~2024 MLB Thread~

[OrangeAfroMan]

A walk isn't as good as a hit, but it's a lot better than an out.  

OBP is much more useful than BA, as it's not hit vs walk, but hits & walks vs just hits.  

Here's a fun stat:  the MLB leader in walks this year is hitting .197 for the season.  What sense does that make?  

[ELA]

Here's a fun stat:  the MLB leader in walks this year is hitting .197 for the season.  What sense does that make? 

He's not looking to swing the bat

[ELA]

So, all 12 playoff spots are decided.  Really all that matters is whether the Rangers or Astros win the AL West, because that's the difference between a bye, and home field in the ALDS, or having to win 2 of 3 in Tampa.

Just looking back at the prior 8 and 10 team formats in the 6 division era

10 TEAM

• Astros and Blue Jays tied for the final AL Wildcard spot, but Astros could potentially still win the West, setting up a potential playoff between the Blue Jays and whoever doesn't win the West
• Marlins and Diamondbacks tied for the final NL wildcard spot going into the last day

8 TEAM

• Same as 12 team, all that matters is who wins the AL West, but whoever doesn't, goes home
• Everything already settled.  Phillies have the Wildcard

[Cincydawg]

American League
Wild-card round: (6) Astros* at (3) Twins*, (5) Blue Jays* at (4) Rays*
ALDS: Twins/Astros vs. (2) Rangers*, Rays/Blue Jays vs. (1) Orioles*

National League
Wild-card round: (6) D-backs* at (3) Brewers*, (5) Marlins* at (4) Phillies*
NLDS: Brewers/D-backs vs. (2) Dodgers*, Phillies/Marlins vs. (1) Braves*

[FearlessF]

Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew 6,149 hits 15 batting titles

[OrangeAfroMan]

He's not looking to swing the bat

Then throw strikes.

[longhorn320]

American League
Wild-card round: (6) Astros* at (3) Twins*, (5) Blue Jays* at (4) Rays*
ALDS: Twins/Astros vs. (2) Rangers*, Rays/Blue Jays vs. (1) Orioles*

National League
Wild-card round: (6) D-backs* at (3) Brewers*, (5) Marlins* at (4) Phillies*
NLDS: Brewers/D-backs vs. (2) Dodgers*, Phillies/Marlins vs. (1) Braves*

wrong
Tuesday, Oct. 3
Game 1: No. 3 Brewers vs. No. 6 Diamondbacks (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 1: No. 4 Phillies vs. No. 5 Marlins (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 1: No. 3 Twins vs. No. 6 Blue Jays (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 1: No. 4 Rays vs. No. 5 Rangers (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)

Wednesday, Oct. 4
Game 2: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 2: Phillies vs. Marlins (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 2: Twins vs. Blue Jays (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 2: Rays vs. Rangers (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)

Thursday, Oct. 5
Game 3*: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 3*: Phillies vs. Marlins (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)

Game 3*: Twins vs. Blue Jays (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)
Game 3*: Rays vs. Rangers (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2)

[ELA]

Then throw strikes.

Too many pitchers are dependent on getting swings and misses out of the zone

[OrangeAfroMan]

I blame Vlad Sr.

[MarqHusker]

Guy ruined a Ben Sheets perfecto, by clubbing a ball out of the dirt.

[ELA]

I blame Vlad Sr.

Nah, he actually hit them.

I blame converting pitchers to throwers.  If you can get through 18 batters,.you are a starter.  Everyone else is a specialist.  And they come out throwing 98.  Every hitter has to be ready to face 3-4 pitchers a game, all of whom throw as hard as.possible, knowing they are only there for a minute

[Cincydawg]

Maddux says he was throwing 94-65 when he started in pro ball, I had not known that.    Pete Smith tells me he was a thrower before his injury and surgery and had to learn to pitch then.  When he came up to the Braves, the pitching coach gave him a week to learn to throw a change up.

Then he taught me how to throw a circle change and I've gotten pretty decent at it.  My problem is I change speeds from about 60-65 to about 50-55.

Spencer Strider is a definite thrower though he has a nice slider, but no dependable change.

Two of the best pitchers of our time threw 90-91, changed speeds, and located, and Tony Gwynn hit them anyway.

[FearlessF]

Tony Gwynn hit everybody

[Cincydawg]

He should be in the HoF.