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The Power Four => Big Ten => Topic started by: ELA on March 26, 2026, 12:12:24 PM

Title: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on March 26, 2026, 12:12:24 PM
They are mathematically still alive, but I think the Giants' chances of catching the Dodgers are already gone
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: SFBadger96 on March 26, 2026, 12:13:14 PM
Sigh. Pretty sure you're right.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on March 26, 2026, 12:27:04 PM
Sigh. Pretty sure you're right.
Hopefully for my dynasty team, Bryce Eldridge comes up sooner, rather than later
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Wildcat4E on March 26, 2026, 12:41:38 PM
I hate to even say anything out loud but for the jinx.

But I will likely be spending money to watch my Royals this year.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on March 26, 2026, 01:01:35 PM
I hate to even say anything out loud but for the jinx.

But I will likely be spending money to watch my Royals this year.
It's a fun team.  I don't think Minnesota is trying right now.  Sick of Cleveland monkey pawing, they need a season where the luck doesn't bounce their way.  Chicago is still a ways away.

I'd be on board with a Tigers-Royals division race.  Witt-Vinny are fun.  Tigers have a heavy lack of fun.  It was nice having Baez be decent last year, because he seems to be the only guy out there enjoying himself
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on March 26, 2026, 01:08:51 PM
Sox are getting a new owner very soon.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on March 26, 2026, 01:14:17 PM
Sox are getting a new owner very soon.
The fans deserve one
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on March 26, 2026, 01:16:50 PM
I'll be a fan again, so there's that.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on March 26, 2026, 09:30:06 PM
Happy Opening Day.  It should be a national holiday.

Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on April 02, 2026, 04:43:55 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/jogI15x.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Cincydawg on April 03, 2026, 12:31:52 PM
The Braves hitters had fun in Arizona last night.  I went to bed at 7-1.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on April 07, 2026, 08:03:15 AM
On this date in 1973, Minnesota Twins legend Tony Oliva became the first designated hitter to homer in a regular season American League game.

After missing most of the 1972 season with a bad knee, Oliva had his career revitalized by the new DH rule.

(https://i.imgur.com/R1psneh.jpeg)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on April 23, 2026, 10:32:37 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/ZuuxYoW.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: CatsbyAZ on April 23, 2026, 11:15:08 AM
On Wednesday of last week I went to the Padres game Vs the Mariners, and it was a disaster. Long lines formed outside the gates for a Vest Giveaway, with fans arguing with each other over their position in line, long delays getting through ticketing, more fans upset when Vests ran out. I didn't get one.

The whole experience confirmed my dislike of being in public with strangers.

But lucky for me the Padres Guest Experience reached out to me to confirm that they will be making sure to make up for it once they have a plan to recoup those who missed out. 

Not used to good customer service.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on April 23, 2026, 11:33:58 AM
This works for the NL South, with the Rays moving in, and either Nashville or Charlotte getting a team. Some here think that the Rays should move to Orlando.

Who gets the new AL West team? Seems kinda clear to me "they" want it to be Portland.


(https://i.imgur.com/KznizRG.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on April 23, 2026, 12:58:32 PM
Atlanta signs up for that immediately.  Baltimore might have some qualms
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on April 23, 2026, 01:20:24 PM
Charlotte metro is 2.4 million. Nashville metro is 1.4 million.

I think they will go for Charlotte this time around.

My thought is to take both of these cities and stick the Rockies in the AL West. Nashville to the AL South and Charlotte to the NL South.

(https://i.imgur.com/bRIaGLe.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Wildcat4E on April 23, 2026, 05:10:10 PM
Last time I saw expansion talk was Salt Lake City and Nashville.  Charlotte seems quite a lot bigger than both, and North Carolina is approaching 10M total population, along with 4M in South Carolina a short drive as well.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on April 23, 2026, 11:06:51 PM
Last time I saw expansion talk was Salt Lake City and Nashville.  Charlotte seems quite a lot bigger than both, and North Carolina is approaching 10M total population, along with 4M in South Carolina a short drive as well.
(https://i.imgur.com/PJtabXv.jpeg)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on April 28, 2026, 02:41:27 PM
After this weeks series against Atlanta, Tigers will have played 21 of 32 games against NL teams.

There are 2 division rivals they haven't played, and won't play for a while.  Cleveland not til May 18, White Sox not til May 29

Please go back to a more unbalanced schedule
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on April 28, 2026, 03:01:31 PM
https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2048204364742046173?s=20
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Wildcat4E on April 28, 2026, 05:06:13 PM
Well, my Royals got off to a horrid start of the season.  Seems to be a pattern.

But, they just swept the Angels, with Sunday coming back from down 6-0, and Jack Caglianone hit a 2-run HR to tie it in the 9th-with 2 outs, and Lane Thomas (traded via Brewers) hit a 3-run jack, again with 2 outs, to win 11-9.  Maybe their dead-ass bats are waking up.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Cincydawg on April 28, 2026, 05:34:06 PM
I can’t believe da Braves.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on April 29, 2026, 12:29:56 AM
Well, my Royals got off to a horrid start of the season.  Seems to be a pattern.

But, they just swept the Angels, with Sunday coming back from down 6-0, and Jac Caglianone hit a 2-run HR to tie it in the 9th-with 2 outs,
Go Gators!
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on April 29, 2026, 04:15:43 PM
I can’t believe da Braves.
They are something, and not even close to healthy either

Tigers lead the AL Central at 15-15
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on April 30, 2026, 03:51:59 AM
They are something, and not even close to healthy either

Tigers lead the AL Central at 15-15
I really wish these multi-billion dollar sports leagues had anyone in the decision-making class with simple math knowledge to advise against a format that could yield a .500 or even sub-.500 division-winner playoff team.

It's asinine. 

The NFL is guilty.  MLB is, too, and will only get worse with expansion.  The NBA is the best of the 3, but not really, because of tanking (7 teams that were 30+ games behind 1st in their DIVISONS).  So they don't even really count. 

I know I've said it a hundred times, but our society has sold out EVERYTHING for an extra dollar.  You can value money without being a whore for it.  You can value money and still be ethical. 
But no.  Fuck that noise. 
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on April 30, 2026, 10:30:31 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/1hnzYyc.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on April 30, 2026, 11:38:59 AM
I really wish these multi-billion dollar sports leagues had anyone in the decision-making class with simple math knowledge to advise against a format that could yield a .500 or even sub-.500 division-winner playoff team.

It's asinine. 

The NFL is guilty.  MLB is, too, and will only get worse with expansion.  The NBA is the best of the 3, but not really, because of tanking (7 teams that were 30+ games behind 1st in their DIVISONS).  So they don't even really count. 

I know I've said it a hundred times, but our society has sold out EVERYTHING for an extra dollar.  You can value money without being a whore for it.  You can value money and still be ethical. 
But no.  Fuck that noise. 
Once they went away from unbalanced schedules, they should have just abolished divisions
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on May 03, 2026, 04:51:58 PM
Here's what the nosebleeds (very top row) looks like at Angel stadium.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on May 03, 2026, 09:50:18 PM
I once had nosebleed seats for the DBacks in the RF upper deck and was amazed at how good they were.  I could still follow the ball, and I don't have particularly good vision.
It's a great deal.

Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on May 03, 2026, 11:24:47 PM
Here's what the nosebleeds (very top row) looks like at Angel stadium.
Still probably closer than is safe to watch Angels baseball from
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Cincydawg on May 21, 2026, 06:27:58 PM
Da Braves have been winning nearly every close game they play, which I kind of expect to regress, though the past should not impact the future that way.  Timely hitting and really good relief work helps, duh.   Very unexpected by me.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on May 21, 2026, 07:09:59 PM
The A's are in first place.  
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 01, 2026, 10:15:00 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/rIQ99zd.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 01, 2026, 10:35:59 AM
1968 all over again
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 01, 2026, 12:14:28 PM
not really
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 01, 2026, 12:29:56 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/J2oAhdE.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 01, 2026, 12:32:15 PM
Does everyone hate the Dodgers like they hated the Yankees 20 years ago?

They're really quite something.  Best record (or close) and guys have been hurt, in-n-out of the lineup, stars playing shitty, no-name pitchers getting big innings.
And it just works.
The Dodgers have not played anywhere close to their best, and they're still great.  Do people hate that?

No one hates the Mets, though.  Higher payroll, last place.  You really do get more hate for the outcome, not the process.

Sort of like Barry Bonds.  People don't hate him because he took PEDs.  Sooooo many people took them.  He just happened to be the best player to take them.  Damning.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 01, 2026, 01:07:28 PM
Does everyone hate the Dodgers like they hated the Yankees 20 years ago?

They're really quite something.  Best record (or close) and guys have been hurt, in-n-out of the lineup, stars playing shitty, no-name pitchers getting big innings.
And it just works.
The Dodgers have not played anywhere close to their best, and they're still great.  Do people hate that?

No one hates the Mets, though.  Higher payroll, last place.  You really do get more hate for the outcome, not the process.

Sort of like Barry Bonds.  People don't hate him because he took PEDs.  Sooooo many people took them.  He just happened to be the best player to take them.  Damning.
I hate them both equally and always have.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 01, 2026, 01:20:18 PM
Does everyone hate the Dodgers like they hated the Yankees 20 years ago?


Sort of like Barry Bonds.  People don't hate him because he took PEDs.  Sooooo many people took them.  He just happened to be the best player to take them.  Damning.
Yup, I've hated the Dodgers since Garvey played for them in 69

I hated Barry Bonds because of PEDs
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on July 01, 2026, 01:27:11 PM
Barry Bonds was also a dick to everyone
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 01, 2026, 01:36:55 PM
I liked Bobby Bonds
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 01, 2026, 02:09:31 PM
I liked Bobby Bonds
I did too, when he played for the Sox.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: Wildcat4E on July 01, 2026, 02:33:26 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rIQ99zd.png)
Probably a lot of reasons for this, but I would submit:

The use of specialist relievers that throw freaking gas now.  Nobody comes out of a bullpen throwing less than 97 these days. 

Hardly any starters face a guy for the 4th time, hell, barely 3 these days.  Instead of a dead arm junk throwing starter that has nothing left, they bring in the pen.  Anybody remember the HDH the Royals employed in '14? Kevin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland.  They hardly ever lost if they were up after 6 innings.
  
The change from small-ball to swinging for the fences.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 01, 2026, 02:40:32 PM
Probably a lot of reasons for this, but I would submit:


The change from small-ball to swinging for the fences.
I assume this is by far the biggest reason, and I'm not a fan.

I don't think pitchers are much better these daze
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 01, 2026, 04:40:18 PM
Barry Bonds was also a dick to everyone
Cost him an MVP or two.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 01, 2026, 04:44:48 PM
Probably a lot of reasons for this, but I would submit:

The use of specialist relievers that throw freaking gas now.  Nobody comes out of a bullpen throwing less than 97 these days.

Hardly any starters face a guy for the 4th time, hell, barely 3 these days.  Instead of a dead arm junk throwing starter that has nothing left, they bring in the pen.  Anybody remember the HDH the Royals employed in '14? Kevin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland.  They hardly ever lost if they were up after 6 innings.
 
The change from small-ball to swinging for the fences.
I also blame bad habits.  
The PED era was long enough, having 8-hole hitters mashing 20+ HRs, that you'd have entire lineups swinging for the fences.  Now that PEDs are gone (for the most part) and everyone is back to normal, you have a generation of guys who want to mash but can't really mash.  These lesser hitters didn't grow up doing situational hitting, just grippin' it and rippin' it.  

I love that baseball has been strategically smart with its changes - upping stolen bases a lot and banning the shift.  Even the baserunner on 2nd thing is statistically prudent.  
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 02, 2026, 02:38:07 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/QvHpEl9.png)
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: MrNubbz on July 02, 2026, 04:50:55 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/J2oAhdE.png)
I'm a Bud Man and a Cub Fan
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: ELA on July 02, 2026, 04:57:34 PM
I also blame bad habits. 
The PED era was long enough, having 8-hole hitters mashing 20+ HRs, that you'd have entire lineups swinging for the fences.  Now that PEDs are gone (for the most part) and everyone is back to normal, you have a generation of guys who want to mash but can't really mash.  These lesser hitters didn't grow up doing situational hitting, just grippin' it and rippin' it. 

I love that baseball has been strategically smart with its changes - upping stolen bases a lot and banning the shift.  Even the baserunner on 2nd thing is statistically prudent. 
I don't know that they want to, but it's still strategically wise to.  The pitchers are so good, you aren't going to string together hits.  I love bringing stealing back and banning the shift, it has helped.  But having a guy coming in who throws 101, with a 94 splitter still makes it statistically smart to go for broke
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: MrNubbz on July 02, 2026, 05:01:54 PM
I liked Bobby Bonds
I remember he stopped in Clevaland in '79 for a cup of coffee. A TV camera one time caught him and a coach sneaking a smoke between innings in the tunnel leading to the dugout.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: MrNubbz on July 02, 2026, 05:05:18 PM
I don't know that they want to, but it's still strategically wise to.  The pitchers are so good, you aren't going to string together hits.  I love bringing stealing back and banning the shift, it has helped.  But having a guy coming in who throws 101, with a 94 splitter still makes it statistically smart to go for broke
Can always hope for a walk - they all can't be that accurate. Ever want to get a great baseball book get The Umpire Strikes Back by Ron Luciano. One of the funniest books I've ever read - an umpire and got a lot of press back in the 70s/80s for his crazy antics and wisecracks. Rod Carew was such a great hitter if he didn't swing Luciano automatically called it a ball, figure Carew knew the strike zone. 
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: 847badgerfan on July 02, 2026, 08:08:05 PM
I'm a Bud Man and a Cub Fan
That picture was taken in the center field bleachers at Comiskey Park when he was the Sox announcer. 
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on July 02, 2026, 11:44:31 PM
I don't know that they want to, but it's still strategically wise to.  The pitchers are so good, you aren't going to string together hits.  I love bringing stealing back and banning the shift, it has helped.  But having a guy coming in who throws 101, with a 94 splitter still makes it statistically smart to go for broke
Ehhh, maybe if every player had the same ability level.

A shitty hitter trying to hit bombs against a fireballing reliever doesn't seem prudent.  Getting on base any way you can does.  Get to the better hitters in your lineup for the stringing together of hits/bombs.  
I get what you're saying, and it's the best overall strategy statistically, but I'm talking about a sliver of the baseball player population here.
Title: Re: 2026 MLB Thread
Post by: FearlessF on July 03, 2026, 10:16:33 AM
a lot fewer guys hitting 300
a lot more guys hitting 40 or more home runs