A Realistic View of 2023: Part II

[Old Red]

The AL Beast is unbelievable right now.

 

The Yankees are coming now too getting healthier in the process. It was nice seeing them flopping around in the basement, but you knew they wasn’t going to stay there. Tampa may be the best team, but have had lots of injuries to the pitching staff, and don’t think they can keep up the pace,so it should be a long close interesting season.

[oldtimer]

That's baseball, man. It's what happens when you play every day.

 

They need pitching to return from the IL so they don't overuse Jansem.

[moonslav59]

Out of the WC, now- by a half game.

 

Too bad, it's the Yanks.

 

+1.5 TOR

+0.5 NYY

-0.5 BOS

-1.5 LAA

-2.0 HOU & SEA

 

These two loses hurt. Too many what ifs to list. We need to make sure this doesn't set a trend that cannot be overcome. Just win, baby- one game at a time!

[moonslav59]

It's interesting that the bats and pen picked up the starters for most of the first 38 games of so, and now that the rotation seems to be getting their act together, the other areas show signs of cracking.

 

I hope it is just temporary. I gotta think, if our SP'ers find a sustained groove, the rest will fall into place, and we'll be fine.

 

[moonslav59]

Most games vs >.500 teams (record)

 

32 BOS (17-15)

29 NYY (14-15)

22 TBR (13-9)

20 BAL (11-9)

 

Non ALE

27 HOU (15-12)

22 LAA (8-14)

21 TEX (14-7)

18 SEA (6-12)

13 MIN (7-6)

 

NL

18 PHI (8-12)

17 LAD (9-8)

17 PIT (6-11)

15 MIL (8-7)

13 AZ (8-5)

10 ATL (3-7)

[Bellhorn04]

It's interesting that the bats and pen picked up the starters for most of the first 38 games of so, and now that the rotation seems to be getting their act together, the other areas show signs of cracking.

 

All that really happened the last 2 games is that our closer blew them. Which is very worrisome, of course, but that's basically all that happened. If he did his job we'd have 2 more wins and all be feeling good right now.

[moonslav59]

All that really happened the last 2 games is that our closer blew them. Which is very worrisome, of course, but that's basically all that happened. If he did his job we'd have 2 more wins and all be feeling good right now.

 

True, but Jansen did not lose both of those games, by himself. I could create a long list that would include Wink, Kike, absurd time clock violations, but those were team losses.

 

I'm more concerned about Jansen's loss of velo than 2 blown saves, back-to-back, although they are likely related. I', concerned about a lot of things, but to me, this team has been showing a lot of grit. I have a much different sense about this team compared to 2022's- not that my "sense" makes a difference in our chances at winning.

 

The team seems more united, motivated and gritty, but that's just my opinion.

 

 

 

[Bellhorn04]

True, but Jansen did not lose both of those games, by himself. I could create a long list that would include Wink, Kike, absurd time clock violations, but those were team losses.

 

I'm more concerned about Jansen's loss of velo than 2 blown saves, back-to-back, although they are likely related. I', concerned about a lot of things, but to me, this team has been showing a lot of grit. I have a much different sense about this team compared to 2022's- not that my "sense" makes a difference in our chances at winning.

 

The team seems more united, motivated and gritty, but that's just my opinion.

 

I don't disagree with you. But we all know the 2023 season and Bloom will be judged mainly on whether we make the playoffs or not. As of right now it still looks like a question of which AL East team we can beat out.

[moonslav59]

I don't disagree with you. But we all know the 2023 season and Bloom will be judged mainly on whether we make the playoffs or not. As of right now it still looks like a question of which AL East team we can beat out.

 

No doubt.

 

Surely, we are not favorites to make the WC or finish above 4th in the ALE. Many feel the odds are more than 50-50 we finish last. I don't agree, but I understand why they feel that way.

 

That does not excuse absurd comments some are making based on our recent 5 games.

[Old Red]

No doubt.

 

Surely, we are not favorites to make the WC or finish above 4th in the ALE. Many feel the odds are more than 50-50 we finish last. I don't agree, but I understand why they feel that way.

 

That does not excuse absurd comments some are making based on our recent 5 games.

 

Are you still doing the standings, and Wildcard rankings, or are you going to stop like you did last year? Recent 5 games, but the 8 game winning streak was top of the world. That’s why you always have to tell the WHOLE story. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The 8 game winning streak didn’t make the season, and getting swept in Tampa didn’t either. The sweep of the Jays, and the recent 5 games are just chapters in a long story too that hasn’t been finished yet, and that’s why I don’t get caught up in scoreboard, and standing watching this early in the season.

[moonslav59]

Are you still doing the standings, and Wildcard rankings, or are you going to stop like you did last year? Recent 5 games, but the 8 game winning streak was top of the world. That’s why you always have to tell the WHOLE story. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The 8 game winning streak didn’t make the season, and getting swept in Tampa didn’t either. The sweep of the Jays, and the recent 5 games are just chapters in a long story too that hasn’t been finished yet, and that’s why I don’t get caught up in scoreboard, and standing watching this early in the season.

 

Good for you! Thanks for always telling the whole half-empty story.

 

BTW, when I stopped posting the standings, because I felt we were out of it, you took over.

 

Old & stale.

 

[Old Red]

Oh no! According to Peter Gammons Bobby D is on the trade block. I’m sure Bloom’s phone is ringing nonstop.

[dgalehouse]

It is May 14. We are not in the heat of a pennant race at this time. The standings updates and wild card chase is extremely premature. Let the season play out a little bit.

[moonslav59]

It is May 14. We are not in the heat of a pennant race at this time. The standings updates and wild card chase is extremely premature. Let the season play out a little bit.

 

If it is of no interest to you, just ignore it.

 

Yes, they are premature and will mean more as the season plays out more.

 

There seems to be about 7-8 teams trying for those 3 slots. I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but I like to know where we stand. I don't think I'm alone.

[Old Red]

If it is of no interest to you, just ignore it.

 

Yes, they are premature and will mean more as the season plays out more.

 

There seems to be about 7-8 teams trying for those 3 slots. I'm sure there will be ups and downs, but I like to know where we stand. I don't think I'm alone.

 

You only like to know where we stand when we are winning. For myself I like to know ALL the time. I don’t think I’m alone.

[jad]

True, but Jansen did not lose both of those games, by himself. I could create a long list that would include Wink, Kike, absurd time clock violations, but those were team losses.

 

I'm more concerned about Jansen's loss of velo than 2 blown saves, back-to-back, although they are likely related. I', concerned about a lot of things, but to me, this team has been showing a lot of grit. I have a much different sense about this team compared to 2022's- not that my "sense" makes a difference in our chances at winning.

 

The team seems more united, motivated and gritty, but that's just my opinion.

 

 

 

 

The time clock violations were (at least the ones I saw) called because Jansen started into his wind up (with plenty of time on the clock), before the batter was even close to being ready. They were really for 'quick-pitches', no?, not for taking too much time.

[Maxbialystock]

True, but Jansen did not lose both of those games, by himself. I could create a long list that would include Wink, Kike, absurd time clock violations, but those were team losses.

 

I'm more concerned about Jansen's loss of velo than 2 blown saves, back-to-back, although they are likely related. I', concerned about a lot of things, but to me, this team has been showing a lot of grit. I have a much different sense about this team compared to 2022's- not that my "sense" makes a difference in our chances at winning.

 

The team seems more united, motivated and gritty, but that's just my opinion.

 

I do not disagree with your take on the team as a whole. Something is working in their favor despite all the injuries, the doubtful rotation (now possibly righting itself), defensive issues, and now a semi-collapse of the bullpen.

 

 

 

 

Oh, give me a freaking break. Jansen had the easiest job of anyone in both games and blew both of them. In one total inning pitched, he gave up 5 earned runs. I do agree his loss of velocity was/is a factor, but I also then question his over-reliance on his fastball. And I definitely question Cora's decision to bring him back out there yesterday, Saturday, after the debacle Friday night. Just stupid--or, just as likely, an indictment of his own bullpen because he clearly thought no one else on that team was capable of getting 3 outs with a 2 run lead in the 9th.

 

Did the ump's calls against Jansen piss me off? Yes, they did. But apparently they were correct calls.

 

I do not disagree with your take on the team as a whole. Something is working--and allowing them to win games--despite the retread rotation (now righting itself), the defensive lapses, and now a bullpen that coughs up runs like an asthmatic.

Edited May 14, 2023 by Maxbialystock

[Hugh2]

Oh no! According to Peter Gammons Bobby D is on the trade block. I’m sure Bloom’s phone is ringing nonstop.

 

There are plenty of teams who would take Bobby Dalbec.

[moonslav59]

A quarter of season is behind us, and here is where the ALE teams rank in fWAR, position by position:

 

(Ignore, if you don't care.)

 

Catcher

4. BAL 1.3

17. BOS 0.6

18. NYY 0.6

19. TBR 0.6

22. TOR 0.2

 

1B

1. TBR 3.1

4. NYY 1.4

10. TOR 1.0

19. BAL 0.1

24. BOS -0.2

 

2B

3. TBR 1.8

11. BAL 0.8

16. NYY 0.6

19. BOS 0.4

24. TOR -0.2

 

3B

1. TBR 2.1

2. TOR 1.9

8. BOS 1.0

11. BAL 0.7

13. NYY 0.6

 

SS

1. TBR 2.3

4. TOR 1.7

9. BAL 1.3

15. NYY 0.7

26. BOS -0.1

LF

2. TBR 1.9

10. TOR 1.2

13. BOS 0.9

19. BAL 0.4

30. NYY -0.8

 

CF

1. BOS 2.7

9. BAL 1.4

10. TOR 1.3

11. NYY 1.3

16. TBR 0.9

 

RF

1. TBR 3.3

4. BOS 1.6

11. NYY 0.8

21. BAL 0.1

30. TOR -1.0

 

DH

5. TBR 0.9

6. BOS 0.9

17. BAL 0.1

18. NYY 0.1

20. TOR 0.1

 

SP

4. TBR 4.4

11. TOR 3.3

16. NYY 2.6

23. BAL 1.4

25. BOS 1.1

 

RP

2. BAL 2.5

9. NYY 1.5

16. BOS 1.0

17. TOR 0.9

22. TBR 0.4

_________________

 

Pitching:

8. TBR 4.8

10. TOR 4.2

13. NYY 4.1

15. BAL 3.9

25. BOS 2.1

 

Everyday

1. TBR 13.9

6. BOS 6.7

9. TOR 6.0

13. BAL 5.4

18. NYY 4.4

 

Overall

18.7 TBR

10.2 TOR

9.3 BAL

8.8 BOS

8.5 NYY

 

Obviously, SP & SS are our biggest needs. 1B and 2B are not far behind.

 

[moonslav59]

There are plenty of teams who would take Bobby Dalbec.

 

He might be a FT'er on 3-4 teams and a platoon on 3-4 others.

 

The problem is, not many teams seek a questionable player who is best at DH.

 

[moonslav59]

Oh, give me a freaking break. Jansen had the easiest job of anyone in both games and blew both of them. In one total inning pitched, he gave up 5 earned runs. I do agree his loss of velocity was/is a factor, but I also then question his over-reliance on his fastball. And I definitely question Cora's decision to bring him back out there yesterday, Saturday, after the debacle Friday night. Just stupid--or, just as likely, an indictment of his own bullpen because he clearly thought no one else on that team was capable of getting 3 outs with a 2 run lead in the 9th.

 

Did the ump's calls against Jansen piss me off? Yes, they did. But apparently they were correct calls.

 

I do not disagree with your take on the team as a whole. Something is working--and allowing them to win games--despite the retread rotation (now righting itself), the defensive lapses, and now a bullpen that coughs up runs like an asthmatic.

 

Jansen sucked. I never said otherwise.

 

I have no issue with people questioning choices made, but it doesn't mean I have to agree or more importantly, think it is something I like to do.

 

Other factors contributed to both losses. Certainly Jansen was a major factor in both losses.

 

He has also been a major factor in many wins. I don't expect perfection.

 

[Hugh2]

He might be a FT'er on 3-4 teams and a platoon on 3-4 others.

 

The problem is, not many teams seek a questionable player who is best at DH.

 

 

Without question Dalbecs value isn’t at an all time high, not even close. But it’s also likely not as low as some think it is as well.

 

GMs aren’t like fans and get emotional and let those emotions drive opinions on players like us fans are. Teams know what Bobby D is, they know he has serious issues, they also know there was a MLBer in there at some point and they might see something they think they can fix.

 

Think of it this way. Most fans in here at the end of last season would probably assume Jarren Duran had no value, he still had value because there wasn’t anybody out there who didn’t think he couldn’t do what he was doing now….they just probably figured it a long shot. Long shots happen, now Durran has even more value, but he had something earlier too.

 

Don’t expect a top ten prospect for Bobby. But you get something for him.

[moonslav59]

The time clock violations were (at least the ones I saw) called because Jansen started into his wind up (with plenty of time on the clock), before the batter was even close to being ready. They were really for 'quick-pitches', no?, not for taking too much time.

 

So, the batter steps out and then back in with one second left, and Jansen has to thrown it in one second?

 

One call made no sense at all.

 

Again, that was not why we lost.

[moonslav59]

Without question Dalbecs value isn’t at an all time high, not even close. But it’s also likely not as low as some think it is as well.

 

GMs aren’t like fans and get emotional and let those emotions drive opinions on players like us fans are. Teams know what Bobby D is, they know he has serious issues, they also know there was a MLBer in there at some point and they might see something they think they can fix.

 

Think of it this way. Most fans in here at the end of last season would probably assume Jarren Duran had no value, he still had value because there wasn’t anybody out there who didn’t think he couldn’t do what he was doing now….they just probably figured it a long shot. Long shots happen, now Durran has even more value, but he had something earlier too.

 

Don’t expect a top ten prospect for Bobby. But you get something for him.

 

I don't really expect a top 15 prospect. More likely, we'd get someone like a high salary, but useful player at a position of need or someone like EValdez or WAbreu.

[dgalehouse]

Oh, give me a freaking break. Jansen had the easiest job of anyone in both games and blew both of them. In one total inning pitched, he gave up 5 earned runs. I do agree his loss of velocity was/is a factor, but I also then question his over-reliance on his fastball. And I definitely question Cora's decision to bring him back out there yesterday, Saturday, after the debacle Friday night. Just stupid--or, just as likely, an indictment of his own bullpen because he clearly thought no one else on that team was capable of getting 3 outs with a 2 run lead in the 9th.

 

Did the ump's calls against Jansen piss me off? Yes, they did. But apparently they were correct calls.

 

I do not disagree with your take on the team as a whole. Something is working--and allowing them to win games--despite the retread rotation (now righting itself), the defensive lapses, and now a bullpen that coughs up runs like an asthmatic.

 

Closing a game is never the easiest job. The pressure is on . Everything is amped up in the ninth inning. The pitcher knows it, the hitters know it, the catcher knows it, the managers know it, the fans know it, the announcers know it. Everyone knows it. The peanut vendor knows it. Everyone except you.

[notin]

Closing a game is never the easiest job. The pressure is on . Everything is amped up in the ninth inning. The pitcher knows it, the hitters know it, the catcher knows it, the managers know it, the fans know it, the announcers know it. Everyone knows it. The peanut vendor knows it. Everyone except you.

 

Are you sure?

 

Fans get excited. Absolutely. Announcers get excited, because it’s their job to get everyone excited.

 

But how do you figure the players do? They see 162 ninth innings per year. That’s more than the number of Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays combined. And they’ve been seeing them their entire lives. It’s not too hard to believe they view that one game situation differently than you do.

 

I don’t think we as fans necessarily share the mentality with professional athletes, whether we want to or not. And I suspect one of the biggest factors in weeding out the pros from the normies is the ability to ignore pressure…

[notin]

Oh no! According to Peter Gammons Bobby D is on the trade block. I’m sure Bloom’s phone is ringing nonstop.

 

Dalbec has good numbers vs LHP and makes minimum wage. Finding a taker won’t be difficult. But you’re not getting back anything noteworthy…

[Bellhorn04]

Are you sure?

 

Fans get excited. Absolutely. Announcers get excited, because it’s their job to get everyone excited.

 

But how do you figure the players do? They see 162 ninth innings per year. That’s more than the number of Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays combined. And they’ve been seeing them their entire lives. It’s not too hard to believe they view that one game situation differently than you do.

 

I don’t think we as fans necessarily share the mentality with professional athletes, whether we want to or not. And I suspect one of the biggest factors in weeding out the pros from the normies is the ability to ignore pressure…

 

OTOH I was reading an article yesterday about 3 players who went on the IL before this season with anxiety, including of course Daniel Bard.

 

The fact is we know very little about what these guys go through and how they handle it.

[Old Red]

OTOH I was reading an article yesterday about 3 players who went on the IL before this season with anxiety, including of course Daniel Bard.

 

The fact is we know very little about what these guys go through and how they handle it.

Bard had a good year last year too.

[notin]

OTOH I was reading an article yesterday about 3 players who went on the IL before this season with anxiety, including of course Daniel Bard.

 

The fact is we know very little about what these guys go through and how they handle it.

 

 

1. I agree we know nothing about it. That’s why I mentioned the other possibility that you ignored.

 

2. Anxiety is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to handle everyday mundane activities and actually isn’t related to high pressure situations (where anxieties are quite common).