MLB Thread

[Droford]

How's David Price working out up in Boston


David Price in 2.1 innings pitched vs Texas gave up 12 hits and 6 runs.


..oh..

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

shit

[Emperor Smeat]

:y: Another comeback win in a row for the Sox.

[Evil Vito]

Wow, Jose Reyes is a Met again. I'm torn on this one. I really am, and the early indication I get is that a lot of Met fans feel the same way.

From a baseball standpoint, I can't see any downside to it. The Mets are paying him virtually no money as Colorado is on the hook for the remaining 2 years and $35 million or so on his contract. Reyes has expressed a willingness to go to the minor leagues to get into game shape and, moreover, acquaint himself with second base, third base, and even the outfield to try to groom himself for a super-utility role. He's nowhere near the player he once was (aka the player that made him one of the best players in franchise history), but he's not expected to be a savior and frankly even a diminished Reyes is an upgrade to the current Met roster.

But on the other side of the coin, the guy was arrested for accused domestic abuse via grabbing his wife by the throat. Yes, he's legally in the clear because his wife declined to cooperate as a witness leading to the charges being dropped. And he served the suspension handed out by MLB, so he has the right to continue his career. But there is no getting around the fact that the Mets are going to take a big PR hit merely for signing Reyes, just as the Yankees did in trading for Chapman. And just personally it is very difficult for me to pull for a player connected to something as deplorable as what transpired.

Reyes has said all the right things in accepting his suspension and has pledged to donate a portion of his income to charities assisting victims of domestic violence. The Mets had a 12-year relationship with Reyes and from what I've read about Sandy Alderson over the years I do not think they would have brought him back if they had concerns that he hadn't straightened his life out. Most importantly though, his wife reportedly reached out to the Mets as soon as the Rockies released him because she wanted to see him go back "home". That last part alone is what will keep me trying to be optimistic about the whole thing, even if I'm still mostly conflicted.

[ClockShot]

Don't forget Nimmo is coming up and Conforto is going down.

[Ruien]

Wow, Jose Reyes is a Met again. I'm torn on this one. I really am, and the early indication I get is that a lot of Met fans feel the same way.

From a baseball standpoint, I can't see any downside to it. The Mets are paying him virtually no money as Colorado is on the hook for the remaining 2 years and $35 million or so on his contract. Reyes has expressed a willingness to go to the minor leagues to get into game shape and, moreover, acquaint himself with second base, third base, and even the outfield to try to groom himself for a super-utility role. He's nowhere near the player he once was (aka the player that made him one of the best players in franchise history), but he's not expected to be a savior and frankly even a diminished Reyes is an upgrade to the current Met roster.

But on the other side of the coin, the guy was arrested for accused domestic abuse via grabbing his wife by the throat. Yes, he's legally in the clear because his wife declined to cooperate as a witness leading to the charges being dropped. And he served the suspension handed out by MLB, so he has the right to continue his career. But there is no getting around the fact that the Mets are going to take a big PR hit merely for signing Reyes, just as the Yankees did in trading for Chapman. And just personally it is very difficult for me to pull for a player connected to something as deplorable as what transpired.

Reyes has said all the right things in accepting his suspension and has pledged to donate a portion of his income to charities assisting victims of domestic violence. The Mets had a 12-year relationship with Reyes and from what I've read about Sandy Alderson over the years I do not think they would have brought him back if they had concerns that he hadn't straightened his life out. Most importantly though, his wife reportedly reached out to the Mets as soon as the Rockies released him because she wanted to see him go back "home". That last part alone is what will keep me trying to be optimistic about the whole thing, even if I'm still mostly conflicted.

Yes he fucked up but we all have had at some point. He is donating money and trying to make things right. Just like Vick.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Jays win 10-8 in a shootout with the White Sox. Lost lastnight 3-2. They win the shootouts for the most part but are fucking awful in low scoring games. In fucking furiating. Seriously want this team to be able to win a game 2-1, but I don't think it's possible.

[Lock Jaw]

Sox hit 7 home runs..... ridic..... and Jays still somehow managed to win....

[Evil Vito]

Maybe Damian Rey can stop being salty about pitchers hitting...because the Padres are now on the Superwin board!

4/3: Francisco Liriano
4/6: Kenta Maeda
4/14: Jason Hammel
4/18: John Lackey
4/19: Jason Hammel (2)
4/22: Jeff Samardzija
5/1: Clayton Kershaw
5/3: Jake Arrieta
5/11: Noah Syndergaard
5/15: Jose Fernandez
5/15: Dan Straily
5/18: Travis Wood
5/21: Matt Cain
5/22: Madison Bumgarner
5/22: Jerad Eickoff
5/24: Jason Hammel (3)
5/24: Jake Odorizzi
6/2: Madison Bumgarner (2)
6/9: Jorge De La Rosa
6/11: Tanner Roark
6/18: Chris Hatcher
6/25: Drew Pomeranz

[Damian Rey 2.0]

My stance will not change on an anomaly!

I was however waiting for the super win.

[Droford]

Os swept a doubleheader with the Rays giving them 10 straight losses..

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Jays face Chris Sale today. Hopefully Stroman doesn't give up 3,000 runs in the first 3 innings. I think he'll get his groove back, but I don't think it'll be today in the bang box.

[Droford]

Home runs by team since 2012 through right now today
Orioles – 974
Blue Jays – 900
Yankees – 823
Rockies – 795

Also the Os have 51 hr in June. June record is 55 hrs and any month record is 58. Os have 2 games in SD and 1 in Seattle left this month

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

So you are embracing the "we only hit homers" mantra for the Orioles?

[Droford]

It's got em 2 playoff appearances and an AL East Division win in 4+ years after nothing for 14 years

#dongcity

Through 75 games On 2014 they were 40-35 1.5 gb in 2nd now they're 45-30 4g up on Boston

[Ruien]

Jays face Chris Sale today. Hopefully Stroman doesn't give up 3,000 runs in the first 3 innings. I think he'll get his groove back, but I don't think it'll be today in the bang box.

Stroman didn't throw a terrible game. Just happened to be going against Sale.

[Droford]

It'll be interesting to see what the Jays do with Sanchez who sits at 97 ip with a supposed 160 ip limit. They say he's going to bullpen..but he's their best starter

[Damian Rey 2.0]

They'd be smart to continue to start him. I've always liked the idea of a guy going five then giving another guy 2 or 3 innings a week as a long reliever, but not a mop up guy. Not sure what the Jays depth chart is but it could work to help get them needed innings but limit the workload.

[Evil Vito]

My stance will not change on an anomaly!

I was however waiting for the super win.

Your bitterness directly resulted in the Padres giving a Superwin right back to the Reds the very next day. Hope you're happy.


4/3: Francisco Liriano
4/6: Kenta Maeda
4/14: Jason Hammel
4/18: John Lackey
4/19: Jason Hammel (2)
4/22: Jeff Samardzija
5/1: Clayton Kershaw
5/3: Jake Arrieta
5/11: Noah Syndergaard
5/15: Jose Fernandez
5/15: Dan Straily
5/18: Travis Wood
5/21: Matt Cain
5/22: Madison Bumgarner
5/22: Jerad Eickoff
5/24: Jason Hammel (3)
5/24: Jake Odorizzi
6/2: Madison Bumgarner (2)
6/9: Jorge De La Rosa
6/11: Tanner Roark
6/18: Chris Hatcher
6/25: Drew Pomeranz
6/26: Anthony DeSclafani

[Evil Vito]

Mets have a 4-0 lead with their ace on the mound. End up losing 11-4. Then it comes out that Syndergaard and Matz BOTH are dealing with bone spurs that could require surgery and would keep them each out for a few months.

:|

2015 was the year for this team. Back to getting the type of luck with injuries that only the Mets have.

[Evil Vito]

Honestly I guess I should be glad it's just bone spurs for Thor (he is denying anything is wrong but he's not one to make excuses, multiple team reports suggest he is hurt) and not Tommy John. But let's get real. He's going to need Tommy John eventually. Maybe not this year. Maybe not next year. But it's going to happen. It happens with virtually every young pitcher in baseball nowadays and it's practically a rite of passage.

I actually have to commend Sandy for using his two first round picks on college starting pitchers this year. They shouldn't take too long to be big league ready. If you're going to build your entire franchise around young pitchers you need to keep stockpiling it because guys can get hurt at a moments notice.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

They'd be smart to continue to start him. I've always liked the idea of a guy going five then giving another guy 2 or 3 innings a week as a long reliever, but not a mop up guy. Not sure what the Jays depth chart is but it could work to help get them needed innings but limit the workload.

Stroman is capable of pitching shutout innings against great teams. Right now he is not though. So 4 ER in 5 innings against the sox when Sale is pitching is just not acceptable.

Chavez and Floyd are both capable, if not inconsistent.

Jays are in a rough spot right now, without a dominant lefty out of the pen. Drew Storen I think sealed his fate last night in just a hideous performance. It sucks, because I like him and the guy is clearly good, just doesn't have faith in his own stuff right now.

Eddie with two home runs and Devon Travis hitting well is very nice to see. Too bad about the rest of it.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Uhhh....what?

But yes Stroman is more than capable. He's also a groundball pitcher and he's pitched into some bad luck. His expected era when factoring out defense is about 1.5 runs lower than his actual era. His walk % is up a bit, but there's not a dramatic change to his homerun rate/homerun per fly ball rate, strikeout rate or line drive rate.

So the walks are coming back on him a bit but overall I think it's just bad luck for a guy who gets a lot of and pitches to ground balls.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Uhhh....what?



???

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

If you were confused about my drew storen statement I wasn't calling him a lefty lol, just my stream of consciousness. I don't know how much longer the jays will want to keep him with how thongs have gone this year for him. Guess it depends if he can rebound fast, as he had been pitching much better.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I think you meant to quote Ruien because what you quoted me saying wasn't related to Storen or Stroman lol.

But I agree with your assessment.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Jays won in the most Jays way possible tonight, 14-9. Lol that's how you get your first win in Colorado. Both teams were fucking awful.

[Droford]

Orioles are at 54 homers in June with 2 to play. 1 short off the June record and 4 short of the record of 58 for any month which is held by the 88 Orioles and 99 Mariners.

They've got 123 home runs in 76 games which is on pace for 262 which would be 2 short of the 97 Mariners (who the Orioles beat in the playoffs by the way..) for the overall season record. They were on pace to only hit 260 about 2 weeks ago so they're gaining on the record pace.

5 players with 13 homers
Trumbo 22
Davis 19
Machado 18
Jones 16
Schoop 13

7 with at least 9
Wieters 9
Alvarez 9

7 players with 20 homers would tie the AL record. 5 players with 30 homers has never happened before ever. Outside shot of 3 with 40 which has never happened before either. I don't think Manny can hit 40..

[Droford]

Trumbo #23 for 55 and the the June record

[Droford]

Gallardo has 2 hits and a run scored up 7-0..but thats not a Super win contender is it? Has to be an RBI..

[Nicky Fives]

Brett Cecil & Franklin Morales on tap to return to Jays, so that's 2 lefties coming back for them..... if Cecil can get back to his same form as last season, he'd be invaluable.....

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

He's totally capable of it, but jeeeez was he bad earlier this year.

[Droford]

MLB is probably sweating the fact that there aren't any close divisional races just a little bit.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Just the first half of the season hot shot.

[Droford]

National League is pretty much decided. Only 7 teams above .500 and 3 of them are only 4 games over .500.

Nationals and Mets for the East unless you think Marlins are for real. None of them playing well so it's possible this could change if one of them gets hot. Giants and Cubs are walking away with the divisions. Cubs are 4-6 last 10 still up 10.5 games. Dodgers are the Giants only real threat..

American league is a little bit less settled..but..Houston is 9-1 last 10 and still 10 games behind the Rangers. Cleveland and their winning streak at least have 2 potential teams to contend with in the Tigers and Royals. Might be the only real division race I think..but maybe Cleveland is for real?

And of course the Orioles..Red Sox just lost 2 of 3 to Rays after the Rays got swept by 3 1st place teams in 11 games (giants Indians orioles) which is proof enough for me the Red Sox aren't contenders. Blue Jsys..meh..And the Yankees are a sub .500 diaaster

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

wouldn't you say that perhaps... they (The Orioles) are peaking too early? :lol:

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

and lol good teams lose series' to bad teams all the time. Just depends if you're slumping or not. You're no fun to shoot the shit with, because you only see things through the eyes of a total homer.

[Evil Vito]

lol Daniel Murphy has hit 4 home runs in 9 games against the Mets. He's also already tied his career high with 14 home runs this year.

I was all for moving on from him even after his insane NLDS/NLCS. Seemed like a classic case of a guy just going apeshit in the national spotlight. No reason to expect that to become his new norm.

Nope. It was. He's legitimately one of the best hitters in baseball right now for our division rival and I'm already willing to say it's one of the biggest fuck ups in Mets history.

[Frank Drebin]

Too bad Supreme isn't here to explain why it was ok that the Reds suck at baseball so much that they felt compelled to throw at one of the games rising superstars who also refused to show up the Reds by doing a curtain call the day before.

[Droford]

wouldn't you say that perhaps... they (The Orioles) are peaking too early? :lol:

In 2014 the Os went 53-27 after June 30rh for a .662 win %. Since June 1st this year this year are 19-8 or .704
If they just play .662 they win 103 games

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

In 2014 the Os went 53-27 after June 30rh for a .662 win %. Since June 1st this year this year are 19-8 or .704
If they just play .662 they win 103 games

Lol I wasn't being serious you Wang.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

But what do they do if those thunderbats slow down a bit? Can't rely much on their pitching can they?

[Droford]

Orioles have scored 10+ runs in 3 straight never done it 4 games in Baltimore (st Louis Brown's did it in 1922)

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

ur not answering my question, sir.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

If the Orioles pitching rounds out, with their bullpen being as good as I've seen it, they're definitely world series contenders.

For the Jays to contend, they either need Brett Cecil to have a total turn around come his return, or they need a big acquisition in the bullpen to where I would use either Troy Tulowitzki or Jose Bautista as trade bait (for something OTHER than just a lefty in the bullpen but that would be a requisite part of the deal.)

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Fucking love Jason Grilli though. Such a useful strikeout guy. Also like Joe Biagini's turn around for the past few games. he was hard done by in Colorado with some bad defence, but he was drawing a lot of soft contact. I don't know if he's longed for the majors, but he definitely serves a nice purpose for now. And he's an amazing interview.

[Droford]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 series wins in a row? Drink it in, maaaaaaaan.<br><br>FINAL: White Sox 6, Twins 5</p>&mdash; Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/748625728921448448">June 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Good Guys scored 5 times. 5 times. 5 times. 5 times. 5 times in the 6th.<br><br>We can dig it.<a href="https://t.co/IAQ7CVjtm1">https://t.co/IAQ7CVjtm1</a></p>&mdash; Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/748378821192081408">June 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Frank Drebin]

YEA NOW THEY'RE GOOD AGAIN, THEY BEAT THA TWINZ!

[Droford]

The Orioles should work in a New Day Booty Os reference sometime..Adam Jones is a big WWE fan

[Frank Drebin]

3 games to go, but the Mets showing why they, Giants and Nats are a serious threat to the cubs. Cubs having problems in close games now too. So far their problems are they cant handle a dominant starter who can work within the strike zone and dont play well in close games. Playoff baseball will require them to figure those two things out fast. You cant count on running into another broken down Cardinals team in October.

[Innovator]

Bobby Bonilla getting paid today

[Evil Vito]

Bruce Sutter has been getting roughly $1.3 million from the Braves since 1990 and will continue to do so until 2020. He last played for the Braves in 1988.

The Reds have to pay Junior $3.5 million a year until 2021.

The Dodgers are paying out over $43 million this year to plates who are not playing for them.

And countless of other players are getting deferred money with interest.

[Droford]

Find it funny the Indians have to wear Canadian flag patches on Canada Day

[Emperor Smeat]

Bruce Sutter has been getting roughly $1.3 million from the Braves since 1990 and will continue to do so until 2020. He last played for the Braves in 1988.

The Reds have to pay Junior $3.5 million a year until 2021.

The Dodgers are paying out over $43 million this year to plates who are not playing for them.

And countless of other players are getting deferred money with interest.
Has any team doing that type of deal end up not having it backfire in terms of costs?

Like with the classic example of the Mets and Bonilla, whatever they saved at the time hasn't been close to what they have been paying out all these years later.

[Droford]

Blue Jays seeing if they can lose the game by running out of players due to ejections as this game goes to the 16th

[Lock Jaw]

Into the 18th, run out of pitchers so putting in Ryan Goins as pitcher

[Lock Jaw]

Goins loads the bases

[Lock Jaw]

DOUBLE PLAY to get out of the half

Goins makes it through!

Jays HAVE to deliver a run here though or they are DOOMED.

[Lock Jaw]

Heading into the 19th

Darwin Barney pitching now with no warmup....

[Lock Jaw]

Barney gives up the home run

[Lock Jaw]

And that's the ball game.

Will be a "good story" for Cleveland I guess... that they break their "streak record" in a 19 inning game.....

Trying to see the positives....

[Evil Vito]

With the fan ballots now closed it’s time for my annual exercise in predicting the All Star Game rosters before they get formally revealed in a few days. As always, I don’t agree with all of these selections, however I’m making the predictions based on the process in which the teams are currently constructed. You have the fan-elected starters, player-elected reserves and pitchers, and the managers filling out the rest all while making sure each team has representation. It’s a complicated process that I think could be handled better, and I will point out some of the flaws in my projected roster as we go along.

I’ll start with the NL, because Rob Manfred thought it would be a good idea to have the Senior Circuit be the road team in one of their own ballparks.



National League

Starting Lineup (8)

C: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
1B: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs
2B: Ben Zobrist, Chicago Cubs
SS: Addison Russell, Chicago Cubs
3B: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
OF: Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets
OF: Dexter Fowler, Chicago Cubs
OF: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

In the final polling update this week, the closest race was at catcher where Buster Posey was trailing Yadier Molina but closing in quickly. Giants fans have been great at the polls in recent years and Molina is having a largely dreadful season, so I’m thinking Posey will pass Molina in these last few days.

The only projected starter here that I disagree with is Addison Russell, who while great defensively still has a long way to go to develop as a hitter. His presence on the team will likely deny one of Corey Seager, Trevor Story, or Aldemys Diaz a spot on the roster. Other than that though, this is a fair lineup. Sure you can argue the merits of Zobrist vs. Daniel Murphy or Bryant vs. Nolan Arenado, but all of those guys are likely to make the team anyway so it doesn’t really matter.

Player Balloting: Position Players (8)

C: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
2B: Daniel Murphy, Washington Nationals
SS: Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers
3B: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
OF: Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
OF: Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies
OF: Starling Marte, Pittsburgh Pirates

Murphy and Arenado, as mentioned, are highly likely to be voted on to the roster as backups at their respective positions. Goldschmidt and Gonzalez also feel like safe bets. It’s a toss up as to who will make it between Seager or Story as the backup shortstop but I’m tentatively going to guess Seager fares better in the polling.

Even though I alluded to Molina having a terrible year, I could easily see the players voting him in entirely on reputation in spite of the numbers just as Jason Varitek was in 2008. On the flipside, reputation could very well hurt a guy like Ryan Braun as I can imagine a lot of players still refusing to vote for him after his PED fiasco from a few years ago. As such this spot is a toss up for me so I’m guessing the other two outfield spots go to Marte who is among the league leaders in steals and batting average, and Bruce who is the Reds’ best overall player.

Player Balloting: Pitchers (8)

SP: Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs
SP: Madison Bumgarner, San Francisco Giants
SP: Johnny Cueto, San Francisco Giants
SP: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
SP: Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets
RP: Jeurys Familia, New York Mets
RP: Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers
RP: Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates

The starting pitching in the NL this year is absolutely absurd. Maybe a Cueto or a Syndergaard will fall off the actual player ballot, but I can’t fathom any of these five not making the team with the kind of years they’ve had. Kershaw would have had to be the one in line to make the start but with him going on the DL this week that duty might fall to Arrieta instead which is about as great of a Plan B as you could possibly have.

Trying to forecast the relievers is a much tougher call. I’ll give the nod to Jansen and Melancon who are having solid seasons and have a reputation. In spite of his relatively inflated ERA compared to his peers, Familia is the league leader in saves, has a regular season consecutive saves streak that dates back to August 1st of last year, and was viewed as a snub last year so I think he will get some love.

Managerial Selections (9)

C: Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers
1B: Wil Myers, San Diego Padres
SS: Trevor Story, Colorado Rockies
3B: Matt Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
OF: Odubel Herrera, Philadelphia Phillies

SP: Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins
SP: Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs
SP: Julio Teheran, Atlanta Braves
RP: Fernando Rodney, Miami Marlins

Five teams are missing representation: the Marlins, Brewers, Phillies, Braves, and the hometown Padres. The Marlins’ spot is the easiest one to fill as Fernandez is a slam dunk choice for the pitching staff. There are nearly always three catchers on the All Star team, so Lucroy wins out over Wilson Ramos to satisfy the Milwaukee requirement. Herrera is simply the best player on the Phillies so he should make it as an extra outfielder.

The trade of Rodney to the Marlins seemingly makes Wil Myers a lock to be the Padres rep, although I think both will make it anyway as usually even the bad host teams will have two reps and Rodney still sorta counts towards that. That leaves the dumpster fire Braves whose best options would be pitchers: Teheran or Arodys Vizcaino. Collins watched Teheran fire 17 shutout innings against his Mets over the last two weeks so that might give him the leg up

It’s already a very Cub-heavy team but Lester has just been far too good to leave off. Trevor Story has been one of the best, well, stories in the NL so he should definitely be there. The last spot then goes to Carpenter who would give Collins versatility at 2B and 3B. If my prediction of Jay Bruce getting voted in by the players ends up not coming true, Collins is going to need to get creative to squeeze Bruce, Adam Duvall, or Zack Cozart on to rep Cincinnati.

Final Vote Possibilities

Here’s the point where you realize how deep the league really is. MLB rules require a minimum of 13 pitchers to be named to the roster. This projection only has 12. In that case, Collins would need to load up his Final Vote list with arms to fill the requirement. Another Cub starter such as John Lackey or Jason Hammel could be in the mix. Stephen Strasburg is on the DL but would still have the numbers to warrant the honor of being selected. A guy like Drew Pomeranz or Ryan Buchter could give Padres fans a chance to add another hometown player. Closers like Vizcaino, A.J. Ramos, or Hector Rondon could be in play. Lastly, don’t forget about Hwan Seung Oh who has been probably the best non-closing reliever in the NL.

Should one of those pitchers make the initial roster to free up Collins to nominate position players for his Final Vote, I’m thinking it would mostly consist of names already mentioned: Diaz, Braun, Ramos, Duvall, and Cozart could all be viable choices. Gregory Polanco could be an option in an already crowded group of outfielders along with any one of three Marlins: Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and, yes, Ichiro Suzuki. Ichiro making one last All Star team would be a very nice send off for him, actually.




American League

Starting Lineup (9)

C: Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals
1B: Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals
2B: Jose Altuve, Houston Astros
SS: Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox
3B: Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles
OF: Jackie Bradley Jr., Boston Red Sox
OF: Lorenzo Cain, Kansas City Royals
OF: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
DH: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Perez and Ortiz’ elections to their respective positions are a mere formality based on the most recent poll, the only debate is which of the two will garner the highest vote total. The one change I made from the poll is Cain overtaking Mookie Betts for a starting outfield spot. Cain was a very narrow fourth place but he has the ballot box stuffing Royals fans behind him and Betts’ recent injury might have lost him some late votes. To be blunt, I hope I’m wrong on this one because the pool of outfielders is very deep this year and Cain, while a nice player, could prevent someone more deserving from making the team.

I can’t object to any of the other starters. In particular the competitions all along the infield are between two players who are certainly going to make the team one way or another. Trout will be making his fifth All Star appearance at just 24 years old, he might break the record before he is all said and done.

Player Balloting: Position Players (9)

C: Matt Wieters, Baltimore Orioles
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
2B: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners
SS: Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians
3B: Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays
OF: Carlos Beltran, New York Yankees
OF: Ian Desmond, Texas Rangers
OF: Mark Trumbo, Baltimore Orioles
DH: Edwin Encarnacion, Toronto Blue Jays

The infield didn’t really take too much thought, and I’d be stunned if any of Cabrera, Cano, Lindor, or Donaldson failed to make the team. Wieters is one of only three AL catchers with a respectable batting line, so his election is sensible. The backup DH is always hard to forecast. I believe Nelson Cruz has the best case in terms of raw numbers, however much like with Ryan Braun I believe his PED history could cause some of his fellow players to steer clear, paving the way for Encarnacion to make it instead.

I had a much tougher time trying to decide which three outfielders the players are most likely to vote on. In the end I settled on Beltran who is a respected veteran in the midst of a career resurgence, Desmond whose transition to the outfield has been one of the better stories in baseball, and Trumbo who is amongst the league leaders in home runs. Ned Yost will have no shortage of other deserving outfielders to choose from to fill out the roster later.

Player Balloting: Pitchers (8)

SP: Marco Estrada, Toronto Blue Jays
SP: Cole Hamels, Texas Rangers
SP: Danny Salazar, Cleveland Indians
SP: Chris Sale, Chicago White Sox
SP: Steven Wright, Boston Red Sox
RP: Zach Britton, Baltimore Orioles
RP: Wade Davis, Kansas City Royals
RP: Andrew Miller, New York Yankees

I certainly can’t make an argument against any of these five starters. Sale would have to figure to be the top choice to get the start for the Junior Circuit. Hamels and Salazar have been the best pitchers on two of the best teams in baseball. Estrada has built on his quality campaign from a year ago with an even better one this year. Wright is leading the league in ERA and channeling his inner 2012 R.A. Dickey.

It’d be tough for the players to make a wrong choice on relievers with how many incredible ones there have been in the AL. Britton has been the best closer in the game this year, Davis is having another brilliant year and has built a reputation of dominance, and Miller is striking out nearly two batters an inning.

Managerial Selections (7)

C: Stephen Vogt, Oakland Athletics
SS: Eduardo Nunez, Minnesota Twins
3B: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

SP: Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles
RP: Dellin Betances, New York Yankees
RP: Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals
RP: Craig Kimbrel, Boston Red Sox

The A’s, Rays, and Twins are the only three teams yet to be called, and conveniently the most obvious representatives from each of those teams plays a different position. Vogt fills the unofficially required third catcher role, Nunez fills a sort of utility role, and Longoria is the face of his franchise and the type of star that deserves recognition at an All Star Game.

I suspect Yost will take at least one more starter to give him the luxury of extra innings if necessary. Personally Tillman wouldn’t be my preference but his 10 wins might stand out to Yost. Beyond that though I think Yost will repeat last year’s strategy of loading up on hard throwing relievers for this game. Herrera will be rewarded by his manager for a second year in a row as a set up man, and Betances will join his teammate Miller. Would it be overkill to include Aroldis Chapman and have the entire BMC trio available? Given that the objective is to win, probably not. However given that Chapman missed a month to suspension I will guess that he instead opts for a guy who has been around all year like Kimbrel.

Final Vote Possibilities

That guys like Betts and Cruz aren’t yet on this projected roster is quite an indictment of how convoluted the voting process can be. I hope it doesn’t end up like this in reality. Along with them, other potential bats that could be in play for the Final Vote depending on how Yost wants to use the spot could include: Ian Kinsler, Victor Martinez, Carlos Correa, George Springer, Adrian Beltre, and Dustin Pedroia.

Alternatively, maybe Yost wants to roll with 14 pitchers and give himself maximum flexibility on his pitching staff. If he wants another relief arm you’re looking at guys like Chapman, Steve Cishek, Roberto Osuna, Brad Brach, and Will Harris. Extra starter options (several of whom I prefer to Tillman, frankly) could include the Josh Tomlin, Trevor Bauer, and Corey Kluber trio from Cleveland, a Rookie of the Year candidate in Michael Fulmer, or guys like Aaron Sanchez, Colby Lewis, and Jose Quintana.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And that's the ball game.

Will be a "good story" for Cleveland I guess... that they break their "streak record" in a 19 inning game.....

Trying to see the positives....

Jays can't convert 2nd run in a 19 inning game, even when their shortstop gives them a scoreless inning, but win the following game 9-6. They don't make enough in game adjustments when the bats aren't working. So infuriating.

[Droford]

How bout those Red Sox

[Lock Jaw]

Jays can't convert 2nd run in a 19 inning game, even when their shortstop gives them a scoreless inning, but win the following game 9-6. They don't make enough in game adjustments when the bats aren't working. So infuriating.

Well..... when the bats are working, they are working.... DAMN

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

How bout those Red Sox

2 out of 3 ain't bad. 3 games down is alot better than expected this year.

[Droford]

Refering to their shellacking last night but anyway

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Don't mean shit now.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

yeah 2 of 3 is sweet. I'd rather lose 21-2 than 2-1. it's all the same anyways at the end of the day, no extra points for runs scored in the standings.

[Emperor Smeat]

Don't know why Farrell keeps using Buchholz as a starter (or even at all) but today's win was good.

[Frank Drebin]

Basically no need to watch another Cubs regular season game unless it's against the Mets, Nats or Giants.

[Evil Vito]

Just going to enjoy this while I can before the Mets inevitably go back into a 3 week offensive slumber.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Maybe Buchholz needs to pitch somewhere other than boston for a fresh start. He's obviously got a lot of years left in the league and it's not like he has bad career numbers.

[Evil Vito]

Yay. Harvey takes all of the momentum from the Cubs series and then tagged for 11 hits and 6 runs in 3.2 innings against the Marlins. ERA nearly 5.

The guy is a fucking bum. Any trade value he had to try to bring a bat in this offseason is gone.

[Emperor Smeat]

Maybe Buchholz needs to pitch somewhere other than boston for a fresh start. He's obviously got a lot of years left in the league and it's not like he has bad career numbers.

A fresh start would help him but has to be by free agency since he has almost no real trade value for the Red Sox. Combo of him being injury prone and being really inconsistent as a pitcher means anyone who wants him needs to have really low expectations.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

He's a basketcase. Walks too many guys and then doesn't focus on getting batter out. Always with stupid pick off attempts that never work and deplete some of his energy. Then he either gives up more walks because of this or a home run.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

makes you realize just how hard it is to be "the man" as a starting pitcher.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Sox win O's lose!

[Innovator]

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="EDfg0Gc"><a href="//imgur.com/EDfg0Gc">View post on imgur.com</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol has anyone else's team had a tough situation with Vic Carapazza?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I'm only asking because of the Jays' flare for the dramatic. If it's a notable deal that he's shit, it really makes me wish Umps were more accountable.

[Evil Vito]

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Starters
C: Salvador Perez, Royals
1B: Eric Hosmer, Royals
2B: Jose Altuve, Astros
3B: Manny Machado, Orioles
SS: Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox
OF: Mookie Betts, Red Sox
OF: Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox
OF: Mike Trout, Angels
DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox

Pitchers
RHP: Dellin Betances, Yankees
RHP: Brad Brach, Orioles
LHP: Zach Britton, Orioles
RHP: Alex Colome, Rays
RHP: Wade Davis, Royals
RHP: Marco Estrada, Blue Jays
LHP: Cole Hamels, Rangers
RHP: Will Harris, Astros
RHP: Kelvin Herrera, Royals
RHP: Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox
LHP: Andrew Miller, Yankees
RHP: Danny Salazar, Indians
LHP: Chris Sale, White Sox
RHP: Steven Wright, Red Sox

Reserves
C: Stephen Vogt, Athletics
C: Matt Wieters, Orioles
1B: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
2B: Robinson Cano, Mariners
3B: Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays
SS: Francisco Lindor, Indians
SS: Eduardo Nunez, Twins
OF: Carlos Beltran, Yankees
OF: Ian Desmond, Rangers
OF: Mark Trumbo, Orioles
DH: Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays

Final Vote
2B: Ian Kinsler, Tigers
3B: Evan Longoria, Rays
2B: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
OF: Michael Saunders, Blue Jays
OF: George Springer, Astros



NATIONAL LEAGUE
Starters
C: Buster Posey, Giants
1B: Anthony Rizzo, Cubs
2B: Ben Zobrist, Cubs
3B: Kris Bryant, Cubs
SS: Addison Russell, Cubs
OF: Yoenis Cespedes, Mets
OF: Dexter Fowler, Cubs
OF: Bryce Harper, Nationals

Reserves
C: Jonathan Lucroy, Brewers
C: Wilson Ramos, Nationals
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs
1B: Wil Myers, Padres
2B: Daniel Murphy, Nationals
3B: Nolan Arenado, Rockies
3B: Matt Carpenter, Cardinals
SS: Corey Seager, Dodgers
OF: Adam Duvall, Reds
OF: Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
OF: Odubel Herrera, Phillies
OF: Marcell Ozuna, Marlins

Pitchers
RHP: Jake Arrieta, Cubs
LHP: Madison Bumgarner, Giants
RHP: Johnny Cueto, Giants
RHP: Jeurys Familia, Mets
RHP: Jose Fernandez, Marlins
RHP: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers
LHP: Clayton Kershaw*, Dodgers
LHP: Jon Lester, Cubs
RHP: Mark Melancon, Pirates
RHP: A.J. Ramos, Marlins
RHP: Fernando Rodney, Marlins
RHP: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
RHP: Noah Syndergaard, Mets
RHP: Julio Teheran, Braves

Final Vote
1B: Brandon Belt, Giants
OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers
3B: Jake Lamb, Diamondbacks
OF: Starling Marte, Pirates
SS: Trevor Story, Rockies

* Inactive

[Evil Vito]

Overall I did really well in predictions, with most of my misses being ones where I openly said I hoped I was wrong (Molina, Cain, Tillman).

Kinda shocked Trevor Story fell to the Final Vote. But I guess with Myers, Duvall, and Herrera all being taken because those teams needed reps I guess it makes sense that somebody had to drop out.

Yost went even more reliever-heavy than I thought. Just took the 5 starters voted on by the players and then loaded the rest with relievers. Davis and Colome are hurt but you still have guys like Chapman and Osuna who could be put in their stead. Looking at that list though, I don't blame him. Game might be over the second the AL get a lead.

[Emperor Smeat]

:y: at Red Sox getting 7 all-stars. Biggest surprise is Steven Wright when considering the pitching expectations going into the season.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

kinda sucks Sanchez didn't get the nod but whatever, at least Estrada gets his due.

[Evil Vito]

:y: at Red Sox getting 7 all-stars. Biggest surprise is Steven Wright when considering the pitching expectations going into the season.

Pedroia winning the fan vote really does feel like a foregone conclusion, yeah. Although I'm throwing my support behind Ian Kinsler. Dude is massively undervalued for a guy who I'd go as far as to say is a sleeper HOF candidate.

Similarly I expect the Giants fans to do their thing to get Belt in but my vote goes to Story.

[Evil Vito]

kinda sucks Sanchez didn't get the nod but whatever, at least Estrada gets his due.

Well Yost is gonna need to find some roster replacements for Davis, Colome, and possibly some starters if any of these guys pitch on Sunday. So Sanchez has a shot although I wonder if he'd even accept given the innings limit.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

4 in a row for the Jays. Orioles have lost 5 in a row up until tonight. Interesting ramifications for the wildcard and the Easter division. If the Jays actually get hot it'll be something.

[Droford]

Yeah up until tonight
#wincolumn
#bluejaysfinallyskippedoversoxfor2ndbigwhoop

[ClockShot]

Betances & Miller make it for the Yankees. Okay.

Beltran got no business being there.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Yeah up until tonight
#wincolumn
#bluejaysfinallyskippedoversoxfor2ndbigwhoop

You are not painting a very good picture of Orioles fans

[Evil Vito]

Betances & Miller make it for the Yankees. Okay.

Beltran got no business being there.

Beltran has no business being there? Are you high?

Among qualified AL OF he's 2nd in HR and 3rd in batting average and RBI. He's only 20th in WAR due to defense but he's been one of the best pure hitting outfielders in the AL this year.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Michael Saunders gave people a reason to vote for him in the last spot on the AL reserves with his performance tonight.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Troy Tulowitzki has been sensational since he's come back.

[Droford]

As much as I'd like to see Trumbo win the Derby I don't think he can do it. Maybe I'll be surprised

[ClockShot]

Matt Harvey is going under the knife and is done for the season.

We go live to Vito Cruz for his thoughts.

[Droford]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I saw &quot;Matt Harvey&quot; trending and thought that Mike Adamle was back in pro wrestling calling a <a href="https://twitter.com/MATTHARDYBRAND">@MATTHARDYBRAND</a> match. <a href="https://t.co/WWpDNQPmuF">pic.twitter.com/WWpDNQPmuF</a></p>&mdash; Joey Styles (@JoeyStyles) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeyStyles/status/750096574949257216">July 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Evil Vito]

Glad Harvey is getting the surgery. He was utterly useless this year so Logan Verrett or whoever else they decide to use in the #5 spot the rest of the way would figure to put up similar numbers.

Hopefully he comes back his normal self in 2017. I know I shat on him a lot this year because he's a very easy player to dislike when he's not living up to his bravado.

[Evil Vito]

Canada defeated Red Sox Nation. Michael Saunders has won the AL Final Vote over Pedroia. Brandon Belt wins the NL spot as expected.

Other roster replacements:

-Corey Kluber for Marco Estrada
-Aledmys Diaz for Matt Carpenter
-Max Scherzer for Stephen Strasburg
-BARTOLOOOOO COLOOOOOOON for Madison Bumgarner

Colon makes the All Star team at 43 years old, returning to the stadium where he hit the HR heard round the world.

[weather vane]

Canada is gay.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I voted for Saunders like 20 times. hahahaha But they both have very similar numbers this year. Was a wash between the two of them.

[Lock Jaw]

If I had a dime for every time I voted...... I'd have zero dimes!!!

[Nicky Fives]

If I had a dime for every time I voted...... I'd have zero dimes!!!

I'd rather no Jays players play in the game as how many times has the AS helped continue a hot streak or spark someone out of a slump?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

It's true, but I'm sure the guys are clamouring for a bit of a break. Not been an easy first 90ish games.

[Evil Vito]

Cespedes and Syndergaard BOTH left with injuries. :|

Fortunately neither seem severe and the break is coming at the right time, but it sucks that they went from having possibly 2 All Star starters to none, as surely neither guy will play now.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I hope Padres starter Drew Pomeranz gets the call. Top ten pitcher in WAR, ERA, WHIP, K/9, total strikeouts, ERA+, etc etc. He is deserving of the nod.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Askl and you shall receive. Pomeranz gets the call. Awesome.

[Droford]

Kimbrel is having Knee surgery..

Their off-season moves aren't looking too good

[Damian Rey 2.0]

The Kimbrel trade was an overpay no matter what happened to him. That said he was performing just fine and you can't predict health.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Sox win! Have 2 in the loss column over Jays for 2nd. 3 in a row.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MLCLMEYp9s0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Evil Vito]

Daniel Murphy now has 20 hits and 17 RBI in just 12 games against the Mets. I have never seen anything like this.

[Evil Vito]

Murphy is like a fat girlfriend you dumped who then goes on to drop 30 pounds, get implants, starts dating your next door neighbor, and has the loudest sex imaginable.

[Droford]

The Kimbrel trade was an overpay no matter what happened to him. That said he was performing just fine and you can't predict health.

I guess you couldn't predict David price almost having a 5 ERA either

[Evil Vito]

And there's another HR and 2 more RBI for Murph.

Unfuckingbelievable

[ClockShot]

I'll be damned. Derek Jeter got married.

To Hannah Davis, no less. Good for him.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Jeter proving patience is a virtue.

[Evil Vito]

Another HR for Murph. 7th against the Mets in 13 games. Jesus fucking Christ

How is he not just getting walked every time out?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol his numbers as a whole are ridiculous. Haven't gotten a chance to watch him though, since last years post season. Seems like his run created some kind of menace.

[ClockShot]

Yankees take 3/4 from the streaky Indians.

And get back to .500 in the process.

[Droford]

Enjoy 4th place

[ClockShot]

Sure will.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Droford, shut the fuck up

[Droford]

Well they won't finish last thanks to the Rays

So..

[Droford]

https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aJKcD10rY_DYKmXgOOKdOYyQ4K4=/0x0:640x360/1600x900/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/39804838/chance_sisco.0.jpg

Chance Sisco hit a homer in the Futures game..woo

[weather vane]

Moncada.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Was there at the game. A kid for the Cubs, Eloy Jimenez, made maybe the best catch I've ever seen live.

Padres prospect Manny Margot robbed a homer. Mvp Yoan Moncada hit a fucking rocket into the left field second deck.

Had a blast watching these kids play.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Well they won't finish last thanks to the Rays

So..

You know that people have favourite teams that aren't your favourite team, and sometimes their teams aren't going to be particularly great at given points (hell the Yankees could conceivably go on a run and finish first in the East, you never know). This is a baseball discussion forum, not a talk shit on people who are fans of different teams forum. I'm sure Clockshot didn't take what you said personally, but show a slight bit of decorum and have a real discussion without being a smarmy little prick.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

He's not capable of such.

[Droford]

All I know is despite being 15 over .500 at 51-36 the Orioles are prjected to finish 37-38 with 88 wins..behind the Sox and Jays who they are projected to play in the 1 game wild card. Feels ridiculous

[Damian Rey 2.0]

It feels ridiculous because you lack the ability to be objective about your own team. You're the same guy who came up with the "peaking too early" nonsense last year when your team faded as Toronto surged.

If the protections were flipped they'd suddenly be much less if at all ridiculous, because you lack the ability to be objective.

[Droford]

Winning record in April May and June

Been in 1st place since June 6th only teams with better records since are Cleveland Houston in the AL..plus the Giants Dodgers and Nationals.

Best offense in baseball and the 2nd best bullpen.

Granted the starters are the 28th worst..but that will right itself with stopping putting Ubaldo Jiminez out there.

[Ruien]

Which means they peaked and will have a downfall for the next 3 months.

[Droford]

Hey..Toronto managed to win 2 games in the ALCS which was 2 more than the Os did year before..but they didn't win..so..

[Damian Rey 2.0]

So who is taking for Jimenez that will be an improvement?

[Droford]

Jim Palmer could come out of retirement and do better than his 2 whip and 7 era

In convinced it'll be Dylan Bundy though

[Damian Rey 2.0]

It's also not that ridiculous to think Baltimore will slow down. They're third in the league in total offense per ops+, but middle of the pack in run prevention. So you have a team that's great at scoring and mediocre at preventing. Not hard to realize they're probably a pretty good but not great team.

As opposed to Toronto, who's 4th in offense and 2nd in run prevention. You would assume that Toronto would produce a better record since they're outscoring their opponents by a larger margin. Obviously doesn't always play out that way but over time those numbers are far more indicative of future results.

But of course Baltimore is being talked down, so it feels ridiculous.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Bundy has been hurt for ages and has a calcified shoulder. They're better off with Jimenez.

[Droford]

Must have missed last week when Bundy had 7 is in 2.1 innings out of the bullpen vs the Dodgers

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W4Ok18bjqtk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Damian Rey 2.0]

2.1 innings is not a start. He has a long history of injury and moving him into a more demanding position in the first healthy year he's had is ridiculously short sighted. Just because he's been good in short spurts doesn't mean he's gonna succeed starting. He's done nothing to indicate he's ready to going 5 or 6 innings every 5 days.

[Droford]

They've been stretching him out to like 3 innings out of the bullpen which is longer than Ubaldo can stay in his starts..

[Damian Rey 2.0]

So how does tell you he's going to be an upgrade as a starter? 3 innings isn't a start? His track record of heath or lack thereof isn't concerning? One bit?

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Not to mention, even if Bundy somehow manages to be decent, it won't account for the rest of the rotation, which is still mediocre at run prevention. He's not going to dramatically change that current ranking.

[Evil Vito]

38 + 41

Final list of All Star replacements:

AL out: Estrada, Kimbrel, Salazar
AL in: Kluber, Sanchez, Quintana

NL out: Carpenter, Bumgarner, Strasburg, Fowler, Cespedes, Syndergaard
NL in: Diaz, Colon, Scherzer, Bruce, Marte, Pomeranz

79 All Stars in total, roughly 10.5% of the league. Not much you can do to change that though given all the injuries.

[Evil Vito]

The lineups have also been unveiled:

NL
1. Ben Zobrist 2B
2. Bryce Harper RF
3. Kris Bryant 3B
4. Wil Myers DH
5. Buster Posey C
6. Anthony Rizzo 1B
7. Marcell Ozuna CF
8. Carlos Gonzalez LF
9. Addison Russell SS
Pitcher: Johnny Cueto

AL
1. Jose Altuve 2B
2. Mike Trout CF
3. Manny Machado 3B
4. David Ortiz DH
5. Xander Bogaerts SS
6. Eric Hosmer 1B
7. Mookie Betts RF
8. Salvador Perez C
9. Jackie Bradley Jr. LF
Pitcher: Chris Sale

Fucking sucks not having Cespedes and Thor. My interest in the game is really hampered as I highly doubt Colon is gonna pitch and Familia might not unless the NL has a late lead. Tough to blame Collins not wanting any of his guys to get hurt but still sucks.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Wil Myers!

[Droford]

Mark Trumbo unloading the trumbombs

[Droford]

Hopefully Stanton hit too many in the 1st round

[Frank Drebin]

These goofy yellow and brown Padres unis are everyone's favs but I'm impartial to the old home pinstripes. Classy.

http://www.sportfansedge.com/images/MLB/San%20Diego%20Padres/Tony%20Gwynn/White%20Pinstripe%20Tony%20Gwynn%20Authentic%20Jersey%20-%20Men's%20San%20Diego%20Padres%20Throwback%2019%20Mitchell%20and%20Ness%20MLB.jpg

or these:

http://www.supplyjerseys.co/pic/San-Diego-Padres--2312-Alomar-White-Pinstripe-Throwback-Jersey-6259-77754.jpg

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Agree with Drebin. Love the 84 theme but the blue mid 90s pinstripes where it's at

[Droford]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Giancarlo Stanton REALLY loves his bat. <a href="https://t.co/UKZSRt6dLY">https://t.co/UKZSRt6dLY</a></p>&mdash; Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) <a href="https://twitter.com/DEvanAltman/status/752675235774816256">July 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Trumbo off the scoreboard. Stanton with 4 jacks 490 ft or more. Jesus Christ.

[Droford]

Like I figured..

[Ruien]

Seriously, I never hated a team so much because of a fan but fuck Baltimore/Dro ford for being so damn annoying. Really feel like this thread would get more replies if Dro ford didn't spam it will his ridiculous shit constantly.

[Droford]

Just wait til I get started on how awesome the Ravens are going to be this year

[Ruien]

Like, I feel bad for you. Maybe you don't have anyone in real life to talk sports with so you go overboard here. I do know for sure, whatever the reason it is sad.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Well maybe we should just make a team pact that his posts don't count and to ignore them. Lol I remember when RDD was all "Omg you guys are way too mean to Droford", thank god that loser is gone, even if he did like to talk about Pokemon.

I may actually like Orioles more now because they're stuck with Droford as a fan and I pity them.

[Droford]

The Orioles have fielded 20 All-Stars over the past five seasons, ranking first in the American League and second in the majors behind the Cardinals (23). In that span, 12 different players have been named All-Stars, tied for second-most in the majors behind the Cardinals (15).
“We could have had more, but since 2012 we’re really proud of the fact that the Orioles have had more All-Stars than any other team in the American League,” said executive vice president Dan Duquette.


You could probably ask 100 baseball fans which team in American League has most All Stars last 5 years and I'd guess 10 people might say the Orioles

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Kind of wish there wasn't an all star game, just all star teams announced at the end of the year, so the season can keep going. I like real baseball games, not this bullshit with a silly stipulation.

I also think the home run derby while "fun" and "traditional" is stupid as fuck. I don't really care about watching sluggers taking batting practice, if I do that I'll just go to a Jays game early and watch some of their sluggers sock some dingers.

I mean I guess people seem to like it so who am I to judge it, but I want to watch my team play big games.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

You could probably ask 100 baseball fans which team in American League has most All Stars last 5 years and I'd guess 10 people might say the Orioles

Well nobody would care because outside of being an enjoyable midseason novelty the all star game is fairly irrelevant.

[poopfromweiner dude]

Kind of wish there wasn't an all star game, just all star teams announced at the end of the year, so the season can keep going. I like real baseball games, not this bullshit with a silly stipulation.

I also think the home run derby while "fun" and "traditional" is stupid as fuck. I don't really care about watching sluggers taking batting practice, if I do that I'll just go to a Jays game early and watch some of their sluggers sock some dingers.

I mean I guess people seem to like it so who am I to judge it, but I want to watch my team play big games.
nice post stima

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I love the derby as currently constructed. I enjoy the all-star game just to see guys who I'd otherwise miss out on, like Trout.

[Emperor Smeat]

Kind of wish there wasn't an all star game, just all star teams announced at the end of the year, so the season can keep going. I like real baseball games, not this bullshit with a silly stipulation.

I also think the home run derby while "fun" and "traditional" is stupid as fuck. I don't really care about watching sluggers taking batting practice, if I do that I'll just go to a Jays game early and watch some of their sluggers sock some dingers.

I mean I guess people seem to like it so who am I to judge it, but I want to watch my team play big games.

Would probably still need some sort of break just because of how long the season is. Agree about MLB should probably get rid of who gets home field for the World Series as a stip. Probably wouldn't have happened if Selig didn't panic when his former team had a miserable ending to their All-Star game.

If any sport would really benefit without an actual all-star game, it would be the NFL. Pretty much a very watered down version of regular games except happens after the season is over and most players not caring besides the extra pay check for gettign named an all-star.

[ClockShot]

Kinda curious as to why there's a DH in a National league ball park for the All-Star game.

Was that some kind of change I missed a while back?

[Damian Rey 2.0]

They alternate home teams each year regardless of ballpark. It's why the American League players are wearing home whites.

[Evil Vito]

I don't really mind the designated home team changing but it seems dumb that they can't at least have the NL sit in the dugout the Padres would normally be in. Myers and Pomeranz can't even use their real lockers.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Lol a fair point.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Pomeranz shouldn't be getting to comfortable though. He's likely getting dealt.

[Frank Drebin]

Christ, a musical performance in the middle of the game....fuck this.

[Frank Drebin]

Gonna have to stop AGAIN to sing God Bless America as well I'm guessing.

Just get it over with and instead of a game, air a U2 concert with them singing the National Anthem on a loop for 4 hours.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Haha I love "get off my lawn" Frank. I agree that the song was a bit much with the cheese.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

This David Ortiz love fest is funny. Guy has knowingly failed a ped test, and while that test should've remained private, he failed it nonetheless. But you'd never know with how propped up he is.

[Ruien]

Well maybe we should just make a team pact that his posts don't count and to ignore them. Lol I remember when RDD was all "Omg you guys are way too mean to Droford", thank god that loser is gone, even if he did like to talk about Pokemon.

I may actually like Orioles more now because they're stuck with Droford as a fan and I pity them.

Wonder how many pokemon RDD has in Pokémon Go. Probably like 100 already.

[Frank Drebin]

heyyyyyyy its Big Papi, look at that smile, he could never do anything wrong.

btw a guy doing what hes doing at his age should be tested on a weekly basis. You know how we know a guy like Jr Griffey didn't do PED's? Cuz at the end of his career he sucked balls.

[Frank Drebin]

Wonder how many pokemon RDD has in Pokémon Go. Probably like 100 already.

Now that hes got so much free time from not posting here i'm sure its in the thousands.

[Frank Drebin]

D-Backs really picked that jersey out of the 12000 combinations they have available? Looks like f'n onsie silk pajamas.

[Droford]

This David Ortiz love fest is funny. Guy has knowingly failed a ped test, and while that test should've remained private, he failed it nonetheless. But you'd never know with how propped up he is.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo1s27ahWb1qbgyrqo1_500.gif

http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/david-ortiz-finishes-third-boston-mayoral-race.gif

[Frank Drebin]

Man....can't wait until we stop the game to hear a 15 minute sermon from Bishop Carmichael.

[Droford]

I hope the Orioles give Ortiz a broken phone

[Emperor Smeat]

heyyyyyyy its Big Papi, look at that smile, he could never do anything wrong.

btw a guy doing what hes doing at his age should be tested on a weekly basis. You know how we know a guy like Jr Griffey didn't do PED's? Cuz at the end of his career he sucked balls.

:( Griffey Jr. Pretty much got cursed once he took the Reds deal.

Probably would have shattered the HR record if he staid healthy long enough and not have PEDs be the main talking point about the record because of Bonds and A-Rod.

[Droford]

Andrew Miller sucks

[Evil Vito]

They always say they can't strictly use best record because it creates too many scheduling conflicts. But why not make it so that the league that has the team with the best record at the end of the year gets it? It means the pool of potential World Series Game 1 hosts when the playoffs starts is exactly the same as it would have been under the current format.

Having home field decided by the World Series is just stupid, especially since the game's history supports that leagues go on winning streaks.

[Evil Vito]

Wow. Fuck Terry Collins. It was bad enough losing Cespedes and Thor. But then he goes on a big spiel making sure every team gets into the game and he doesn't even give Familia or Colon one out.

Fucking waste of time.

[Evil Vito]

If the homefield advantage rule weren't tied into this shit, Colon 100% gets into this game because it's FUN. It's supposed to be FUN.

Ugh. I think Bryce Harper was right.

[Droford]

At least Britton dudnt fuck up

[Evil Vito]

Actually you can toss Steven Wright in there too. Yost used him as a last resort because he didn't want to make someone catch a knuckleball. Well shit, seeing him would have been fun. Can't have that.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Bobby the brain Heenan is the vice president of chevy


lame duck all star game

[Droford]

Actually you can toss Steven Wright in there too. Yost used him as a last resort because he didn't want to make someone catch a knuckleball. Well shit, seeing him would have been fun. Can't have that.

I think Wieters has caught a knuckleball before the Os have a guy in the minors throws a knuckleball probably caught it in spring traibing

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Did Papi face punishment for the PED test?

[Emperor Smeat]

Nope and don't believe anyone else did from those reports and leaks at the time.

[Lock Jaw]

Clowns at the MLB All-Star Game changed the lyrics of the Canadian National Anthem from "With glowing hearts, we see thee rise. The True North strong and free” to "We're all brothers and sisters. All lives matter to the great."

They responded by blaming only one member of the group:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/3rHG1e1Akf">pic.twitter.com/3rHG1e1Akf</a></p>&mdash; The Tenors (@TenorsMusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/TenorsMusic/status/753048885912756224">July 13, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Nicky Fives]

As a Canadian, I am deeply offended. Keep that shit out of the anthem. If you wanted to make a statement, do it before singing. Wear a t-shirt. Wear a pin. Wear a hat. Disrespectful idiot.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Agreed. Really distasteful act. Shitting on a country's anthem is pretty deplorable. Like, wtf were they thinking?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Nope and don't believe anyone else did from those reports and leaks at the time.

The old wild west days.

[Evil Vito]

Bet Yost pulled Big Papi from the game as early as he did to make sure the Ortiz love fest didn't last long enough to take MVP away from Hosmer or Perez.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Or maybe because most guys only grey a few at bats at the all star game each year. Hosmer had two hits including a bomb. It's not like he was undeserving.

[Frank Drebin]

Yost also paid to have chan ho Park groove that pitch to Cal Ripken

[weather vane]

Should David Ortiz Have Gotten A Standing Ovation At The All Star Game Last Night?

http://www.barstoolsports.com/boston/should-david-ortiz-have-gotten-a-standing-ovation-at-the-all-star-game-last-night/

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

JA Happ got totally snubbed for the asg Corey kluber may be a former cy young and while his numbers aren't bad, he hasn't had the season of Happ. Friggin idiotic.

[Droford]

Chris Tillman is 12-2 with a solid 3.41 ERA..he should have gone better record than Haap 12-3

[Damian Rey 2.0]

JA Happ got totally snubbed for the asg Corey kluber may be a former cy young and while his numbers aren't bad, he hasn't had the season of Happ. Friggin idiotic.

Not sure what you're basing that on. Their run prevention is similar. Kluber has a better era+, more strikeouts, k/9, k%. Factoring in just walks, strikeouts and homers, Kluber has Happ beat by over a run. WAR has Kluber with a slight edge, 2.6 to 2.1.

The only thing I could see is the win loss record, which is largely useless. If nothing else their more equal but Kluber has better overall numbers.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Not sure what you're basing that on. Their run prevention is similar. Kluber has a better era+, more strikeouts, k/9, k%. Factoring in just walks, strikeouts and homers, Kluber has Happ beat by over a run. WAR has Kluber with a slight edge, 2.6 to 2.1.

The only thing I could see is the win loss record, which is largely useless. If nothing else their more equal but Kluber has better overall numbers.

No analytics involved, I see a 3.36 era for Happ and a 12-3 record and a 3.61 ERA for Kluber and he's 8-7. Win-loss is not useless. Good indicator of situational pitching. I don't think it's the BEST indicator, but good ERA and great win loss record means all star. He deserved the nod over Kluber, Kluber got it on prior reputation, no doubt in my mind.

Pitching I think is simple, don't need the ridiculous analytics. Good ERA is a damned good indicator to me of a guy pitching well.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

.30 run is not much difference. Not enough to say one guy is better than the other. And yes, win loss record is useless. There's no situational context involved. Their records are based largely on their run support. Happ gets nearly 7 runs a night in his favor. Kluber isn't even in the top 40. Give an equal environment they're likely equal or Kluber is slightly better.

It's like Cliff Lee a few years ago had a losing record despite a sparkling era. It wasn't his fault his team didn't score runs.

Homer goggles aren't a gorgeous look, Mr. Dale.

[weather vane]

Dale come on lol

[Frank Drebin]

Really hope Dale is trolling. If you honestly believe that, Jason Marquis is a hall of famer.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Only thing that is biased is I've seen Happ pitch and he's been fucking great. Kluber's ERA is only .3 better than R.A. Dickey's so your argument is kind of meh on that front. Plus the only time I saw Kluber pitch he got worked. He's obviously good and he's a strikeout artist, but christ what does Happ have to do? The Jays next to Cleveland are the best starting rotation ERA wise in the AL.

I'm allowed to think a great pitcher from my favourite team deserved a nod due his superior winning record along with a better era without being accused of blatant homerism you butthead.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

You're telling me a 20 win season isn't a huge accomplishment?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

fuck you spilchuk I'll fite you til the death.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And don't get all preachy on me, Im aware a guy can pitch amazingly with a low win/loss record, ie. Felix Hernandez almost all of the time.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And Drebin I looked up Jason Marquis' numbers. He finished his career 5 games over .500 as a pitcher with a 4.61 career ERA. I thing those 2 numbers line up for a very mediocre pitcher.

Compare that to someone like Roy Halladay who finished his career 100 games over .500 as a pitcher. I'm sorry but even though Win/Loss as a pitcher can me misleading, it can be a pretty damned good indicator of good pitching.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Chris Tillman is 12-2 with a solid 3.41 ERA..he should have gone better record than Haap 12-3

Didn't Tilman go to the All Star Game? I swear he was in the line up. If he didn't that is actually pretty dumb too.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Yes. 20 wins isn't some remarkable accomplishment. Because a pitcher has no control of his team scores runs behind him. We've just been preconditioned to think it's great because the media is still behind in what feats are actually great.

And nobody is saying Happ didn't deserve consideration or that you're not allowed to root for him. What people are saying is your logic behind it is incredibly flawed.

You keep citing .3 points in ERA like it's a huge discrepancy. It's not. A third of a run over the long haul is less than 10 runs over 30 starts. It's miniscule.

Kluber is more dominant than Happ. He allows close to the same amount of runs as Happ and his total value is higher than Happ. If you gave him b7 runs of support per game he'd likely have as good a record as anyone.

Not to mention, you said win loss record is a good indicator of situational pitching. I don't even know what that's supposed to mean. Than you cite Felix, who's notoriously shafted on run support. Is he and his record not indicative of his ability to situationally pitch?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I brought up Felix to say I get where you're coming from and I understand it's not the be all and end all of pitching.

However, I do believe a win/loss record is indicative of good pitching. It's not the only indicator but certainly an indicator.

For instance, Happ pitched a game in Colorado, it started WAY late because of a rain delay, they were in Colorado and everything was just off. It became evident early that it was going to be a sloppy game with lots of runs scored. Cy Young himself could have pitched that game and gotten hit given the circumstances. Happ pitched 5 innings, gave up 5 runs and won the game because the Jays smashed the other pitcher. I thought Happ did really well given the circumstances of the start, he kept his team in the game against a hard fucking line up in shitty conditions in a bang box and he was better than the other guy.

Jack Morris was known for his situational pitching. If he was staked to a nice lead, he would just pitch strikes and give up scratch runs so he'd have a bit of a higher ERA but he'd still win 20 games... and hell the guy pitched 10 fucking innings in a world series game 7.

I think if you have a pitcher who by the end of his career has an astronomical win/loss record, (300 wins to maybe 150 losses or whatever) you can bet your bottom dollar he a) has won a Cy Young or 2 and b) is a hall of famer.

That doesn't mean a player who doesn't get as much run support as another guy because he played for lots of shitty offensive teams isn't better (As I have mentioned King Felix), but from what I've seen, good pitchers win ball games.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And Drebin's Jason Marquis counter argument is just horrendous. I resent it not being brought forward as terrible :p

[Damian Rey 2.0]

A good indicator is something you can objectively apply across the board for any pitcher. Win-loss record is not objective nor unbias. Because it's a context dependant stat.

I can objectively tell you one pitcher induces more strikeouts, limits more walks and homeruns than another. I can tell you one pitcher is better than another at run prevention. Win-loss record will not inducate any of that. It just tells you if a starter went 5 and his team held or gained a lead prior to him exiting the game. It tells you nothing about his overall production. Which is why it's a poor indicator of anything.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Pitchers don't win, Dale. They just pitch. Teams win.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Meh, winners win my friend. I'll agree to disagree. Even Felix Hernandez is 50 games or so over .500 for his career. Yeah there's going to be situations such as Cliff Lee's that you brought up where guys' teams don't hit well, but more often than not, you pitch well, you win more games than you lose.

To your argument and my disdain for being accused of blatant homer-ism, if Chris Tilman was chosen over Happ I wouldn't take issue with it. Kluber got the nod because of prior reputation in my opinion. He was chosen over Sanchez as well which is pretty silly in itself.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Reputation had something to do with it. But not the only thing. He's as good or better than Happ.

Nah. Teams win.

[Evil Vito]

Kluber has a 2.95 FIP, 6th lowest in the league. Happ's is a 4.05, higher than his ERA.

Basically suggests that Kluber has been victimized by a lot of bad luck and Happ has been blessed with great fielding behind him, especially Pillar.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Great point by Vito.

Btw, where'd Gorgeous Dale Newstead go?

[Frank Drebin]

And Drebin's Jason Marquis counter argument is just horrendous. I resent it not being brought forward as terrible :p

I dunno, dude. Marquis had 80 wins in 6 seasons. That's all decade team numbers right there. He was obviously really good. Look at Tha winz!

Vintage 2004 Shawn Estes.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I've missed you, Frank.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I was out for a run. I'm going to find you and make sweet love to both of you, Damian and Frank. Sweet, hateful love.

The same argument was made against Estrada, Vito. And here we have Estrada, with another great season. And I'm not going to disagree with good fielding helping big time. Jays have excellent fielding all over the place. Donaldson has been amazing at third base. Encarnacion and Smoak are stellar at first, and the middle infield really does a nice job.

Only real clunker sometimes is Saunders.

But I'm sorry, you can't blame a guy for having a good defence, surely that's going to factor into the way someone pitches. You're more likely to be aggressive and attack the hitter if you know your defence is gonna make plays.


I CAN DO THIS ALL NIGHT BOYS. WOOOOOOOO!

[Frank Drebin]

:kiss:

I'm just loving a good back and forth. Old school vs. New.

BASEBALL!!

[Frank Drebin]

You know who was great at attacking hitters? 2003 Ramon Ortiz. Dat was a guy who knew how to win.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

I don't think you blame them. But you surely shouldn't, in turn, give them more credit than another guy who isn't as lucky with his supporting cast. Which is why things that are team dependant are silly things to use when trying to figure out who's better and why.

What's with the Dastardly gimmick btw?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

lol honestly I just wanted change my name and it stems from a dumb inside joke about alliteration. I'll always be gorgeous tho.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Time catches us all

[Frank Drebin]

You know who was a dastardly good winner? Kirk Rueter. 7 straight seasons of double digit wins. That's ace material right there.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

I will likely be able to look up those stats and explain to you why you're being a knob and you damned well know it, Frank.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

And also, I generally use ERA as my top indicator. Wins/losses is one of the many things I take into account.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

What about grit and hustle and the will to win?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

and the ability to "put the bat on the ball"

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Well that's called hitting. Its like the ability to "put the ball over the plate".

[DaveWadding]

how about the ability to hit it in the clutch?

[Frank Drebin]

Delmon Young should've won mvp in 2010 cuz he had 112 RBI and a 298 average.

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

What was his WAR

[Frank Drebin]

2010 was also the year Trevor Cahill won 18 games with a 2.97 era. How did he not win the Cy?

[Frank Drebin]

Man, Bronson Arroyo also won 17 games with a 3.88 era that year. So many great pitchers we forget about.

[Frank Drebin]

Ruby De La Rosa was a stud last year. Won 14 games. Sure, he had an era of 4.67 and was worth 0.3 WAR, but he knew how to WIN!

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

2010 was also the year Trevor Cahill won 18 games with a 2.97 era. How did he not win the Cy?

2.97 and 18 wins is a good to great season. Are you going to say he didn't have a good season?

[Ol Dirty Dastard]

Drebin now you're just being a dumbass.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Twas also a fluke. His FIP was over 4. It was a great season but not because of his record.

[Ruien]

Chris Sale has a Era of 3.38 and 14 wins. He will probably be the Cy Young winner too this year.

[Frank Drebin]

Twas also a fluke. His FIP was over 4. It was a great season but not because of his record.

Naw dude. Wins and era. Thats all you need. He wuz great.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

K's too.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Man, Bronson Arroyo also won 17 games with a 3.88 era that year. So many great pitchers we forget about.

:(

I miss that guy. Had a great curve.

[Frank Drebin]

You saw him in the showers too?

[Evil Vito]

David Wright not winning the 2007 NL MVP over Jimmy Rollins still pisses me off. He's basically the only player on that team that didn't shit the bed during their September meltdown but unfortunately what happened to the team impacted his votes.

[Evil Vito]

Actually Matt Holliday probably deserved it more than Wright even, but playing 81 games in Coors is always going to hurt your chances even if it's not the player's fault.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Yeah Matt Holliday was my pick that year