so ESPN has to be thrilled with their schedule so far on Sunday Night....
White Sox/Angels- the Ohtani game
Phils/Braves
Braves/Cubs- the 1 dud
Padres/Dodgers last night

can't expect much better for 1st 4 games.

(04-26-2021 08:16 AM)stever20 Wrote:  so ESPN has to be thrilled with their schedule so far on Sunday Night....
White Sox/Angels- the Ohtani game
Phils/Braves
Braves/Cubs- the 1 dud
Padres/Dodgers last night

can't expect much better for 1st 4 games.

And not a single Red Sox or Yankees game

Ohtani having quite the start tonight.

(04-23-2021 02:08 PM)Wedge Wrote:  I think of it the other way around: After MLB forbids defensive shifts, which hitters will inflate their offensive statistics due to infielders not being able to position themselves where the ball is going to be hit?

It's dumb to forbid a team from positioning infielders in places where they know the ball has an 80% chance of being hit.

But, you're probably right, eventually Manfred will get his way and each infielder will be chained into a limited area like a dog on a short leash.

I haven't been fond of Manfred and his tenure, but one area I do agree needs to be reigned in is making infielders stay on their sides of the infield. They can go all the way to second, but not beyond. I think that makes it a fairer game for both hitter and fielders, and the game is more fun when it is a level paying field for all.

1. I didn't mind the DH in the NL last year as much as I thought I would (though I still prefer not to have it)--only a portion of a season, but I can live with it next year if it comes to pass.

2. I absolutely despise the extra innings automatic man on second rule. I'd rather that they allow rosters to be expanded by a pitcher or two to compensate for extras or, at the very least, play 3 or four extra innings before introducing the game and statistic-skewing artificial manipulation of auto man on 2nd.

3. I don't mind a pitch clock. Seems reasonable and pitchers can get used to it in minors on the way up. I'd allow a lot more leeway in the playoffs, esp. in NL and AL champs and in WS--at least a much longer clock.

4. I don't like expanded playoffs. I'd rather remove teams than add more.

5. I won't be a fan of four divisions of four teams each when it happens someday. Not enough teams in each division for me.

6. I'd like to see more doubleheaders, but I hate and want to end the 7-inning doubleheader monstrosity. See above expanded rosters so teams can carry two extra pitchers instead--should make players union happy.

7. I'm not sure yet about the contraction in the minor leagues and its ultimate effect. Will have to see how things go next few years.

I have absolutely no interest in adding to the rosters with more pitchers. We need far less bullpenning rather than more of it.

Can't wait for next year where teams will have an absolute 13 pitcher limit. No reason teams need 9 man bullpens.

(04-27-2021 01:50 PM)GoodOwl Wrote:  2. I absolutely despise the extra innings automatic man on second rule. I'd rather that they allow rosters to be expanded by a pitcher or two to compensate for extras or, at the very least, play 3 or four extra innings before introducing the game and statistic-skewing artificial manipulation of auto man on 2nd.

It is a dumb addition, but five or six hour games are also dumb. I would be open to other ideas for quickly ending extra inning games.

(04-27-2021 01:50 PM)GoodOwl Wrote:  5. I won't be a fan of four divisions of four teams each when it happens someday. Not enough teams in each division for me.

If MLB does expand, it would be far better to have 4 divisions of 8 teams each, even if 2 or 3 teams from each league switched leagues to make it happen. But it's most likely to end up with 8 divisions of 4 teams each.

(04-27-2021 01:50 PM)GoodOwl Wrote:  6. I'd like to see more doubleheaders

Ugh. Doubleheaders are impossible to sit through, not valuable to TV, and they take a day's worth of ticket sales away from the home team. If it were up to me, MLB would build 2 or 3 more open dates per month into each team's schedule and never play a doubleheader.

So this new ball maybe wasn't such a good idea.... lowest April OPS since 1992.

(04-27-2021 02:58 PM)Wedge Wrote:  

(04-27-2021 01:50 PM)GoodOwl Wrote:  2. I absolutely despise the extra innings automatic man on second rule. I'd rather that they allow rosters to be expanded by a pitcher or two to compensate for extras or, at the very least, play 3 or four extra innings before introducing the game and statistic-skewing artificial manipulation of auto man on 2nd.

It is a dumb addition, but five or six hour games are also dumb. I would be open to other ideas for quickly ending extra inning games.

I'll respectfully disagree on this one, Wedge, because it seems extra-innings games give us some of the greatest, most memorable stories in baseball, and make it unique among major sports. yes, they can get ridiculously long at times, and tax staffs, managers, etc...but they lend themselves to managerial ingenuity and unexpectedly great moments like this gem:




One of the great highlights in baseball history. Pitcher Rick Camp, with a lifetime .060 batting average, hits the game-tying home run on July 4, 1985 (July 5, actually), the only one in his career, in the 18th inning to tie the ballgame at 3:20​ AM!

Quote:They went thru with the July 4th fireworks show at about 4am and the residents of the nearby ATL 'hood were frightened "Oh Lord they're bombin' Atlanta!!!"

Your ideas would take that away from us, and I don't want to do that. Let Them Play!



PS, here's the whole game, which makes the moment even better, though I'm sure you won;t watch it, ha ha!

I froze at a few extra innings night games at Candlestick back in the day. My Croix de Candlestick pins entitle me to complain about extra inning games!

Pitchers used to throw 175 pitches too and me moved on from that.

(04-27-2021 03:59 PM)Wedge Wrote:  I froze at a few extra innings night games at Candlestick back in the day. My Croix de Candlestick pins entitle me to complain about extra inning games!

OK, I'll admit you have some standing there, but like I said, at least play a few innings more before messing with the game. Start the runner on second in the 13th or 14th inning? 10th is just too soon for the voodoo, IMO. Would've vastly altered this game:







Again, here's the whole video of one of the greatest World Series game 7's ever, and even though my Braves lost, it still makes a great and dramatic baseball game that I don't want altered due to auto runner on second rules:

(04-27-2021 06:52 PM)GoodOwl Wrote:  

(04-27-2021 03:59 PM)Wedge Wrote:  I froze at a few extra innings night games at Candlestick back in the day. My Croix de Candlestick pins entitle me to complain about extra inning games!

OK, I'll admit you have some standing there, but like I said, at least play a few innings more before messing with the game. Start the runner on second in the 13th or 14th inning? 10th is just too soon for the voodoo, IMO. Would've vastly altered this game:







Again, here's the whole video of one of the greatest World Series game 7's ever, and even though my Braves lost, it still makes a great and dramatic baseball game that I don't want altered due to auto runner on second rules:

playoffs are a different animal. But regular season, there's no reason to have a 20 inning game at all.

(04-27-2021 08:02 PM)stever20 Wrote:  playoffs are a different animal. But regular season, there's no reason to have a 20 inning game at all.

Absolutely, playoffs are different. There should be no extra inning gimmicks in playoff games, just as in the NHL they keep playing extra periods and don't use the shootout in playoff games.

Perhaps you guy'd like the Pioneer league then? I think these are some of the most ridiculous rules ideas I've come across, but we can all check back in later and see how they worked out:

Quote: Pioneer League installs new rules for 2021
Designated pinch-hitter and pinch-runner; Extra innings “Knock Out” added
By Heather Luna / Pioneer League
April 27, 2021

SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Pioneer Baseball League today announced exciting new rules changes in effect for the 2021 season, as follows:

· To avoid the excessive strain on our pitching staffs, the Pioneer Baseball League will not have extra innings, but rather will employ a first-of-its-kind “Knock Out” rule that resolves tied games with a head-to-head, “sudden death” home run duel. Under the rule, each team designates a hitter who receives 5 pitches, with the game determined by the most home runs hit. If still tied after the first “Knock Out” round, another hitter is selected for a sudden-death home run face-off until a winner is declared

· The Designated Pinch Hitter rule permits a player not having previously entered into the game to pinch hit for an eligible roster player who may then return to his defensive position for the remainder of the game, until otherwise substituted for. The Designated Pinch Hitter is thereafter ineligible to return to the game. The Designated Pinch Hitter can only be employed once a game by each team

· The Designated Pinch Runner rule permits a player not having previously entered into the game to pinch run for an eligible roster player who may then return to his defensive position for the remainder of the game, until otherwise substituted for. The Designated Pinch Runner is thereafter ineligible to return to the game. The Designated Pinch Runner can only be employed once a game by each team

· Revised “Check Swing” rule allows a hitter to appeal to the base umpire on a check swing strike decision from the home plate umpire. Previously, only the pitcher or catcher could ask for an appeal

· For better coverage of fly balls, check swings, double plays and other game situations, PBL games will now feature three-man umpiring crews rather than the past use of two-man crews

“I’m thrilled to see these exciting rules changes implemented for this season,” said Pioneer League president Michael Shapiro. “The Pioneer Baseball League is committed to developing ideas that enhance the strategy of the game, protect the safety of our players and add to the fun and engagement of our fans. We believe this focus will help assure the future of the game among a broader and more diverse audience.”

About the Pioneer League: Since 1939, the Pioneer League has operated in the Mountain West region. Beginning in 2021, the PBL will be a Major League Baseball Professional Partner League with teams in Montana (Billings, Missoula and Great Falls), Idaho (Boise and Idaho Falls), Utah (Ogden) and Colorado (Grand Junction and Colorado Springs). The Northern Colorado Owlz, formerly Orem Owlz, join the League for the 2022 season.

Quote:...the Braves will increase their seating capacities to pre-pandemic levels next month, the team announced... Wednesday.

The Braves said Truist Park’s capacity will increase to 100% -- about 41,000 seats -- beginning with the May 7 game against the Philadelphia Phillies....
(The Braves) went to 50% seating capacities last week.

“We have had great success welcoming our fans back safely to Truist Park,” Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller said in a statement. “Our outdoor environment (and) the demand from our season-ticket holders and fans to watch us play in person, plus safety measures which are in place, make it feel that now is the right time to get back to full capacity at Truist Park.”

Nats really need their old Soto back... Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber, the two big offseason pickups, combined to hit .157 in 27 games through Tuesday, with two home runs, six RBIs, 37 strikeouts and six walks.

meanwhile, Braves hanging in there despite a horrendously poor offense of their own, and pitching injuries that make Huascar Ynoa a godsend. Thank goodness Ian Andersen's doing well so far, Braves offseason starter acquisitions have not panned out so far. Long season, and Soroka's not going to be back before June at earliest. Hope fried is righted when the Braves lefty comes off the DL next week, hopefully.

(04-29-2021 01:21 PM)GoodOwl Wrote:  Nats really need their old Soto back... Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber, the two big offseason pickups, combined to hit .157 in 27 games through Tuesday, with two home runs, six RBIs, 37 strikeouts and six walks.

meanwhile, Braves hanging in there despite a horrendously poor offense of their own, and pitching injuries that make Huascar Ynoa a godsend. Thank goodness Ian Andersen's doing well so far, Braves offseason starter acquisitions have not panned out so far. Long season, and Soroka's not going to be back before June at earliest. Hope fried is righted when the Braves lefty comes off the DL next week, hopefully.

Bell hit a HR yesterday and another one to the warning track so hopefully he's getting close. Schwarber had some good stuff as well...

thought I heard Fried might be back this weekend @ Toronto(Dunedin) so he could be in DH game and not have to bat/run the bases.

Braves finally lost to Cubbies tonight, dropped to 12-13....and are still in first place in their division. Wow...even the Nats are right there at 1 game behind. Certainly, no one expected this. First team(s) to break out of mediocrity can get a head start on playoffs. Austin Riley now hitting over .300. But it may not be as big a mirage as might be expected--he's cutting down on chasing and finally starting to show a little plate discipline. We'll see if i9t can last...if it does, would be huge for us.

I see Dave Roberts trending on twitter and think of poor Brookes.

Dodgers in that hangover that he was talking about on opening day. 4-12 now last 16 games after a 13-2 start. Only Tigers worse in this period.