Quote from lafnboy13 on April 6, 2024, 8:31 am

Quote from WindsorUK on April 6, 2024, 3:42 am

Okay, on my soapbox again...

Tatis's interference call? Compare FTJ's slide( on the ground before the bag, popping up on the bag, stumbling because Ahmed is there) to Hoskins the other day. FTJ appears to be making a totally legitimate baseball play( like they teach it) and they call him for interference? Whereas Hoskins slide initially did not?

I don't know what kind of training these umps get, but there is a horrendous lack of consistency,  or even lack of understanding?, that drives fans crazy( Angel Hernandez of course excluded as the guy is maybe the worst umpire in the history of officiating, in ANY sport!)

Guys have any takes on it? Most seem to believe Hoskins slide was okay( I don't) - how about FTJ's( I do)?

I was watching the game live and flipped my lid when I heard the call. It was a clean slide from start to finish. Typical pop up slide right through the base. He didn't go around. He didn't make a move on Ahmed. Ahmed was just there, incidental contact, like in football. FTJ has been executing pop up slides all season, which I am happy about. This call was bs and we lost a run to it.

Quote from lafnboy13 on April 6, 2024, 8:35 am

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:59 am

Hard to draw conclusions after just 10 games and does look as though Shildt is not a manager that likes to juggle the batting order but at some point (maybe another 10 games?) some adjustments may come into play (note nothing on the bench or AAA that motivates me to take a player out of the line-up yet).

The biggest concern sits with the #4 and #5 hitters in the order ... they should be moving the offense a lot more than they are. #4 Machado (184/295/395) and #5 Kim (216/302/351) are both well below "average" and that plays worse as the #4 / #5 hitters. They do have players on base ahead of them via OBP: Bogaerts (.349); Tatis (.366); Cronenworth (.349) ... all above league average.

I could see Kim moving up to lead-off (was good there last season) and has the base stealing ability for that role. Bogaerts down to #5 where his .282 BA may have more impact ... plus not sure if not being in the lead-off will allow his SLG to improve if not focusing on OBP.

Machado is my biggest worry ... trying to move him off clean up (or out of any theoretical impact slot) will not be taken well by Manny and if Manny is not happy probably not a good thing for the clubhouse. What do the Padres do if he does not rebound soon ... not playing defense / not hitting while potentially blocking a better bat in the line-up (Pham or Belt?). If you want to worry ... Manny is the focal point with his 10 year / $31MM AAV contract.

Also, at this point, I would put Manny at #3 and FTJ at #4 until Manny gets it going. Try to hide the unproductive bats in between good ones.

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 6, 2024, 9:57 am

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:26 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 5, 2024, 7:53 pm

My one thought after a game like that is that AJ should be calling Brandon Belt's agent.

Did see a report that Preller had (has?) an offer out to Pham in the $3-4MM range ... Pham not buying it ... yet.

I seems apparent that the Padres will not exceed the CBT limit (or even endanger it this early in the season) plus since the estimate of the CBT payroll is a little unclear depending on who is calculating it using their estimates we are not sure what Preller is working with. (note based on the comments ... Roster Resource gives the most flexibility and Cot's less ... no idea what the Padres have).

If the $3-4MM reported offer to Pham is the zone ... guessing Belt is not interested ... yet. Both Pham and Belt are taking a gamble but I guess they are waiting for some team (any team) to panic for a bat and pay up closer to their demands ... probably still well over $5MM.

Since at this point, both Pham and Belt are DH types doubt Preller will boost the offer until it is clear that Machado can play ... everyday 3B and that seems weeks away (or longer?). Not an optimal situation but as long as neither are signing one may still be around when (if) Preller is ready to make the add.

Think the status of Machado is the hold-up of any short term move that needs the DH as an option.

I would think you would want to give anyone you signed at this point a little bit of time to get up to speed before throwing them into big league action. From that standpoint if Manny is really tracking to be back in a few weeks as they seem to be suggesting I think it makes sense to make a move now.

From a financial standpoint I don't know if we really have any idea what Pham and Belt are looking for at this point. That report came out that said we were close to a deal with Pham in the 3-4m range. Other reports kind of shot it down and obviously he still hasn't signed. I'm not sure how legitimate that report was at this point. The latest on Belt's market is that he doesn't have one. The CBT concerns are interesting. I'm trying to figure out what accounts for such a big gap between Cot's numbers and the other sites that track these things. Spotrac and Roster Resource are both in the 225-226 range. Cot's is 5m+ higher at 231. They could probably still squeeze a move in at the higher number. It wouldn't leave them with much wiggle room though.

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 6, 2024, 10:03 am

Acee covered the slide pretty well in his daily newsletter.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/padres/newsletter/2024-04-06/padres-daily-fernando-tatis-slide-thairo-estrada-sacramento-oakland-as-michael-king-xander-bogaerts-padres-daily

Quote from BoosterSD on April 6, 2024, 10:50 am

Quote from WindsorUK on April 6, 2024, 3:42 am

Okay, on my soapbox again...

Tatis's interference call? Compare FTJ's slide( on the ground before the bag, popping up on the bag, stumbling because Ahmed is there) to Hoskins the other day. FTJ appears to be making a totally legitimate baseball play( like they teach it) and they call him for interference? Whereas Hoskins slide initially did not?

I don't know what kind of training these umps get, but there is a horrendous lack of consistency,  or even lack of understanding?, that drives fans crazy( Angel Hernandez of course excluded as the guy is maybe the worst umpire in the history of officiating, in ANY sport!)

Guys have any takes on it? Most seem to believe Hoskins slide was okay( I don't) - how about FTJ's( I do)?

Anything a runner does to alter, impede, or prevent a fielder from making a play, a throw, or fielding the ball is interference. The fact that Tatis was on doing a pop up slide has nothing to do with whether the call is going to be made. His contact with the fielder sealed the fate of Crone at 1st.

As far as the training that MLB umps go through, its intense. Before they even get a chance to go to the MiLs, they go through a 5 week training (judgement) camp in FL, that you pay for out of your own pocket. This camp assess your ability on judgement calls, rules interpretation, size, weight, and look on the field. If you make it through that camp and get selected, then you get to toil away in the MiLs for at least 4 years. During which you are intensely observed at every game, you are paid absolute shit in terms of pay and daily (even had some call up cover games in the MLs) and was let go because they didnt like the way he was running.

In the ML, they have meetings hours before the game to discuss issues such as whether they are recent brawls/heated exchanges between the teams in previous series, rules interpretations, and other items that need to be covered.

With the exception of Angel Hernandez, these are 75 of the top umpires in the world. They work hard to get there, and they do it out of a passion for the game.

The inconsistency is not with the umpires, it is with the lack of knowledge of the rules by the coaches and the players, the lack of knowledge of the announcers trying to explain the rules to the fans, and those lead to the misinformation of the fans following the game.

Quote from BoosterSD on April 6, 2024, 10:56 am

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:26 am

Since at this point, both Pham and Belt are DH types doubt Preller will boost the offer until it is clear that Machado can play ... everyday 3B and that seems weeks away (or longer?). Not an optimal situation but as long as neither are signing one may still be around when (if) Preller is ready to make the add.

I dont think your assessment on Pham is correct, he is not a pure DH at this point. Last year for the NL winning DBacks, Pham played 18 games in LF, 10 games in RF, and 24 games at DH. And AZ had better fielding options than Profar last season and Pham still fielded an OF position.

IF Pham finally signs, he is going to be our starting LFer, and will push Profar to a super sub position.

Now Belt he could probably still play 1B, but not better than Crone and they both bat LH, so he would totally just be a DH on SD.

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 11:42 am

Quote from BoosterSD on April 6, 2024, 10:56 am

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:26 am

Since at this point, both Pham and Belt are DH types doubt Preller will boost the offer until it is clear that Machado can play ... everyday 3B and that seems weeks away (or longer?). Not an optimal situation but as long as neither are signing one may still be around when (if) Preller is ready to make the add.

I dont think your assessment on Pham is correct, he is not a pure DH at this point. Last year for the NL winning DBacks, Pham played 18 games in LF, 10 games in RF, and 24 games at DH. And AZ had better fielding options than Profar last season and Pham still fielded an OF position.

IF Pham finally signs, he is going to be our starting LFer, and will push Profar to a super sub position.

Now Belt he could probably still play 1B, but not better than Crone and they both bat LH, so he would totally just be a DH on SD.

If they sign Pham with Manny back at 3B ... the odd men out of the starters will be the trio of Wade/Rosario/Pauley with Pham and Profar somehow sharing the DH/LF roles.

If they sign Belt (not likely in my view) although a LHH ... he barely played vs LHP last season (and not well) and is not going to push Cronenworth off 1B vs RHP .. so a DH vs RHP and platoons with Rosario / Azocar for LHP?

The longer they are not signed by ANY TEAM ... have to wonder if the current view is they are no longer their pasts combined with their demands are viewed as "unreasonable".

Still cautious on Manny ... earlier in ST the Padres were suggesting he could possibly be ready for the field by opening day but maybe two weeks into the season. Then a report a week or so ago that they shut down his throwing for a couple of weeks and will reassess at that point. No real word since. Padres don't like to talk on injury status as a general practice ... so could be a non-issue or could be a longer DH role. IF the Padres perceive the Manny issue to linger (and they earlier did say that when he returned to 3B they may just ease him splitting his time at 3B and DH) ... maybe Preller is not keen on a DH/OF type and is looking for an INF type who can hit? Any 3B/DH types available for a trade? If the need becomes someone who can handle 3B even part time ... and history suggests Wade/Rosario/Pauley will not provide the offense over an extended run ... Preller may just have to change his focus.

So, love to worry, but anyone wanting to link Machado's poor offensive production so far with his elbow issue and/or being relegated to DH?

What we need is Manny to just get on fire offensively and put all this speculation to rest.

 

 

Quote from WindsorUK on April 6, 2024, 11:56 am

Quote from BoosterSD on April 6, 2024, 10:50 am

Quote from WindsorUK on April 6, 2024, 3:42 am

Okay, on my soapbox again...

Tatis's interference call? Compare FTJ's slide( on the ground before the bag, popping up on the bag, stumbling because Ahmed is there) to Hoskins the other day. FTJ appears to be making a totally legitimate baseball play( like they teach it) and they call him for interference? Whereas Hoskins slide initially did not?

I don't know what kind of training these umps get, but there is a horrendous lack of consistency,  or even lack of understanding?, that drives fans crazy( Angel Hernandez of course excluded as the guy is maybe the worst umpire in the history of officiating, in ANY sport!)

Guys have any takes on it? Most seem to believe Hoskins slide was okay( I don't) - how about FTJ's( I do)?

Anything a runner does to alter, impede, or prevent a fielder from making a play, a throw, or fielding the ball is interference. The fact that Tatis was on doing a pop up slide has nothing to do with whether the call is going to be made. His contact with the fielder sealed the fate of Crone at 1st.

As far as the training that MLB umps go through, its intense. Before they even get a chance to go to the MiLs, they go through a 5 week training (judgement) camp in FL, that you pay for out of your own pocket. This camp assess your ability on judgement calls, rules interpretation, size, weight, and look on the field. If you make it through that camp and get selected, then you get to toil away in the MiLs for at least 4 years. During which you are intensely observed at every game, you are paid absolute shit in terms of pay and daily (even had some call up cover games in the MLs) and was let go because they didnt like the way he was running.

In the ML, they have meetings hours before the game to discuss issues such as whether they are recent brawls/heated exchanges between the teams in previous series, rules interpretations, and other items that need to be covered.

With the exception of Angel Hernandez, these are 75 of the top umpires in the world. They work hard to get there, and they do it out of a passion for the game.

The inconsistency is not with the umpires, it is with the lack of knowledge of the rules by the coaches and the players, the lack of knowledge of the announcers trying to explain the rules to the fans, and those lead to the misinformation of the fans following the game.

Doesn't the runner have a right to the bag? The only reason FTJ ran into Estrada is because he was on the base.

I fully understand the impediment thing( see Hoskins) but FTJ was 100% going to the bag, which he has the right to, or so I thought.

Good discussion though. Hopefully players going forward understand this better than I do.

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 12:01 pm

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 6, 2024, 9:57 am

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:26 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 5, 2024, 7:53 pm

My one thought after a game like that is that AJ should be calling Brandon Belt's agent.

Did see a report that Preller had (has?) an offer out to Pham in the $3-4MM range ... Pham not buying it ... yet.

I seems apparent that the Padres will not exceed the CBT limit (or even endanger it this early in the season) plus since the estimate of the CBT payroll is a little unclear depending on who is calculating it using their estimates we are not sure what Preller is working with. (note based on the comments ... Roster Resource gives the most flexibility and Cot's less ... no idea what the Padres have).

If the $3-4MM reported offer to Pham is the zone ... guessing Belt is not interested ... yet. Both Pham and Belt are taking a gamble but I guess they are waiting for some team (any team) to panic for a bat and pay up closer to their demands ... probably still well over $5MM.

Since at this point, both Pham and Belt are DH types doubt Preller will boost the offer until it is clear that Machado can play ... everyday 3B and that seems weeks away (or longer?). Not an optimal situation but as long as neither are signing one may still be around when (if) Preller is ready to make the add.

Think the status of Machado is the hold-up of any short term move that needs the DH as an option.

I would think you would want to give anyone you signed at this point a little bit of time to get up to speed before throwing them into big league action. From that standpoint if Manny is really tracking to be back in a few weeks as they seem to be suggesting I think it makes sense to make a move now.

From a financial standpoint I don't know if we really have any idea what Pham and Belt are looking for at this point. That report came out that said we were close to a deal with Pham in the 3-4m range. Other reports kind of shot it down and obviously he still hasn't signed. I'm not sure how legitimate that report was at this point. The latest on Belt's market is that he doesn't have one. The CBT concerns are interesting. I'm trying to figure out what accounts for such a big gap between Cot's numbers and the other sites that track these things. Spotrac and Roster Resource are both in the 225-226 range. Cot's is 5m+ higher at 231. They could probably still squeeze a move in at the higher number. It wouldn't leave them with much wiggle room though.

I did hear a point raised that even though we are looking at the CBT limit as the working target (mainly because that is what we can guesstimate) it is "possible" that the Padres are actually working with a lower target (both now and for the  end of the season).

Some speculation that the league office is involved as a result of the "debit servicing limit" question coupled with the Forbes article placing the Padres 29th in MLB "profit" with a 2023 loss of over $100MM. (Now I would not lock in on the actual number but Forbes is a reputable financial publication that has been doing this for some time based on what data is public ... being 29th is maybe the key when coupled with the debt issue). Implication could be that the Padres' 2023 was primarily debt financed and they are just over leveraged ... not sustainable? Can't keep taking out debt to finance operations ...