Playoffs

[jad]

The silence is deafening. I thought the one-game wildcard was genius: season ends and we get to watch immediately two win-or-go-home games. Now, the season ends (and for us and most fans, our team is done for the year), and we are expected to wait a week before we get to see the best teams play? Who cares? I realize MLB loves 'more playoff games'. But after a 162 games season, most fans have had enough of watching mediocre teams.

Any solutions?

[notin]

The silence is deafening. I thought the one-game wildcard was genius: season ends and we get to watch immediately two win-or-go-home games. Now, the season ends (and for us and most fans, our team is done for the year), and we are expected to wait a week before we get to see the best teams play? Who cares? I realize MLB loves 'more playoff games'. But after a 162 games season, most fans have had enough of watching mediocre teams.

Any solutions?

I hated the game playoff. 162 games and then one anti-climactic game and suddenly it’s just over. I like the new format much better..

[Bellhorn04]

Frankly I thought when 8 teams got in it was fine. And they could have bumped that to all 7 game series.

The new system with 12 teams getting in obviously magnifies the crapshootery.

[moonslav59]

Frankly I thought when 8 teams got in it was fine. And they could have bumped that to all 7 game series.

The new system with 12 teams getting in obviously magnifies the crapshootery.

To fans of the underdog teams, they love crapshootery.

At least we've proven once and for all, more days off hurt a team.

(Are you listening, Cora?)

[Bellhorn04]

To fans of the underdog teams, they love crapshootery.

At least we've proven once and for all, more days off hurt a team.

(Are you listening, Cora?)


The Braves just proved that rest days help. Their bats looked a tick slow. :D

[moonslav59]

The Braves just proved that rest days help. Their bats looked a tick slow. :D

They played great, all year on almost no rest. Then, they get a few days off and sucked.

[Bellhorn04]

They played great, all year on almost no rest. Then, they get a few days off and sucked.

The days off reminded them how tired they were. :cool:

[moonslav59]

The days off reminded them how tired they were. :cool:

Rigamortis set in.

[MADSTORK]

How bout that Dombrowski hey pink hats?

[Bellhorn04]

How bout that Dombrowski hey pink hats?

How's your team doing?

[notin]

How bout that Dombrowski hey pink hats?

You still don’t even know what the pink hats issue is? You’ve been called out for this repeatedly.

I curse Bill Gates and Microsoft for making computers so simple even hapless morons can post on the internet….

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

How bout that Dombrowski hey pink hats?

Go root for the Phillies. You certainly could play the part well of a Philadelphia sports fan.

[jad]

I see that the playoffs are so exciting in this new format that no one here has bothered to comment and last night's game didn't even get a headline on ESPN or Yahoo sports. Go ... (remind me who's playing?) !

[cp176]

The silence is deafening. I thought the one-game wildcard was genius: season ends and we get to watch immediately two win-or-go-home games. Now, the season ends (and for us and most fans, our team is done for the year), and we are expected to wait a week before we get to see the best teams play? Who cares? I realize MLB loves 'more playoff games'. But after a 162 games season, most fans have had enough of watching mediocre teams.

Any solutions?

I greatly dislike any addition to the number of teams making the playoffs. The talent and as a result the game becomes a diluted version of what it once was. Just making the playoffs becomes the ultimate goal of many ml teams.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

Personally, I love the new format. The changes the made to the game overall in 2023 have been terrific. 2 hour games, more teams, more cities in it. Baseball well into the fall. The only thing that sucks is the Boston Red Sox.

...

For now.

[Bellhorn04]

I see that the playoffs are so exciting in this new format that no one here has bothered to comment and last night's game didn't even get a headline on ESPN or Yahoo sports. Go ... (remind me who's playing?) !

Well, we do have a thread on the postseason with over 100 posts!

https://www.talksox.com/forum/threads/20824-2023-MLB-postseason-thread

[jad]

Well, we do have a thread on the postseason with over 100 posts!

https://www.talksox.com/forum/threads/20824-2023-MLB-postseason-thread

My bad! I looked for this, but it doesn't show up on my feed. Sorry about that. Oh well, why should I complain, since I don't even know what teams are playing.

[mvp 78]

My bad! I looked for this, but it doesn't show up on my feed. Sorry about that. Oh well, why should I complain, since I don't even know what teams are playing.

You have to select the general baseball forum to get there.

[jad]

You have to select the general baseball forum to get there.

Thanks. (If anyone knows how to delete this thread, which I now realize is redundant, please go ahead).

[mvp 78]

Thanks. (If anyone knows how to delete this thread, which I now realize is redundant, please go ahead).

Unless the mods move or delete it, it will stay forever... Forever... For....ever...

[oldtimer]

I'm glad Kimbrall is in the Red Sox past. He seems to struggle when he closes games. Tonight was another example.

[redsoxrules]

These playoffs have been quite boring very lopsided series so far.

[moonslav59]

There is a thread already

[notin]

I'm glad Kimbrall is in the Red Sox past. He seems to struggle when he closes games. Tonight was another example.

Kimbrel had a clear pattern with Boston. Lights out until June/July. Slowly get less effective through August/September. Very hittable in October…

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Kimbrel had a clear pattern with Boston. Lights out until June/July. Slowly get less effective through August/September. Very hittable in October…

... and very vulnerable when not pitching in a save situation.

[A Red Sox fan named Hugh]

These playoffs have been quite boring very lopsided series so far.

I mean 2-2 and 2-1, It literally can't be anymore even at this point in time.

[notin]

... and very vulnerable when not pitching in a save situation.

Always the worst excuse for poor closer performance…

[mvp 78]

This is how I know the mods aren't here anymore.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Always the worst excuse for poor closer performance…

In the postgame, Pedro Martinez said some closers struggle in non-save situations (what a poor excuse-maker).

Even if a closer can't close a tie game. Papelbon was similar, and even admitted it in the booth this summer.

[notin]

In the postgame, Pedro Martinez said some closers struggle in non-save situations (what a poor excuse-maker).

Even if a closer can't close a tie game. Papelbon was similar, and even admitted it in the booth this summer.

How does one close a tie game?

[mvp 78]

How does one close a tie game?

Hit a walkoff.

[notin]

Hit a walkoff.

That’s closing?

[mvp 78]

That’s closing?

Maybe?

[Bellhorn04]

That’s closing?

Everybody leaves, don't they? :cool:

[Bellhorn04]

Thanks. (If anyone knows how to delete this thread, which I now realize is redundant, please go ahead).

In true Talksox fashion, your accidental thread has caught fire!

[Bellhorn04]

... and very vulnerable when not pitching in a save situation.

Kimbrel's career regular season numbers in non-save situations:

W-L 38-26
ERA 2.79
WHIP 1.15
OPSa .603

Excellent numbers, but yes, his numbers in save situations are markedly better:

ERA 2.18
WHIP .90
OPSa .496

[mvp 78]

Seems like most of us would take non-save Kimbrell in a heartbeat? The bigger issue may be his 3.81 Postseason ERA, 5.49 xFIP.

[notin]

Everybody leaves, don't they? :cool:

Not exactly how you want them to, and also only applicable in road games.

Papelbon’s numbers in tie games were actually probably his worst care spoilt, but also only encompass 557 PA over a 12 year career. And I’m guessing a handful of those PA were in his 3 career starts in his rookie year…

[notin]

Kimbrel's career regular season numbers in non-save situations:

W-L 38-26
ERA 2.79
WHIP 1.15
OPSa .603

Excellent numbers, but yes, his numbers in save situations are markedly better:

ERA 2.18
WHIP .90
OPSa .496


Some context might be required here, too.

Like did Kimbrel find himself pitching in non-save situations more often because he lost a closer role due to not pitching well? He had a couple seasons with the Cubs, for example, where this happened…

[Bellhorn04]

Not exactly how you want them to, and also only applicable in road games.

Did I miss something? mvp said "Hit a walkoff".

[Bellhorn04]

Some context might be required here, too.

Like did Kimbrel find himself pitching in non-save situations more often because he lost a closer role due to not pitching well? He had a couple seasons with the Cubs, for example, where this happened…

Good question. It would take a whole heap o' digging to parse that one out.

[dgalehouse]

Closers are always pitching in a big spotlight. Guys like Kimbrel, Jansen and Chapman have been doing it for a long time. They have been the best closers of their
era , but they are all now nearing the end of the line. But what happens when you are very good is that people always remember the few times that you weren't. That is even true with Mariano Rivera , who was unquestionably the GOAT.

[Bellhorn04]

Closers are always pitching in a big spotlight. Guys like Kimbrel, Jansen and Chapman have been doing it for a long time. They have been the best closers of their
era , but they are all now nearing the end of the line. But what happens when you are very good is that people always remember the few times that you weren't. That is even true with Mariano Rivera , who was unquestionably the GOAT.

Very true. Eck (1988,1992) as well, and Papelbon (2009,2011).

[Bellhorn04]

Craig Kimbrel has had a long and mostly great career, but he mostly takes grief here, because of his shaky performance in the 2018 postseason.

[mvp 78]

Craig Kimbrel has had a long and mostly great career, but he mostly takes grief here, because of his shaky performance in the 2018 postseason.

Deservedly so!

Pearce>Nunez>Kimbrel

[jad]

In true Talksox fashion, your accidental thread has caught fire!

Ha! It may be because if you can find that designated/official/TalkSoxApproved/MorallyUncompromised thread (it takes a while, at least for me it did), you discover that 90% of the posts on it have nothing to do with the playoffs.

[Bellhorn04]

Ha! It may be because if you can find that designated/official/TalkSoxApproved/MorallyUncompromised thread (it takes a while, at least for me it did), you discover that 90% of the posts on it have nothing to do with the playoffs.

Do you always log in here on a tablet or a phone? It takes me a while to log in here on my tablet. But if you leave this site in your browsing history, you can access it right away.

[jad]

Do you always log in here on a tablet or a phone? It takes me a while to log in here on my tablet. But if you leave this site in your browsing history, you can access it right away.

No. I log in just fine. I just didn't know I had to scroll 'back' from (whatever?--TSoxforum) to (whatever? Gen Baseball thread?) then scroll down there for a playoff thread. (Oops! off-topic response!)

I love watching A-Rod and Papi, with Jeter sitting there in embarrassed silence apparently thinking, Cr*p, even with two days growth, I'm nowhere near as amusing as these guys.

[mvp 78]

Removing the FAQ post was a mistake.

[notin]

Deservedly so!

Pearce>Nunez>Kimbrel

No Kinsler?

[Deja Doh]

I hate the Astros.

[Randy Red Sox]

I hate the Astros.

not as much as I do

[moonslav59]

not as much as I do

I have to listen to these smug Astros fans gloat and boast.

[mvp 78]

No Kinsler?

No like KinslEr.

[mvp 78]

Kimbrel wants to revisit his 2018 postseason performance I guess.

[Randy Red Sox]

if the Astros win the WS I am going to barf.

[notin]

Kimbrel wants to revisit his 2018 postseason performance I guess.

Kimbrel was amazing for the first 8 postseason innings of his career, mostly with Atlanta, which takes you into 2016..

He has been a postseason disaster ever since…

[notin]

No like KinslEr.

I pegged you to be a big Kinsler guy. You two have so much in common, starting with repeated wishes that Dustin Pedroia would just go away…

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Kinsler turned down an interview for family considerations. He doesn't love Pedroia like a brother.

[a700hitter]

Such a Dumb move not signing Schwarber.

[dgalehouse]

Such a Dumb move not signing Schwarber.

Yeah. Trading for Schwarber was one of Bloom's best moves. Then he let him get away.

[Old Red]

Yeah. Trading for Schwarber was one of Bloom's best moves. Then he let him get away.

Flintstone Schwarber is on one of his hot streaks.

[dgalehouse]

Flintstone Schwarber is on one of his hot streaks.

For two years.

[Hugh2]

It’s pretty amazing what Kyle is doing in these playoffs.

But I wonder how people would feel if he was here for all 162 games.

.197 ba, 215 strikes outs, one of the worse defensive seasons in the outfield I’ve seen.

He’d be a nice DH

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

It’s pretty amazing what Kyle is doing in these playoffs.

But I wonder how people would feel if he was here for all 162 games.

.197 ba, 215 strikes outs, one of the worse defensive seasons in the outfield I’ve seen.

He’d be a nice DH

He said he was open to signing in Boston but it didn't work because JD decided not to opt-out for what -- the 20th time.

I was always hoping against hope Martinez would leave; first, so they could keep Mookie (some media at the time noted they couldn't afford both); next, so they could keep Schwarber.

And then, of course, Bogaerts did opt out, causing more infernal issues...

Opt-outs suck. Glad they wised up and didn't give one to Devers.

[Hugh2]

He said he was open to signing in Boston but it didn't work because JD decided not to opt-out for what -- the 20th time.

I was always hoping against hope Martinez would leave; first, so they could keep Mookie (some media at the time noted they couldn't afford both); next, so they could keep Schwarber.

And then, of course, Bogaerts did opt out, causing more infernal issues...

Opt-outs suck. Glad they wised up and didn't give one to Devers.

Yup, we’ve been here before.

I just find it amazing how awful he was in the regular season, mitigated by home runs yet he’s been legendary in this post season. David Ortiz esq.


DD is now one game closer to the World Series than Bloom ever got since his departure

[Bellhorn04]

Yup, we’ve been here before.

I just find it amazing how awful he was in the regular season, mitigated by home runs yet he’s been legendary in this post season. David Ortiz esq.


DD is now one game closer to the World Series than Bloom ever got since his departure

Schwarbstone has been a great offensive weapon his whole career.

[Hugh2]

Schwarbstone has been a great offensive weapon his whole career.

Absolutely.

[notin]

Schwarbstone has been a great offensive weapon his whole career.

Also a defensive liability his whole career…

[Bellhorn04]

Also a defensive liability his whole career…

Yes, he's a textbook DH. Just like Yoshida. And I'd much rather have Schwarber than Yoshida.

[notin]

Yes, he's a textbook DH. Just like Yoshida. And I'd much rather have Schwarber than Yoshida.

Oh he’s a much better hitter than Yoshida.

Of course the options never were Schwarber or Yoshida…

[Bellhorn04]

Oh he’s a much better hitter than Yoshida.

Of course the options never were Schwarber or Yoshida…

Could have signed Schwarber prior to 2022 and traded JD. Then Yoshida becomes irrelevant.

[notin]

Could have signed Schwarber prior to 2022 and traded JD. Then Yoshida becomes irrelevant.

Traded JD where?

And the thing is if they did that, they probably sign Yoshida anyway. Not sure they viewed him as a DH, but they definitely liked him as a hitter…

[Hugh2]

Yes, he's a textbook DH. Just like Yoshida. And I'd much rather have Schwarber than Yoshida.

At DH, sure. In LF? I might prefer Yoshida.

[Bellhorn04]

Traded JD where?

And the thing is if they did that, they probably sign Yoshida anyway. Not sure they viewed him as a DH, but they definitely liked him as a hitter…

Trading JD would have meant taking a money bath, I get that.

If Bloom did not view Yoshida as a DH, that means Bloom made a very dumb mistake.

[Hugh2]

Yeah. Trading for Schwarber was one of Bloom's best moves. Then he let him get away.

.957 OPS in Boston. Vs career .831

Bloom got him at his absolute best. Legendary

[Bellhorn04]

At DH, sure. In LF? I might prefer Yoshida.

Yoshida is about as useful in LF as JDM was.

[Bellhorn04]

Schwarber has a career OPS+ of 121 and can hit the ball out of Jellystone Park.

His postseason OPS of .931 is fairly nifty, too.

[Hugh2]

Yoshida is about as useful in LF as JDM was.

I’ve been the biggest advocate to move Yoshida to DH on this board. But he was much better out there than Schwarber was

[Hugh2]

Schwarber has a career OPS+ of 121 and can hit the ball out of Jellystone Park.

His postseason OPS of .931 is fairly nifty, too.

He’s more David Ortiz than David Ortiz in these ALCS

[notin]

Trading JD would have meant taking a money bath, I get that.

If Bloom did not view Yoshida as a DH, that means Bloom made a very dumb mistake.

Well, the irony there is Schwarber was not signed to play DH either…

[dgalehouse]

Could have tolerated Schwarber ( or J.D. ) in left or at first until J.D. left. Those home runs make for a lot . Schwarber is also known as one of the best teammates , clubhouse guys in the game.

[a700hitter]

Also a defensive liability his whole career…some on this site believe that Defense doesn’t matter.

[a700hitter]

Could have tolerated Schwarber ( or J.D. ) in left or at first until J.D. left. Those home runs make for a lot . Schwarber is also known as one of the best teammates , clubhouse guys in the game.Just a stupid stupid stupid move letting a wrecking ball like him walk.

[moonslav59]

Just a stupid stupid stupid move letting a wrecking ball like him walk.

Bloom outbidding DD would have really been something.

[Hugh2]

For those who think you can live with the bad defense.

And this comes on the heels of the worse defense team I’ve seen in a long time.

Schwarber is dead last in all of MLB in defensive value and first in defensive runs saved.

At -35 since he left Boston. Her be nice on one side of the ball. But to say his home runs make up for the defense, just realize we aren’t talking about bad defense we are talking about the worse.

He’s still a valuable player because of the monster bat. But we’ve had 30+ homer in guys here in the past who only hit home runs, strike out, or walk and it feels that the people who magically love Schwarber all of a sudden want that profile.

Think of it this way. Schwarber is literally only worth a 1/2 a war more than Yoshida. And it’s not like Yoshida added value on defense, he just lost less.

Now this last point is very special so pay attention here. If we had a player here who batted .197 led the league in strikeouts 215 and negative runs saved he would not be popular here. Saying otherwise is just dishonesty.

[Hugh2]

Just a stupid stupid stupid move letting a wrecking ball like him walk.

Dude, back In august of 2021 you were leading the charge against the trade.

Bloom was dumb, gave us crap, and trades for Injured garbage.

It’s almost as if…..:peoples opinions are emotionally charged because they watched a game last night.

[Hugh2]

Would still rather have Schwarber than Yoahida at DH. But that means trading JDM in the 2022 offseason. Which seems fine in hindsight

[notin]

some on this site believe that Defense doesn’t matter.

Some GMs, too…

[notin]

Would still rather have Schwarber than Yoahida at DH. But that means trading JDM in the 2022 offseason. Which seems fine in hindsight

Really they could have brought him back to play 1b. Not like Cordero/Dalbec/Hosmer anchored that position memorably…

[Hugh2]

Some GMs, too…
I’m also not so certain anyone on this site has said defense doesn’t matter.

As a matter of fact the people salivating over Schwarber are the ones who don’t value defense enough because he was literally the worse outfielder in all of baseball the past 2 years.

[Hugh2]

Really they could have brought him back to play 1b. Not like Cordero/Dalbec/Hosmer anchored that position memorably…

I would have been ok with it. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

But, hindsight again is 20/20 Dalbec was looking pretty good at the end of 2021

[moonslav59]

I would have been ok with it. There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

But, hindsight again is 20/20 Dalbec was looking pretty good at the end of 2021

Indeed, there was a reason Schwarber played mostly LF in 2021.

By the end of 2021, Dalbec had 545 career PAs and an .819 OPS (114 OPS+.)
Per 650 PAs, his line would have been: .244 41 120, which is almost exactly what Schwarber's is, now.
Although he had a horrible playoffs, he was a big part of us getting there. He finished the '21 season with an .867 OPS over his last 103 games (345 PAs). Over that stretch he averaged this over 650: .256 44 120.

Bobby Dee is a good cautionary tale on not getting your hopes up too highly based on a players first 300 to 600 PAs.

[dgalehouse]

The Phillies caught a break when Harper was able to adjust to first base so quickly , enabling Schwarber to D H. Another thing with Schwarber is that , in addition to the home runs and strikeouts, he draws a lot of walks. His OBP is pretty good.

[dgalehouse]

The scoreboard tells the story. Schwarber is playing in the NLCS , possibly the World Series. And he is a big part of why the Phils are there. I don't think there is any doubt about that.

[moonslav59]

The Phillies caught a break when Harper was able to adjust to first base so quickly , enabling Schwarber to D H. Another thing with Schwarber is that , in addition to the home runs and strikeouts, he draws a lot of walks. His OBP is pretty good.

No doubt. Keeping Schwarber over Dalbec would have been the right move, no matter the added cost.

We still would not have made the playoffs in 2022 or 2023. That's the "scoreboard," too.

[notin]

No doubt. Keeping Schwarber over Dalbec would have been the right move, no matter the added cost.

We still would not have made the playoffs in 2022 or 2023. That's the "scoreboard," too.

Better pitching. Even at the deadline would have been ok…

[moonslav59]

Better pitching. Even at the deadline would have been ok…

Even that would not have been enough.

In hindsight, we should have gone full firesale in '22 and '23.

[a700hitter]

Dude, back In august of 2021 you were leading the charge against the trade.

Bloom was dumb, gave us crap, and trades for Injured garbage.

It’s almost as if…..:peoples opinions are emotionally charged because they watched a game last night.
Trading for a guy on the FL with a pulled hamstring is never a good idea. But after he was here and with his history with the bat, it was dumb to let him go. Those positions are not mutually exclusive.

[moonslav59]

Trading for a guy on the FL with a pulled hamstring is never a good idea. But after he was here and with his history with the bat, it was dumb to let him go. Those positions are not mutually exclusive.

"Let him go?"

He was a FA and he had the choice- not us.

[notin]

Trading for a guy on the FL with a pulled hamstring is never a good idea. But after he was here and with his history with the bat, it was dumb to let him go. Those positions are not mutually exclusive.

Actually I think they are…

[notin]

I’m also not so certain anyone on this site has said defense doesn’t matter.

As a matter of fact the people salivating over Schwarber are the ones who don’t value defense enough because he was literally the worse outfielder in all of baseball the past 2 years.

It just makes me think of former Cubs’ GM Jim Hendry, whose attitude clearly was “give me 8 hitters and we’ll figure out their positions later.”..

[Bellhorn04]

Even that would not have been enough.

In hindsight, we should have gone full firesale in '22 and '23.

So even with perfect hindsight you can't find moves that would have put the team in the playoffs either year?

Are you sure you're really trying?

[Bellhorn04]

Actually I think they are…

Not sure why.

[notin]

Not sure why.

It’s a case of not wanting him here in the first place and then not wanting him to go. Just feels contradictory. Its ok to change your mind about the guy, but it does feel inconsistent…

[notin]

So even with perfect hindsight you can't find moves that would have put the team in the playoffs either year?

Are you sure you're really trying?


I think he just likes fire sales…

[Bellhorn04]

It’s a case of not wanting him here in the first place and then not wanting him to go. Just feels contradictory. Its ok to change your mind about the guy, but it does feel inconsistent…

But I thought the only objection to trading for him was that he was injured at the time.

[notin]

But I thought the only objection to trading for him was that he was injured at the time.

I suppose. It does feel inconsistent on the surface. But I’m not adamant about this or anything…

[moonslav59]

So even with perfect hindsight you can't find moves that would have put the team in the playoffs either year?

Are you sure you're really trying?

In hindsight, maye- yes. You'd have to hit on every move and have the current team not slump.

IMO, the types of "now" moves they might have tried were the ones like Castillo, but only if we extended him like SEA did and Civale, who had multiple years left.

The teams were not good enough for giving up good prospects for rentals. You save those moves for seasons like 2018 and Nate.

The one Bloom season worthy of that was 2021, when we got Schwarber, Robles, Davis, Shaw and later Iggy. We should have gotten a solid SP'er or closer.

I was for buying in 2023, but not giving top prospects for rentals.

[moonslav59]

I think he just likes fire sales…

I was for one fire sale: 2022.

[sk7326]

Boy Eovaldi provides a lot of high leverage performance for the cost of a cup of coffee or two.

[mvp 78]

So even with perfect hindsight you can't find moves that would have put the team in the playoffs either year?

Are you sure you're really trying?

With perfect moves, they could have been in the playoffs both years. It was most likely that the FO wasn't going to make perfect moves and that they should have had a fire sale in '22. In '23? There wasn't much left to trade except for Paxton and Turner. That's not really a fire sale.

[mvp 78]

I was for one fire sale: 2022.

At the deadline?

[mvp 78]

Boy Eovaldi provides a lot of high leverage performance for the cost of a cup of coffee or two.

That's an expensive cup of coffee.

[Nick]

I loved the extension on Eovaldi knowing that Porcello's final year was coming up.

I also thought signing Story was a good idea no matter what the FO said publicly about it wasn't about Xander's final contract year. But maybe it should have been another player. Simien from Texas comes to mind. In great part, Bloom was always looking for reclamation project and that ultimately doomed him. Simien has played in all but 3 or 4 games the last two years.

I always like Schwarber in big part because he's an IU grad. He caught and batted second for the Hoosiers when they had their success. I realized the argument about JD still being on the payroll. I thought they could at least co-exist for one year. I rather have Schwarber than Yoshida. Power and defense still wins in short series, Yoshida has neither.

I seriously doubt Ohtani would sign with the Sox. But it sure would perk me up if we gave an offer he has to think about.

I will puke, if our first signing is a has been pitcher for $8M.

I wonder if Dave Dombrowski is available.

[Dipre]

So, about the MLB playoffs, it's a pretty cool tidbit that the road team has won every game in both LCS series so far.

[mvp 78]

So, about the MLB playoffs, it's a pretty cool tidbit that the road team has won every game in both LCS series so far.

An untrue tidbit, sure.

[Dipre]

An untrue tidbit, sure.

Got ya on track though.

[sk7326]

So, about the MLB playoffs, it's a pretty cool tidbit that the road team has won every game in both LCS series so far.

The last time the road team won all 7 games in a best of 7 - the only other time iirc - was the Nationals beating the Astros in the 2019 WS.

[notin]

So, about the MLB playoffs, it's a pretty cool tidbit that the road team has won every game in both LCS series so far.

Except in the NLCS, where the only road win so far was the Phillies in game 5…

[Dipre]

Except in the NLCS, where the only road win so far was the Phillies in game 5…


Got ya on track though.

See?

[moonslav59]

Go Rangers!

(I'm not sure I ever uttered those words before.)

[Bellhorn04]

Go Rangers!

(I'm not sure I ever uttered those words before.)

Haven't you been uttering them throughout this series? Or do you just mean not that exact phrase?

[moonslav59]

Haven't you been uttering them throughout this series? Or do you just mean not that exact phrase?

The phrase.

Maybe I said it another time, of something like it.

I hate the Astros.

The Texans are growing on me, but I'll never like them more than the Packers.

I'm Bucks all the way. No issues with the Rockets. I loved Dream and Sam Cassell.

[Old Red]

Boy Eovaldi provides a lot of high leverage performance for the cost of a cup of coffee or two.

Having a good postseason. His good work in the 2018 postseason most likely helped him get that 4 yr extension from DD.

[a700hitter]

Actually I think they are…
You would be mistaken

[a700hitter]

"Let him go?"

He was a FA and he had the choice- not us.They let him walk.

[moonslav59]

They let him walk.

Bloom couldn't outbid DD for a box of popcorn.

[moonslav59]

Loving this Rangers-Astros game!

[a700hitter]

Bloom couldn't outbid DD for a box of popcorn.
That’s funny and probably true, but Bloom didn’t even make him an offer and he was available for a while before DD made a move on him.

[moonslav59]

That’s funny and probably true, but Bloom didn’t even make him an offer and he was available for a while before DD made a move on him.

That doesn't mean he was there for the taking. My guess is DD would match or top a few levels of bidding for a guy he wanted. It's his MO. He gets what he wants, and he usually wants the right players.

[moonslav59]

Rangers to the show!

[****THEYANKEES]

That doesn't mean he was there for the taking. My guess is DD would match or top a few levels of bidding for a guy he wanted. It's his MO. He gets what he wants, and he usually wants the right players.

too bad we don't have a GM/CBO/WHATEVER like that.

[a700hitter]

That doesn't mean he was there for the taking. My guess is DD would match or top a few levels of bidding for a guy he wanted. It's his MO. He gets what he wants, and he usually wants the right players.
And JH sent him packing.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Good-hitting team signs injury-prone Cy Young starter, but is led instead by Nate Eovaldi... that story we've lived before.

At the deadline, trades for Montgomery and Sutton, gets to World Series... that story we suggested, as recently as July.

And yet, the Red Sox brass refuses to interview me because of family considerations... (though my kid would be happy if I kept Nate and dealt for Monty!).

[Bellhorn04]

Good-hitting team signs injury-prone Cy Young starter, but is led instead by Nate Eovaldi... that story we've lived before.

At the deadline, trades for Montgomery and Sutton, gets to World Series... that story we suggested, as recently as July.

And yet, the Red Sox brass refuses to interview me because of family considerations... (though my kid would be happy if I kept Nate and dealt for Monty!).

Eovaldi was absolutely huge for the Rangers in this series.

[moonslav59]

too bad we don't have a GM/CBO/WHATEVER like that.

It likely would not matter much, unless the priorities changed at the top.

[moonslav59]

Eovaldi was absolutely huge for the Rangers in this series.

He's had a 3.65 or better ERA in every playoff series in his career, except the 2021 ALCS (6.97.)

[Bellhorn04]

He's had a 3.65 or better ERA in every playoff series in his career, except the 2021 ALCS (6.97.)

He's clutch, man.

[moonslav59]

He's clutch, man.

He has done very well in all but one playoff clutch situation, yes.

[mvp 78]

He's clutch, man.

SSS alert? What if he's a choker in this WS?!?!?

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

SSS alert? What if he's a choker in this WS?!?!?

You can't say that again... it's not repeatable!

[sk7326]

He has done very well in all but one playoff clutch situation, yes.

And really that one clutch situation was coming out of the bullpen in extra innings in Game 4 of that series. It's part of his record - but also usually above and beyond the call of duty of most starters.

[sk7326]

Eovaldi was absolutely huge for the Rangers in this series.

When the Red Sox started just signing hopium randos like Kluber, it doubled how bummed I was they didn't just re-sign Eovaldi. We knew Nate's arm might never stay attached to his body ever again. But we also knew Eovaldi was still a very good starter who has a high leverage track record when his arm cooperated.

[notin]

When the Red Sox started just signing hopium randos like Kluber, it doubled how bummed I was they didn't just re-sign Eovaldi. We knew Nate's arm might never stay attached to his body ever again. But we also knew Eovaldi was still a very good starter who has a high leverage track record when his arm cooperated.

Eovaldi’s problem was never the talent. In 4 years in Boston, he threw 67 IP, 48 IP (60 game season), 182 IP, and 109 IP. A full heartily season from Eovaldi, and you’re looking at the guy who throws the most 98mph fastballs in MLB. That simply cannot be good for his arm. And it hasn’t been to date…

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Eovaldi’s problem was never the talent. In 4 years in Boston, he threw 67 IP, 48 IP (60 game season), 182 IP, and 109 IP. A full heartily season from Eovaldi, and you’re looking at the guy who throws the most 98mph fastballs in MLB. That simply cannot be good for his arm. And it hasn’t been to date…

But he's great now... while the Red Sox aren't even good.

[Dipre]

Even this year, Eovaldi only threw 144 regular season innings. People would've been livid here calling him a failed signing.

[sk7326]

Even this year, Eovaldi only threw 144 regular season innings. People would've been livid here calling him a failed signing.

Oh he'd be frustrating ... but at $11M a year it'd be easier to absorb.

[Bellhorn04]

Even this year, Eovaldi only threw 144 regular season innings. People would've been livid here calling him a failed signing.

Not necessarily. 3.1 bWAR and 2.5 fWAR for 17 mill is respectable.

Plus our standards aren't that high anymore.

[mvp 78]

Even this year, Eovaldi only threw 144 regular season innings. People would've been livid here calling him a failed signing.

His BABIP would have been way worse in BOS too.

[Bellhorn04]

His BABIP would have been way worse in BOS too.

Still 4 wins better than Kluber for $7 million more.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

His BABIP would have been way worse in BOS too.

Good point. Eovaldi would've had to pitch to less contact in bEantown, shred a few more ligaments and tendons by midseason, and turn into another Boston bum arm.

[Bellhorn04]

Good point. Eovaldi would've had to pitch to less contact in bEantown, shred a few more ligaments and tendons by midseason, and turn into another Boston bum arm.

Bloom's parting gift was to make the 2023 roster so flawed that we wouldn't have to worry about a few better hindsight moves making enough of a difference.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Bloom's parting gift was to make the 2023 roster so flawed that we wouldn't have to worry about a few better hindsight moves making enough of a difference.

But... if everything just went right... we could've played on the waterfront. Insteada being bums.

[mvp 78]

Still 4 wins better than Kluber for $7 million more.

Oh, he would have been worth the contract, but people would have still complained.

[mvp 78]

But... if everything just went right... we could've played on the waterfront. Insteada being bums.

Tear down Fenway!

[notin]

Bloom's parting gift was to make the 2023 roster so flawed that we wouldn't have to worry about a few better hindsight moves making enough of a difference.

And yet it was still 2 games Out at the August deadline and still win 78 after the “collapse.”

This was essentially a .500 team. I think if some Pirates’ fans or A’s fans posted here, they’d scream and cry at the entitlement…

[mvp 78]

And yet it was still 2 games Out at the August deadline and still win 78 after the “collapse.”

This was essentially a .500 team. I think if some Pirates’ fans or A’s fans posted here, they’d scream and cry at the entitlement…

At least the Pirates fans could commiserate about Cherington.

[Bellhorn04]

Oh, he would have been worth the contract, but people would have still complained.

True, but why do we talk about that as if it matters? :cool:

[mvp 78]

True, but why do we talk about that as if it matters? :cool:

We talk about a lot of shit that doesn't matter.

[****THEYANKEES]

Even this year, Eovaldi only threw 144 regular season innings. People would've been livid here calling him a failed signing.

i don't think so. 144 innings would have been second to Bello's 157.

[Dipre]

i don't think so. 144 innings would have been second to Bello's 157.

At 10x the price,

[notin]

We talk about a lot of shit that doesn't matter.

Do we talk about anything that does?

[notin]

At least the Pirates fans could commiserate about Cherington.

I don’t think their problems begin or end with Cherington…

[notin]

i don't think so. 144 innings would have been second to Bello's 157.

And 42 more than Sale. And we all universally agree on that bargain…

[dgalehouse]

If they had Eovaldi and Senga instead of Kluber and Yoshida, would the Sox have made the playoffs ? How about Schwarber instead of Story ?

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

If they had Eovaldi and Senga instead of Kluber and Yoshida, would the Sox have made the playoffs ? How about Schwarber instead of Story ?

Dubon instead of Thornburg? Think the worst defensive clowns could've used a guy nominated for Gold Gloves at two positions?

[notin]

If they had Eovaldi and Senga instead of Kluber and Yoshida, would the Sox have made the playoffs ? How about Schwarber instead of Story ?

Schwarber would be a horrible shortstop. Almost Kike-level…

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Schwarber would be a horrible shortstop. Almost Kike-level…

At least with his limited range, he wouldn't get to airmail many throws. And he wouldn't even go to his right, lest he step in something Raffy spit. Yabadaba-don't.

[Hugh2]

If they had Eovaldi and Senga instead of Kluber and Yoshida, would the Sox have made the playoffs ? How about Schwarber instead of Story ?

No. I think maybe they’re a .500 team

Senga + Schwarber maybe add 4 wins.

Not sure how much of an over upgrade Schwarber is over Yoshida because the step down in defense is bad. According to fangraphs it’s about a 1/2 war. Let’s round that up to a win. You probably win 3-4 more games with Senga and maybe lose 1 less with Kluber gone.

Maybe a slightly better team breeds a better mentality and less of a September dip? And they add even 5 more wins.

87 wins still doesn’t get them a wild card, but it gets you close.

This is of course….. the insanely subjecting.

[jad]

I see no one is posting on the other playoff thread either. Likely because the average baseball fan doesn't give a cr*p. So today, the news comes out that the WS game 1 was the least viewed in history. None of the best teams are here, several of whom didn't even play in the first round. Manfred today comes out with strong support of the new format. The idiotic idea of endless playoffs was established (I assume copying the NBA) on the theory that it would bring in millions in revenue and keep fans on the edge of their seats. If this board is any indication, the 'average fan' is more interested in any one of the 162 regular games played by their team than in any playoff game during which their team is golfing.

[mvp 78]

I see no one is posting on the other playoff thread either. Likely because the average baseball fan doesn't give a cr*p. So today, the news comes out that the WS game 1 was the least viewed in history. None of the best teams are here, several of whom didn't even play in the first round. Manfred today comes out with strong support of the new format. The idiotic idea of endless playoffs was established (I assume copying the NBA) on the theory that it would bring in millions in revenue and keep fans on the edge of their seats. If this board is any indication, the 'average fan' is more interested in any one of the 162 regular games played by their team than in any playoff game during which their team is golfing.

The previous 3 WS were the lowest rated in history. This is just following the recent trend. People just don't care about MLB that much anymore. They like going to games here and there. Population has increased so there are more fans to buy more tickets so it looks like there is more fan interest, but it's just not really there except for casual fandom. Also, MLB has done such a shit job of marketing players that people in other markets have no real clue who plays on other teams. Corbin Carroll, Zac Gallen, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien should be household names.

[Old Red]

The previous 3 WS were the lowest rated in history. This is just following the recent trend. People just don't care about MLB that much anymore. They like going to games here and there. Population has increased so there are more fans to buy more tickets so it looks like there is more fan interest, but it's just not really there except for casual fandom. Also, MLB has done such a shit job of marketing players that people in other markets have no real clue who plays on other teams. Corbin Carroll, Zac Gallen, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien should be household names.

The stars of today don’t come close to the stars of yesterday when it comes to household names. When I started out as a fan the SP had as big a name as the sluggers. Koufax, Gibson, Mays, Mantle, Aaron, and Clemente just aren’t around anymore. The names you mentioned just doesn’t register against with the greats of the past.

[Dipre]

The stars of today don’t come close to the stars of yesterday when it comes to household names. When I started out as a fan the SP had as big a name as the sluggers. Koufax, Gibson, Mays, Mantle, Aaron, and Clemente just aren’t around anymore. The names you mentioned just doesn’t register against with the greats of the past.

This might be the coldest take I've ever read regarding baseball ever.

[Bellhorn04]

The previous 3 WS were the lowest rated in history. This is just following the recent trend. People just don't care about MLB that much anymore. They like going to games here and there. Population has increased so there are more fans to buy more tickets so it looks like there is more fan interest, but it's just not really there except for casual fandom. Also, MLB has done such a shit job of marketing players that people in other markets have no real clue who plays on other teams. Corbin Carroll, Zac Gallen, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien should be household names.

As long as people are betting like lunatics on the games, it's all good!

[Bellhorn04]

The stars of today don’t come close to the stars of yesterday when it comes to household names. When I started out as a fan the SP had as big a name as the sluggers. Koufax, Gibson, Mays, Mantle, Aaron, and Clemente just aren’t around anymore. The names you mentioned just doesn’t register against with the greats of the past.

You have to keep in mind we're a lot older now so that changes the perspective hugely.

Corey Seager is an awesome player and should be recognized as such.

[Dipre]

You have to keep in mind we're a lot older now so that changes the perspective hugely.

Corey Seager is an awesome player and should be recognized as such.

You see the list he's putting out, while we currently have in-prime Mookie Betts (ouch), Bryce Harper, the marvel that is Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, and guys like Ronald Acuña Jr and Juan Soto literally rewriting the record books. On the pitching side, generational talents like Scherzer, Verlander and Kershaw are wining down, and pitchers will never be as durable as they once were, but the sport is not lacking for stars, the sport is lacking for a competent Commish.

[Bellhorn04]

You see the list he's putting out, while we currently have in-prime Mookie Betts (ouch), Bryce Harper, the marvel that is Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, and guys like Ronald Acuña Jr and Juan Soto literally rewriting the record books. On the pitching side, generational talents like Scherzer, Verlander and Kershaw are wining down, and pitchers will never be as durable as they once were, but the sport is not lacking for stars, the sport is lacking for a competent Commish.

Agree 100%.

[Old Red]

You have to keep in mind we're a lot older now so that changes the perspective hugely.

Corey Seager is an awesome player and should be recognized as such.

I understand we’re older, and things have changed, but that doesn’t change that names recognition is still nowhere near the same. All of the players of today are on TV all the time where stars of yesteryear were only on the game of the week, or mostly weekends like the Red Sox were yet Maury Wills was a lot more well known then than Cory Seager is now.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

As long as people are betting like lunatics on the games, it's all good!

I automatically mute all betting features in pregames. Nothing against the hosts all dressed up in expensive clothes hoping you'll give them more money; this is the life they've chosen...

... but the old-timers in the booth pretending gambling is good are all sell-outs. It reeks of kick-backs from other companies that value profits over the well-being of the populace.

[notin]

You see the list he's putting out, while we currently have in-prime Mookie Betts (ouch), Bryce Harper, the marvel that is Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, and guys like Ronald Acuña Jr and Juan Soto literally rewriting the record books. On the pitching side, generational talents like Scherzer, Verlander and Kershaw are wining down, and pitchers will never be as durable as they once were, but the sport is not lacking for stars, the sport is lacking for a competent Commish.

Go get a microphone so you can drop it…

[mvp 78]

The stars of today don’t come close to the stars of yesterday when it comes to household names. When I started out as a fan the SP had as big a name as the sluggers. Koufax, Gibson, Mays, Mantle, Aaron, and Clemente just aren’t around anymore. The names you mentioned just doesn’t register against with the greats of the past.

Why not? Some of the guys today would put those guys on the fucking bench.

[mvp 78]

As long as people are betting like lunatics on the games, it's all good!

It makes my heart worse more so than whatever the ratings are.

[mvp 78]

You see the list he's putting out, while we currently have in-prime Mookie Betts (ouch), Bryce Harper, the marvel that is Shohei Ohtani as a two-way player, and guys like Ronald Acuña Jr and Juan Soto literally rewriting the record books. On the pitching side, generational talents like Scherzer, Verlander and Kershaw are wining down, and pitchers will never be as durable as they once were, but the sport is not lacking for stars, the sport is lacking for a competent Commish.

But we don't collect those baseball cards anymore so they must not be good players!

[notin]

You have to keep in mind we're a lot older now so that changes the perspective hugely.

Corey Seager is an awesome player and should be recognized as such.

And 20 years from now, someone will be saying (on whatever the medium is) that the players of the 2040s just don’t stack up the Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander…

[mvp 78]

I understand we’re older, and things have changed, but that doesn’t change that names recognition is still nowhere near the same. All of the players of today are on TV all the time where stars of yesteryear were only on the game of the week, or mostly weekends like the Red Sox were yet Maury Wills was a lot more well known then than Cory Seager is now.

Because the MLB does a shit job of marketing its stars. I already said this.

MLB spends too much time marketing "the game" as a "past time" or whatever. It's dumb. To bring in fans they need the superstars of today and tomorrow. There are HOFers playing right now that people are taking for granted.

[Old Red]

Because the MLB does a shit job of marketing its stars. I already said this.

MLB spends too much time marketing "the game" as a "past time" or whatever. It's dumb. To bring in fans they need the superstars of today and tomorrow. There are HOFers playing right now that people are taking for granted.

It’s just not as simple as marketing. To me the interest just isn’t the same as it used to be. Yes there are future HOF playing right now, but even if Mookie put up the same career numbers as Mays he would still not be held in the same esteem as Mays, and no marketing is going to change that. The game is held in a whole different light today, and even the stats are looked at in a whole differently light today, and the analytics of today aren’t held in as high esteem as the old BA, HR, and RBI did back in the day, and once again no marketing is going to change that. It is what it is. No one is being taken for granted it’s just not viewed the same, and as important.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

And Maury Wills was on TV shows that were only on one of three channels -- that everybody watched every night... back when people of all ages watched TV shows.

[Old Red]

But we don't collect those baseball cards anymore so they must not be good players!

That’s another good example of how things have changed. Baseball cards used to be a real big thing, and now they’re not. I’d probably be rich right now if I would have kept all the ones that I had instead of putting them in some bike spokes.

[Old Red]

And Maury Wills was on TV shows that were only on one of three channels -- that everybody watched every night... back when people of all ages watched TV shows.
Getting in the WS helped back then too, because everyone watched a lot more than they do today.

[Dipre]

It’s just not as simple as marketing. To me the interest just isn’t the same as it used to be. Yes there are future HOF playing right now, but even if Mookie put up the same career numbers as Mays he would still not be held in the same esteem as Mays, and no marketing is going to change that. The game is held in a whole different light today, and even the stats are looked at in a whole differently light today, and the analytics of today aren’t held in as high esteem as the old BA, HR, and RBI did back in the day, and once again no marketing is going to change that. It is what it is. No one is being taken for granted it’s just not viewed the same, and as important.

In summary: "I'm dead wrong so it's time to move the goalposts."

[Old Red]

Why not? Some of the guys today would put those guys on the fucking bench.

WOW! F’n bench!🙈😂🤭🤮

[mvp 78]

That’s another good example of how things have changed. Baseball cards used to be a real big thing, and now they’re not. I’d probably be rich right now if I would have kept all the ones that I had instead of putting them in some bike spokes.

You're wrong. Topps posted record sales in 2020 and 2021. Ebay sold $2B in cards in 2020.

[Old Red]

You're wrong. Topps posted record sales in 2020 and 2021. Ebay sold $2B in cards in 2020.

I wasn’t talking about sales, but if you think the cards are as big a deal today, as back in the 60’s, or so that’s fine.

[mvp 78]

Actually, the best players of all time were from my childhood and when I collected cards 1983 - 1992. Players before or after that weren't shit. That's when players were the most popular and were kids really liked baseball!

[mvp 78]

I wasn’t talking about sales, but if you think the cards are as big a deal today, as back in the 60’s, or so that’s fine.

In terms of popularity: Baseball card boom of the wax pack era (late 80's - early 90's) > now > 60's

It's just the truth. Just cause you're not into it, doesn't mean others aren't.

[Old Red]

In terms of popularity: Baseball card boom of the wax pack era (late 80's - early 90's) > now > 60's

It's just the truth. Just cause you're not into it, doesn't mean others aren't.

I’ll agree with that. I just don’t hear much, or anything about them anymore.

[Old Red]

Actually, the best players of all time were from my childhood and when I collected cards 1983 - 1992. Players before or after that weren't shit. That's when players were the most popular and were kids really liked baseball!

That’s your view from your era, and that’s fine, but different eras may have differing views, and that’s fine too. I guess the older you are the more you have seen, and have more you have to pick from, which might give you a different perspective.

[notin]

Getting in the WS helped back then too, because everyone watched a lot more than they do today.

But how much of that odd because the other options were “Mr. Ed” or “The Andy Griffith Show”?

[notin]

I wasn’t talking about sales, but if you think the cards are as big a deal today, as back in the 60’s, or so that’s fine.

So your point is baseball cards were more popular back when people spent less money on them?

[mvp 78]

That’s your view from your era, and that’s fine, but different eras may have differing views, and that’s fine too. I guess the older you are the more you have seen, and have more you have to pick from, which might give you a different perspective.

That post was an obvious joke post buddy. It was all in italics.

[mvp 78]

But how much of that odd because the other options were “Mr. Ed” or “The Andy Griffith Show”?

Mr Ed is one of the most popular shows of all time! More influential and important than Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones or whatever. Aside from the finale of MASH, it's Mr Ed.

[notin]

Mr Ed is one of the most popular shows of all time! More influential and important than Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones or whatever. Aside from the finale of MASH, it's Mr Ed.

Something that only further emphasizes my point about the quality of the other televised options…

[Bellhorn04]

Mr Ed is one of the most popular shows of all time! More influential and important than Breaking Bad or Game of Thrones or whatever. Aside from the finale of MASH, it's Mr Ed.

It's always animals with you.

[sk7326]

Given it was Rangers-Diamondbacks, even not knowing anything else we knew it would be low rated.

That said, I hate the idea of people making any huge talking points out of television ratings. If fans say they are tired of the Yankees and Dodgers, then act like it.

There are lots of reasons for baseball's slippage in the public imagination - part of it is less people watch any individual anything now (besides football games). And I do think the rules changes probably helped some of the reasons. But the big issue is that the sport doesn't market its players. I mean, you look up and down major league baseball's OWN media arm and with some notable exceptions (Sarah Langs, Pedro), it is chock full of commentators who rip the current product. Indeed, one of the guiltiest parties is working the World Series!

[moonslav59]

This might be the coldest take I've ever read regarding baseball ever.

..and nobody can sing like Frank Sinatra.



(We've become are parents.)

[mvp 78]

It's always animals with you.

I know what I know.

Gus
Mr Ed
Ed (the chimpanzee that plays baseball with Joey Tribbiani)
Sir Buddy "Air Bud" Fram
MVP (Most Valuable/Vertical Primate)
MXP (Most Xtreme Primate)

[moonslav59]

I know what I know.

Gus
Mr Ed
Ed (the chimpanzee that plays baseball with Joey Tribbiani)
Sir Buddy "Air Bud" Fram
MVP (Most Valuable/Vertical Primate)
MXP (Most Xtreme Primate)

No Flipper?

[mvp 78]

No Flipper?

Flipper is in a tier with Lassie and other non-sports related animals.

[moonslav59]

Flipper is in a tier with Lassie and other non-sports related animals.

Flipper was 10 times the athlete the lazy mr. Ed was.

[dgalehouse]

Years ago, just about every boy in the country had a stack of baseball cards. Today, there are collectors who are looking to make a profit, but the average kid is not that interested. For a number of reasons, the youth of America , with a few exceptions , is just not as into baseball as they were in the past. That has been the trend for a number of years. MLB is not too concerned because they are still making money

[notin]

Flipper was 10 times the athlete the lazy mr. Ed was.

Flipper was a world class swimmer that made Michael Phelps look like a leaky buoy!!

Mr. Ed was a lazy, shiftless blabbermouth who used his freakish ability to gossip as an excuse to not perform his duties as a horse…

[moonslav59]

Years ago, just about every boy in the country had a stack of baseball cards. Today, there are collectors who are looking to make a profit, but the average kid is not that interested. For a number of reasons, the youth of America , with a few exceptions , is just not as into baseball as they were in the past. That has been the trend for a number of years. MLB is not too concerned because they are still making money

I think the whole collectable cards thing went out of style after Pokemon.

Indeed, baseball is losing fan interest, and their half-ass efforts to "speed up the game" did not help add any new fans or keep any older ones more interested.

[moonslav59]

Flipper was a world class swimmer that made Michael Phelps look like a leaky buoy!!

Mr. Ed was a lazy, shiftless blabbermouth who used his freakish ability to gossip as an excuse to not perform his duties as a horse…

Indeed. He was antithesis to the concept of an athlete.

[mvp 78]

Flipper was 10 times the athlete the lazy mr. Ed was.

Flipper was more athletic for sure, but Mr Ed competed in more sporting events during his series.

[notin]

Flipper was more athletic for sure, but Mr Ed competed in more sporting events during his series.

That’s because no one else on the show was considered competition for Flipper…

[moonslav59]

Flipper was more athletic for sure, but Mr Ed competed in more sporting events during his series.

He'd be roasted alive, here, if he was ever a Red Sox.

[notin]

I think the whole collectable cards thing went out of style after Pokemon.

Indeed, baseball is losing fan interest, and their half-ass efforts to "speed up the game" did not help add any new fans or keep any older ones more interested.

I really do think the rise of streaming platforms and the increased quality of content they supply is another huge factor. Casual baseball fans used to watch the World Series simply since it might have been the best of three options. But today, if you don’t like the teams involved, you can go catch up on Ted Lasso or The Last of Us instead, which you could not do in 1980…

[mvp 78]

I think the whole collectable cards thing went out of style after Pokemon.

Indeed, baseball is losing fan interest, and their half-ass efforts to "speed up the game" did not help add any new fans or keep any older ones more interested.

Pokemon didn't reach the US until '98 alongside the cartoon. This was after the card industry crashed with the ending of the junk wax era in '93. The one notable card collectible that did come out right after the junk wax era was Magic: the Gathering. I'm not sure if it peaked in popularity until much later though.

[mvp 78]

Flipper was a world class swimmer that made Michael Phelps look like a leaky buoy!!

Mr. Ed was a lazy, shiftless blabbermouth who used his freakish ability to gossip as an excuse to not perform his duties as a horse…

"His duties." That's really messed up and humanistic of you.

[notin]

"His duties." That's really messed up and humanistic of you.

Hey I didn’t make the rules in rural America. Mr Ed was on a farm and expected to carry his share of the load as opposed to just being a loquacious welfare recipient…

[mvp 78]

That’s because no one else on the show was considered competition for Flipper…

Flipper couldn't find spare time to compete because he was actually too busy knocking up dolphins and then abandoning them and their babies for that Jezebel "Lorelei."

[mvp 78]

Hey I didn’t make the rules in rural America. Mr Ed was on a farm and expected to carry his share of the load as opposed to just being a loquacious welfare recipient…

Wilbur was an architect who lived in San Fernando Valley. Rural America... Yeah, right...

[Old Red]

That post was an obvious joke post buddy. It was all in italics.

I got that point, and the weren’t shit part punctuated that, but that didn’t change my response.

[5GoldGloves:OF,75]

Nobody could get close to Spot, who lived under the staircase on 1313 Mockingbird Lane.

... maybe Eddie (mold glove winner)

[Old Red]

But how much of that odd because the other options were “Mr. Ed” or “The Andy Griffith Show”?

Is that the best you got on why watching the WS was a bigger thing back in the day? Everyone knows that the WS was played strictly in the daytime back in those days, and the shows you mentioned were nighttime shows. Good try though.

[notin]

Is that the best you got on why watching the WS was a bigger thing back in the day? Everyone knows that the WS was played strictly in the daytime back in those days, and the shows you mentioned were nighttime shows. Good try though.

You just added a whole new wrinkle to my point. Day time TV always sucks. And I am positive that statement applied in the 1960s.

By 1971, the World Series was being played at night…

[Old Red]

You just added a whole new wrinkle to my point. Day time TV always sucks. And I am positive that statement applied in the 1960s.

By 1971, the World Series was being played at night…

You didn’t have a point to begin with, or at least a good one.

[notin]

Wilbur was an architect who lived in San Fernando Valley. Rural America... Yeah, right...

You know far too much about that show. Although honestly, you could have told me Wilbur was a serial killer acting on orders from split personality as voiced by a talking horse, and I would have either had to believe you or look it up.

And if it was true, I’d be streaming that show right now…

[notin]

You didn’t have a point to begin with, or at least a good one.

Sure I did. A big part of World Series ratings in the 1960s was that everything else on TV was awful…

[Old Red]

Sure I did. A big part of World Series ratings in the 1960s was that everything else on TV was awful…

That’s funny I never heard that theory anywhere else, or from anyone else. You must have scooped everyone else all these years.

[mvp 78]

You know far too much about that show. Although honestly, you could have told me Wilbur was a serial killer acting on orders from split personality as voiced by a talking horse, and I would have either had to believe you or look it up.

And if it was true, I’d be streaming that show right now…

That could make a good gritty reboot.

[notin]

That’s funny I never heard that theory anywhere else, or from anyone else. You must have scooped everyone else all these years.

Which is odd because it’s the simplest solution, and Occam’s Razor tells you the simplest solution is usually correct…

[Old Red]

Which is odd because it’s the simplest solution, and Occam’s Razor tells you the simplest solution is usually correct…

That to me would be on the bottom of the list of solutions for most fans.

[notin]

That could make a good gritty reboot.

I plan on pitching it to Apple TV…

[notin]

That to me would be on the bottom of the list of solutions for most fans.

… Which means nothing as to whether or not it’s true…

[Old Red]

… Which means nothing as to whether or not it’s true…

Neither does thinking, or saying it’s true.

[Old Red]

Imagine for all these years I thought I skipped school a couple of times in Oct of 67 was because I wanted to watch the WS.

[jad]

I see that in the last 40 posts or so, not one has been about the present WS. And yet Manfred says, and Manfred is an honorable man, Manfred says ....

[moonslav59]

Imagine for all these years I thought I skipped school a couple of times in Oct of 67 was because I wanted to watch the WS.

I remember sneaking a radio into school with an earplug.

[Bellhorn04]

I really do think the rise of streaming platforms and the increased quality of content they supply is another huge factor. Casual baseball fans used to watch the World Series simply since it might have been the best of three options. But today, if you don’t like the teams involved, you can go catch up on Ted Lasso or The Last of Us instead, which you could not do in 1980…

Which raises again the two-part question: where the heck is all the money in today's game coming from, and is the bubble going to eventually burst?

[harmony]

I remember sneaking a radio into school with an earplug.
I remember my junior high science teacher letting me listen to the 1969 World Series in class on the radio with my earplug. The game had been over a few minutes when the teacher unplugged the ear device, unleashing "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies from a different radio station.

BTW that teacher's son is a VP with the Chicago White Sox, where he has worked for 32 years.

[Bellhorn04]

I see that in the last 40 posts or so, not one has been about the present WS. And yet Manfred says, and Manfred is an honorable man, Manfred says ....

I'm hoping for Texas, that's about all I got.

[moonslav59]

Which raises again the two-part question: where the heck is all the money in today's game coming from, and is the bubble going to eventually burst?

Higher ticket and cable prices and merchandising?

The second Q is hard to guess. It might just be a very slow but constant decline.

[moonslav59]

I'm hoping for Texas, that's about all I got.

I usually root for the AL, unless it's NYY or HOU, but I just don't like Tex, except for Nate.

[Bellhorn04]

I usually root for the AL, unless it's NYY or HOU, but I just don't like Tex, except for Nate.

Same, Nate is the only player I care much about. I'm against Arizona because I don't think they should be in the playoffs to start with.

[moonslav59]

Same, Nate is the only player I care much about. I'm against Arizona because I don't think they should be in the playoffs to start with.

I don't like the fact the most of the Texas team is bought.

I know that makes me a hypocrite, because I want us to spend like them.

[notin]

Imagine for all these years I thought I skipped school a couple of times in Oct of 67 was because I wanted to watch the WS.

And can you name one other show you skipped school to go watch?

[Bellhorn04]

And can you name one other show you skipped school to go watch?

For me the World Series was a big deal starting when I was 9 years old in 1965. I liked the Dodgers because of Koufax and Drysdale. They beat the Twins in 7. I didn't skip school but I did rush home to watch the games.

[harmony]

Which raises again the two-part question: where the heck is all the money in today's game coming from, and is the bubble going to eventually burst?
1. Sponsorships and the related luxury suites, plus revenues from vasted expanded sports betting legalized by a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision

https://globalsportsinsights.com/

2. Who knows?