarly. I've also heard that at least one team has him graded that way based strictly on their defensive metrics, for what that's worth.
Brendan Gawlowski
Now, maybe he grows off of it, or maybe he'd be so good in center that you could justify moving him there based on that. But just from what I've seen, I wouldn't be in any hurry to move him.
BKhipsterball
You had Angel de los Santos as a long term pick to click. How we feeling about him now?
Brendan Gawlowski
Similarly! Better than my other two year dart throw guess.
Phil
How repeatable is the Bauersaissance, really? Even if you accept that MIL is better at post-prospect development, that doesn't mean they can Bauersify any equivalent hitter who's bouncing around the league. How do they know who they cam help? Is it initially luck–they just have to get a guy and see? Can they predict it? Or is it totally luck and I'm giving them too much credit even for Bauers himself?
Brendan Gawlowski
Can they reliably turn a 40 into a 60? Probably not. Do I think they can turn 35+/40 types into 45's more often than most other teams? Yes.
fishnchips
How did Salas look to your eyes in his callup time in September/playoffs? Any shading to his grades based on his MLB looks?
Brendan Gawlowski
He looked great. He's (obviously) much closer to actualizing the future grades than he was a year ago and the 55 future power looks low since he's 20 years old and basically already there.
Brendan Gawlowski
He's a great prospect.
Brendan Gawlowski
I saw Eric said he'd put him in the top 5 in his last chat and, yeah, that seems about right.
Big Fan
So….can you confirm that you're working on the Atlanta list?!?!
Brendan Gawlowski
I'm 98% done with it.
benae
Favorite non top 100 LHP in the milb as of today and why?
Brendan Gawlowski
Two for the price of one. Justin Lamkin's a fun watch as a pitchability guy who can kind of toy with hitters. I'm very interested in monitoring Kash Mayfield's development with Detroit.
Fangraphs Man
Eric seems to slightly revised his confidence in Bonemer's bat upwards- do you agree with this? Is there a path to him being an all star level LF even if he's a LF?
Brendan Gawlowski
He's scary, I think toward the bottom of the Top 100 is the right place to slot in the guy with a scary swing and limited defensive value… but also a lot of power and pretty good barrel feel.
benae
Any prospects that you love but you have worries that they are majorly blocked by the current big league club around their debut?
Brendan Gawlowski
No, talent pushes its way through eventually. The closest thing to this was River Ryan w/LAD.
Big Fan
You mentioned a few weeks ago that you were working on lists. Can you share what we should expect over the next month or two?
Brendan Gawlowski
99.87% done with Toronto, close to that with Atlanta, ~90% done with Boston. After that I might start on Texas… From there, no plans. I'll try to keep folks informed on a rolling basis where possible. The two things that kind of push a system up or down are the number of potential T100 guys (higher priority to do quickly) and the teams who have a lot of talent coming up from the DSL (these get pushed back on the off chance we can get a meaningful look in the spring).
Brendan Gawlowski
Eric has done that for a few years now and it makes a ton of sense.
benae
Does Seth Hernandez have major reliever risk long term or are you a believer in his ability to be a starter 5+ years from now?
Brendan Gawlowski
Every pitcher has some reliever risk, but Hernandez's is about as low as can be for a teenage flamethrower. He's really good.
Salty
non-prospect related, but what do you make of Victor Mesa's season? Just a late-bloomer or did he really benefit from change of scenery/team better at player development?
Brendan Gawlowski
Little of column A, little of column B. He looks like a good player going forward. Curious to see if he gets much ROY consideration.
benae
Do you think that Dzierwa has ace potential? If not, who in the MILB do you think currently has that no. 1 ceiling?
Brendan Gawlowski
Good pitching prospect, but ace is a little hot there. Seth Hernandez and Ryan Sloan might be the only two I'd project as aces right now.
RAH
Can David Sandlin establish himself in the CWS rotation next year?
Brendan Gawlowski
Yes.
jgcrocke
I’ve seen some notes from Arizona recently about the outfield positioning rules they’re testing, which seem to effectively boost doubles and (especially) triples. Any thoughts on types of prospects who would look better/worse to you under those rules, if adopted at MLB? Just a boost to fast corner outfielders or would it impact hitting grades as well?
Brendan Gawlowski
Speed in the outfield becomes imperative. Fourth outfielders with wheels and contact skill but not a ton of pop would get a lot more valuable.
Brendan Gawlowski
As would groundball pitchers, I suspect.
clydethedog
Charlie Condon and Josue De Paula have to get an early look in 27 correct?
Brendan Gawlowski
De Paula for all practical purposes has arrived. I don't know exactly how the Dodgers sort out the roster, and I can't guarantee that the answer is JDP is in the Opening Day lineup and stays there for 155 games, but he'll play a ton. Condon I would think is about ready to go but, as I said last week, Colorado's approach with him raises questions that require further investigation.
Phillip Denny
In retrospect, why didn't Ashby get developed as a starter? Was it health, command, a little of both?
Brendan Gawlowski
He… did? He even made 19 big league starts in '22.
Phillip Denny
If you were the Brewers and decided not to bring Bauers back, what would your confidence level be of 1B shaking out to be some combination of Vaughn/Fischer/Burke?
Brendan Gawlowski
Vaughn definitely part of the solution. Burke/Fischer have a shot to grow into a role there in 2027 but I are probably not part of the Opening Day plan. You're probably either committing to playing Vaughn there every day or looking for a Nate Lowe type to platoon.
hofstrascott20
Have you seen Ramcell Medina of the Royals at all recently. He seemed like a guy you were intrigued on a year or two ago, but his power hasn't really shown up at all in games like it was projected it might. Thanks a lot.
Brendan Gawlowski
Stock down, didn't hit much on the complex. Raw power was 30 grade.
Broken Bat
Curious about high rated prospects making it into Show in last 2-3 years but still young enough to bloom maybe this year; Based upon your evaluations, give us 2-3 position player guys you still think just need more time. Love the chats.
Brendan Gawlowski
Cam Smith might have another gear. Amador showed signs of life at the end of the year. For a deep shot, I'd like to see Max Muncy get a healthy year…
clydethedog
when it comes to fast risers who end up getting shots in the MLB (Leo Bernal this year, Michael Harris in the past), can we chalk this up to the club identifies something they like more than the public?
Brendan Gawlowski
Sometimes yeah. Sometimes its just org philosophy to push quickly. I wouldn't throw Bernal into that category though, he's moved at about a level per year.
daml91
Crazy to think the presumptive WS champions have the #1 prospect in the game knocking on the door. What is the plan with Made in 2027 if you're the Brewers? Start at AAA? What if he signs a contract extension? Does he supplant Pratt who has been leaky in the postseason at SS?
Brendan Gawlowski
What's crazy is that this has happened a few times in recent memory. Langford was ranked second and was the Opening Day starter for the defending champs, and then Roki was the top guy on the 100 prior to the 2025 season.
Brendan Gawlowski
As for the plan on Made, no need to rush, AAA would be just fine out of the gate.
scotth855
Looking back at the Cubs farm post their 2020-2023 rebuild, they had a top 5 (maybe even #1 farm system) that produced basically PCA, Busch, and nobody else. How much of that was an entire industry miss, overvaluation of a big market team's prospects, or just regular prospect hit/miss cycle?
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