2013 Baseball Season/Off-Season Discussion

[tim_m]

Just heard about the replay system. I'm not sure how i feel about it yet though. I don't know all the details just yet.

I suspect they'll tweak it as things move ahead.

It's a start at least.

Yeah, looks like you get 3 a game. You get one through the first 6 innings. 2 from the 7th until the game ends. If you are successful in a challenge you don't lose it. I am assuming that means you keep 3 until you have an unsuccessful one? Also, once both managers are out of challenges the ump can initiate a challenge on home runs only.

[Falcon]

Interesting news coming out of STL, the Cards have called up Kolten Wong - the top rated 2B prospect in the minors.

Not sure how he fits in though, Matt Carpenter is leading the league in hits/doubles and playing a fine 2B already.

This maybe a precursor of things to come, Freese's days in STL are likely numbered and Carpenter came up a 3B so this was going to happen at some point.

3 guys, 2 positions...

[tim_m]

Interesting news coming out of STL, the Cards have called up Kolten Wong - the top rated 2B prospect in the minors.

Not sure how he fits in though, Matt Carpenter is leading the league in hits/doubles and playing a fine 2B already.

This maybe a precursor of things to come, Freese's days in STL are likely numbered and Carpenter came up a 3B so this was going to happen at some point.

3 guys, 2 positions...

Seems kinda odd they'd do a call up like that before roster expansion. Any possibility of injury?

[Falcon]

Interesting news coming out of STL, the Cards have called up Kolten Wong - the top rated 2B prospect in the minors.

Not sure how he fits in though, Matt Carpenter is leading the league in hits/doubles and playing a fine 2B already.

This maybe a precursor of things to come, Freese's days in STL are likely numbered and Carpenter came up a 3B so this was going to happen at some point.

3 guys, 2 positions...

Seems kinda odd they'd do a call up like that before roster expansion. Any possibility of injury?

Maybe, the Cards are less than forthright when it comes to disclosing injuries so who knows.

Speculating here, but I suspect it's as I noted above.

Freese was/is playing for an extension and is second year arbitration eligible and hasn't had a good year.  With Wong being ready and Carpenter a natural 3B - Freese will likely be on the block this winter.

Freese is a home town guy, World Series hero etc but unfortunately, extremely expendable.  Why pay a guy 6 million he'll get in arbitration when they can pay a younger guy a helluva lot less for better production?

It's the business of baseball these days, roster churn and drafting/development is a major key to sustained competitiveness.

[tim_m]

Unfortunately that's true. Its what have you done for me lately business.

[Falcon]

Unfortunately that's true. Its what have you done for me lately business.

Yep.

It's also a "what will you do for me in the future" biz.

Freese has a rough medical history, turned 30 in April and is getting into his "expensive and in decline" phase of his career.

The writing is pretty much on the wall.

[tim_m]

Unfortunately that's true. Its what have you done for me lately business.

Yep.

It's also a "what will you do for me in the future" biz.

Freese has a rough medical history, turned 30 in April and is getting into his "expensive and in decline" phase of his career.

The writing is pretty much on the wall.

Sucks especially for a guy that's been a world series hero and a hometown guy but it is what it is.

[Falcon]

We now have A-Rat:

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/9573048/alex-rodriguez-associates-leaked-ryan-braun-name-biogenesis-scandal?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[Falcon]

And the 60 Minutes story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57598805/a-rod-implicated-fellow-players-in-doping-investigation/

[Falcon]

Unfortunately that's true. Its what have you done for me lately business.

Yep.

It's also a "what will you do for me in the future" biz.

Freese has a rough medical history, turned 30 in April and is getting into his "expensive and in decline" phase of his career.

The writing is pretty much on the wall.

Sucks especially for a guy that's been a world series hero and a hometown guy but it is what it is.

Looks like Wong debuts today at 2B with Matt Carpenter starting at 3B and Freese on the bench.

I suspect if Wong makes a positive impact this trend will continue.

[Falcon]

Manuel out, Sandberg in for the Phils.

Always dug Cholly, the end of a cool era in Philly.

[tim_m]

A-Rod story is just going from bad to worse. Sorry to see Charlie to go. I always liked him. Good guy and manager.

[Falcon]

Braun's going to talk per Bob Nightengale:

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2665881

Obviously a reaction to the ARat shenanigans and Braun's buddy leveling more accusations his way.

[tim_m]

Braun's going to talk per Bob Nightengale:

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2665881

Obviously a reaction to the ARat shenanigans and Braun's buddy leveling more accusations his way.

Yep, saw that. If those are true Braun's been a fraud all along.

[Falcon]

Beyond the A-Rat Braun talk, has anyone else noticed the Dodgers are on a crazy historical run?

I try not to buy into the hyperbole but good God, it's tough not to - and I really can't stand them.

By far the best team in the NL, very capable of running right through the playoffs and into the World Series.

[pilferk]

I realized last night we missed someone if the hof discussion:

Ichiro

The voters consider both his numbers in Japan, and the us. He is closing in on 4000 hits. I think he is a shoe in for the hall.

[Falcon]

I realized last night we missed someone if the hof discussion:

Ichiro

The voters consider both his numbers in Japan, and the us. He is closing in on 4000 hits. I think he is a shoe in for the hall.

I had him in my original 5

I always enjoy HOF talk and players chances, fascinating conversation.

I play the "If they retired today" game and who'd get in without question.

I can think of only 5:

Rivera, Pujols, Jeter, Ichiro, Cabrera.

[tim_m]

Beyond the A-Rat Braun talk, has anyone else noticed the Dodgers are on a crazy historical run?

I try not to buy into the hyperbole but good God, it's tough not to - and I really can't stand them.

By far the best team in the NL, very capable of running right through the playoffs and into the World Series.

They are on fire for sure. If the Yankees don't get in the playoffs I'll be rooting for them. Not because i love the Dodgers but for Donnie Baseball. I've loved Mattingly since i was a little kid and nothing would make me happier to see him holding that trophy finally. He was a guy on the fast track to the HOF until he hurt his back and he's one nicest guys baseball has ever had. Loves and respects the game and played it right.

[tim_m]

Ichiro for sure is a first ballot guy and it will be nearly unanimous. Its incredible he's only 39 and he's coming up on 4,000 hits combined between Japan and MLB. Makes you wonder if he had played his whole career here could he be on his way to a legitimate shot at Rose's record.

[tim_m]

Some breaking news Miguel Tejada has been suspended for using addiral for 105 games. Apparently he uses it for ADHD and had a permit to use it but kept using it when the permit ran out and didn't get another one. Another stupid mistake of seemingly not calling the 1-800 number.