For MLB fans

[Spencer 555]

Kate upton wet dreams..

[Spencer 555]

Rest in peace to the best pitcher I ever had the pleasure of watching. My personal hero growing up as a blue jay fan. Roy Halladay, you will be forever missed.

[Hugh]

That’s really sad, Spencer. I was just reading about it. Roy Halladay was a force. R.I.P.

[Spencer 555]

Im glad I got to hear it on the radio on my way home from work. I would have been pretty messed up trying to figure out if the early reports were fake news.

[Spencer 555]

Still a bit messed up. Definitely crying a bit atm. Sitting in my car on the side of the road listening to some special programming.

[Spencer 555]

https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/instagraphs/roy-halladay-1977-2017/

[The One]

If the Giants somehow land Stanton I will eat my hat. Last in the league in homeruns so they could use a power bat. Shit, they haven’t had a marquee outfielder since Bonds.

[Spencer 555]

I hope to god the don't get stanton. That park would turn him into brandon belt. Im kinda kidding, but honestly the only dude hitting 50+ bombs there is barry bonds.

[Spencer 555]

Wow, I was speaking outta my ass there, but it's a fact. The only person to hit 50+ bombs playing for the giants at that stadium was Bonds in his record breaking year.

[Nightmarez]

I hope to god the don't get stanton. That park would turn him into brandon belt. Im kinda kidding, but honestly the only dude hitting 50+ bombs there is barry bonds.


No park can turn Giancarlo into Brandon Belt sir.

[Sanosuke]

Stanton is not of this world tbh

[Spencer 555]

No park can turn Giancarlo into Brandon Belt sir.

Not belt, but would gimp stanton a bit.

[Nightmarez]

Not belt, but would gimp stanton a bit.


Sure it would reduce his power. But you're talkinga bout a guy who defines being an outlier. I mean take hittrackeronline for instance... I know Gian hit a ton of HRs in general, but he lead the league in "No Doubters" with 24 over 18 in second place. He's a beast.

[Spencer 555]

Of course lol. Hes insane. But so is that stadium. Would be pretty cool I suppose to see if the park factors would get to him.

[Spencer 555]

https://www.google.ca/amp/www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/giants/projection-system-loves-giancarlo-stanton-att-park%3famp

[Gryph]

I'm curious what he would look like at all stadiums. Even though it's not likely, the thought of him playing 81 games in Yankees, Mile High, Great American, or Chase.

Could be pretty fun to watch him murder baseballs there.

[Spencer 555]

I think he could get 70+ @coors

[Gryph]

I wouldn't say 70, it'd probably be a Bond's treatment, and they'd pitch around him consistently. Though I wouldn't put it past him, he'd probably be 60-68 in those ballparks.

[Nightmarez]

I think he could get 70+ @coors

Coors may even be the best for homers but the bigger thing in Coors is the XBHs and BABIP projections. I thihnk he'd just be more consistently closer to what he did this year.

[Spencer 555]

You think this last year was flukey? I haven't dug into the stats, but I was hopeful his batting average was attributable to a changed approach.

[Spencer 555]

I wouldn't say 70, it'd probably be a Bond's treatment, and they'd pitch around him consistently. Though I wouldn't put it past him, he'd probably be 60-68 in those ballparks.

True. Wonder if he could adjust to that. We haven't really seen pitchers treat him like that yet.

[Nightmarez]

You think this last year was flukey? I haven't dug into the stats, but I was hopeful his batting average was attributable to a changed approach.


Never said anything about Flukey. But 99.99999% of baseball players dont have their best MVP level season each season. But Coors makes it so impossible to have a bad BA.

[Spencer 555]

Let giancarlo bat 300 with 70 homers in my head marez. Dont shut my imagination down :p

[Spencer 555]

So um... seattle might be the favourites to land shohei otani and hugh isn't here to speculate :(

[Nightmarez]

So um... seattle might be the favourites to land shohei otani and hugh isn't here to speculate :(

Hey maybe, but I;m just super hyped about the fact that he wiped out essentially the entire non-west-coast Baseball market and the Cubs haven't been removed from contention.

[Sanosuke]

I want the braves to be good again already

[Hulky]

Could the Giants get Otani and Stanton?

[Nightmarez]

Could the Giants get Otani and Stanton?

Yeah I mean I think it's theoretically possible. They have a big market and a lot of money so if they're able to convince both there's no reason why it should be impossible. There are only 7 teams in contention for Ohtani (LAD, SF, LAA, SD, CHC, TEX, SEA)

[Spencer 555]

I would guess he chooses an AL team. He publicly stated he preferred a smaller market too.

[Spencer 555]

I think the cubs are a potentially viable situation for him because kawasaki is one of his people and kawa probably told him how awesome chicago is.

[Nightmarez]

I would guess he chooses an AL team. He publicly stated he preferred a smaller market too.

So Seattle? Because no other team fits the bill.

ANd like... yeah the Cubs are potentially viable... the list is down to 7. So all 7 of those are potentially viable lol. Cubs also get Theo credit for Daisuke and having an awareness about how to handle these situations, same as the Rangers with Yu.

Personally just as a fan if he doesn't go to the Cubs I'd love to see him become an Angel and help Trout out.

[Spencer 555]

Ya I was thinking about that too. If I were shohei the prospect of playing with the best player of our generation is too cool to pass up.

But ya thats why I suggested seattle. Theres a really good japanese population there and the ichiro fever will always be there.

[Spencer 555]

Yeeeessss shohei and trout!!!! This is gonna be lit.

[Gryph]

https://www.mlbdailydish.com/2017/12/8/16755118/mlb-trade-rumors-yankees-giancarlo-stanton-marlins

https://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.13786306.1499389115!/httpImage/image.jpeg_gen/derivatives/landscape_768/image.jpeg

mother of fucking god if this happens ill have a boner the entire year

[Nightmarez]

Yeeeessss shohei and trout!!!! This is gonna be lit.

I'd say I called it but really I just wanted it. Super happy.


https://www.mlbdailydish.com/2017/12/8/16755118/mlb-trade-rumors-yankees-giancarlo-stanton-marlins

https://cdn.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.13786306.1499389115!/httpImage/image.jpeg_gen/derivatives/landscape_768/image.jpeg

mother of fucking god if this happens ill have a boner the entire year


I think it's gonna happen. They wanna get the contract and the teams that really want him he doesn't wanna go to. The Yankees really *can't* afford it in a way, but like... they'll find a way to make it work ofc b/c they're the Yankees.

[Spencer 555]

Fuck u gryph!

[Da Gyps]

Ohhhh shit

[Hulky]

Seek immediate medical help if you experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours, Gryph.

[Spencer 555]

Lolol it won't last too long hulky. Just wait for the season to start, a yankee to slump, and him exclaim they should be benched or sent to the minors. Yankee style.

I kid though gryph... mostly ;). Gonna be fun to watch those 2 in the outfield for years to come.

[Veilmenacex]

Sohei Otani isn't that good I am more curious on Aaron Judge in 2018

[Gryph]

Lolol it won't last too long hulky. Just wait for the season to start, a yankee to slump, and him exclaim they should be benched or sent to the minors. Yankee style.

I kid though gryph... mostly ;). Gonna be fun to watch those 2 in the outfield for years to come.

only if lazy lol

[Spencer 555]

I hope you know I love you gryph cause Im probably going back to being a salty jays fan. Boston vs Yankees year after year is my nightmare scenario :p.

[The One]

Longoria to the Giants...kill me. :bad: Praying that they make a move for Cain because the outfield is a wasteland.

[Hulky]

Why don't you like that move? I remember him as good in TB, is it the stadium difference?

[Spencer 555]

Hes on the verge of falling apart. That stadium isnt going to help his deteriorating bat. The defense is still gold glove caliber though, longo will likely still be a 2.5+ win player even in san fran.

[Hulky]

I know TO wasn't stoked about the Longoria trade, but I'm excited about it. Now they got Andrew McCutchen too. I'm excited for Giants ball in the bay. I hope they play in Oakland this year and the tickets are cheap lol.

[Spencer 555]

That team has some potential to be overhyped :p. But also... has potential.

[Hulky]

I got one of those mystery signed baseball boxes, and had my fiance open it and got Nolan Ryan. Kinda cool.

[Spencer 555]

Just watched Braden Halladay pitch for the Canadian junior nationals against the jays in spring training. What an emotional experience. 1-2-3 inning in the 8th. I really hope he can make it to the show.

[Sanosuke]

Ronald Acuña is winning ROTY.

[Spencer 555]

Ohtani bro

[Sanosuke]

He's AL, bro.

[Gryph]

yea bru

[Spencer 555]

Oh tru my mind is in the NBA gutter. Forgot there are 2 Rotys

[Sanosuke]

Acuña is better than ohtani anyways

[Nightmarez]

Acuña is better than ohtani anyways

Yeah but does he go both ways?

[Spencer 555]

I refuse not to believe every ounce of Ohtani hype. He's Babe Ruth reincarnated.

[Sanosuke]

Yeah but does he go both ways?

If you can't hit MLB pitching, are you as much of a two way player as any other pitcher in the NL? Lol.

[Spencer 555]

Spring training sano. Give it a chance.

[Sanosuke]

I am. I drafted him in fantasy. Ijs, his swing looks like hammered ass.

[Spencer 555]

Fair point. I was gonna draft him 1 overall this year for fun, but my competitive nature forbid me. The ST reports are very bad.

[Sanosuke]

I feel like Japanese pitching talent always flurishes their first year because they're new to batters and not much tape can be analyzed so I took him for my SP rotation. His bat is irrelevant in fantasy because you'd never put him over a true batter in your lineup regardless.

[Spencer 555]

It's looking like bautista might sign on the braves.

[Sanosuke]

I fucking hope not

[Spencer 555]

Why?

[Nightmarez]

Why?

Is that a real question? I love him as a player too, but he didn't look good last year, he's old, and the Braves aren't the NL Favorites or anything. I can understand giving playing time in the Outfield to a ton of people, but I wouldn't want to give it to Bautista. And no DH and no available 1B at-bats either with Freeman as the best hitter on the team.

The only teams that make sense for Bautista would probably have to be AL and definitely have to be competitive. Someone like the Rays saying "Alright, the price has finally dropped low enough," I could see, and for a few of those teams I would like the move as just a "Why not?" purchase, but for an NL rebuilder? Hard pass on Joey Bats. Markakis is the only 30+ yo OFer you need.

[Spencer 555]

On a 1 year deal it's harmless enough to bring him in as depth. I'd want him on any non contender to see if I could catch lightning in a bottle.

[Gryph]

t-minus 1 hour booooooooyyysssss

[Nightmarez]

On a 1 year deal it's harmless enough to bring him in as depth. I'd want him on any non contender to see if I could catch lightning in a bottle.

Harmless enough, and in general I agree, but again we're not talking about Joey Bats and making your team in to a 26-Man Roster. You need to cut someone to bring him in. I understand the 25th guy on your roster may be a bit fodder, but at the end of the day I have a hard time as the Braves or primarily any NL team or any non-uber Competitor removing any player from my 25-Man in order to add a guy who, at best, will be likely a Low-BA power source, which is already being devalued on the open market. So I agree if they could just add Joey Batz it's pretty harmless. But to me I don't wanna cut a player to do that on most rosters, particularly in the NL.

[Spencer 555]

I get all that, but the braves are a team id think that could cut the fodder and benefit from bautista. I would absolutely take a chance on a bautista comeback if the cost was low enough.

[Spencer 555]

Low risk, potentially high reward. Bautista can still field better then Matt Kemp and I think we all thought the Matt kemp deal was decent.

[Gryph]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmfffffffffffffffffffffhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhhh

Stanton, you tease.

[Spencer 555]

He's gonna hit 80 bombs

[Nightmarez]

I get all that, but the braves are a team id think that could cut the fodder and benefit from bautista. I would absolutely take a chance on a bautista comeback if the cost was low enough.


Low risk, potentially high reward. Bautista can still field better then Matt Kemp and I think we all thought the Matt kemp deal was decent.

Again to me the risk is who you're cutting. Whoare you cutting? More importantly, who are you replacing in the lineups.

[Spencer 555]

Some replacement level bum? I'm sure u could find one on the braves lol

[Nightmarez]

Some replacement level bum? I'm sure u could find one on the braves lol

I mean look at the roster. You're calling up Acuna in two weeks. So you have Acuna, Markakis, Inciarte, and Bourjos already taking the majority of the time in the OF. At best you're starting Bautista over Markakis, which means you're now paying Markakis, a very good baseball player, 10 Million dollars to not play for you and take a chance on an older, probably worse player, while also probably alienating Markakis a little. He's obviously not playing at First.

Look I get what you're saying. I just don't think it fits this team at all. You already are paying one 33 YO outfielder a decent chunk of change on a rebuilding team-- and I like him (Markakis) a LOT more this year in a real baseball sense than Bautista. Benching Markakis to give Bautista the At-Bats to figure out if he's worth it just doesn't make sense to me. I guess if you want him to be a pinch-hitter, I can see him as a valuable player as the 25th man on the roster, but does Bautista want to play on a team where he starts MAYBE once a week and just comes in once a game for a pitcher as a Pinch-Hitter? Because if the Braves can pay him 2 Million dollars and convince him to do that than sure, hell with it that's a good price. But that's not realistic. He's going to want a role and that role is going to infringe on a substantiated player for the Braves.

[Nightmarez]

Again I just don't see Bats as a fit ANYWHERE in the NL except someone looking for a First Baseman. No one's going to love benching even a Glove-First Outfielder for Joey Bats in Right or Left. He needs a DH fit. A team like the Rays if they feel they need another DH type or the Athletics who love getting these discount types. Those are the only type teams I see going in on Bats.

[Spencer 555]

3rd base.

[Nightmarez]

3rd base.

You want them to play Bats at 3rd?

[Spencer 555]

He played 38 innings there last year because Donaldson went down with an injury and he wasn't a disaster. Platoon him to keep him fresh and you have yourself a pretty good bench pinch hitter by my estimation.

[Spencer 555]

Also... fuck Markakis. Dude is probably the most overrated bad player in the world cause he's a good ol white boy who keeps his head down and goes about his business.

Dude plays barely average corner outfield defense, he's an average runner and is 2 years running below replacement level with his bat. I know the stats don't point to a single reason to be optimistic about a bautista bounceback, but I would say Markakis is much more likely to produce less then replacement level value at his position this year because if he's got anything goin for him, he's consistent. Consistently meh. Bautista could be much much more then meh this year.

[Nightmarez]

Also... fuck Markakis. Dude is probably the most overrated bad player in the world cause he's a good ol white boy who keeps his head down and goes about his business.

Dude plays barely average corner outfield defense, he's an average runner and is 2 years running below replacement level with his bat. I know the stats don't point to a single reason to be optimistic about a bautista bounceback, but I would say Markakis is much more likely to produce less then replacement level value at his position this year because if he's got anything goin for him, he's consistent. Consistently meh. Bautista could be much much more then meh this year.

Markakis is a league average p layer though, and Bautista is much much less likely to be a league average player.

[Spencer 555]

I'm not denying that.

[Nightmarez]

I'm not denying that.

Yeah I know. You just seem to think this is a really good investment for a lot of teams and I just don't. Especially if you have to pay $$s.

[Spencer 555]

Watching Billy McKinney first mlb ab right now btw. Good times :p

[Spencer 555]

Yeah I know. You just seem to think this is a really good investment for a lot of teams and I just don't. Especially if you have to pay $$s.

Ya I get that, I don't think it's a really good investment by any means, I'm just clearly a lot higher then you and sano who seem to think he's essentially worthless.

[Spencer 555]

Jeez. It looks like Sanchez got rid of his curveball because of his vagina hands. That's kinda sad. But his new changeup is interesting. 90-92 with massive sink. He's loving it.

[Sanosuke]

Ya I get that, I don't think it's a really good investment by any means, I'm just clearly a lot higher then you and sano who seem to think he's essentially worthless.

He's worthless to the Braves*.

Acuna is a five tool player. Markakis can at least get on base consistently, and inciarte will do the same. We don't need Bautista, like at all. Braves don't need anymore older players to fill up. We have great depth in the minors and we're trying to contend next year.

Plus i hate bautista.

[Spencer 555]

I know sano. It'd make my day to see bautista hit a walk off in Atlanta and have all the conflicted braves fans cheer for him ;).

Also, for arguments sake, bautista has had a higher obp then Markakis in every season since his breakout in 2010 other then 2012 (where he certainly outslugged Markakis and had a comparable obp) and last year. My whole argument is based around teams just giving him a pass on 2017 and hoping for a bounceback to 2016 or prior numbers, where he was a much better player then Markakis..

Also also, show me the 3rd baseman ready to push the braves into contention. You're telling me the braves would bypass a chance at playing bautista this year and potentially putting up 2+ war because they have awesome prospects, but where's the 3b. I don't see one. He could literally platoon with one of your shitty utility infielders at 3b, pinch hit, be a positive influence on young players (He really is one as much as you, and many others, hate him), and press Markakis for abs in rf if he does well or if Markakis struggles. Im not saying he would definitely be an asset, I'm literally just saying he's worth the risk on a cheap 1 year deal. I think almost any young team would be foolish not to give Bautista a chance.

I liked the dickey, colon and kemp signings last year, I'd like the bautista signing this year. Braves are at least a year away.

[Spencer 555]

And yes... I know kemp wasn't a signing.

[Sanosuke]

Because he's not going to provide anything at 3rd that we don't already have. That's the entire point. Like we don't necessarily need power, it's not how our lineup is built sans Freeman. Camargo would've been fine at 3rd if he didn't get hurt.

[Spencer 555]

There aren't really diminishing returns to power. Look at the Yankees lol

[Sanosuke]

Yes but their power is in their prime or haven't even hit their prime. Bautista is definitely past his. You're comparing apples to oranges, different bankrolls, and two opposite side of the spectrum teams.

[Spencer 555]

I was only using that comparison because you said something that I didn't really understand.

How does a lineup need power or not need power? The only thing that matters, at least to me, is production. At any spot in the lineup. Whether you get that production from speed, obp, or slugging shouldn't really matter. If you're trying to say, meh we can play these scrubs over bautista because we aren't competing yet, that's a perfectly valid argument. Personally, I would rather try to raise my ceiling and maybe contend for the playoffs as a braves fan (and gm) then be content with the mediocre product on the field.

[Spencer 555]

Either way, I'm really optimistic about the braves situation. I think we're just arguing over nothing at this point because I love bautista and wanna see him play somewhere and you hate his guts lol.

[Sanosuke]

I don't even care if he does sign with us for whatever stupid reason. If he plays for us I'll support him regardless of my disdain for him. We literally don't need him. We have a great core of guys for the foreseeable future. Ozzie, Acuna, Freeman, if Swanson can figure out his swing that'd be great, we have some young arms that'll be MLB ready at the end of this year or starting next year. We have money for FAs next year. I feel like our weakest spot is pitching. Although I don't think Teheran got any support at all last year, he's not a front of the line guy the Braves thought he was, but he's going to be the corner stone guy as an innings eater. He's more of a defacto #2 or high end #3 guy. We need better pitching and hopefully we spend on it next year.

[Sanosuke]

plus i'm a huge fan of tyler flowers, sucks he just got hurt. :(

[Sanosuke]

if Freeman stays healthy all year, i can see the Braves getting the NL ROTY and NL MVP.

[Spencer 555]

Ya I really like flowers too. I just read an article about Christian pache on fangraphs. Sounds like he could be a fuckin monster too. And you're pitching in the minors is nasty.

[Gryph]

fwiw, MLB the Show has simulated 500 seasons, and Harper has signed with the Braves in 420 of them lol

[Spencer 555]

It will be very good for baseball if all these "tanking" teams in the NL can become relevant again in the next few years. Its hard not to like what each of these teams has goin on. The braves, the Padres, the phillies.. even the Rockies and Reds have some good bases. It's been hard to watch any of those teams the last little while. The brewers and dbacks kinda make me sad because I don't see either of them being better then a second wild card team in the next 2-3 years.

I don't watch much NL, and I'm not saying the AL is much better about it, but you can't really point to a single team trying to lose on our side of things. The As and Rays are "tanking" atm but they're always trying to save money and they always seem to find a way to field a "competitive" team. Kansas and the White Sox I guess are pretty pathetic atm.

[Spencer 555]

fwiw, MLB the Show has simulated 500 seasons, and Harper has signed with the Braves in 420 of them lol

Pache or Inciarte in CF, Acuna in RF, Harper in LF... droool

[KBHoleN1]

The Braves lead the majors in runs scored and in run differential. I'm going to post this now early in the season while I have still something to brag about.

[Sanosuke]

braves havent tanked and arent tanking..lol

[Spencer 555]

Ohtaniiiii

[Da Gyps]

Royals and Tigers...

A match-up of....baseball teams...I guess...

[Spencer 555]

Circa 2013

[Nightmarez]

Ohtaniiiii

Looked great.

Braves getting Folty to outduel Mad Max lol.

[Sanosuke]

Braves crushing Nats. I'm erect.

Why is Freddie Freeman so good? Also a note on ESPN Fantasy Baseball:

"Freeman has faced the lowest percentage of pitches in the zone among all hitters who faced at least 50 pitches through Monday's games, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Spin: Just 30.1 percent of pitches thrown to Freeman have been in the zone, which ranks last in the group of 189 hitters. It's a continuation of a trend from last year, where Freeman's 42.9 percent rate ranked 308th out of the 314 hitters who faced at least 1000 pitches. It's likely that Freeman will continue to get very few pitches to hit while Nick Markakis remains behind him in the lineup. That will help Freeman get on base and could give him a boost in on-base percentage leagues, but could cut into his home run and RBI totals."

People fear Freddie more than 98% of the league's hitters.

[KBHoleN1]

Freddie leads the majors in runs scored, RBIs, and walks. He's going to have a monster season now that the rest of the lineup is hitting well. But that stat about zone pitches might say as much about Markakis as it does Freeman. The lineup is working, so I hope we don't make changes as long as the offense is performing like this, but I see Preston Tucker hitting cleanup at some point - that will get Freeman some more pitches.

[Spencer 555]

Yup. Freeman is a juggernaut. Been sayin he was underrated in drafts for about 3 years now.

Marez, what u think of my trade in a dynasty league:

Send: Lester, Lynn, Chapman

Receive: Urias, Finnegan, Karns, Clevinger.

My team is a fringe playoff team, and I'm trying to make the playoffs this year, but the goal is to try and really compete next year. I think I fleeced the dude because I feel like the combination of clevinger, karns, and Finnegan might very well outperform Lester and Lynn this year, and I only had to give up my declining saves asset (chapman) for Urias (saves is a bit of a strength for my team). What are you're thoughts on the SPs involved?

[Nightmarez]

Yup. Freeman is a juggernaut. Been sayin he was underrated in drafts for about 3 years now.

Marez, what u think of my trade in a dynasty league:

Send: Lester, Lynn, Chapman

Receive: Urias, Finnegan, Karns, Clevinger.

My team is a fringe playoff team, and I'm trying to make the playoffs this year, but the goal is to try and really compete next year. I think I fleeced the dude because I feel like the combination of clevinger, karns, and Finnegan might very well outperform Lester and Lynn this year, and I only had to give up my declining saves asset (chapman) for Urias (saves is a bit of a strength for my team). What are you're thoughts on the SPs involved?

I freaking love Clevinger. He's probably my guy among SPs this year. The other three are closer to dart throws to me, but I agree it comes down to the saves asset. Because I do realistically believe that Clevinger could supplant Lester decently well this year and getting some young talent is nice. I like Finnegan and Urias has the potential obviusly to pay off huge.

[Sanosuke]

Freddie leads the majors in runs scored, RBIs, and walks. He's going to have a monster season now that the rest of the lineup is hitting well. But that stat about zone pitches might say as much about Markakis as it does Freeman. The lineup is working, so I hope we don't make changes as long as the offense is performing like this, but I see Preston Tucker hitting cleanup at some point - that will get Freeman some more pitches.

I'm not gonna buy into the Tucker hype yet. They're walking/pitching around Freeman to get to Markakis most times, but that doesn't work very well because Markakis is an excellent contact hitter. I want the rest of the fans (not you specifically) to temper their expectations on Tucker. I saw some outrageous article saying it'll be a hard choice between Acuna and Tucker. I hate Braves media most times, especially lately in our mediocre years because they'll literally grasp at anything to cling to potential success.

[Spencer 555]

Lolol true. Tucker will be a good fit to push acuna tho. If acuna struggles at all, Tucker is serviceable.

[Sanosuke]

They could just put Tucker at 3rd or rotate tucker as the 4th infielder to rest Inciarte, Acuna, Mark

[Spencer 555]

I dont see any reason why you would expect Tucker to be able to play anywhere other then left field and a dismal 1b. He isn't a good fielder.

[Sanosuke]

I don't expect him to do anything because he will be on the pine come end of next week

[Sanosuke]

ohtani is killing it rn.

[Spencer 555]

Babe Ruth baby

[Gryph]

I really wish Marcus Thames would sit Stanton down and tell him to knock off this thing he's doing.

Last year prior to the allstar break, Stanton was K'ing a lot, and during the break (His normal at the time iirc was around 27%), he went from a level stance like this (2016):

http://www.mlb.com/images/2/0/4/263179204/120917_stanton_hr_med_res.gif

to this : (2017 pre-allstar break) (and also cut his K% down to like ~19-23%)

https://i.imgur.com/O4x0zuG.gif

To this (current) :

https://78.media.tumblr.com/dc755cad15ca5f1c7e3d15ab4865c334/tumblr_p6dpacCfM91qgsza6o1_500.gif

Do you see how much of an extreme he's taking on being closed off? It's getting to the point where he physically can't hit pitches low and away or up in the zone, and it's showing. Not only that, but he's also much further back from the plate (notice where he's standing in the Dodger gif as opposed to the Toronto gif). What's weird about it to, is both of those bottom ones have been offspeed (or a breaker), as noticed by his 2nd hitch in his step, but this year ever since the HR against the Rays, he literally hasn't used it at all, I really wanna get into reporting for baseball so I can ask him wtf he's doing. I've played enough baseball and studied a lot of it to know there's no success with that much of an extreme, and I really wish someone would talk to him about it.

Not only that, but you can tell he's offbalanced by his plant foot in the 3rd gif, see how he rolls over his own ankle? Where as the 2nd gif, its firmly planted and stays level (to an extent) and he's gotten lower from his initial stance.

[Spencer 555]

I mean this in a loving way gryph, cause I can see the merit to what ur saying. But it's 1 week into the season. You said the same shit about Sanchez (different analysis) last year and I thought THAT was ridiculous. This is the reigning mvp for Christ sake!

[Gryph]

No, I'm not calling him an asshole and to bench him or anything, I understand it's a small sample size and such, and struggles happen, all I'm saying is he's going to such an extreme closed stance and getting next to 0 results from it. He looks absolutely horrific at the plate (he also wasn't standing like that in spring training where he raked), and is missing the ball by about 1-2 inches (literally) since the start of the season (Even the ESPN commentators were saying he looks really bad)

Sanchez this year though needs to level out his swing, he's launching the ball way to high as evident by his astronomically high FB rate and IFB rate, he's struggling as well and he's giving me the feeling he just wants to run into one to get himself started. The only bright spot in that lineup so far this year has been Gardner, Judge, and Didi, everyone else has mostly gigantic flaws that are beginning to have a book written on them ~12 games into the season, which isn't a good thing. What annoys me though, is it seems like Boone and Thames are afraid to talk about these things with the players. You do film study before every game, no one picked up on this? Y'know what I'm saying?

[Spencer 555]

Ya, I hear that. I just assume they've got things more under control then you're giving them credit :p.

Just to be clear tho, I do enjoy your analysis and think you're probably onto something with the swings. I dont usually get into the micro level analysis of hitters so it's cool to see. I'm a pitching watcher lol always have been.

[Hulky]

I was having dinner with my fiance sitting at the bar watching the As Dodgers game, and I told her "he's going to hit a home run". Then Davis hit one. Then she was like "wow that was lucky", and I was like Joc hits a double. Then he did. Then we joked I shouldn't call a third play because it risks screwing it up, and I was like Piscotty strikes out. Then he did, I paid the tab and we left.

[Sanosuke]

http://www.vocativ.com/434373/statcast-mlb-home-run-surge/index.html

This is why Stanton is swinging like that, and why he crushed so many balls, and is the only reason Joey Gallo is relevant.

[Spencer 555]

Ohhhh Sannnooooo. Bautista just signed with a team that I think you're gonna liiiikeeee.

[Spencer 555]

Minor league deal. He's gonna play 3rd base.

Owned.

[Hulky]

Gleyber Torres about to start his career

[Nightmarez]

Minor league deal. He's gonna play 3rd base.

Owned.

Do you really believes he plays 3rd in the Majors though? I just dont' see it.

[Spencer 555]

Ya I do. Part time. He's not an everyday player.

[Da Gyps]

Damn. The Royals are beyond bad.

[Spencer 555]

Thanks gyps

[Nightmarez]

Spencer what you think of Danny Jansen? Ihave to cover him for something soon and am beginning research.

if i spelled his name wrong, the catching prospect.

[Spencer 555]

Was never really a heralded prospect, but the jays have liked his makeup and swing. But he fixed his eyes in the 2016-17 offseason and has been crushing it ever since. 60 grade hit tool projecting to stick at catcher and be solid-above average defensively.

[Nightmarez]

Was never really a heralded prospect, but the jays have liked his makeup and swing. But he fixed his eyes in the 2016-17 offseason and has been crushing it ever since. 60 grade hit tool projecting to stick at catcher and be solid-above average defensively.


Any power projection?

[Gryph]

Gleyber Torres about to start his career

As insanely stupid as this is gonna sound, he's not going to until Torreyes stops being a baseball god. If he was a struggling sub .200 bench player, he'd probably be up by now. But Torreyes is just playing insanely good baseball since the end of last year into this year. Gives great defense from multiple positions, keeps getting hits, keeps coming up with RISP, doesn't make dumb mental errors, well respected and loved in the clubhouse and by the fans as well. Never thought i'd say it, but he's being blocked by a Bench player who is well deserving of an everyday role at this point. If anything Wade would be the one to go, but I think they are just pumping him out there everyday hoping to god he catches lightning in a bottle and they can flip him in a deal for something later.

[Spencer 555]

Any power projection?

Everyone seems to be hitting 20 bombs these days if you can make enough contact lol. I'd say 15-20 bombs in the AL east. It's gonna be really interesting to see if jansen can force his way onto the team this year with how maile is playing as the backup and with Martin's contract. Martin is a real fan favourite because he's canadian. The jays catching depth is stupid.

[Sanosuke]

I'd be surprised if Bautista is more than a bench player. He's not taking 3B from Comargo and we don't need him anywhere else sooooo. Minor league it is.

[Spencer 555]

Over under 250 PA. I'm taking the over and I expect him to get more then Ryan flaherty or Camargo.

[Nightmarez]

Buehler from the dodgeres gonna be a really interesting debut.

[Hulky]

Started Torres on hype for MLB debut and benched Dejong. Got 0/4 and a K instead of 2/5 and 3 RBI 1 R 1 HR

Got lucky and didn't miss the points, but kinda sad. Was hyped for Torres to just start off super hot.

[Sanosuke]

under

[Nightmarez]

under


Idk if we've talked about it, but what do you think about your team overall for this year? Markakis may have lost a step defensively but Acuna/Inciarte/Markakis is probably one of the better defensive OFs and Albies and Swanson in the MI can't be too bad either. If Swanson has a bounce back and Acuna looks good from the get-go the line-up looks pretty solid. Pitching staff has more questions than answers IMO, but they're a solid and enviable team from a lot of perespectives.

[Sanosuke]

Swanson's BABIP is a big red flag but I like his approach at the plate better this year. I like having Camargo back but I think Rio Ruiz is our future at 3rd. Ozzie Albies is going to be one of the best 2B in the league given a couple years, and being a switch hitter helps our lineup tremedously considering Inciarte is a lefty locked in at leadoff and Freeman a lefty(granted the LHP matchup doesn't really apply to him) in the 3 hole. I don't mind Markakis because of his veteran mentorship to all of our farm talent finally coming up. I just want to get out from under his contract. Inciarte and Acuña are locked in and I'm incredibly happy about having them for the next 3 years together. My biggest concern is catcher after this year tbh. Willie Contreras is our catcher of the future but I don't want him rushed. Soraka and Gohara look like certified rotation guys with some more growth. Our bullpen is abysmal

[Spencer 555]

Austin Riley looks nice in the minors.

[Sanosuke]

Gonna do a very elaborate break down of the Braves. This is a place holder.

[Spencer 555]

Bautista: the future brave hall of famer -by sano

[Sanosuke]

2018:

Infield:

1B: Freeman is signed through 2021 and then is up for free agency. We have a lot of time before then but I have a firm belief Freeman might go the Chipper Jones route and take a pay cut to finish out his career with the Braves and compete for championships during this time. Playing first isn't all that taxing as Freeman has played all 162 games before, and when healthy, is good to play about 145-162 games a year. He's obviously the face of our franchise and is a supreme talent at first base, who is arguably the best bat at 1B in baseball, maybe the 1a and 1b with Votto. This gives us ample time to groom the next stud at first base but once again, that's quite a ways off.

2B: Ozzie Albies is almost severely underlooked even when getting a lot of the attention by local beat reporters. He has decent power and great plate discipline. It was assumed that Dansby and Ozzie were interchangeable at short and second. I really like Ozzie's glove as well but his bat is what's going to keep him employed and a fan favorite. He's only 21 and got some MLB experience last year. As the full time 2B for the Braves this year, I expect some growing pains at the plate, but we're definitely going to lock him up before arbitration happens I'm sure. The trick is to make sure with all this money we're going to have this offseason is to not tie our hands and leave room for big contracts for Acuna and Albies, primarily.

SS: Swanson is supposed to be our SS of the future. I actually went to high school with him and watched him play while he was a sophomore. I don't know him personally but I have a soft spot for Swanson and want him to be successful. His issue is handling sliders. He's abysmal against them but he's punishing every fastball thrown his way right now. His monstrous BABIP right now leads me to believe he won't maintain his .300+ hitting, but if he can average .275 and a solid glove at short, that's all we'll really need. If he can learn to adapt to big league breaking balls, I expect him to be a very strong future option. If he can't adapt, then I suspect we may look at moving Albies to SS in the future and finding a 2B, or vice versa.

3B: I personally like Rio Ruiz more than Camargo, but they're both solid enough options for now. Camargo has great gap power but nothing that's gonna consistently put his balls over the fence. Rio Ruiz has good big league experience and a decent enough glove at the hot corner to tide us over. I think our 3B of the future lies in Riley and Ruiz/Camargo are spot-gaps. Riley has great power, solid defense, and strikes out at would project to be slightly lower than league average. Hopefully we see him on the 40-man this year.

C: This position is what worries me the most. Catcher is probably the hardest position to get consistent production out of. Flowers and Suzuki surprised with their bats last season, but they're also both on the wrong side of 30. We haven't had a stud at catcher since Brian McCann's bat, and he wasn't that great at calling games or defensively. I much rather have a catcher than can help our soon to be very young pitching staff with a decent bat than another McCann, but I'd take anything that's a symblance of stability at this point. Willie Contreras is in A Ball right now and has averaged a very solid .290 but I'd expect him to get moved up to Mississippi this year and get his shot at AA. He doesn't have much power but once again, I don't think power is going to be an issue for us with Freeman, Acuna developing, Albies developing, and a strong showing at third base.


Pitching Staff:

Luiz Gohara is big league ready now, imo, and needs to be pitching for us. His stuff is incredible and when he's on and his slider grades as the best in our minor league system, he looks like a sure fire ace. His fastball is absolutely bananas and the two pitch combo can get him through most starts, but i think he just needs a solid third pitch.

Mike Soraka is someone that should be pitching for us later in the year or mid season. He reminds me a lot of Anibal Sanchez oddly enough considering we signed him. His control is exceptional and i think if he can get a little bit more out of his pitches he should be a very very solid mid rotation guy.

Kyle Wright is actually someone who I'm the most excited about outside of Acuna. He projects to be true #1 pitcher, with four plus pitches to offer hitters. His fast ball hovers around upper 90s and i think if he gives a good spring showing next year and irons out his command this year, he'll be pitching in the bigs opening week.

AJ Minter is our closer of the future imo. Vizcaino struggles with command and I think Minter is the man that needs to be there in the 9th. He has absolutely dominant stuff.

Kazmir and McCarthy are there for veteran help with our young up coming arms. Our bullpen is abysmal and that needs to be a priority this offseason.


Outfield:

LF: RONALD ACUNA IS HEREEEE. And he's already made an impression, missing going yard by a few inches in his first game, he was a triple short of the cycle his second game and is the youngest player in the majors right now, with Albies in second. He's a five tool monster and plays the premiere OF position. He has a cannon for an arm, incredible range/speed, and his power is only going to grow as he figures out big league pitching and gets older and into his prime. We haven't had OF talent like this since Andruw Jones. He needs to be batting in the 3-hole from the get go.

CF: I honestly feel like we stole Inciarte, and the fact that we have him looked up through 2022 if we decide to exercise the team option is even better. A surefire golden glove candidate every year and an excellent contact hitter to be ahead of Albies, Acuna and Freeman. There isn't much to say about him that isn't already known by now. He's in his prime and will be a very good piece for our team for the next few years.

RF: Markakis is dependable and is primarily there for his glove and to keep Pache's seat warm for next year. Pache should slide into RF for us. He's incredible on defense but his bat still needs a lot of work and power isn't there for him. He's young though, and optimistically he develops into a guy that can give us some decent contact but he'll only truly be there for his black hole of a defense in the out field. If we decent to wait on Pache, I fully expect the Braves to shell out money to a player that deserves Markakis's contract and spend big to sure up RF with a great bat and average defense since RF isn't as difficult as left or center in the grand scheme of things.

[Sanosuke]

I expect our lineup by the end of the year to look like:

Inciarte
Albies
Acuna
Freeman
Flowers/Suzuki
Swanson
Markakis
Camargo/Ruiz/Riley
Pitcher

[Spencer 555]

Minter is a beast. Nice write up.

[Sanosuke]

Lol Acuña is so good.

[Sanosuke]

Every game Bautista has started for us in the majors we've lost.

[Spencer 555]

Just wait. You'll win one eventually.

[Sanosuke]

Probably despite him being on the team.

[Hugh]

James Paxton just threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
It’s the biggest accomplishment by a Canadian since William Shatner wrote TekWar.

[Spencer 555]

<3

[Sanosuke]

I hope we do and I also hope we don't trade for Machado.

Much rather sign Machado in FA if we don't get Harper.

Albies, Acuna, Freeman, Machado would be fucking nuts.

[Spencer 555]

Ya the braves should absolutely be going all in next year.

[Spencer 555]

I think I've seen enough of albies and acuna to say they're gonna be all star caliber players and the pitching staff should be improved with all the young depth at the higher levels.

[Sanosuke]

albies is just a monster.

Every day Bautista starts makes me want them to go after Machado in FA.

[Hulky]

Wanted to watch the Yankees As game but our channel says we get that or the Red Sox and they decided to show us the Red Sox.

I live like 20-30 minutes from the As, why wouldn't they show us the local team. >:C

[Spencer 555]

Surprising. If it was as Marlins I would just say because the red Sox probably will get more ratings. But it's the yankees.

[Gryph]

I could go into horrific detail why that happens, but I don't think either one of you care lol

[Spencer 555]

Doit

[Gryph]

Doit

Basically, it has to do with TV zoning rights and contracts, to put it in perspective, I'll compare the TV contract history with the Rays and Yankees. Back in the early 90's the Yankees were exclusively Fox represented, so they naturally were always on Fox Sports channels (FSN, Fox 5, etc etc) when that contract expired, the Yankees took a business opportunity to partner with their rivals WPIX, and created their own channel under their rights to their content called the YES (Yankees entertainment and sports) Network, under the affiliate of WP11 (WPIX). Now what that did was allow anyone with a cable package (as back in the late 90's not everyone had satellite, fios, etc) to have exclusive content for their team, when cable evolved, so did that channel and they bought out the restrictions certain areas faced (South NJ with mostly PA teams, upstate NY with Buffalo) and broadcasted from the entire NY area and entire state of NJ.

The Rays however did the exact opposite, and broadcast for a very select area of FL, which is why the stadium is always 50% empty, it's not because of the team, but unless you live in their broadcasting range, or have exclusive MLB deals like MLB At Bat or MLB TV (Fios / Direct TV) it's very difficult to see them, since Sun Network also owns the Florida Marlins broadcasts, which broadcasts on a much wider scale because Loria paid for it when he was the owner.

The Red Sox also have this with NESN (New England Sports Network) which iirc is NBC affiliated. So if Oakland is broadcasted by NBCSCA (Cali NBC affiliate) and the NESN is also owned by NBC, then "blackout rates" apply if Hulky is outside the designated broadcasting range of a dual shown game broadcast (in his case, Oakland and Boston)

As the season goes on, certain TV channels and their sister affiliates will bid or pay a parent company money to broadcast a game, hence why if Spencer has MLB Network and they are showcasing a Jays game, if he puts it on, it'll be blacked out on that channel, but if he puts on Sportsnet (I think that's what they play on) he'll have the game. So pretty much, Oakland and Boston were dual broadcasted to certain areas, Boston has the national coverage and Oakland was inside the blackout range for Hulky, despite him seeing the game on normal circumstances. It's why you see on games they'll say "Blackout rates apply" once in a while either during the broadcast or before the game when they show the sponsors / affiliates. Whenever that is said during a broadcast, it means 2 channels that are not affiliated are broadcasting a game either outside or overlapping their designated broadcasting ranges.

To combat this, states with multiple teams will usually sell the games where they will have blackout problems to a parent company or another channel, which is usually why Yankees vs Mets would either be on WP11 (the owner of YES and SNY network), ESPN, or MLB Network exclusively. Cali does this often because they have the Padres, Oakland, Giants, and Dodgers, and Angels all within the same state

[Hugh]

The Orioles are beating the Rays 17-0 in the 7th. They should all really just go home.

[Spencer 555]

Bautista with his first homer for the braves :')

[Sanosuke]

also batting below the mendoza line. :')

[Spencer 555]

Not for long :p

[Hulky]

It was MLB Network it is called not Fox or ESPN or whatever

[Hugh]

Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for violating the drug policy. He’s not even appealing it. Basically saying his doctor gave him steroids.
What the fuck man. Come on.

[Gryph]

Robinson Cano suspended 80 games for violating the drug policy. He’s not even appealing it. Basically saying his doctor gave him steroids.
What the fuck man. Come on.

From what I've been reading, he failed it looooong before the news broke today and was in the process of a judicial appeal (he tested positive in spring training), and dropped it once MLB gave evidence / he got injured. He was basically taking something similar to water pills to dilute tests.

Looking back, I wonder if that's why the Yankees didn't resign him back then and just gave half assed excuses as to why, when ARod was caught, they let Melky and Cano walk, who at the time, were ARod's best friends in clubhouse and some of his best friends in real life. Makes ya wonder if he started in 07/08' and someone there knew Melky, Cano, and ARod were doing something.

[Nightmarez]

From what I've been reading, he failed it looooong before the news broke today and was in the process of a judicial appeal (he tested positive in spring training), and dropped it once MLB gave evidence / he got injured. He was basically taking something similar to water pills to dilute tests.

Looking back, I wonder if that's why the Yankees didn't resign him back then and just gave half assed excuses as to why, when ARod was caught, they let Melky and Cano walk, who at the time, were ARod's best friends in clubhouse and some of his best friends in real life. Makes ya wonder if he started in 07/08' and someone there knew Melky, Cano, and ARod were doing something.


Have you read his statement? Anything could be an excuse, but according to his statement he didn't even test positive for a PED. Plenty of diuretics are illegal because of how they mask substances, and he tested positive for one of those diuretics. Obviously it doesn't make him innocent, but there's plenty of reasons someone can accidentally or otherwise take a diuretic and not know that it will show up and get him banned from baseball.

And again, I really don't have an opinion on this, I'm more or less devil's advocating but I'm pretty neutral... as it doesn't really matter why.

[Gryph]

He failed the test in spring training according to Rosenthal, appealed, then dropped it when MLB confronted him again the day before his injury. I especially don't buy into that shit "Oh, I didn't know what I took." Especially when they knew about and began investigating him 40 days prior to the newsleak

Then why the fuck did you take it? Did you not contact MLBPA and ask? Did you not look into it? No. You saw a foreign doctor, and took a questionable substance and didn't ask any questions like "Hey guys, I'm on this or this." Henceforth, he deserves 100% what happens afterwards for being a friggin moron. The diuretic he took was for people that have liver problems that are on their way to dialysis

[Spencer 555]

Ya, no sympathy for the dude from me.

[Nightmarez]

I’m not giving sympathy just not 100 that it is a lying/PED issue or something less malicious

[Hugh]

I’m not 100 % positive Bigfoot doesn’t exist, but I’m pretty damn sure.

[KBHoleN1]

I’m not 100 % positive Bigfoot doesn’t exist, but I’m pretty damn sure.

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/489257906462666752/pQ7xI_nD_400x400.jpeg

[Hulky]

Watching Astros/Indians. No one is out Kemp gets on first, then steals second. Springer walked. Bregman hits it right to third getting Kemp and Springer out. Then Bregman gets picked off 1st base.

Stop. You're fucking my daily fantasy up killing Altuve's RBI opportunities. Seriously fuck you.

[Sanosuke]

That's the spirit

[Gryph]

lulz, rich hill leaves after 2 pitches with blister.

heeeeere it comes again xD

[Hulky]

"vagina hands"
- Spencer

[Hulky]

How did the Rays get a 4 RBI HR and it wasn't earned runs counted against the pitcher?

[Gryph]

2 outs and reached on error = no earned runs.

If a pitcher would "get out of an inning" but his defense fucks up, any runs allowed don't count for his "earned runs" but count toward his "runs" stat.

[Nightmarez]

And....... Joey bats is gone.

[Sanosuke]

Gee, it's almost as if I know my team or something. 🤔🤔

[Sanosuke]

Bautista with his first homer for the braves :')


Not for long :p


Over under 250 PA. I'm taking the over and I expect him to get more then Ryan flaherty or Camargo.

Kek

[Sanosuke]

I'd be surprised if Bautista is more than a bench player. He's not taking 3B from Comargo and we don't need him anywhere else sooooo. Minor league it is.

Funny that the GM agrees with me when I posted this a month ago.

12 SOs, 5/35, .143. that's for wasting a million dollars on this fuck.

Camargo confirmed everyday third base.

[Nightmarez]

Gee, it's almost as if I know my team or something. ����

I mean it's not even the TEAM... Bautista just isn't that good anymore. If I believed he could hit .260/35 then sure, give it a shot. But he can't.

[Gryph]

His vagina hand striked (its a word now, deal with it) again last night to.

Someone should make him chop wood or focus on being a fucking man in the offseason.

[Sanosuke]

I mean it's not even the TEAM... Bautista just isn't that good anymore. If I believed he could hit .260/35 then sure, give it a shot. But he can't.

What I'm getting at is I said Camargo should be the starter at third and it was literally pointless to put Bautista there to begin with. Which is what ultimately ended up being the result. Kudos to our GM for consistently tinkering to try and keep us in 1st place, but the Bautista move was unnecessary.

[Spencer 555]

So ur giving him kudos because it was a good effort to try and make the team better...

Which was exactly why I said they should get bautista in the first place. Not because I thought bautista would be good, but because he COULD be good for pennies.

Guys... don't act high and mighty because bautista flamed out lol. Anyone coulda saw that a mile away. Just remember I called bautista going to the braves and playing 3rd base and y'all laughed at me like I was crazy. And it happened.

[Spencer 555]

Kek

Booooooo

[Sanosuke]

So ur giving him kudos because it was a good effort to try and make the team better...

Which was exactly why I said they should get bautista in the first place. Not because I thought bautista would be good, but because he COULD be good for pennies.

Guys... don't act high and mighty because bautista flamed out lol. Anyone coulda saw that a mile away. Just remember I called bautista going to the braves and playing 3rd base and y'all laughed at me like I was crazy. And it happened.

I'm giving him kudos despite of the terrible decision of grabbing Bautista, which I already said. Just because you called Bautista going to ATL to play 3B doesn't mean it was the right thing to do nor beneficial for the Braves.

You obviously couldn't have seen him flaming out a mile away because you had Joey's bat in your mouth the entire time and it was obnoxious.

I called Bautista getting tossed, under your 250(lmao) PA, and Camargo starting full time a month ago. And it happened. What's your point?

[Spencer 555]

Wasn't a bad decision. It coulda paid off. I said multiple times that it probably wouldn't.

[Hulky]

Gleyber Torres is fucking awesome and I'm pretty stoked to have been following him since his first at bat. This is my first prospect to pro follow and I'm loving it.

[Hugh]

Mariners are 10 games over .500 with only a +12 run differential.
Astros are 3 games ahead of us with +122.

[Spencer 555]

James Paxton..

[Hulky]

I've only watched two of his starts (last night v. Yankees, and about a week ago against Houston), but Andrew Heaney looks legit to me. That's Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge as well as a bunch of almost stars he's gone up against and dominated. He doesn't seem to have elite velocity (I think 92 or 93 was the highest I saw), but he works through the game really well. Last night he managed people on base super well (I think there was a guy on 3rd and 1st and he got Judge out by placing the ball too low and then when Judge wouldn't bite he worked his way back to 3 balls no strikes to 3 balls 2 strikes, and then got the out. I don't know if he's considered one of the Angels top starters, but I think he could or should be. He seems really good.

[Spencer 555]

I wouldn't buy too much. He's struggled with the homer in his career and hasn't really shown an improvement on any of his pitches that I could see to merit the big drop in homers he's allowed.

[Hugh]

James Paxton..

Yes, finally. We’ve been waiting/hoping a long time for this.

[Spencer 555]

I love that a bald eagle attacked him early in the season and he started pitching out of his mind.

[Hugh]

That is pretty much when it started isn’t it?
Well you know what they say. Fuck yeah!

[Hulky]

it's weird how Felix Hernandez turns bad as Paxton takes off. Is that kinda how it just works in baseball? Like Tanaka struggles and Severino ascends. Are there just not enough pitching coaches to make a Astros-like core of ace pitchers? If so why don't teams just hire like 5 pitching coaches so each starter gets an individual tutor/guy to feed them tape?

[Spencer 555]

Ya he was pitching pretty underwhelmingly and then the bird dug it's claws into his pitching arm and I was like... fuck of course this is how it ends for the canadian.. poor Hugh and the mariners. And then he's just been lights out.

[Spencer 555]

it's weird how Felix Hernandez turns bad as Paxton takes off. Is that kinda how it just works in baseball? Like Tanaka struggles and Severino ascends. Are there just not enough pitching coaches to make a Astros-like core of ace pitchers? If so why don't teams just hire like 5 pitching coaches so each starter gets an individual tutor/guy to feed them tape?

I mean, that's any sport. The old get filtered out by the new. The Astros staff is a total outlier right now and could very well be the best pitching staff of all time.

[Hugh]

I agree, Spencer. Braves staff of the late 90s with Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz/Millwood is pretty much considered the best but the Astros current rotation might actually be better, which is more nuts than Ach is for butts!

[Nightmarez]

I wouldn't buy too much. He's struggled with the homer in his career and hasn't really shown an improvement on any of his pitches that I could see to merit the big drop in homers he's allowed.
Results on his change have night and day differences.

it's weird how Felix Hernandez turns bad as Paxton takes off. Is that kinda how it just works in baseball? Like Tanaka struggles and Severino ascends. Are there just not enough pitching coaches to make a Astros-like core of ace pitchers? If so why don't teams just hire like 5 pitching coaches so each starter gets an individual tutor/guy to feed them tape?

I mean it’s more complicated obviously. For one who knows what coaches can get what attributes out of players, and how that will figure itself out. For Cole I really think it was a matter of going to a pitching coach with a more open philosophy and a philosophy more geared to what Cole does well, whereas his former PC Ray Searage has also been a magician throughout his career with guys like Liriano. But Searage and Cole didn’t seem to work well together. And I truly believe and have advocated that... but I’d never dream of calling ray a bad PC.

I agree, Spencer. Braves staff of the late 90s with Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz/Millwood is pretty much considered the best but the Astros current rotation might actually be better, which is more nuts than Ach is for butts!

They obviously still have it, but if the Astros continue I think they’re the clear #1. Verlander is a HOF having a ridiculous year by his own peak standards. Cole is another leading Cy candidate. Keuchel has his Cy. Morton and McCullers are ridiculous for being backend.

[Hugh]

Mike Trout is 5 for 5 with 3 doubles and a homerun.
That dude is going to be pretty good. Mark my words.

[Gryph]

Maybe if the Yankees would stop tossin fuckin 3-1 pitches right in his wheelhouse he wouldn't of dragged his dick across the diamond this game, just watching how they pitch to him aggravates me.

This game pisses me off tonight.

[Hugh]

Dude there’s no way to pitch to Mike Trout. And no, no need for a pitch by pitch analysis. I get the pleasure of watching him destroy every pitcher we have multiple times a year.

[Spencer 555]

@Marez the changeup doesn't look any different honestly. It's always been pretty good. I think the improvements are coming from pitch mix. I'm not super optimistic.

[Nightmarez]

@Marez the changeup doesn't look any different honestly. It's always been pretty good. I think the improvements are coming from pitch mix. I'm not super optimistic.

You're taling about changes from when he was a young raw player? He throws three pitches, and they're getting good results, and he has an elite defense behind him. Heaney Skaggs and Tropeano are all pretty legit SPs.

[Spencer 555]

I mean, hes still young and raw, weve only seen a pretty small sample here and the only adjustment I can see is that hes thrown more sliders this year then in years prior. The stuff is relatively the same.

Hes a lefty finesse pitcher, I wanna see more before I invest. Hulkys talking about a 10 team mixed league here. The only angel you mentioned that I really want in that format is Skaggs unless I'm streaming.

[Hulky]

I wasn't talking about fantasy (he's already on my team), but in real life. I think he is becoming a really good pitcher.

[Nightmarez]

I mean, hes still young and raw, weve only seen a pretty small sample here and the only adjustment I can see is that hes thrown more sliders this year then in years prior. The stuff is relatively the same.

Hes a lefty finesse pitcher, I wanna see more before I invest. Hulkys talking about a 10 team mixed league here. The only angel you mentioned that I really want in that format is Skaggs unless I'm streaming.

What are you talking about "in years prior?" What are we comparing it to? 100 Innings in like 2015? This isn't a guy that had a large sample size. Are you really saying that going into 2016 your thought was that that was exactly who Heaney was and who he would always be?

And in terms of being a "finesse" pitcher, that's not really fair. His Whiff%'s have been great this year, and were great before his TJS in 2016 and after his TJS in 2017. Plenty of people liked him as a potential breakout back in 2016 same as Skaggs before he had TJS.

Again, two of them are small samples, but his last three Contact%'s have been 74.4%, 71.1%, and 73.5%. In 2015 it was 81.7%. His Whiff%'s have been 12.6%, 13.5%, and 11.9%. In 2015 it was 8.6%. These are all significantly better numbers and over samples that are undeniably relevant.

ANd don't underrate the team defense behind him either.

I'm not too concerned about Heaney. I don't think he hits a 3-Flat ERA or is as close to a 10 K/9, but as a mid rotation starter with decent ratios and Ks? Yup.

[Spencer 555]

So wait.. in your first paragraph you basically argue that comparing his production this year to his last couple years is silly. But then bring up stats from those years in the next paragraph to argue your point? What's it gonna be lol.

His peripheral stats are fairly nice, but his batted ball profile has been pretty awful so far in his career. I think the sample this year is too small to accept as his new baseline. Are you expecting him to continue limiting hard contact like hes done so far this year without any noticeable pitch change/improvement?

By finesse pitcher I only mean that he relies on location and command more then would a guy throwing gas. There's no doubt that Heaney's "slider" and changeup are plus pitches for him, but his fastball is easily his worst pitch. Patrick Corbin is a pretty good comparison to this dude imo.

I totally agree with you on the angels team defense. It was a big reason I was high on Richards heading into the year this year. And I'm on board Heaney being an intriguing guy, but my main concern with Heaney is his proneness to homers. Until he can limit that for more of an extended period, I'm not gonna be that high on him in shallow formats.

@hulky ya I saw you pick him up in fantasy so I assumed you were pumping him up because of that.

[Nightmarez]

So wait.. in your first paragraph you basically argue that comparing his production this year to his last couple years is silly. But then bring up stats from those years in the next paragraph to argue your point? What's it gonna be lol.

His peripheral stats are fairly nice, but his batted ball profile has been pretty awful so far in his career. I think the sample this year is too small to accept as his new baseline. Are you expecting him to continue limiting hard contact like hes done so far this year without any noticeable pitch change/improvement?

By finesse pitcher I only mean that he relies on location and command more then would a guy throwing gas. There's no doubt that Heaney's "slider" and changeup are plus pitches for him, but his fastball is easily his worst pitch. Patrick Corbin is a pretty good comparison to this dude imo.

I totally agree with you on the angels team defense. It was a big reason I was high on Richards heading into the year this year. And I'm on board Heaney being an intriguing guy, but my main concern with Heaney is his proneness to homers. Until he can limit that for more of an extended period, I'm not gonna be that high on him in shallow formats.

@hulky ya I saw you pick him up in fantasy so I assumed you were pumping him up because of that.


Your using his 2015 as a building block in trying to find a "difference" between what you remember from three years ago and now. I'm comparing peripheral stats to show what he's doing differently, at least in terms of results.

You're just wrong about the sample too. Not in like a rude way, but his sample is massive in terms of Contact/Whiff%. Those rates stabilize on a per-pitch basis. He's thrown over 700 pitches this year, so I have a 700 pitch sample. And the fact that they've been similar in every small sample he's gotten is highly significant to me. Again, you're talking about a guys FIRST 100 innings and you're not fairly treating him like he was a rookie figuring out what the hell he was doing. Plenty of people were optimistic coming into 2016 that as a highly talented pitcher he could take a step forward. I mean you're right, maybe his Change-Up's movement isn't different... but if he's locating it an inch better that might be enough for the difference. Maybe he's learned to throw it better?

Corbin's a pretty damn good pitcher right now. Don't understand that being a knock.

I need to do a rerank to know exactly where I'd rank him, but I'm much more confident in his ROS than you it appears.

Either way, I have certain criteria for a pitcher that is actually fairly rare to be filled out. Heaney checks all my boxes. Not that many pitchers check all my boxes, so I'm pretty high on heaney. Like his aresenal, like the depth of it, like the mix, and like you said-- "poor" FB pitcher, but plenty of pitchers make up for that with location. If he can locate, keep off balance, and utilize secondary stuff well, as he has for his first ten starts, he should be fine.

[Spencer 555]

Lol I'm not trying to knock the dude, Marez. I just threw the Corbin comp out there because you made it sound like I was implying finesse pitchers weren't able to induce a lot of whiffs.

"And in terms of being a "finesse" pitcher, that's not really fair. His Whiff%'s have been great this year, and were great before his TJS in 2016 and after his TJS in 2017. Plenty of people liked him as a potential breakout back in 2016 same as Skaggs before he had TJS."

And Corbin is a prototypical finesse pitcher who induces a lot of whiffs.

I don't think I'm as low on Heaney as you think. I wasn't denying any of the stickiness to the peripheral number improvements, I just think the proneness to homers he's developed over the last couple years is a problem that hasn't reared its ugly head just yet this season. With a 40% grounder rate and near 40% hard hit rate, a couple more homers isnt really crazy to imagine. His launch angle and average exit velocity are way down from his career norms (2000+ pitches before 2018) despite not really changing anything (and despite players trying to hit the ball higher, vive la revolition). I dont buy that this is because of a tangible adjustment or improvement and I think these numbers will regress back to near his career norms pushing his era back into the 4 range.

My ROS projection would have Heaney finishing the year with an era just above 4 while maintaining his excellent k/9.

[Sanosuke]

Thank God Acuña is ok

[Nightmarez]

Thank God Acuña is ok


I'm honeslty shocked.

EDIT: and in an absolutely good way, don't get me wrong for sure, love lvoe love watching young, talented players be talented.

[Nightmarez]

Lol I'm not trying to knock the dude, Marez. I just threw the Corbin comp out there because you made it sound like I was implying finesse pitchers weren't able to induce a lot of whiffs.

"And in terms of being a "finesse" pitcher, that's not really fair. His Whiff%'s have been great this year, and were great before his TJS in 2016 and after his TJS in 2017. Plenty of people liked him as a potential breakout back in 2016 same as Skaggs before he had TJS."

And Corbin is a prototypical finesse pitcher who induces a lot of whiffs.

I don't think I'm as low on Heaney as you think. I wasn't denying any of the stickiness to the peripheral number improvements, I just think the proneness to homers he's developed over the last couple years is a problem that hasn't reared its ugly head just yet this season. With a 40% grounder rate and near 40% hard hit rate, a couple more homers isnt really crazy to imagine. His launch angle and average exit velocity are way down from his career norms (2000+ pitches before 2018) despite not really changing anything (and despite players trying to hit the ball higher, vive la revolition). I dont buy that this is because of a tangible adjustment or improvement and I think these numbers will regress back to near his career norms pushing his era back into the 4 range.

My ROS projection would have Heaney finishing the year with an era just above 4 while maintaining his excellent k/9.

12% Pop-Up% this year too. I agree with you a bit on the regression in HR/FB and HR/9, don't get me wrong. I just dont' think it's going to be quite the recknoing you do. I think the Pop-Up% is another sign that he's learning how to pitch, particularly on the inside, in ways that doesn't give up numerous HRs.

My ROS projection for them would be closer to:


(these weren't really intentionally evenly split, but it ended up being pretty close so I evened up the split)
Skaggs: 3.40-3.60
Heaney: 3.60-3.80
Trop: 3.80-4.00

[Spencer 555]

We'll see man, I definitely think its worth jumping on him now if youre a big believer. If the improvements stick in his batted ball profile, a reduced walk rate would even push him further up the ladder.

I love Skaggs, really hoping he finally pays off for the angels this year. I remember we were both drooling over his curve a couple years back lol.

[Hugh]

The Mariners are 13 games over .500. They’ve won 16 games by 1 run already. I’ve never seen anything like it.

[Spencer 555]

It's been a long time coming. I feel bad that the angels and rockets will probably win the 2 playoff spots up for grabs.

[Gryph]

It's been a long time coming. I feel bad that the angels and rockets will probably win the 2 playoff spots up for grabs.

the who?

[Hugh]

Not sure who Spencer meant but one WC is obviously coming out of the East. The other though? Sorry, but I’m just not sold on the Angels. They have the best player on baseball, and from what we’ve seen of Ohtani so far maybe even the 2 best, but they just aren’t a great team. The Mariners are learning how to win and doing it with key guys out.
They have a brutal stretch in June that will show a lot but I love what I see.

[Spencer 555]

Lol fuck u guys.

And I'm rooting for ya hugh.

[Hugh]

Thanks, but seriously who did you mean by Rockets?

Edit- Oh the Rockies in the NL. Got it. Carry on.

[Spencer 555]

Lolol I hate you

[Sanosuke]

Braves aren't a fluke and it's nice.

[Hugh]

Rougned Odor is just an all-around bad name.

[Spencer 555]

He punched bautista too..

Speaking of bautista... he's batting over the Mendoza line.

[Nightmarez]

He punched bautista too..

Speaking of bautista... he's batting over the Mendoza line.


For another week.

[Spencer 555]

xD

[Sanosuke]

What a mile stone

[Spencer 555]

Next milestone is finishing the season with a higher war then Camargo and Flaherty.

Let's go!

[KBHoleN1]

Maybe he should shoot for having a positive WAR first. You know, at least being replacement level.

[Spencer 555]

Ur talking baby steps kb. Bautista doesn't take baby steps. He's just warming up and then he'll light the league on fire.

[Spencer 555]

https://mobile.twitter.com/mikemayerMMO/status/1002004500272615429?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

Feed me your tears!

[Hulky]

> post that Heaney has looked impressive against impressive teams like the Astros and Yankees
> next game Heaney gets blown up by the Tigers
> fack

[Spencer 555]

Lel

[Hugh]

Ur talking baby steps kb. Bautista doesn't take baby steps. He's just warming up and then he'll light the league on fire.

He’s pretty old, dude.

[Hugh]

Bautista and Nelson Cruz are both 37 and have almost identical career numbers. Cruz has a better batting average but everything else is very close.

[Spencer 555]

Never noticed that.

[Hugh]

Ok, the Mariners just had their 17th come from behind win and are in 1st place over the Astros.
This is one hell of a team.

[Spencer 555]

It'll all come crashing down soon enough hugh. It's the mariners.

[Hugh]

You’re just upset because you lost your two man crushes, Edwin and Joey Bats, and the Blue Jays blow now. Which is completely understandable. My condolences.
Hey, at least you still have Smoak.:)

[Spencer 555]

Haha naw I'm not too upset right now honestly. The 10+ years of unbearable baseball prior to making the playoffs has prepared me for this. I'm such a diehard jays fan that they could probably lose 80 games and I'd be content. Dreaming on Vlad jr right now and it's fun.

I'm just being a dink cause it's fun ;)

James Paxton is must watch baseball right now tbh.

[Hugh]

I’m never content with my team sucking. I’m still a fan and their still my team, but I’m not content with it. I’m disappointed and frustrated and have been for a long time. Pretty excited this year, though. The Mariners have a lot of heart this year and their pitching is a hell of a lot better than I expected.