Just curious. Who is your team/how is it doing? Favorite player? We’re getting to the All-Star break and things can get pretty interesting afterwards. I’ll come check this out tomorrow.
I watch for fun and something to do, definitely not a super fan. I watch my local team…[clue]: they have 2 of the best players in the league but can’t win a damn game.
@Ignorant Yeah we’ve had years like that where the Sox have 1 or 2 good players but couldn’t seem to put it together it was frustrating. Both are in the All-Star game though gives you a reason to tune in. I mean Ohtani is a great pitcher and maybe even a better hitter? It’s crazy he has that sort of ability.
@Targaryen for sure. They are both fun to watch, it’s just a shame the team can’t give them a little more support. Our pitching has been crap for years.
@Ignorant I think it has a lot to do with the reduction of team investments in minor league programs. A lot of clubs are pulling funds so they can make big splashy trades and contracts at the bigs level and not working on building up talent. It’s always been a problem but I think it’s starting to catch up to teams.
I’m a CO Rockies fan, but it’s depressing. They trade away their best players - WTF?!? Arenado went to St. Louis and Trevor Story went to Boston. It makes it hard to stay interested.
@Kyeh Yeah we picked up Story which was pretty good for us. Rockies are in a tough league too you’ve got the Dodgers sitting comfortably on top. Rockies should pick up Dalbec, he’s a .250 hitter and gets some homeruns but he might not have a regular position in the come off-season.
@Kyeh I feel your pain - If the A’s would just keep the same players into the next season it would be amazing. As it is a great percentage of MVPs and Cy Young and Golden Glove (or otherwise star players) once played for the A’s. My hand is in perpetual hi/bye mode.
@Kyeh@ladyhawke001 yeah, it’s amazing how well they performed after losing their excellent players year after year. Apparently not enough moneyball this year.
@DTominator@Kyeh@ladyhawke001 And not to mention since the Rockies since they aren’t a huge long lasting team big deep pockets they need that loyalty to put asses in seats.
@DTominator@ladyhawke001@Targaryen Well, I’ve heard some people say that the Montforts (owners) don’t feel a real need to win because Denver is such a great sports-fan city. The stadium is right downtown and surrounded by bars, so maybe they figure that fans come for the party atmosphere and their rooftop bar and they’ll make money regardless?
@DTominator@Kyeh@ladyhawke001 That’s probably right too you have the Broncos around there. Having stuff to hang out and walk around to do outside a stadium makes a huge difference. I’m here in Dallas and the Rangers have a hard time getting people to the game. They can fit 48k but are barely putting in even half that average per game.
Yeah I know that feeling watching one of your own putting in work for another team like “we could have had all that.”
@DTominator@ladyhawke001@Targaryen Well, this article shows where they’ve been putting their money - I haven’t been there to see it yet, but I guess it’s pretty successful: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/mcgregor-square-denver-opens
So the team seems to be coming second to all this now.
Meanwhile the Broncos have been bought by the Walton family, so I suppose they should be able to pad their roster with all the best players.
@DTominator@Kyeh@ladyhawke001It’s there to appeal to the casuals as well I assume. Here in Dallas so far there isn’t anything to really do after a game (hang out, drink, shop) nearby so they’re only getting baseball fans that want to drive in and out. Not to mention it’s friggin hot here not a lot of people want to walk around when it’s like 100 degrees outside.
I’m a SF Giants diehard. My favorite player retired last year, Buster Posey, and we sure do miss him. They are playing rotten defense, everyone is in a slump, and while starting pitching is decent, the bullpen gives it away and is inconsistent. Wrong division to be in to try and get a playoff spot.
@DTominator Yeah say @Kyeh tough league with Dodgers looking good right now. I hate when pitching is either-or. Either your starting pitching sucks or your relief sucks. Are they at least building a decent minor league?
@DTominator You ever miss saying you were going to the “Stick” to see a game? Not just because they demolished it,but in general, that most of the stadiums take the name of the highest bidding corporation. That’s sad as I see it.
@detailer I’ve been to Candlestick as a kid. Got to see Bonds (the Dad) and Willie Mac. Froze to death during night games…if you could see the game with the fog rolling in over the field. I moved away and have been to the “new” stadium only once. Was a cool 50 degrees that night in early Sept.
@DTominator@Targaryen The Rockies have done well with their minor league teams - that’s where Arenado and Story came from. But I feel like they’re just serving as a kind of farm team to the big-money clubs, because once the good players get to the major league they end up leaving! It is a tough division, too.
@tinamarie1974 Agreed. It moves too slow. When the action happens,you have to admire the athletic ability it takes to play at a professional level. A timer on the pitcher might speed things up some. The pitcher shakes off signs from the catcher so long that the batter calls time and begins their ritual of readiness all over again. That’s more time than Hagelin would take for two end to end break aways. Both with goals scored.
@tinamarie1974 I like the pace, but I don’t usually go to the games. I like having it on TV and doing other things while it’s on. There’s a kind of relaxed summer feeling to it, for me.
I also like tennis and the Tour de France, so I’m used to being a fan of the less popular sports. I won’t watch golf, though.
@detailer I use to get free suite seats from FedEx, right behind home plate. I only recall watching one game while in the suite it was Game Six where David Freeze saved the cards from loosing the WS. We came back to win in game 7. THAT was exciting.
In my defense though I would always bring one or two people that were big fans and I would wait on them (food, beer, etc) so they didnt have to miss the action.
@Kyeh@tinamarie1974 I like the atmosphere of baseball and the stadiums but there is something to be said for watching it on tv too. You’re getting all the stats and personality as well. I’d remember summers sitting in my room reading or gaming or something but I’d have the game on the radio.
@Targaryen@tinamarie1974 I definitely need the announcers for hockey - I still can’t see what’s going on because it’s all going so fast and I’m not familiar with the rules. But in baseball too sometimes it’s not clear if a guy’s actually out, etc. I didn’t grow up watching any sport.
@Kyeh@tinamarie1974 Live-in-person hockey is probably the better sport to watch. Baseball when you’re checking in from what feels like 1.5 miles away in right field it’s hard to know what’s happening sometimes. You just see some people suddenly move every once in a while. Some of what baseball is comes down to the pitcher-hitter duel and if you aren’t close you don’t get to see all that. TV is good because it fills in a lot of gaps.
@Kyeh@Targaryen full disclosure, if Im at a ball game I have learned to just jump up and cheer when ever everyone does. Nonidea what happened, I just cheer along
@Targaryen@tinamarie1974 Make sure it’s the team your friends are rooting for!
I’ve seen people at games with little radios - that always seemed like a good idea.
@Kyeh@tinamarie1974 haha I saw a game in Korea once with a friend and we were in the “home team” section but the other team was the team I had adopted. I have a soft spot for perenially underdog teams, so my adopted team knocks in a homerun (still lost the game) and I jumped up and cheered before I realized oops wrong side.
@mike808 It’s the same down in Rangers territory. I have to “watch” the games on Google in PbP or radio if I can find it. The Rangers are an ok team, I’ll go to a Sox when they’re in town.
@Barney 31-51 kinda hurts but you aren’t that far behind the others if they can put a few games together I feel like they’ll climb. You’ve got Benintendi too he used to play for us!
@Targaryen I’m used to the good and the bad with KC. I’ve been following them since George Brett (actually longer than that, but I won’t admit how long). Anyway they will be good again, I just hope they don’t wait 30 years for another World Series Championship, if that’s their pattern.
Speaking of World Series, @mike808, wasn’t it the Cardinals who KC smacked around to win it in '85?
@phendrick The projected ending record of 79-86 isn’t even awful it’s fairly close to .500 it just feels awful converting a few of those close games to wins would put them in wild card running. After All-star break maybe the Rangers will turn it around, some people believe the real season starts after AS break.
@Targaryen Yesterday’s game (7/11) was pretty interesting; several unusual events occurred. I watched it through 4th inning then again from 8th. If you get a chance, see if you can watch a TV replay to savor some baseball.
Highlights especially: bottom of 2nd and 6th, top of 8th and 9th!
TL;DR: Rangers won, but it was still a nail-biter until last out.
If you would have had a chance to bet at the end of 7, you probably would have bet the farm on the Rangers.
If you’re pressed for time: Key Moments and there are some videos to go with these, but not as good as watching (taped) live action.
@phendrick I definitely can get Rangers radio here and I get to catch some games via Amazon Prime when they offer the occasional free game. I’ll look up last nights game for sure.
@medz@Targaryen Absolutely. Google Santana. Check out early works… Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and Evil Ways. Then thirty years later, Smooth. That one brought him back to regular air play. Enjoy
I’m a life-long diehard Cubs fan from the Dave Kingman era who now lives north of San Diego. I’ve happily subscribed to the MLB package just to watch them for the past 7 or 8 years now.
Philly area guy so a Phillies area guy. They’re an interesting team, on a slow rise. Schwarber has been an amazing addition and I’m really happy for him that he’s going to the All Star Game. I fall into that category of people who absolutely despised Harper when he came up so young. Cocky and too damn good to be on the competition. But damn, I have an entirely new respect for him since he signed with the Phils. The fact that a player of that caliber just wanted to sign a contract to play out his career with one team is amazing. He’s said and done all the right things and absolutely earned the MVP last season. He’s certainly grown up and it’s fun to watch him play (when he’s not injured).
@cinoclav Right some players are chasing the bag and that’s fine. I mean, you’ve trained and played your entire life for peanuts if not for free. Nothing wrong with getting paid for it. But having those players that stick with one team for whatever reason is the sort of baseball spirit that people like about baseball and is sort of selfless sports-wise.
@cinoclav It’s probably one of those cases where he probably mellowed out as he got older too and realized that staying in a place that appreciates him is better than him moving again.
@Targaryen He clearly didn’t understand Philly then. We’ll love him as long as continues to put forth his best effort. Slack off once and he’s on the shit list and off the Christmas card list.
@Targaryen I guess I like having things evened up. For the Rockies especially pitching is tricky due to our altitude and dry air. So finding guys who can pitch at home and away AND hit is hard. But it does take some of the strategy out of it.
@Kyeh Yeah I wonder if it’ll change the economy of player development eventually. Baseball does need to make a few changes so it’s nice to see them trying some stuff.
@phendrick Yeah I think a season or two should give us some numbers to look over and see if it was a good idea. I’ve seen some people suggesting even scrapping NL and the AL or trading teams in conferences so it’ll be interesting what happens.
@Targaryen Hate, hate, hate it. It takes a bit of the strategy out of the game. Working your lineup around the pitcher’s spot in the order requires savvy planning. Do you pull a pitcher who’s throwing well for a pinch hitter? Do you take your chances and let that pitcher hit? The DH is a cheap way of MLB pushing for more runs. The only rule I dislike more is the automatic runner in extra innings. Just let them play the game the way it should be played.
@cinoclav@Targaryen l’m not in favor of the DH. I love it when the pitcher gets that (rare!) surprise hit or helps himself at the plate. I agree with @cinoclav that strategy is different and requires more thought. I’m just an OG, so that should give you an idea of my feelings for the runner at 2nd in extra innings.
@cinoclav@DTominator That makes sense my guess is that baseball is generally looking for the easiest things to change to make the game more exciting or speed it up. I’m guessing since few pitchers can hit well it’s easier for them to plug in another hitter (and runs speed up the game) rather than try and find a pitcher than can hit. There’s never a shortage of available hitting.
@DTominator@Targaryen On the contrary, I would think a lousy hitting pitcher would move the game along faster than a good hitter who tends to foul off more pitches. They have a different plan to speed up the game. The pitch clock is coming to the majors next season. Apparently it’s shaved quite a bit of time off the game in the minors. I’m also not a fan of this move. I enjoy a nice relaxing day at the ballpark. For where ticket prices are going I’d like to get my moneys worth.
@cinoclav@Targaryen And if the DH does get a hit, then the inning is longer, so how does that shorten the game? Many of the Giants pitchers are fast at getting the signs and then throwing the pitch. It’s the batters who are slowing the game…stepping out of the batters box, fixing their equipment, taking extra swings, all in the name of throwing the pitcher’s timing.
@cinoclav@DTominator Well the other side is that hits and homeruns are exciting in baseball since they’re capable of clearing the basepaths. Obviously I’m not in Manfred’s office planning it out with him so I’m just guessing at what their thinking might be. I like the play clock idea sometimes pitcher do take a little longer than they should, but also like Tominator said they should also look at batters taking too long in the box as well. I know it’s been part of the game but most people watching it just looks like they’re wasting time. The checking for corked bats and pitchers hats, hands, necks etc for cheating takes some time as well but I guess it was a big enough problem that they needed to start addressing it.
@cinoclav@Targaryen The faster game issue is to try and gain the interest of the younger crowd and people like the group that commented earlier that likes hockey (want a faster played game). Each sport has its own beauty in movement and action. Cheating as a whole needed to be addressed. What are your thoughts on the robo-umpire behind the plate?
@cinoclav@DTominator That one’s a tough one, especially after this season where it feels like Umps are really not hitting the calls well. It’s not like they offer a lot for game entertainment. One significant advantage I could see is taking the human element out of it. For example, that one ump that was beyond convinced the pitcher was cheating feeling his hand and staring him in the face. Umps and players get emotional, or money is involved and so on so that could be an advantage. With a 'bot it’s simply a cold strike or ball the catcher moving his mitt won’t matter as much and it will be hard to argue with that sort of thing. Arguing is of course part of baseball as well. I suppose if the 'bot calls the game and it falls your way you’re going to love it, you know?
The other side is that you’re removing more of the human element from the game but at the same time that sort of been the trend in sports anyway. The biggest disadvantage I think would be the play calling in the booth the color commentator would probably have less to work with. When the ump misses a call or calls something wrong it would stir up less conversation.
I guess I don’t know I’d want to see it working for a bit to see how it works out. Just sitting here right now I’d say I’m against robot umpires it but then MLB really needs to work on their umps training for calls.
I’m a Red Sox guy been watching them for years. I’m a Red Sox guy above Patriots, Bruins, Celtics. I mean, I like them too but I enjoy baseball more.
Favorite player is tough for me it would be a toss up between Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield.
Pretty sad year since the voice of the Red Sox (in my time at least) Jeremy Remy died in last year.
@Targaryen
“You’re welcome for 2004.” – The St. Louis Cardinals
@mike808 Yeah the Cards had a good run too Pujols and Edmonds were a monster combo.
I watch for fun and something to do, definitely not a super fan. I watch my local team…[clue]: they have 2 of the best players in the league but can’t win a damn game.
@Ignorant I’m gonna guess Angels? Trout and Ohtani?
@Targaryen
/giphy that’s a bingo
@Ignorant Yeah we’ve had years like that where the Sox have 1 or 2 good players but couldn’t seem to put it together it was frustrating. Both are in the All-Star game though gives you a reason to tune in. I mean Ohtani is a great pitcher and maybe even a better hitter? It’s crazy he has that sort of ability.
@Targaryen for sure. They are both fun to watch, it’s just a shame the team can’t give them a little more support. Our pitching has been crap for years.
@Ignorant I think it has a lot to do with the reduction of team investments in minor league programs. A lot of clubs are pulling funds so they can make big splashy trades and contracts at the bigs level and not working on building up talent. It’s always been a problem but I think it’s starting to catch up to teams.
“Besbol has been very very good to me.”
@werehatrack Who said that?
Edit: Not sure why it said “I said that?” Changed to who.
Chico Esqualia
@Targaryen @werehatrack that was Sammy Sosa who said that.
@haydesigner @werehatrack Ah, ok
Watching, no. Betting on, yes.
@lichme Never been a big better. Always sort of been afraid of getting addicted to it. Like “what if I’m good at it” and then ruin everything.
I’m a CO Rockies fan, but it’s depressing. They trade away their best players - WTF?!? Arenado went to St. Louis and Trevor Story went to Boston. It makes it hard to stay interested.
@Kyeh Yeah we picked up Story which was pretty good for us. Rockies are in a tough league too you’ve got the Dodgers sitting comfortably on top. Rockies should pick up Dalbec, he’s a .250 hitter and gets some homeruns but he might not have a regular position in the come off-season.
@Kyeh I feel your pain - If the A’s would just keep the same players into the next season it would be amazing. As it is a great percentage of MVPs and Cy Young and Golden Glove (or otherwise star players) once played for the A’s. My hand is in perpetual hi/bye mode.
@Kyeh @ladyhawke001 yeah, it’s amazing how well they performed after losing their excellent players year after year. Apparently not enough moneyball this year.
@DTominator @Kyeh @ladyhawke001 Yeah it sucks watching your talent walk/get traded. Doesn’t really build much in the way of fan loyalty.
@DTominator @ladyhawke001 @Targaryen Exactly!
It’s kind of a slap in the face to fans.
@DTominator @Kyeh @ladyhawke001 And not to mention since the Rockies since they aren’t a huge long lasting team big deep pockets they need that loyalty to put asses in seats.
@DTominator @ladyhawke001 @Targaryen Well, I’ve heard some people say that the Montforts (owners) don’t feel a real need to win because Denver is such a great sports-fan city. The stadium is right downtown and surrounded by bars, so maybe they figure that fans come for the party atmosphere and their rooftop bar and they’ll make money regardless?
@Targaryen I just saw Story get a 3-run double to the the Sox up 10-6.
Mixed feelings. 
@DTominator @Kyeh @ladyhawke001 That’s probably right too you have the Broncos around there. Having stuff to hang out and walk around to do outside a stadium makes a huge difference. I’m here in Dallas and the Rangers have a hard time getting people to the game. They can fit 48k but are barely putting in even half that average per game.
Yeah I know that feeling watching one of your own putting in work for another team like “we could have had all that.”
@DTominator @ladyhawke001 @Targaryen Well, this article shows where they’ve been putting their money - I haven’t been there to see it yet, but I guess it’s pretty successful:
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/mcgregor-square-denver-opens
So the team seems to be coming second to all this now.
Meanwhile the Broncos have been bought by the Walton family, so I suppose they should be able to pad their roster with all the best players.
@DTominator @Kyeh @ladyhawke001It’s there to appeal to the casuals as well I assume. Here in Dallas so far there isn’t anything to really do after a game (hang out, drink, shop) nearby so they’re only getting baseball fans that want to drive in and out. Not to mention it’s friggin hot here not a lot of people want to walk around when it’s like 100 degrees outside.
I’m a SF Giants diehard. My favorite player retired last year, Buster Posey, and we sure do miss him. They are playing rotten defense, everyone is in a slump, and while starting pitching is decent, the bullpen gives it away and is inconsistent. Wrong division to be in to try and get a playoff spot.
@DTominator Yeah say @Kyeh tough league with Dodgers looking good right now. I hate when pitching is either-or. Either your starting pitching sucks or your relief sucks. Are they at least building a decent minor league?
@DTominator You ever miss saying you were going to the “Stick” to see a game? Not just because they demolished it,but in general, that most of the stadiums take the name of the highest bidding corporation. That’s sad as I see it.
@Kyeh @Targaryen Yes, their minor league teams are getting higher rankings thanks to Zaidi.
@detailer I’ve been to Candlestick as a kid. Got to see Bonds (the Dad) and Willie Mac. Froze to death during night games…if you could see the game with the fog rolling in over the field. I moved away and have been to the “new” stadium only once. Was a cool 50 degrees that night in early Sept.
@DTominator @Targaryen The Rockies have done well with their minor league teams - that’s where Arenado and Story came from. But I feel like they’re just serving as a kind of farm team to the big-money clubs, because once the good players get to the major league they end up leaving! It is a tough division, too.
@DTominator Bay to Bay babee
LFGM!
@somf69 Had to look this is that Let’s Fucking Go Mets?
@somf69 @Targaryen
Ah yes, The Mets.
@Targaryen yup…started this last year by Pete Alonso
Baseball, no unless it is spelled “h-o-c-k-e-y”
@tinamarie1974 Agreed. It moves too slow. When the action happens,you have to admire the athletic ability it takes to play at a professional level. A timer on the pitcher might speed things up some. The pitcher shakes off signs from the catcher so long that the batter calls time and begins their ritual of readiness all over again. That’s more time than Hagelin would take for two end to end break aways. Both with goals scored.
@detailer agree and this has been my argument for years!! I occupy my time at baseball games watching the crowd, as that is where the action is!
@tinamarie1974 Ah then you’d hit it off with some of the others in CS because they are huge hockey fans. @riskybrizness @getclosure
@tinamarie1974 The real killer is seeing the people in the BIG $$ seats that rarely look up from their phone.
@tinamarie1974
I like the pace, but I don’t usually go to the games. I like having it on TV and doing other things while it’s on. There’s a kind of relaxed summer feeling to it, for me.
I also like tennis and the Tour de France, so I’m used to being a fan of the less popular sports. I won’t watch golf, though.
@detailer I use to get free suite seats from FedEx, right behind home plate. I only recall watching one game while in the suite it was Game Six where David Freeze saved the cards from loosing the WS. We came back to win in game 7. THAT was exciting.
In my defense though I would always bring one or two people that were big fans and I would wait on them (food, beer, etc) so they didnt have to miss the action.
@detailer @tinamarie1974 That’s super nice of you,
@Kyeh @tinamarie1974 I like the atmosphere of baseball and the stadiums but there is something to be said for watching it on tv too. You’re getting all the stats and personality as well. I’d remember summers sitting in my room reading or gaming or something but I’d have the game on the radio.
@Targaryen @tinamarie1974 I have to admit I have trouble following the game without the announcers telling me what’s happening!
@detailer @Targaryen I mean it literally cost me nothing and it made my friends and family feel extra special. Win-win
@Kyeh @Targaryen baseball or hockey?
For me baseball is just too slow. It doesnt hold my interest so when I do look down on the field I have no idea what is going on
But, then again, I have been watching hockey since I was 3 months old (or so I am told). So I am use to that fast paced action.
@Targaryen @tinamarie1974 I definitely need the announcers for hockey - I still can’t see what’s going on because it’s all going so fast and I’m not familiar with the rules. But in baseball too sometimes it’s not clear if a guy’s actually out, etc. I didn’t grow up watching any sport.
@Kyeh @tinamarie1974 Live-in-person hockey is probably the better sport to watch. Baseball when you’re checking in from what feels like 1.5 miles away in right field it’s hard to know what’s happening sometimes. You just see some people suddenly move every once in a while. Some of what baseball is comes down to the pitcher-hitter duel and if you aren’t close you don’t get to see all that. TV is good because it fills in a lot of gaps.
@Kyeh @Targaryen full disclosure, if Im at a ball game I have learned to just jump up and cheer when ever everyone does. Nonidea what happened, I just cheer along
@Targaryen @tinamarie1974
Make sure it’s the team your friends are rooting for!
I’ve seen people at games with little radios - that always seemed like a good idea.
@Kyeh @Targaryen oh, it is always when they cheer or get up for sure. Thank goodness they havent messed with me yet!!!
@Kyeh @tinamarie1974 haha I saw a game in Korea once with a friend and we were in the “home team” section but the other team was the team I had adopted. I have a soft spot for perenially underdog teams, so my adopted team knocks in a homerun (still lost the game) and I jumped up and cheered before I realized oops wrong side.
If you are on the run, should you be sitting still long enough to watch a baseball game?
@mikibell It’s the weekend everyone went home I think… I haven’t looked just in case.
My team is Kansas City. What more can I say?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@Barney
How about “The only time decent players show up in the Royals’ Stadium is when the Cardinals come to town for interleague play.”
@mike808 It’s the same down in Rangers territory. I have to “watch” the games on Google in PbP or radio if I can find it. The Rangers are an ok team, I’ll go to a Sox when they’re in town.
@Barney 31-51 kinda hurts but you aren’t that far behind the others if they can put a few games together I feel like they’ll climb. You’ve got Benintendi too he used to play for us!
@Targaryen I’m used to the good and the bad with KC. I’ve been following them since George Brett (actually longer than that, but I won’t admit how long). Anyway they will be good again, I just hope they don’t wait 30 years for another World Series Championship, if that’s their pattern.
Speaking of World Series, @mike808, wasn’t it the Cardinals who KC smacked around to win it in '85?
@Barney @Targaryen Doesn’t bother me.
With all them rings, we gonna need more fingers.
@Targaryen Unfortunately, I just watched today’s Rangers-Twins game.
Final was Minnesota 6, Texas 5.
They are now 6-18 for the season in one-run games. Close many times, but getting few cigars.
@phendrick Wow 6 - 18? That’s, rough because every fan is thinking that one was winnable except for this… time and again.
@Targaryen I think “every fan is thinking that one was winnable except for … this being the Rangers and this being this season”.
@Targaryen
https://champsorchumps.us/team/mlb/texas-rangers/2022 (The web site name seems appropriate!)
But, 6 short years ago:
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/texas-rangers-record-in-one-run-games-brooklyn-bridegrooms/irlcvzvv8fui1vgogevkmomch
Everybody keeps talking about how different the world is nowadays from a few years ago. Seems it is even affecting baseball.
@phendrick The projected ending record of 79-86 isn’t even awful it’s fairly close to .500 it just feels awful converting a few of those close games to wins would put them in wild card running. After All-star break maybe the Rangers will turn it around, some people believe the real season starts after AS break.
@Targaryen Yesterday’s game (7/11) was pretty interesting; several unusual events occurred. I watched it through 4th inning then again from 8th. If you get a chance, see if you can watch a TV replay to savor some baseball.
Highlights especially: bottom of 2nd and 6th, top of 8th and 9th!
TL;DR: Rangers won, but it was still a nail-biter until last out.
If you would have had a chance to bet at the end of 7, you probably would have bet the farm on the Rangers.
If you’re pressed for time: Key Moments and there are some videos to go with these, but not as good as watching (taped) live action.
@phendrick I definitely can get Rangers radio here and I get to catch some games via Amazon Prime when they offer the occasional free game. I’ll look up last nights game for sure.
Went to a game recently. One team had a guy named Carlos Santana. Cheered for him. Then they traded him to another team!
@medz Yeah his nickname was the “slammer” or something. He’s been around for a minute.
@medz @Targaryen Isn’t he the guy that batted with a guitar?
@detailer @medz wait what? That had to be a joke…right?
@medz @Targaryen Absolutely. Google Santana. Check out early works… Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, and Evil Ways. Then thirty years later, Smooth. That one brought him back to regular air play. Enjoy
@detailer @medz ahhh alright I get it now.
I’m a life-long diehard Cubs fan from the Dave Kingman era who now lives north of San Diego. I’ve happily subscribed to the MLB package just to watch them for the past 7 or 8 years now.
Haven’t watched a single game this year.
@haydesigner Dave Kingman started with the Giants! I’ve watched him, too.
@haydesigner How is the MLB package? I wish they had a cheaper option for just the one team.
Does any player use Dual of Fates as their walkout song? That’d be mine.
@medz Duel.
@Kyeh thank you, captain spell check!
@medz Happy to be of service.
@medz Interesting choice. I wonder how the useage works. Do they have to ask for permission? Could I have a walk out like Wierd Al?
@medz @Targaryen I always liked Trevor Hoffman walking out to “Hell’s Bells.” It was appropriate:
@medz @Targaryen Evidently Noah Syndergaard uses this:
@Kyeh @Targaryen we did hells bells as one of our high school football walk out / warmup songs.
@Targaryen
/youtube dual of fate
Philly area guy so a Phillies area guy. They’re an interesting team, on a slow rise. Schwarber has been an amazing addition and I’m really happy for him that he’s going to the All Star Game. I fall into that category of people who absolutely despised Harper when he came up so young. Cocky and too damn good to be on the competition. But damn, I have an entirely new respect for him since he signed with the Phils. The fact that a player of that caliber just wanted to sign a contract to play out his career with one team is amazing. He’s said and done all the right things and absolutely earned the MVP last season. He’s certainly grown up and it’s fun to watch him play (when he’s not injured).
@cinoclav Right some players are chasing the bag and that’s fine. I mean, you’ve trained and played your entire life for peanuts if not for free. Nothing wrong with getting paid for it. But having those players that stick with one team for whatever reason is the sort of baseball spirit that people like about baseball and is sort of selfless sports-wise.
@Targaryen Totally agree. It was honestly surprising to see Harper become that guy.
@cinoclav It’s probably one of those cases where he probably mellowed out as he got older too and realized that staying in a place that appreciates him is better than him moving again.
@Targaryen He clearly didn’t understand Philly then. We’ll love him as long as continues to put forth his best effort. Slack off once and he’s on the shit list and off the Christmas card list.
@cinoclav And being off the Christmas card list is the last stop.
What is everyone’s thoughts on the DH rule changes?
@Targaryen I wasn’t aware – had to look it up.
https://www.kbbsf-frbbs.be/2022-new-designated-hitter-rule-explained/
No opinions yet.
@Targaryen I guess I like having things evened up. For the Rockies especially pitching is tricky due to our altitude and dry air. So finding guys who can pitch at home and away AND hit is hard. But it does take some of the strategy out of it.
@Kyeh Yeah I wonder if it’ll change the economy of player development eventually. Baseball does need to make a few changes so it’s nice to see them trying some stuff.
@phendrick Yeah I think a season or two should give us some numbers to look over and see if it was a good idea. I’ve seen some people suggesting even scrapping NL and the AL or trading teams in conferences so it’ll be interesting what happens.
@Targaryen Hate, hate, hate it. It takes a bit of the strategy out of the game. Working your lineup around the pitcher’s spot in the order requires savvy planning. Do you pull a pitcher who’s throwing well for a pinch hitter? Do you take your chances and let that pitcher hit? The DH is a cheap way of MLB pushing for more runs. The only rule I dislike more is the automatic runner in extra innings. Just let them play the game the way it should be played.
@cinoclav @Targaryen l’m not in favor of the DH. I love it when the pitcher gets that (rare!) surprise hit or helps himself at the plate. I agree with @cinoclav that strategy is different and requires more thought. I’m just an OG, so that should give you an idea of my feelings for the runner at 2nd in extra innings.
@cinoclav @DTominator That makes sense my guess is that baseball is generally looking for the easiest things to change to make the game more exciting or speed it up. I’m guessing since few pitchers can hit well it’s easier for them to plug in another hitter (and runs speed up the game) rather than try and find a pitcher than can hit. There’s never a shortage of available hitting.
@DTominator @Targaryen On the contrary, I would think a lousy hitting pitcher would move the game along faster than a good hitter who tends to foul off more pitches. They have a different plan to speed up the game. The pitch clock is coming to the majors next season. Apparently it’s shaved quite a bit of time off the game in the minors. I’m also not a fan of this move. I enjoy a nice relaxing day at the ballpark. For where ticket prices are going I’d like to get my moneys worth.
@cinoclav @Targaryen And if the DH does get a hit, then the inning is longer, so how does that shorten the game? Many of the Giants pitchers are fast at getting the signs and then throwing the pitch. It’s the batters who are slowing the game…stepping out of the batters box, fixing their equipment, taking extra swings, all in the name of throwing the pitcher’s timing.
@cinoclav @DTominator Well the other side is that hits and homeruns are exciting in baseball since they’re capable of clearing the basepaths. Obviously I’m not in Manfred’s office planning it out with him so I’m just guessing at what their thinking might be. I like the play clock idea sometimes pitcher do take a little longer than they should, but also like Tominator said they should also look at batters taking too long in the box as well. I know it’s been part of the game but most people watching it just looks like they’re wasting time. The checking for corked bats and pitchers hats, hands, necks etc for cheating takes some time as well but I guess it was a big enough problem that they needed to start addressing it.
@cinoclav @Targaryen The faster game issue is to try and gain the interest of the younger crowd and people like the group that commented earlier that likes hockey (want a faster played game). Each sport has its own beauty in movement and action. Cheating as a whole needed to be addressed. What are your thoughts on the robo-umpire behind the plate?
@cinoclav @DTominator That one’s a tough one, especially after this season where it feels like Umps are really not hitting the calls well. It’s not like they offer a lot for game entertainment. One significant advantage I could see is taking the human element out of it. For example, that one ump that was beyond convinced the pitcher was cheating feeling his hand and staring him in the face. Umps and players get emotional, or money is involved and so on so that could be an advantage. With a 'bot it’s simply a cold strike or ball the catcher moving his mitt won’t matter as much and it will be hard to argue with that sort of thing. Arguing is of course part of baseball as well. I suppose if the 'bot calls the game and it falls your way you’re going to love it, you know?
The other side is that you’re removing more of the human element from the game but at the same time that sort of been the trend in sports anyway. The biggest disadvantage I think would be the play calling in the booth the color commentator would probably have less to work with. When the ump misses a call or calls something wrong it would stir up less conversation.
I guess I don’t know I’d want to see it working for a bit to see how it works out. Just sitting here right now I’d say I’m against robot umpires it but then MLB really needs to work on their umps training for calls.
What is everyone’s favorite baseball movie?