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General Discussion => Talk Zone => Topic started by: BudGirl on October 09, 2018, 10:36:43 am
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So, excited. I have tickets for Games 2, 3, and possibly game 4. Yikes, there goes my savings again!!!
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So, excited. I have tickets for Games 2, 3, and possibly game 4. Yikes, there goes my savings again!!!
How do they figure this, given that they don't know if there will be 3 or 4 games in MMP?
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How do they figure this, given that they don't know if there will be 3 or 4 games in MMP?
My guy that got them for me can use them for WS, god willing, or it goes towards his season ticket account I believe.
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How do they figure this, given that they don't know if there will be 3 or 4 games in MMP?
Same way the Texans can charge me for a ticket to the AFC Championship game every year.
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How do they figure this, given that they don't know if there will be 3 or 4 games in MMP?
They sell tickets for home games 1-4, refund any that aren't happening.
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Thanks all.
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I'm a nine hour drive away. Could make a weekend game(s) but not during the week. I'l be watching the Yanks - Red Sox to see who gets home field.
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I'm a nine hour drive away. Could make a weekend game(s) but not during the week. I'l be watching the Yanks - Red Sox to see who gets home field.
The most important thing in my mind is that there's a game 5, which would prevent the Red Sox from sending out Sale for games 1 and 5 on full rest.
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So, JV and Cole for games 1 and 2.
Keuchel in 3 or CFM. Maybe CFM so he'd be available for long relief in later games?
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Jake Kaplan @jakemkaplan 6m ago
Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday will begin at 7:09 p.m. CT. Game 2 on Sunday will begin at 6:09 p.m. CT. Both will be on TBS.
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alcs shirts avaliable in austin at academy.
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The most important thing in my mind is that there's a game 5, which would prevent the Red Sox from sending out Sale for games 1 and 5 on full rest.
Not a problem, Price will be well-rested.
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Not a problem, Price will be well-rested.
The MLB.com Boston beat writer confirmed this morning that Cora is sticking with Price as an ALCS starter.
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https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4 (https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4)
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https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4 (https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4)
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He pitched well against us in relief last year.
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He pitched well against us in relief last year.
And had been poor in the postseason as a starter... put them together, and I’m happy with this.
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And had been poor in the postseason as a starter... put them together, and I’m happy with this.
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I’ll let you know late Sat night if I am.
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https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4 (https://youtu.be/C2SkqaCO9c4)
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BBG's don't take premature celebrations well.
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BBG's don't take premature celebrations well.
My thought exactly.
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He pitched well against us in relief last year.
He pitched well against us as a starter this year. 12.1 IP, 5 R, 3 BB, 17 K. I don't know why his postseason starts haven't worked out over his career but with his level of talent that can straighten itself out pretty quickly.
Frankly Eovaldi looked pretty damn good in Game 3 and Porcello last night.
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He pitched well against us as a starter this year. 12.1 IP, 5 R, 3 BB, 17 K. I don't know why his postseason starts haven't worked out over his career but with his level of talent that can straighten itself out pretty quickly.
Frankly Eovaldi looked pretty damn good in Game 3 and Porcello last night.
Yep. If we beat them, we have done something.
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Statistically, the Red Sox hold the advantage in hitting; the Astros hold the advantage in pitching and fielding. If the aphorism that pitching and defense win championships holds true, the Astros are in good stead. With teams this closely matched, the series will probably be determined by breaks - the dribbler that goes foul or stays fair; the marginal pitch called a ball or a strike; the unanticipated performance by a secondary player.
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He pitched well against us as a starter this year. 12.1 IP, 5 R, 3 BB, 17 K. I don't know why his postseason starts haven't worked out over his career but with his level of talent that can straighten itself out pretty quickly.
Frankly Eovaldi looked pretty damn good in Game 3 and Porcello last night.
Eovaldi has been pretty tough against Houston IIRC.
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Statistically, the Red Sox hold the advantage in hitting; the Astros hold the advantage in pitching and fielding. If the aphorism that pitching and defense win championships holds true, the Astros are in good stead. With teams this closely matched, the series will probably be determined by breaks - the dribbler that goes foul or stays fair; the marginal pitch called a ball or a strike; the unanticipated performance by a secondary player.
What about cheating? It seems the Red Sox have the advantage in cheating (https://www.12up.com/posts/6193546-fan-points-out-possible-foreign-substance-on-craig-kimbrel-s-hand-during-game-4/partners/44566).
Even I'd noticed the big spot on the bill of Kimbrel's cap, that means there's something on his cap that gets on his hand when he adjusts it, or vice versa. The shit on the side of his hand makes things even more incriminating.
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Jake Kaplan @jakemkaplan 6m ago
Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday will begin at 7:09 p.m. CT. Game 2 on Sunday will begin at 6:09 p.m. CT. Both will be on TBS.
Full schedule out; only one afternoon game scheduled (on a Saturday) but Tuesday's game remains "TBD" - presumably because the NLCS could be at 3-0 by then. Weirdly, the NLCS will have played two games before a single pitch is thrown in the ALCS.
1. @BOS: Sat, 7:09pm CDT
2. @BOS: Sun, 6:09pm CDT
3. @HOU: Tue, TBD
4. @HOU: Wed, 7:39pm CDT
5. @HOU: Thu, 7:09pm CDT
6. @BOS: Sat, 4:09pm CDT
7. @BOS: Sun, 6:39pm CDT
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What about cheating? It seems the Red Sox have the advantage in cheating (https://www.12up.com/posts/6193546-fan-points-out-possible-foreign-substance-on-craig-kimbrel-s-hand-during-game-4/partners/44566).
Even I'd noticed the big spot on the bill of Kimbrel's cap, that means there's something on his cap that gets on his hand when he adjusts it, or vice versa. The shit on the side of his hand makes things even more incriminating.
I think it's best to let Tyler Bauer handle this.
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What about cheating? It seems the Red Sox have the advantage in cheating (https://www.12up.com/posts/6193546-fan-points-out-possible-foreign-substance-on-craig-kimbrel-s-hand-during-game-4/partners/44566).
Even I'd noticed the big spot on the bill of Kimbrel's cap, that means there's something on his cap that gets on his hand when he adjusts it, or vice versa. The shit on the side of his hand makes things even more incriminating.
Oh, bullshit.
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Full schedule out; only one afternoon game scheduled (on a Saturday) but Tuesday's game remains "TBD" - presumably because the NLCS could be at 3-0 by then. Weirdly, the NLCS will have played two games before a single pitch is thrown in the ALCS.
1. @BOS: Sat, 7:09pm CDT
2. @BOS: Sun, 6:09pm CDT
3. @HOU: Tue, TBD
4. @HOU: Wed, 7:39pm CDT
5. @HOU: Thu, 7:09pm CDT
6. @BOS: Sat, 4:09pm CDT
7. @BOS: Sun, 6:39pm CDT
Tuesday's Game 3 has been announced at 4:09pm CDT.
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No Angel but we got Country Joe. The umps for the ALCS:
Home: James Hoye
1B: Vic Carapazza
2B: Joe West*
3B: Mark Carlson
LF: Chris Guccione
RF: Mark Wegner
Replay, Games 1-2: Bill Miller
Replay, Games 3-7: James Hoye
*crew chief
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Anybody else ready to get this thing going?
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Yes! Last year my son, my dad and I watched the games together. This year my teenage daughter has taken interest so I'll be triply blessed watching these games with them!!!
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Anybody else ready to get this thing going?
Yes. If JV beats them Sat, I will relax...a little.
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Anybody else ready to get this thing going?
I was 100% ready on Wednesday.
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Yes. If JV beats them Sat, I will relax...a little.
I don't think I will relax at all until the Astros have won the fourth game against them.
and then I would just get a whole new level of stressed.
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I don't think I will relax at all until the Astros have won the fourth game against them.
and then I would just get a whole new level of stressed.
Yeah, I know. My relaxation will be temporary then my anxiety will be at peak levels by Game 2. I cannot watch JV’s game but can watch Cole’s.
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From Jayson Stark on twitter:
Alex Cora with a fascinating take on the Astros’ biggest addition since last year - Martin Maldonado - “because of who they thought they’d be playing in October. I didn’t see that one coming....but that’s what they do. They think ahead.”
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And an article on Maldonado
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/astros/article/Inside-Martin-Maldonado-s-love-affair-with-13300935.php
I loved the quote from Hinch:
Lance McCullers Jr. surmised that any delivery time under 1.3 seconds suffices when Maldonado is on the mound.
If not?
“He’s like an emergency button,” Collin McHugh said.
Patrolling base stealing is but one facet of neutralizing a running game. Secondary leads shorten when Maldonado catches. Without that extra step or two, advancing on shallow base hits becomes arduous. Teams second-guess hit-and-run calls, too, cognizant of their fate if a hitter does not execute. A would-be base-stealer is hung out to dry.
“The cop doesn’t have to pull you over, he just has to be there and you’ll slow down,” Hinch said. “It’s the same thing.”
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It’s not noon yet and I’m already nervous about tonight. God bless post season baseball
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It’s not noon yet and I’m already nervous about tonight. God bless post season baseball
So am I but I have to admit I'm more nervous about whether I will actually see the game. Socked in again in NoTx with no relief in sight. Can't count on DirectTV to deliver.
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Anybody else ready to get this thing going?
I was ready at noon on Thursday.
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So am I but I have to admit I'm more nervous about whether I will actually see the game. Socked in again in NoTx with no relief in sight. Can't count on DirectTV to deliver.
As long as your internet isn’t out too, at least you can stream it.
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the time will crawl till the game starts then it will slow down even more
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It’s not noon yet and I’m already nervous about tonight. God bless post season baseball
It's funny to me that after last year's success I'm not nervous at all.
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I have a ticket to Wednesday's game. Section 421 row 15 seat 23. Message me if interested.
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It's funny to me that after last year's success I'm not nervous at all.
There is a bit of, Well we won last year, and advanced to the ALCS, so it feels like playing with house money.
But then your remember how fast we went from a regular playoff team to absolute shite for nearly a decade and ya realize chances like this can fade away fast....
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It's funny to me that after last year's success I'm not nervous at all.
I was more nervous for Game 1 vs Cleveland than I am so far today. Don't know why.
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It's funny to me that after last year's success I'm not nervous at all.
I felt the same way. Then the ALDS started. I didn't live and die with every pitch like I used to in pretty much every previous postseason, but I'm definitely more tense than I expected to be.
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I've been trying to find something good to watch on Netflix this evening. Any suggestions? What? Oh.
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As long as your internet isn’t out too, at least you can stream it.
Cable and broadband went down for 3 days last week and I had to watch game 3 on a portable device, but hey what are you gonna do? Got to say though, life is pretty weird when you are off line... never really appreciated until now just how dependent we are on the internet.
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Eat shit Joe West, you fat ass, sloth reflex having sack of donkey turds.
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10 walks, forcing the Sox pitchers to throw 188 pitches last night. What a joy it was to watch those AB’s.
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Eat shit Joe West, you fat ass, sloth reflex having sack of donkey turds.
May have been my favorite moment from last night: wide throw (WIDE) to 2B hits him right in his belly, he had no chance of getting out of the way even if he tried.
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May have been my favorite moment from last night: wide throw (WIDE) to 2B hits him right in his belly, he had no chance of getting out of the way even if he tried.
I'm still trying to figure out what he was doing. He was looking towards home yet obviously did not see the throw. Had the throw been on target he would have been wildly out of position to make a call on the stolen base attempt.
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I'm still trying to figure out what he was doing. He was looking towards home yet obviously did not see the throw. Had the throw been on target he would have been wildly out of position to make a call on the stolen base attempt.
https://www.closecallsports.com/2018/10/cowboy-joe-wests-history-of-getting-hit.html
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I'm still trying to figure out what he was doing. He was looking towards home yet obviously did not see the throw. Had the throw been on target he would have been wildly out of position to make a call on the stolen base attempt.
Well he got the call wrong on Bregman’s attempted swipe, so he is consistent in that. He got overturned AND upheld on appeal because the replay showed Alex beat the tag but then came off the bag.
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I am more than a little bit worried about Keuchel in Game 3, and we must start hitting with all the baserunners on they are giving us. We had some bad luck last night, and the almost comeback was good to see. I thought Cole’s early overexcitement was obvious, but I thought for sure he would get Bradley. Getting down 2-0 was a killer. Last night does not change my opinion of Maldonado even a little. Finally, White maybe Tyler again, not Great White. I would go with Kemp at DH. If his Pesky Pole near miss had hit the pole....
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I am more than a little bit worried about Keuchel in Game 3, and we must start hitting with all the baserunners on they are giving us. We had some bad luck last night, and the almost comeback was good to see. I thought Cole’s early overexcitement was obvious, but I thought for sure he would get Bradley. Getting down 2-0 was a killer. Last night does not change my opinion of Maldonado even a little. Finally, White maybe Tyler again, not Great White. I would go with Kemp at DH. If his Pesky Pole near miss had hit the pole....
Lots of things went wrong last night. Marwin had some bad luck in LF...the ball he almost caught where he crashed into the wall, the 3-run double that rolled along the top of the padding...but also a lot of bad execution. Gurriel and White, the 4 and 5 guys struggled with runners on base...the unearned run on Cole's throwing error on the comebacker...the walk/wild pich/passed ball/passed ball unearned run...Rondon not being able to close the door in the 8th...all just poor baseball playing.
Maldonado has a rough night. It happens. Gotta put it behind and move on. He's still a good defender and they will need him as the series goes on.
Agree about Kemp. May consider him in LF and let Marwin DH, depending on if there are any lingering effects from the latter's crash last night.
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Lots of things went wrong last night. Marwin had some bad luck in LF...the ball he almost caught where he crashed into the wall, the 3-run double that rolled along the top of the padding...but also a lot of bad execution. Gurriel and White, the 4 and 5 guys struggled with runners on base...the unearned run on Cole's throwing error on the comebacker...the walk/wild pich/passed ball/passed ball unearned run...Rondon not being able to close the door in the 8th...all just poor baseball playing.
Maldonado has a rough night. It happens. Gotta put it behind and move on. He's still a good defender and they will need him as the series goes on.
Agree about Kemp. May consider him in LF and let Marwin DH, depending on if there are any lingering effects from the latter's crash last night.
Yep, anyone who thought we would roll over Boston was nuts.
ETA: with all that went wrong last night, they were barely hanging on to win at the end.
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Lots of things went wrong last night. Marwin had some bad luck in LF...the ball he almost caught where he crashed into the wall, the 3-run double that rolled along the top of the padding...but also a lot of bad execution. Gurriel and White, the 4 and 5 guys struggled with runners on base...the unearned run on Cole's throwing error on the comebacker...the walk/wild pich/passed ball/passed ball unearned run...Rondon not being able to close the door in the 8th...all just poor baseball playing.
Maldonado has a rough night. It happens. Gotta put it behind and move on. He's still a good defender and they will need him as the series goes on.
Agree about Kemp. May consider him in LF and let Marwin DH, depending on if there are any lingering effects from the latter's crash last night.
I am hearing McCann will start games 3 and 4.
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Totally agree about putting Kemp in the lineup. He's just freaking spark plug. DH Marwin to rest the back and neck after running into that stupid monster.
But Yuli needs to start making better contact.
I thought it odd that Porcello pitched last night.
And I'm thrilled they won game 1 and almost won game 2 - I loved that they didn't roll over in the 9th. Coming home 1-1 is better than being down 2-0.
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I am hearing McCann will start games 3 and 4.
3 ok. I hope not 4. They will start running.
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3 ok. I hope not 4. They will start running.
Agreed. Shutting down the running game is huge in the postseason. With Morton/McCann, a walk will become a double half the time.
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Agreed. Shutting down the running game is huge in the postseason. With Morton/McCann, a walk will become a double half the time.
They do not attempt to run on Maldonado.
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I have a couple of questions about Hunch's use of the relievers last night.
1. Why take McCullers out in the middle of a hitter? He was actually pitching really well.
2. Why bring James back to start the 8th? He got his feet wet. But he was a little wild in the 7th. And then why leave him in after he gives up the hit to Devers to lead off the inning?
3. Why bring Rondon in to pitch to Betts -- the Red Sox best hitter? Rondon wasn't particularly good at the end of the season and he hasn't faced live pitching in two weeks. Why bring him in now in such a high-leverage situation. Why not bring in Pressley? Or Osuna? it's the 8th inning, there are two outs. Surely you have to be able to count on Osuna to get 4 outs.
Separately, I think I would have led off the 9th with Marisnick over Gattis. I would have liked to see Marisnick try to bunt for a single against Kimbrel.
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Richard Justice just tweeted that Altuve likely would DH in game 3 because of sore knee. MarGo to play second.
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Chandler Rome says McCann will catch Keuchel and Kemp will play either LF or DH.
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Seems as though there are some conflicting reports.
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Seems as though there are some conflicting reports.
If Altuve DH's then Kemp plays left. I guess the Altuve move isn't totally set.
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Seems as though there are some conflicting reports.
Quickly browsing Twitter, looks like Justice went with Altuve "likely" to DH while everyone else went with "may" or "could".
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I have a couple of questions about Hunch's use of the relievers last night.
1. Why take McCullers out in the middle of a hitter? He was actually pitching really well.
2. Why bring James back to start the 8th? He got his feet wet. But he was a little wild in the 7th. And then why leave him in after he gives up the hit to Devers to lead off the inning?
3. Why bring Rondon in to pitch to Betts -- the Red Sox best hitter? Rondon wasn't particularly good at the end of the season and he hasn't faced live pitching in two weeks. Why bring him in now in such a high-leverage situation. Why not bring in Pressley? Or Osuna? it's the 8th inning, there are two outs. Surely you have to be able to count on Osuna to get 4 outs.
Separately, I think I would have led off the 9th with Marisnick over Gattis. I would have liked to see Marisnick try to bunt for a single against Kimbrel.
I am not going to try to answer this second-guessing. Buy a team. I am going with Hinch.
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I am not going to try to answer this second-guessing. Buy a team. I am going with Hinch.
Glad to know that the new rule of this website is that we can't discuss the in-game decisions of the manager.
If you don't want to discuss, then don't.
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Glad to know that the new rule of this website is that we can't discuss the in-game decisions of the manager.
If you don't want to discuss, then don't.
Exactly what I said. I do not.
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I have a couple of questions about Hunch's use of the relievers last night.
1. Why take McCullers out in the middle of a hitter? He was actually pitching really well.
2. Why bring James back to start the 8th? He got his feet wet. But he was a little wild in the 7th. And then why leave him in after he gives up the hit to Devers to lead off the inning?
3. Why bring Rondon in to pitch to Betts -- the Red Sox best hitter? Rondon wasn't particularly good at the end of the season and he hasn't faced live pitching in two weeks. Why bring him in now in such a high-leverage situation. Why not bring in Pressley? Or Osuna? it's the 8th inning, there are two outs. Surely you have to be able to count on Osuna to get 4 outs.
Separately, I think I would have led off the 9th with Marisnick over Gattis. I would have liked to see Marisnick try to bunt for a single against Kimbrel.
I think the aggregate answer to your questions are that 1) these guys need to be ready to pitch, and as you say, they hadn't in a while, and 2) you don't want to blow through your pen in Game 2 of a 7-game series, a game you're trailing late. In short, Hinch is not Dave Roberts and is not going to pitch guys every single game.
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HH: I understand what you are saying, but that doesn't explain why McCullers is taken out in the middle of a batter. Or why Osuna doesn't come into the game to face Betts. If Osuna gets Mookie out and if the Astros don't score at least two runs in the top of the 9th, Osuna will have faced one batter. Overuse? Osuna hasn't pitched since Oct. 6!
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You should have ignored it, HH.
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HH: I understand what you are saying, but that doesn't explain why McCullers is taken out in the middle of a batter. Or why Osuna doesn't come into the game to face Betts. If Osuna gets Mookie out and if the Astros don't score at least two runs in the top of the 9th, Osuna will have faced one batter. Overuse? Osuna hasn't pitched since Oct. 6!
I don't know why he took out McCullers during the at bat. It's certainly unusual to see that. As for the other, I just think he was trying to get a couple of guys' feet wet, guys who may be called upon to get one out later in the series, guys who hadn't pitched in the postseason yet. He didn't want their debut to be with two on, two out in the 8th inning of Game 6. Couple that with knowing that Osuna and Pressly will see lots of innings later in the series. I could be wrong about Hinch's thought process though.
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I don't know why he took out McCullers during the at bat. It's certainly unusual to see that. As for the other, I just think he was trying to get a couple of guys' feet wet, guys who may be called upon to get one out later in the series, guys who hadn't pitched in the postseason yet. He didn't want their debut to be with two on, two out in the 8th inning of Game 6. Couple that with knowing that Osuna and Pressly will see lots of innings later in the series. I could be wrong about Hinch's thought process though.
This makes sense to me.
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BTW, Kemp in Left, Marwin at 2nd and Altuve DHing.
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BTW, Kemp in Left, Marwin at 2nd and Altuve DHing.
I'm hoping like hell West and Kuechel make sweet music together tonight! I fear we may need a circa '15 type start from Dallas tonight if we are to put another W on the board.
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I'm hoping like hell West and Kuechel make sweet music together tonight! I fear we may need a circa '15 type start from Dallas tonight if we are to put another W on the board.
you and me both brother. I think Kuechel will do well. Then again, I think they will always do well.
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Yes, I'm praying for late late movement and a low low strike zone.
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Hinch better have somebody up ready to go in the first.
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1. Why take McCullers out in the middle of a hitter? He was actually pitching really well.....
Ck the pbp of McCullers' 7th inning:
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/astros-vs-red-sox/2018/10/14/563394#game_state=final,game_tab=play-by-play,game=563394 (https://www.mlb.com/gameday/astros-vs-red-sox/2018/10/14/563394#game_state=final,game_tab=play-by-play,game=563394)
McCullers Jr starts the bot 7th
Betts walks
Benintendi K on WP, Betts to 2b
JD Batting - 1st strike PB by Maldonado (Betts to 3b)
JD K for 2nd out
Bogaerts batting - BP #2 by Maldonado scores Betts
Three batters - a BB and 2 K's - and a run scored w/o a hit!
It was easier to take out McCullers - and his curveball - that Maldonado apparently could not handle - than to change catchers at that point.
Who needs a SB w/ so many PB! Not a good inning for Maldonado.
If memory serves, Verlando shouted "Come on, man!" to Maldonado after one of his WP during Game 1. Probably the top of the 5: WP #2 w/ the bases loaded, allowing Bradley to score. Clearly frustrated.
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I've been out of pocket all day so I'm not sure whether this has been mentioned or not...
Whatever the Houston Astros were trying to do at Fenway Park during Game 1 of the ALCS on Saturday night, they got caught. In the third inning of the first game of the series, security removed a man claiming to be an Astros employee from the media-credentialed area next to the Boston Red Sox dugout, according to multiple security sources who were on the scene at the time of the incident. The man had a small camera and was texting frequently, but did not have a media credential. After the man was removed another Astros staffer intervened - according to sources who were on the scene - and tried to convince security that he was authorized to be in the area next to the dugout. The man was not allowed back into the credentialed area, but was allowed to remain in the ballpark.
Security sources say they had been warned about the man, because of some suspicious activity in Houston’s ALDS series against the Cleveland Indians. It’s unclear as to whether or not that warning came from Major League Baseball or the Red Sox. MLB Chief Communications Officer Pat Courtney acknowledged Saturday night’s incident in an email on Tuesday afternoon, saying, “We are aware of the matter and it will be handled internally.” An Astros spokesman responded to several emails about the incident, but did not deny any of the specific details provided.
https://www.metro.us/sports/boston/metro-exclusive-astros-may-have-been-cheating-game-1-against-red-sox-0
Rob Bradford @bradfo 40 minutes ago
Just talked to Major League exec about this: 'This is a big story'
Insinuated feeling in baseball that this is far from an isolated incident
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I'm not going to click on the link (metro.us???) but how exactly did they say the Astros were cheating?
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Joel Sherman @Joelsherman1 2m
Hearing MLB already has looked into issues raised here (bit.ly/2Eo7lXH) and found #Astros employee early in ALCS G1 at Fenway was monitoring #Redsox dugout to see if Bos was improperly using a video monitor.
Joel Sherman @Joelsherman1 1m
He was stopped from doing this. MLB does not consider this a major matter. Red Sox and Astros spokesman both said their teams declined further comment.
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I assume the idea is video monitor used to get catcher's signs.
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I assume the idea is video monitor used to get catcher's signs.
That's what I would assume. I remember someone making light of the PBP guy being astonished the catcher was using complex signs with nobody on 2nd, when they show close-up shots of the catchers signs.
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Been a rough few days for the Astros and their fans. Cheating AND losing.
Anyway, got to win both the remaining home games because (1) losing both means obese female vocalization; and (b) a split would mean needing to win both remaining games in Fenway.
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That's what I would assume. I remember someone making light of the PBP guy being astonished the catcher was using complex signs with nobody on 2nd, when they show close-up shots of the catchers signs.
I explained to my wife last night that this is one reason why the games are taking so damn long. I don't think I can ever remember so many ABs where the pitchers are staring in watching signs for 10-15 seconds, constantly stepping off the rubber, hitters calling time, etc.
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I explained to my wife last night that this is one reason why the games are taking so damn long. I don't think I can ever remember so many ABs where the pitchers are staring in watching signs for 10-15 seconds, constantly stepping off the rubber, hitters calling time, etc.
Exactly. Last night I was wondering if they'll implement some rule about stepping off the rubber or hitters calling time and whatnot. Last year it was all the mound visits, so they put in the mound visit limits. We'll see. But it definitely is slowing the game down.
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I explained to my wife last night that this is one reason why the games are taking so damn long. I don't think I can ever remember so many ABs where the pitchers are staring in watching signs for 10-15 seconds, constantly stepping off the rubber, hitters calling time, etc.
Yeah, but at least we don't have to watch all those interminable IBBs any more.
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Exactly. Last night I was wondering if they'll implement some rule about stepping off the rubber or hitters calling time and whatnot. Last year it was all the mound visits, so they put in the mound visit limits. We'll see. But it definitely is slowing the game down.
I get pace of play concerns in the regular season. In the middle of July I want to go to bed, not watch an A's game drag on until 12:30am.
But in the postseason? Where every pitch is critical and a series can swing on a seeing-eye single? I don't understand the complaints. Are people baseball fans or are they not?
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More details on the controversy as compiled by MLBTR:
The employee, reported by Yahoo’s Jeff Passan to be Kyle McLaughlin, was said to be pointing a small camera into the Boston dugout.
Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer further reports that the Indians filed a complaint with the league against the Astros following a pair of similar incidents in the ALDS and also reached out to the Red Sox to warn them prior to the start of the ALCS. Passan also details a complaint filed by the Athletics, who alleged that the Astros were using a clapping-based system from the dugout to relay stolen signs to the players on the field during an August game. To this point, though, there’s been no word on whether Houston was punished in that incident.
The series of complaints against the Astros, Sherman notes, could stem in part from a reputation in the industry that portrays them as a “[New England] Patriots-like” organization — that is, one that “pushes to the limits of the rules — and perhaps beyond.” Passan adds that some clubs are “wary” that Houston may utilize its Edgertronic ballpark cameras, which can record 2,000 frames per second, in sign-stealing schemes.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/10/astros-rumor-sign-stealing-red-sox-alcs.html
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sounds like a lot of wfw to me.
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sounds like a lot of wfw to me.
Indeed.
Every team tries to steal signs. Every. Team.
Maybe the Astros were sloppy and the story grew naturally. But I suspect Boston hopes to throw the Astros off and they're confident enough in their own system that they don't think they'll get caught.
FTRS
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Major League Baseball said Wednesday the Astros were engaging in surveillance, not espionage, by using a credentialed team employee to monitor areas near opponents' dugouts in Cleveland and Boston. (https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Astros-were-doing-surveillance-against-Indians-13315243.php)
"A thorough investigation concluded that an Astros employee was monitoring the field to ensure that the opposing Club was not violating any rules," the MLB statement said.
"All Clubs remaining in the playoffs have been notified to refrain from these types of efforts and to direct complaints about any in-stadium rules violations to MLB staff for investigation and resolution."
The statement concluded, "We consider the matter closed."
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A new lineup: https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1052659265448620033
Bregman
Springer
Altuve (DH)
Marwin
Yuli
Reddick
Correa
Machete
Kemp
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A new lineup: https://twitter.com/brianmctaggart/status/1052659265448620033
Bregman
Springer
Altuve (DH)
Marwin
Yuli
Reddick
Correa
Machete
Kemp
That's interesting.
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Makes sense: if the BoSox are going to put Alex on at a 70% clip, let’s put some guys behind him who might drive him in because relying on Yuli hasn’t produced desired results.
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I'm reading that Chris Sale won't start till Game 6 due to illness.
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I'm reading that Chris Sale won't start till Game 6 due to illness.
Let's hope there IS a Game 6.
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Doubt concerning Game 6 extends beyond the Boston starting pitcher.
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Jason Mastrodonato @JMastrodonato 2m ago
Dave Dombrowski is not happy the Astros insinuated that they were only “playing defense” against the Red Sox with their employee in the camera well. Said it was a “clear violation” for him to be there, and it was known he did it in the Indians series, too.
Jason Mastrodonato @JMastrodonato 1m ago
Even though MLB said they consider the issue to be closed, Dombrowski said he’s not certain that’s the case. He doesn’t think the Astros were stealing signs with that employee, but he thinks it was unacceptable for him to be where he was.
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Jason Mastrodonato @JMastrodonato 2m ago
Dave Dombrowski is not happy the Astros insinuated that they were only “playing defense” against the Red Sox with their employee in the camera well. Said it was a “clear violation” for him to be there, and it was known he did it in the Indians series, too.
Jason Mastrodonato @JMastrodonato 1m ago
Even though MLB said they consider the issue to be closed, Dombrowski said he’s not certain that’s the case. He doesn’t think the Astros were stealing signs with that employee, but he thinks it was unacceptable for him to be where he was.
Fuck him.
Was it acceptable for Kimbrel in the LDS to have 8 inches of stick-um on his arm? Or for Barnes to use his arm as an Elmer's depository?
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Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN 2 minutes ago
Many team officials across baseball frustrated, appalled by MLB decision on Astros/spygate. They believe that Rob Manfred threatened in past to come down hard on violators of electronic surveillance rule, and now with crystal-clear evidence of HOU breaking rules, nothing happens.
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Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN 2 minutes ago
Many team officials across baseball frustrated, appalled by MLB decision on Astros/spygate. They believe that Rob Manfred threatened in past to come down hard on violators of electronic surveillance rule, and now with crystal-clear evidence of HOU breaking rules, nothing happens.
I still don't know what rule they broke.
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I still don't know what rule they broke.
The "trying to beat a north eastern team" rule. But they (and Joe West) showed us!
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The "trying to beat a north eastern team" rule. But they (and Joe West) showed us!
No doubt the networks want a 2018 LA-Boston WS.
Here's hoping that our guys find some time to "have fun" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMwm1bijVyI1=Article_Recirculation_Pos7) during the 27 outs tonight.
Let's see what happens.....
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Agree will all do say to get to Game 6 and take our chances.
BTW, I am in Boston right now at 2:15 pm. Sun is out, beautiful day, but COLD and very windy. I cannot imagine what it will be like at night.
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Fuck the Red Sox.
Their rotation is vulnerable.
Play well tonight. Every inning. Get inspired by your hobbled MVP and your back-injured SS. Fly around the field and make plays.
And most of all, be Justin Verlander.
Scratch and claw your way to a win.
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Scratch and claw your way to a win.
It's that or go on vacation early.
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Agree will all do say to get to Game 6 and take our chances.
BTW, I am in Boston right now at 2:15 pm. Sun is out, beautiful day, but COLD and very windy. I cannot imagine what it will be like at night.
Hoping the 'Stros get to see how it feels in a couple days...
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New lineup. Bregman still leading off, Correa has moved to cleanup. Marwin down to 6, Kemp up to 7, and Marisnik batting 9th.
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Fuck the Red Sox.
Their rotation is vulnerable.
Play well tonight. Every inning. Get inspired by your hobbled MVP and your back-injured SS. Fly around the field and make plays.
And most of all, be Justin Verlander.
Scratch and claw your way to a win.
They have gotten every possible break. Our turn now.
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Looking to change things up by changing my watching venue (and to help close the exercise rings on my watch). Griff's or The Phoenix?
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New lineup. Bregman still leading off, Correa has moved to cleanup. Marwin down to 6, Kemp up to 7, and Marisnik batting 9th.
Uncharacteristically protean behavior from Hinch.
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Uncharacteristically protean behavior from Hinch.
Correa looked like himself last night, for the first time since what, may? If he comes through in a big way Hinch looks like a genius
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Looking to change things up by changing my watching venue (and to help close the exercise rings on my watch). Griff's or The Phoenix?
Isn't the answer always Griff's?
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Looking to change things up by changing my watching venue (and to help close the exercise rings on my watch). Griff's or The Phoenix?
Griff’s was my main spot for the postseason in 05. Perhaps those women (twins?) are still giving out Jell-O shots for positive houston sports events?
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Griff’s was my main spot for the postseason in 05. Perhaps those women (twins?) are still giving out Jell-O shots for positive houston sports events?
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They are, they do. I'm sure I was sitting near you for much of that run.
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They are, they do. I'm sure I was sitting near you for much of that run.
That’s good to hear that they’re still at it. I haven’t been there for a game in probably 4 years or so. Perhaps we’ve even high-fived IRL.
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Griff’s it is.
I watched parts of 2005 in Roeder’s, but that’s now a CVS.
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Griff’s it is.
I watched parts of 2005 in Roeder’s, but that’s now a CVS.
I still miss that place. Hidden gem. TK’s has picked up some of the old traffic, but it’s a fucking cubs bar and thus entirely inappropriate for the occasion.
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I still miss that place. Hidden gem. TK’s has picked up some of the old traffic, but it’s a fucking cubs bar and thus entirely inappropriate for the occasion.
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The owners and employees of Roeders were perfectly pleasant, but Astros sports team never fared well when I watched games there.
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Boston is convinced Kimbrel was tipping his pitches.
https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1053673522739007489?s=19 (https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1053673522739007489?s=19)
I really, really hope he gets rocked in the WS.
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Boston is convinced Kimbrel was tipping his pitches.
Is that what was confusing the umpires into calling them balls?
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Cora is saying he might play Betts at second in the NL park during the world series.
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Cora is saying he might play Betts at second in the NL park during the world series.
I love the crazy* shit managers are pulling this postseason.
*Creative might be a better word, Betts' experience at 2B is more recent than I thought.
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I love the crazy* shit managers are pulling this postseason.
*Creative might be a better word, Betts' experience at 2B is more recent than I thought.
e.g. Mickey Stanley at SS
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Heyman:
The Astros’ defense (at least as far as the Red Sox series goes) is their own interest in making sure the Red Sox aren’t repeating the shenanigans from last year involving an Apple Watch. True or not, there was a belief on the part of someone with the Astros that Gerrit Cole’s signs might have been stolen by the Red Sox in Boston (the belief apparently is that the very veteran former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has a code that can’t be cracked). In any case, MLB is handling this matter at the highest level, with commissioner Rob Manfred and honcho Dan Halem investigating the new matter now. The Red Sox are in a bit of a funny position after the Apple phone caper last year however, and they received only a small penalty for that episode.
https://fancredsports.com/articles/inside-baseball-mlb-notes-did-astros-spying-resu
And Keith Law:
keithlaw @keithlaw 10h ago
prediction: this story ain't over
Rob Bradford @bradfo 11 hours ago
Joe Kelly just told us on @WEEI that MLB had an official sitting behind bullpen in Houston checking that no chicanery was going on
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e.g. Mickey Stanley at SS
It still kinda amazes me the Tigers even went to the World Series that year with a left side of the infield consisting of a .200-hitting Don Wert and a .135-hitting Roy Oyler. Then again, it was the Year of the Pitcher (and the Tigers of course had Lolich and McLain) and the league batting average was the lowest in AL history at just .230.
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e.g. Mickey Stanley at SS
And there wasn't a DH back then.
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Heyman:
https://fancredsports.com/articles/inside-baseball-mlb-notes-did-astros-spying-resu
And Keith Law:
keithlaw @keithlaw 10h ago
prediction: this story ain't over
Of course, the visitor bullpen at MMP is completely enclosed. Either the original tweet is a misquote, or at some point Kelly changed his story because he now says that the official was sitting in the bullpen.
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Of course, the visitor bullpen at MMP is completely enclosed. Either the original tweet is a misquote, or at some point Kelly changed his story because he now says that the official was sitting in the bullpen.
Seems like the reporter was paraphrasing and may have interpreted "behind us" as "behind the bullpen" or something.
I don't know what to make of any of this, and I don't care too much about sign stealing one way or another, but why not just give the catcher & pitcher & manager little earpieces and be done with it? It'd cut down on sign stealing, crossups, and maybe even mound visits.
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What percentage of pitches are called from the dugout?
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What percentage of pitches are called from the dugout?
Sadly, that percentage is increasing. Rapidly. Those control freak coaches want to call every pitch, every pitch out, etc. I have always maintained that the catcher really is in the best position to call the pitches. That's one of the reasons why I was hesitant to shake off unless I felt strongly either in favor of a different pitch/location or really lacked confidence in a particular pitch/location. Thinking pitchers are better in my opinion than robots who simply execute orders and don't think for themselves.
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What percentage of pitches are called from the dugout?
0%
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0%
You sure about that? I know several college coaches who call every pitch.
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You sure about that? I know several college coaches who call every pitch.
College level is not the majors.
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College level is not the majors.
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My point is that tomorrow's pitchers are being taught to think less. It's only a matter of time before it happens at the big league level. However, without looking for data, I'd be shocked if a fair amount of pitches aren't being called from the bench in professional baseball.
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My point is that tomorrow's pitchers are being taught to think less. It's only a matter of time before it happens at the big league level. However, without looking for data, I'd be shocked if a fair amount of pitches aren't being called from the bench in professional baseball.
College coaches of all sports are control freaks who dont trust their players. It's why college basketball is so goddamn terrible these days. Just because a pitcher is told "this is what your throwing" doesnt mean he isn't thinking. At the professional level, coaches have input but you are not going to let them take that control away from you. You know what pitch you're feeling good about and the catcher knows what pitch is working. Professional coaches understand this.
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It still kinda amazes me the Tigers even went to the World Series that year with a left side of the infield consisting of a .200-hitting Don Wert and a .135-hitting Roy Oyler. Then again, it was the Year of the Pitcher (and the Tigers of course had Lolich and McLain) and the league batting average was the lowest in AL history at just .230.
My favorite baseball sobriquet: Don "Bird Thou Never" Wert.
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College coaches of all sports are control freaks who dont trust their players. It's why college basketball is so goddamn terrible these days. Just because a pitcher is told "this is what your throwing" doesnt mean he isn't thinking. At the professional level, coaches have input but you are not going to let them take that control away from you. You know what pitch you're feeling good about and the catcher knows what pitch is working. Professional coaches understand this.
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Coaches of all stripes are control freaks in my opinion. There's also a big difference betweeen a veteran pitcher and a young pitcher in the leeway that coaches will give. However, I think that you'd be surprised about this.
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It's why college basketball is so goddamn terrible these days.
That's not why college basketball is so terrible.
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That's not why college basketball is so terrible.
I left that alone, but you're correct. The NBA one and one foolishness has ruined college basketball in my opinion.
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I left that alone, but you're correct. The NBA one and one foolishness has ruined college basketball in my opinion.
College basketball had started going downhill before that rule
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Coaches of all stripes are control freaks in my opinion. There's also a big difference betweeen a veteran pitcher and a young pitcher in the leeway that coaches will give. However, I think that you'd be surprised about this.
They are, yes. But professional coaches have less power over their players than a college coach
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They are, yes. But professional coaches have less power over their players than a college coach
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I bet that there are lots of players who'd disagree with you.
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I bet that there are lots of players who'd disagree with you.
College coaches are judge, jury, and executioner. Professional coaches have a boss to answer to.
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College basketball had started going downhill before that rule
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It actually started with the NBA raiding the high school ranks, but then they reluctantly agreed to the one and done rule.
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College coaches are judge, jury, and executioner. Professional coaches have a boss to answer to.
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You're usually under the thumb of some coach in pro ball.
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You're usually under the thumb of some coach in pro ball.
Sure, but that coach doesnt have the final word on if you are cut. The college coach can just flat out say, you're done, get out of here.
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I was typing out a snarky reply starting with "I don't care if it's the damned mascot calling the pitches," then I realized if this shit keeps escalating some team is eventually going to get caught using its mascot to steal signs.
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You sure about that? I know several college coaches who call every pitch.
Most college coaches do. None in the Major Leagues do.
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Most college coaches do. None in the Major Leagues do.
I know for a fact that Roger Craig called just about every pitch when he managed. And there've been others. I would love to hear from the players about this. I suspect it's on the rise, as they incorporate the decisional sciences more and more.
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I've seen Scioscia give signs to the catcher with no men on base. I assumed he was calling pitches but it could have been some other instruction.
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I've seen Scioscia give signs to the catcher with no men on base. I assumed he was calling pitches but it could have been some other instruction.
Yeah, my understanding (not sure where it came from) is that this is fairly common.
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Managers will often relay signs for things like pickoffs, pitchouts, but also for things like defensive positioning, even when no one is on base. There may be some examples of a manager expressly wanting a particular pitch thrown, but it's exceedingly rare at the Major League level. It's somewhat more common in the minors, where pitchers are on a much stricter regimen and results are not always the goal.
Most college coaches call pitches, though not all. Wayne Graham at Rice famously let/made his catcher and pitcher call their own game, but that is very much the exception. Graham was also quirky about other things such as not having hitters hit off of a tee or soft toss or the usual types of hitting drills. It was always a live arm.
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Eric Fisher @EricFisherSBJ 24m ago
Manfred before WS G2: sign stealing had been in baseball “since before Lassie was a puppy.” Concern is whether technological means for that go too far. But he believes the recent matter in/around the Astros to be closed.