MLB 2019

Maybe it's time to raise the pitchers' mound a little. Look what happened in London over the weekend! Lord have mercy on all those poor pitchers.

 

They say that's the first time in MLB history that a team ever walked five men in a row to lose a ballgame.

 

Hmm. I thought the Mets would have pulled off something like that.

I was watching a double A game back years ago where the pitcher just lost it. Walked 4 guys in little more than the minimum # of pitches. At first, we were cheering because it was the opposition. After a while, you just felt sorry for the young man. After walk # 4, the manager mercifully took him out.

T

 

In this year of home runs, the Braves had another team distinction last night - for the first time since they moved to Atlanta, all four starting infielders hit homers in the same game! (And for good measure, shortstop Dansby Swanson hit a second one!)

 

At times, a pitcher will work on developing a new pitch.

I follow our minor league affiliated young prospects, to some degree. It is not worth your time to read the review of the game. Just briefly look at the game stats, by the hi-upside prospects.

I don't think the pitchers are happy with the juiced ball flying out of the park. I remember watching games in the old Astrodome. They moved the fence back when the team was loaded with fast spray hitters who did not have a lot of power. Games would typically have a final score, of 2-1 or 3-2.

The team played small ball and stole bases and had good pitching. The ball would just die when it was hit out to the deep outfield. At the time, I think our team 'slugger' had about 18 home runs for the season. It's a different game today.​

 

I hear that last year, the best any team in AAA did was 86 home runs or so. This year, at mid-season, the worst team in AAA already has 82! If you can't juice the players, juice the baseball...

 

speaking of bullpen troubles, Hello Tom C.

 

We held it together last night. Barely.

Called my aunt up yesterday, and the first thing she did is launch into carping about the Mets bullpen! Poor old gal. She's 92 in a few weeks and has been a Mets fan since 1962.

There is a good bit of talent being wasted by an atrocious pen. They had a nice little window when much of the NL East was down, but it'll be tough sledding for a few years. The mid 70s - early 80s were like this. Who knows maybe the Renaissance is around the corner?!?

T

 

I thought about you when I saw the Mets highlights last night Tom.


The Astros were just lighting up the Angels pitchers last night. And Cole struck out 9. And Yuli, what can you say. He's gotta be an Astro's lifer. He's just reliable. They were talking about it this week on the radio about him being an under the radar athlete in Houston. He's far better than he is recognized for. He's clutch.

 

mets' guy gets hit by 85 mph change up and goes ballistic. later on, another guy gets hit with a slow curve and the manager goes ballistic. Mets had two men on base at the time marking first time in MLB's 100+ year history that a pitcher decides to plunk a guy with his softest pitch in order to load the bases.

 

Yeah, but three HBPs in one game? In the days of yore, this would have been settled among the players. After Arrieta hit Alonso, Syndergaard shoulda plunked someone next inning and called it even.
T

 

Name a team this year that doesn't have bullpen issues. The Yankees were supposed to have a sound bullpen, but even they have had their share of blown saves. In fact, in the NL East, fans of every team have been bitching about their bullpens!

 

the only thing I can say about the Phillies is: relative to their starting rotation, their bullpen is looking better.

 

At least, Nola has been pitching very well lately.

 

Well, the Mets won something tonight. I had forgotten that Pete Alonso was a Florida Gator.

 

Verlander needs to get more run with this. Did anyone know that the MLB owns Rawlings?!?

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/astros-ace-justin-verlander-says-mlb-juicing-baseballs-turning-game-into-a-joke

 

Exactly. Time to go back to dead ball era!

"... was announced on June 5, 2018 that Rawlings was sold from Newell Brands to the Los Angeles-based private equity firm, Seidler Equity Partners (SEP) (which owns LA Fitness), with MLB a co-investor in the $395 million deal. Rawlings employs 150 people in the St. Louis area, and 1,200 globally. The deal was completed on July 2, 2018."

T

 

Bob...if you are still with us....how about that Phils-Dodgers game last night? WILD!

 

Brad Ausmus is a hypocritical *******.

 

I grew up a Yankee fan on Long lsland. They are leading the AL East with many third string players. Everything they touch is turning to gold. Will be interesting to see what happens when everyone gets healthy.

St Louis my NL team has just brought up some players from the minors that are doing the job. The relief pitching is suspect but the results are impressive. Many starters are on the IL but when they get back things could improve. Did l mention that the relief pitching is suspect?

 

I think that right now, EVERYONE'S relief pitching is suspect!

 

Yankees have four relievers with ERAs under 1.5. They have only lost two games when they have led at the end of the seventh inning. For the Yankees it’s their starting pitching that is suspect. When a healthy Severino comes back it could help alot if he returns to his best form...we will see. The Yankees have been beset by injuries 14. But the players they have brought in have turned to gold (so far). Their third string is playing and hitting better than most teams first strings.

Fun to watch indeed.