Quote from WindsorUK on June 30, 2022, 3:40 am

https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-nationals-appeal-play-fourth-out-rule

Okay, this is a joke! This should never happen.

Quote from fenn68 on June 30, 2022, 10:18 am

A couple of changes that we all have to start considering going forward in MLB. Not really debating the theory or the "changing baseball the way it was meant to be" ... but the on field practical impact to individual players and the flow of the game.

1. It appears that MLB will add the pitch clock for 2023 ... specifics still to be determined and yes, a lot of questions. However, they seem quite pleased with the results in the minors where they have tested a very short pitch clock ... ML likely will be longer (maybe 18-20 seconds with no one on base) and then add a few seconds with men on base. I have heard estimates that the pitch clock and shaved as much as 30 minutes of "dead time" from a game. In the minors, some difficulty adapting in April but every month violations have decreased as players adjust. Take the change as a given (no debate), so how do teams adjust the evaluations of individual pitchers who regularly take longer to throw a pitch than the new max? MLB has been tracking and there are actually some pitchers that take over 30 seconds per pitch on average. Question is if they can keep the same effectiveness on the time constraint. Should add that there are some in the 15 second ranges so it can be done. Note that as part of the change, hitters will have 9 seconds to get into the batters' box. This should make the fielders happy not having to stand around watching the pitchers contemplate. Also there is going to be a limit on throws to 1B per AB ... will make the throw over more strategic and will open the door for more stolen base attempts (something MLB wants).
2. Robo Ump in 2024 ... technology makes the call and send the call to the UMP via earpiece. Again details to be worked out but taking the unreliable third leg out of the AB and replacing it with a consistent technology has got to be good in setting up a one on one of skill between the pitcher and hitter. Again, will teams have to re-evaluate pitchers who live off calls that the robot ump will not call strikes? Can those pitchers adapt effectively (thinking sinker ball types but others too). Will the value of control arms increase while the power pitchers with limited control fall out of favor? Will the hitters be more effective knowing the limits of the strike zone and not chasing bad pitches as much in fear of a bad ump call? Both pitchers and hitters will have to adapt.

The sense is that once both changes are installed and past the initial adoption period ... the pace of action will increase. Plus, we will see less walks / strikeouts and more balls in play as the pitchers / hitters adapt or get changed out. Probably will not see the full effect until 2026.

So, from a roster building stand point ... shift to more command type arms, build a strong defense, and maybe more focus on hitters that control the hitting zone?

 

Quote from Henry Silvestre on June 30, 2022, 10:23 am

Yup stay away from SP like AZ Gallen.. he is a sloth and will be hurt a lot by pitch clock

Quote from fenn68 on June 30, 2022, 10:34 am

Quote from Henry Silvestre on June 30, 2022, 10:23 am

Yup stay away from SP like AZ Gallen.. he is a sloth and will be hurt a lot by pitch clock

I think he is the worst in average time in the MLB tracking ... at least that was what was said in one of the discussions I heard.

Quote from LynchMob on July 5, 2022, 9:36 am

July 5 Baseball America Prospect Report

Julio Rodriguez, OF, Mariners: Rodriguez did more than just enhance his American League Rookie of the Year candidacy on Monday. He made MLB history. Rodriguez launched a home run into the top deck of the Western Metal Supply Co. Building in the Mariners 8-2 win over the Padres. The two-run blast off of Sean Manaea traveled 429 feet and gave Rodriguez 15 home runs on the season. That number is particularly important. With the blast, Rodriguez reached 15 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his first 81 games, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to reach those numbers.

Quote from LynchMob on July 6, 2022, 3:43 pm

Ooof ... even Hader stuggles in non-Save situations ... after today's, he's 0-2 ...

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-brewers/2022/07/06/661225/final/box#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=661225

Quote from Henry Silvestre on July 6, 2022, 3:52 pm

Quote from LynchMob on July 6, 2022, 3:43 pm

Ooof ... even Hader stuggles in non-Save situations ... after today's, he's 0-2 ...

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-brewers/2022/07/06/661225/final/box#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=661225

Yup was watching the end of that game.. after I saw Detroit SWEEP the Guardians...

Quote from LynchMob on July 7, 2022, 10:44 am

Chris Taylor (2B) LA - Jul. 06
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player.php?id=12892

Taylor (foot) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old was diagnosed with a small fracture in his left foot Tuesday, and it was only a matter of time before he shifted to the injured list. Taylor will be eligible to be reinstated July 15, but he's unlikely to be healthy at that point and figures to be sidelined for at least a few weeks.

Quote from MrPadre19 on July 7, 2022, 1:54 pm

Quote from LynchMob on July 7, 2022, 10:44 am

Chris Taylor (2B) LA - Jul. 06
https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player.php?id=12892

Taylor (foot) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old was diagnosed with a small fracture in his left foot Tuesday, and it was only a matter of time before he shifted to the injured list. Taylor will be eligible to be reinstated July 15, but he's unlikely to be healthy at that point and figures to be sidelined for at least a few weeks.

So we took out Harper for the year and Taylor for a month…..who’s next?