I don't disagree that the punishments given to the Houston Astros was very light. I have no idea how much legality there can be in terms of punishing the players. We don't even know how much power Rob Manfred and Tony Clark have. Fans and players are upset and rightfully so. To be given immunity and not face any consequences, it gives ideas of retaliation and other bad ideas.
But what I don't agree with is going after the Astros family members. That's a line you don't even cross. Last season Bryce Harper's newborn son was the target of fans. Daniel Hudson was criticized for leaving the Nationals during the playoff to witness his first born child. That stuff pales to what Astro players are getting. "Fans" telling them they'll rape their wives and families. Hoping their children get cancer. It's bothering guys like Josh Reddick. I can't blame him. We're seeing the very ugly side of what happens when there is no "justice" in regards to all the sign stealing stuff.
If I'm involved with an Astro player, I would avoid going anywhere during the season. And the need for extra security is coming. I don't think that will be surprising. They are people after all, despite the cheating. Because the amount they are going to have, it's going to be very rough on them. And who knows if some wacko decides to chase one of them and try to attack them. Even Mike Fiers, the man who exposed the team, is getting threats himself. And that has also come after alleged PED user David Ortiz called him a snitch. So I guess in 2016, you injected yourself with steroids to have that magical year, Ortiz? I wouldn't have said anything, especially at the Red Sox camp wearing Red Sox affiliated stuff and having small controversy because of the era of baseball that was played 15 years ago.
Keyboard warriors are a common thing. Most people are normal when it comes to criticizing anything, but this is not criticism. Last thing that needs to be seen is a nut injuring one of these players. That will add more ammo to a big stockpile of issues.
Showing posts with label houston astros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label houston astros. Show all posts
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Doubling Down with Tattoos
It's a story that hasn't disappeared yet. And I don't think MLB anticipated that huge of a visceral reaction regarding the Houston Astros. With the cheating, there is no doubt the players and owner Jim Crane have no idea how to handle this. Public relations have it rough, but with this, I don't know how it can get very ugly.
When you get even players like Mike Trout to criticize the organization, that's very telling. A lot are frustrated at the lack of player punishment. The question of Jose Altuve having a buzzer is still being asked. And he makes excuses for why he didn't want his jersey ripped off. Now, it's because of a bad tattoo. That is high school level excuse. Carlos Correa showed frustration in a rude press conference when asked about Cody Bellinger, who ripped the Astros apart.
If these guys want to double down on saying they didn't cheat, then they can dig their own grave. Because the entire league and lots of fans are showing displeasure. If Rob Manfred won't punish and suspend players, then take the World Series away from them. There's all this legality that I don't know if he could or not. But he has to use his power to show that he means serious business.Both him and Tony Clark need to understand that. But the pressure is mounting on the MLB. It better act before next month because it's going to be war with the entire league against Houston. Expect some Astro players to get hurt if fans don't attempt to murder them or players get aiming at their heads or elbows or knees. The time for precedent is now and needs to shape the future of baseball.
When you get even players like Mike Trout to criticize the organization, that's very telling. A lot are frustrated at the lack of player punishment. The question of Jose Altuve having a buzzer is still being asked. And he makes excuses for why he didn't want his jersey ripped off. Now, it's because of a bad tattoo. That is high school level excuse. Carlos Correa showed frustration in a rude press conference when asked about Cody Bellinger, who ripped the Astros apart.
If these guys want to double down on saying they didn't cheat, then they can dig their own grave. Because the entire league and lots of fans are showing displeasure. If Rob Manfred won't punish and suspend players, then take the World Series away from them. There's all this legality that I don't know if he could or not. But he has to use his power to show that he means serious business.Both him and Tony Clark need to understand that. But the pressure is mounting on the MLB. It better act before next month because it's going to be war with the entire league against Houston. Expect some Astro players to get hurt if fans don't attempt to murder them or players get aiming at their heads or elbows or knees. The time for precedent is now and needs to shape the future of baseball.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
We're Sorry (But We're Not Trying To)
The more things open up in detail, the more things get uglier for the Houston Astros. Even before the scandals were revealed, they were not a team that was well regarded despite the success since 2014. Ways in handling the media and the sport, it's become more frustrating for MLB. Why I think the idea of the new playoff format idea came was possibly to stop people from hearing more about this. I don't think anyone expected this to keep being the story everyone is glued to heading into Spring Training.
There haven't been any legit apologies from the organization. Whatever ones did happen felt half-assed in an attempt to get it off their backs. But as we hear more and hearing about Operation Codebreaker (Jeff Luhnow being involved) and Carlos Beltran having a lot of power with the sign stealing, you wonder how much more they could have cheated and got away with it. And with the stories that keep coming, I don't believe we've seen the last of any other incidents within the last three seasons. What I fear is the potential war between Rob Manfred and the Astros, and the other teams and players against Manfred, Tony Clark, and a few others.
No doubt, teams are going to try and hurt or kill Astro batters. Someone will be aiming for Jose Altuve or Alex Bregman's face. A broken leg could happen to Carlos Correa. Anybody, really. An NL ballpark, who knows if someone will go after guys like Verlander. Because no player got punished and unfortunately, those players are protected by the players union. The more time goes on this, the more I believe players should be in trouble. If nothing is done, there will a damn bloodbath because the Astros altered lots of teams careers. Add in a lawsuit from a former player, and it keeps becoming this huge carnival of disasters that doesn't stop. You think it would, but it doesn't.
Jim Crane still lives in his own delusional world that nothing occurred. Is Manfred afraid of going after the players? Because he could be gone soon. Same for Tony Clark as this happened under his watch and a number of careers for pitchers got derailed because of the Astros and he did nothing. Some never played in MLB again. I know it's Spring Training, but until a punishment is made, it will be the story of the year for the sport of baseball. Houston will have it very rough and rightfully so.
There haven't been any legit apologies from the organization. Whatever ones did happen felt half-assed in an attempt to get it off their backs. But as we hear more and hearing about Operation Codebreaker (Jeff Luhnow being involved) and Carlos Beltran having a lot of power with the sign stealing, you wonder how much more they could have cheated and got away with it. And with the stories that keep coming, I don't believe we've seen the last of any other incidents within the last three seasons. What I fear is the potential war between Rob Manfred and the Astros, and the other teams and players against Manfred, Tony Clark, and a few others.
No doubt, teams are going to try and hurt or kill Astro batters. Someone will be aiming for Jose Altuve or Alex Bregman's face. A broken leg could happen to Carlos Correa. Anybody, really. An NL ballpark, who knows if someone will go after guys like Verlander. Because no player got punished and unfortunately, those players are protected by the players union. The more time goes on this, the more I believe players should be in trouble. If nothing is done, there will a damn bloodbath because the Astros altered lots of teams careers. Add in a lawsuit from a former player, and it keeps becoming this huge carnival of disasters that doesn't stop. You think it would, but it doesn't.
Jim Crane still lives in his own delusional world that nothing occurred. Is Manfred afraid of going after the players? Because he could be gone soon. Same for Tony Clark as this happened under his watch and a number of careers for pitchers got derailed because of the Astros and he did nothing. Some never played in MLB again. I know it's Spring Training, but until a punishment is made, it will be the story of the year for the sport of baseball. Houston will have it very rough and rightfully so.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Cleaning House of Hinch and Cora
MLB suspended Astro manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow for a year along with a 5 million dollar fine, and the loss of first and second round draft picks for this season and 2021. Not too long after Jim Crane, the owner, fired both of them for their parts in the cheating scandal of the 2017 season.
The suspensions didn't bother me I thought it was fair enough. But I was a little surprised to see them get fired. And then it went to Boston where the front office "fired" Alex Cora on account of that and the 2018 season with him as the Red Sox manager. MLB hasn't punished him, but if it's not a life ban, then it's bound to be a couple years.
Hinch has a lot of regret on not stopping the cheating. But it damages his reputation. He'll be back in a stadium, but it will take time. How long, that depends on how teams feel about bringing him on or if a team is willing to risk having him be a manager. Capable of getting wins. Luhnow is not going to be a GM for anybody on account of denying any involvement. You cheated, man. And I don't think Cora will ever be involved with a baseball team ever again. Two straight years of scandals and it brings his rep to the bottom. There is no way he will ever recover.
Some say the titles should be stripped. There is a thought that the Dodgers should be awarded the World Series trophies.That's not gonna accomplish anything. The damage is done. Rewriting history is not going to magically make Clayton Kershaw or Yu Darvish feel any better. But I would vacate the trophies. Houston and Boston would have to earn their championships without this electronic sign stealing.
This mess is far from over and the varied opinions regarding Mike Fiers telling the world about it is going to be a story for this 2020 season. Oakland vs Houston or Boston is going to be your weekend prime time games if they can squeeze them in that way.
The suspensions didn't bother me I thought it was fair enough. But I was a little surprised to see them get fired. And then it went to Boston where the front office "fired" Alex Cora on account of that and the 2018 season with him as the Red Sox manager. MLB hasn't punished him, but if it's not a life ban, then it's bound to be a couple years.
Hinch has a lot of regret on not stopping the cheating. But it damages his reputation. He'll be back in a stadium, but it will take time. How long, that depends on how teams feel about bringing him on or if a team is willing to risk having him be a manager. Capable of getting wins. Luhnow is not going to be a GM for anybody on account of denying any involvement. You cheated, man. And I don't think Cora will ever be involved with a baseball team ever again. Two straight years of scandals and it brings his rep to the bottom. There is no way he will ever recover.
Some say the titles should be stripped. There is a thought that the Dodgers should be awarded the World Series trophies.That's not gonna accomplish anything. The damage is done. Rewriting history is not going to magically make Clayton Kershaw or Yu Darvish feel any better. But I would vacate the trophies. Houston and Boston would have to earn their championships without this electronic sign stealing.
This mess is far from over and the varied opinions regarding Mike Fiers telling the world about it is going to be a story for this 2020 season. Oakland vs Houston or Boston is going to be your weekend prime time games if they can squeeze them in that way.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
More Signs of Stealing
From the same guys that brought forth on The Athletic. Same scenario, different team and approach. The 2018 Boston Red Sox did sign stealing via a replay room. Similar to what the Houston Astros did the year prior, they had cameras aimed at a catcher to figure out signs. Their method was different as they got someone to go into a replay room near the dugout. With a runner on second base, they could signal what kind of pitch was coming. I'd guess maybe if they were to steal a base.
This could go either way. Regardless, it is bad because of Alex Cora. He's already in major trouble for the Astros stuff when he was a bench coach. With this, it hurts him even more. And Boston has gotten in trouble. The reason why stricter punishments will happen is because of them and the Yankees towards the end of the 2017 season stealing signs electronically for the former, and improper dugout phone use in the latter. On a technicality, it can be construed as cheating and it kind of is. But how much of it is cheating?
What Houston did is no doubt huge cheating. With Boston, I don't know. But I think this could happen to anybody. Any team could do that to steal signs. Then it becomes a game of cat and mouse in these games until the league intervenes. Add in the fact that the 2018 Red Sox won the World Series, it adds a lot more to the investigation. Wins do make that difference between getting the divisional seed and the wild card one. But I could see Cora getting suspended. Add in the Astros situation and the idea of a lengthy ban could be the reality.
If it's a problem then do what some people are saying. Get rid of the replay rooms and move them somewhere else. Away from every person directly involved with the teams. With punishments a couple weeks away for Houston, I'm not sure a slap in the wrist is something Boston will get. Cora better get used to the idea soon that MLB has his head on a plate. Hope it was worth it because championships don't mean anything when two straight years of scandals tarnish your seasons.
This could go either way. Regardless, it is bad because of Alex Cora. He's already in major trouble for the Astros stuff when he was a bench coach. With this, it hurts him even more. And Boston has gotten in trouble. The reason why stricter punishments will happen is because of them and the Yankees towards the end of the 2017 season stealing signs electronically for the former, and improper dugout phone use in the latter. On a technicality, it can be construed as cheating and it kind of is. But how much of it is cheating?
What Houston did is no doubt huge cheating. With Boston, I don't know. But I think this could happen to anybody. Any team could do that to steal signs. Then it becomes a game of cat and mouse in these games until the league intervenes. Add in the fact that the 2018 Red Sox won the World Series, it adds a lot more to the investigation. Wins do make that difference between getting the divisional seed and the wild card one. But I could see Cora getting suspended. Add in the Astros situation and the idea of a lengthy ban could be the reality.
If it's a problem then do what some people are saying. Get rid of the replay rooms and move them somewhere else. Away from every person directly involved with the teams. With punishments a couple weeks away for Houston, I'm not sure a slap in the wrist is something Boston will get. Cora better get used to the idea soon that MLB has his head on a plate. Hope it was worth it because championships don't mean anything when two straight years of scandals tarnish your seasons.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Electronic Bandage
I didn't know these things existed. Did you? Because it adds another layer to the whole scandal involving the Houston Astros.
I'm not sure if it's sufficient evidence compared to hearing garbage cans, but several sites have discussed this in the last day. From what was said from at least MLB executives, batters would have on electronic bandages. If so, it hides any noise. A way to steal signs and a way to signal what pitch was coming. I'd guess one buzz meant a fastball and two would mean an off speed pitch. I can't imagine what else will be unearthed.
As a fan of the sport, this is a huge disgrace for baseball. With how toxic the organization is, some are calling for life bans. I can see owner Jim Crane and GM Jeff Luhnow getting those. Maybe manager AJ Hinch depending on how much he knew. I may have been a little lenient on my suspension ideas last week. What do you do with Alex Cora and Carlos Beltran? That I can't answer because I have none. But I could see Cora getting banned, but not necessarily for life (don't rule it out). Maybe suspend players that knew fully what they were getting into for maybe half a season? But commissioner Rob Manfred will have to come up with something soon. Spring training is three months away and it would be better if he got the punishment out of the way.
For what it stands, it happened. Things got way uglier at the moment. The Astros will not live it down for a very long time.
I'm not sure if it's sufficient evidence compared to hearing garbage cans, but several sites have discussed this in the last day. From what was said from at least MLB executives, batters would have on electronic bandages. If so, it hides any noise. A way to steal signs and a way to signal what pitch was coming. I'd guess one buzz meant a fastball and two would mean an off speed pitch. I can't imagine what else will be unearthed.
As a fan of the sport, this is a huge disgrace for baseball. With how toxic the organization is, some are calling for life bans. I can see owner Jim Crane and GM Jeff Luhnow getting those. Maybe manager AJ Hinch depending on how much he knew. I may have been a little lenient on my suspension ideas last week. What do you do with Alex Cora and Carlos Beltran? That I can't answer because I have none. But I could see Cora getting banned, but not necessarily for life (don't rule it out). Maybe suspend players that knew fully what they were getting into for maybe half a season? But commissioner Rob Manfred will have to come up with something soon. Spring training is three months away and it would be better if he got the punishment out of the way.
For what it stands, it happened. Things got way uglier at the moment. The Astros will not live it down for a very long time.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Signs of Stealing Electronically
I don't think sign stealing is that bad for baseball, though I feel it could be curbed a little bit. The amount of toxicity surrounding the Houston Astros may be even worse.
Now the news is that they may have cheated during their 2017 season that ended with them winning the World Series. From an exclusive from The Athletic, former Astro pitcher Mike Fiers discussed about how at Minute Maid Park, a camera would be situated at center field, aimed at the catcher. Monitors in a dugout would be looked at by members of the Astros. If a sign meant a breaking ball, a metal garbage can would bang. In the story, he also talked about explaining it to teams he has been on the last two years about being very careful and changing it up.
In a way, Fiers is looking out for teammates. Some of them have one chance make an impact. If they fail, they are going to be in the minors for longer time or forever. I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking that. There is a video of a game from September 2017 where Chicago White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar heard bangs and talked to his catcher. They managed to strike out pinch hitter Evan Gattis. Still, it is evidence that Houston is trying to gain an edge. Who knows how many games they cheated in. Who knows if the Yankees keep Joe Girardi as manager or they go to Aaron Boone last year. It impacts a lot of teams and players. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and newly minted Mets manager Carlos Beltran are also in the mix of this controversy.
What's sad is that the Astros have a good batting group. Altuve, Springer, Bregman, Gurriel, Reddick. Some of the young guys like Alvarez. And the pitching is above average compared to most. I don't think the team cheated all the time, but cheating is cheating. The Yankees have a right to be pissed about what happened two years ago. Cleveland and Boston have a right to be pissed about last year. It's a good thing the Astros didn't win a World series last year or this year because it would paint a darker picture. Combined with the Brandon Taubman issue, it is a recipe for what could be a very harsh punishment.
The best MLB can do is take away draft picks and give hefty fines and suspensions to the front office. Maybe suspend AJ Hinch for a month or two if he knew. And the thing with Houston is that prior to the last six years, they were a mediocre franchise, borderline decent. With the exception of 2000, they had winning records from 1993 through 2006 with six playoff appearances. What was great in 2017 and a feel good story for the city is now a disgrace. You would think Rob Manfred will think deep about this because who knows how many stories we will hear and how much it can affect the Astros. This is worse than the tainted New England Patriots dynasty and all their controversies. And there is no doubt that Manfred will have to impose stricter policies or get rid of video and monitors in the dugouts. It's one thing to figure out the signs on your own, but electronically, it hurts the sport a lot more.
I have a feeling we are going to hear more in the future.
Now the news is that they may have cheated during their 2017 season that ended with them winning the World Series. From an exclusive from The Athletic, former Astro pitcher Mike Fiers discussed about how at Minute Maid Park, a camera would be situated at center field, aimed at the catcher. Monitors in a dugout would be looked at by members of the Astros. If a sign meant a breaking ball, a metal garbage can would bang. In the story, he also talked about explaining it to teams he has been on the last two years about being very careful and changing it up.
In a way, Fiers is looking out for teammates. Some of them have one chance make an impact. If they fail, they are going to be in the minors for longer time or forever. I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking that. There is a video of a game from September 2017 where Chicago White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar heard bangs and talked to his catcher. They managed to strike out pinch hitter Evan Gattis. Still, it is evidence that Houston is trying to gain an edge. Who knows how many games they cheated in. Who knows if the Yankees keep Joe Girardi as manager or they go to Aaron Boone last year. It impacts a lot of teams and players. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and newly minted Mets manager Carlos Beltran are also in the mix of this controversy.
What's sad is that the Astros have a good batting group. Altuve, Springer, Bregman, Gurriel, Reddick. Some of the young guys like Alvarez. And the pitching is above average compared to most. I don't think the team cheated all the time, but cheating is cheating. The Yankees have a right to be pissed about what happened two years ago. Cleveland and Boston have a right to be pissed about last year. It's a good thing the Astros didn't win a World series last year or this year because it would paint a darker picture. Combined with the Brandon Taubman issue, it is a recipe for what could be a very harsh punishment.
The best MLB can do is take away draft picks and give hefty fines and suspensions to the front office. Maybe suspend AJ Hinch for a month or two if he knew. And the thing with Houston is that prior to the last six years, they were a mediocre franchise, borderline decent. With the exception of 2000, they had winning records from 1993 through 2006 with six playoff appearances. What was great in 2017 and a feel good story for the city is now a disgrace. You would think Rob Manfred will think deep about this because who knows how many stories we will hear and how much it can affect the Astros. This is worse than the tainted New England Patriots dynasty and all their controversies. And there is no doubt that Manfred will have to impose stricter policies or get rid of video and monitors in the dugouts. It's one thing to figure out the signs on your own, but electronically, it hurts the sport a lot more.
I have a feeling we are going to hear more in the future.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Houston, We Have a Domestic Problem
I think sports leagues have been better in handling domestic violence issues in the last five years. There are punishments for these actions and it has handled smoothly. Where MLB stands on the Houston Astros, I don't know. But there is a toxic culture in the organization. I've waited a little bit because I don't see the issue dying off, regardless of them winning a World Series or losing it.
Long story short, Brandon Taubman, who was the assistant general manager for the Astros, said some inappropriate stuff in front of three female reporters, one of which is a writer for Sports Illustrated. Along the lines of saying he was glad the team got Roberto Osuna, a closer who was in the midst of a 75 game suspension last year when he was traded to them. Charges were dropped, but the suspension was still in place. The Astros played the denying game and then admitted. Taubman was fired earlier last week and it paints a very bad picture with how they handle the media. Back in the summer, they refused to let a Detroit reporter talk to former Tiger Justin Verlander.
The way the team has handled the media has been very poor. This is how things go sour very quickly and it starts at the top and every area in between the top and bottom. Firing Taubman should not be enough. There should be a hefty fine for the Astros and maybe a loss of a draft pick or two. Owner Jim Crane and GM Jeff Luhnow need to reassess how they handle things in the future. There should be opportunities for second chances, but there's better ways of being professional in the sports world. Either way, even if they win the World Series, this controversy will be looked at more than a championship. The Astros have a long way to go to get rid of the toxicity.
Long story short, Brandon Taubman, who was the assistant general manager for the Astros, said some inappropriate stuff in front of three female reporters, one of which is a writer for Sports Illustrated. Along the lines of saying he was glad the team got Roberto Osuna, a closer who was in the midst of a 75 game suspension last year when he was traded to them. Charges were dropped, but the suspension was still in place. The Astros played the denying game and then admitted. Taubman was fired earlier last week and it paints a very bad picture with how they handle the media. Back in the summer, they refused to let a Detroit reporter talk to former Tiger Justin Verlander.
The way the team has handled the media has been very poor. This is how things go sour very quickly and it starts at the top and every area in between the top and bottom. Firing Taubman should not be enough. There should be a hefty fine for the Astros and maybe a loss of a draft pick or two. Owner Jim Crane and GM Jeff Luhnow need to reassess how they handle things in the future. There should be opportunities for second chances, but there's better ways of being professional in the sports world. Either way, even if they win the World Series, this controversy will be looked at more than a championship. The Astros have a long way to go to get rid of the toxicity.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Stupidity in Umpiring
To have Angel Hernandez blow a bunch of calls in this 2018 ALDS is one thing. It's another thing to have Joe West blow a call that has changed the outcomes of the Houston Astros to where they face elimination as we speak. It just shows how out of touch MLB is with these two idiots.
At the start of Game 4 of this ALCS, Jose Altuve hit what he thought was a home run, but West called it fan interference. It's hard to describe what the true definition of it is, as Boston Red Sox player Mookie Betts was ready to jump and rob Altuve of a hit or game tying homer. The call stood and it was an out, and the claim was there was not any evidence to overturn it We are a far cry from how things were in 1996 with the Jeffrey Maier incident at Yankee Stadium. Now these days, with instant replay, it's easy to spot this stuff.
The way I look at it, there shouldn't have been an out. Unfortunately, there aren't too many angles of the play, but with how it looked, it didn't look like interference. It's fans trying to grab a ball and Betts got in the way of them. In no way were they trying to interfere with him. It looked like they were ready to grab it before Betts jumped. If it were like the Maier incident, you could say that, but it looked like it was in the stands. That should mean anything goes for the fans and for Betts. If we are looking at it from another angle, it could be West trying to be involved in controversy and wanting the attention as usual.
What's it going to take for MLB to stop this umpire? This is playoff baseball. Yeah, West has tenure, but he's changed the series for good. Boston wins tonight or one of the other two games if necessary, the hate he'll get from the city of Houston will amplify to very high levels. Something has to change in the rulebook on what is interference and having the worst umpires calling the biggest games of the season and playoffs. We keep letting guys like West and Hernandez create these horrible moments, and for the fans involved, this could be like 2003 with the Chicago Cubs.
Joe West keeps ruining baseball for everyone. MLB needs to step up and find a way to get rid of him for good.
At the start of Game 4 of this ALCS, Jose Altuve hit what he thought was a home run, but West called it fan interference. It's hard to describe what the true definition of it is, as Boston Red Sox player Mookie Betts was ready to jump and rob Altuve of a hit or game tying homer. The call stood and it was an out, and the claim was there was not any evidence to overturn it We are a far cry from how things were in 1996 with the Jeffrey Maier incident at Yankee Stadium. Now these days, with instant replay, it's easy to spot this stuff.
The way I look at it, there shouldn't have been an out. Unfortunately, there aren't too many angles of the play, but with how it looked, it didn't look like interference. It's fans trying to grab a ball and Betts got in the way of them. In no way were they trying to interfere with him. It looked like they were ready to grab it before Betts jumped. If it were like the Maier incident, you could say that, but it looked like it was in the stands. That should mean anything goes for the fans and for Betts. If we are looking at it from another angle, it could be West trying to be involved in controversy and wanting the attention as usual.
What's it going to take for MLB to stop this umpire? This is playoff baseball. Yeah, West has tenure, but he's changed the series for good. Boston wins tonight or one of the other two games if necessary, the hate he'll get from the city of Houston will amplify to very high levels. Something has to change in the rulebook on what is interference and having the worst umpires calling the biggest games of the season and playoffs. We keep letting guys like West and Hernandez create these horrible moments, and for the fans involved, this could be like 2003 with the Chicago Cubs.
Joe West keeps ruining baseball for everyone. MLB needs to step up and find a way to get rid of him for good.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Trevor Bauer's Insinuation
In today's world of baseball, batters are typically questioned whether they are using substances or steroids to boost their stats. Pitchers have mostly avoided the spotlight, though some have been questioned for the same things. Doctoring pitches is also added into it if they were to get caught. Cleveland Indians pitcher Trevor Bauer has some thoughts on the Houston Astros starting rotation.
Bauer has gone on Twitter thinking the Astros starters are using substances to help with their spin rate of the baseball. Some of them like Lance McCullers are not responding enthusiastically about this. I kind of buy into this... somewhat. I'm looking at mainly Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton. As far as others go, Justin Verlander has always been a dominant pitcher and he has built a very solid career. Most likely, another four to five years of success, and he can be heading to Cooperstown. The only thing that seems off might be his ERA but that's not much to really go on. He's just a lethal pitcher. No way is he putting illegal substances on the ball. However we'll have to see how the year goes for him before making a final judgment.
Morton has never had a strong career Inconsistency, injuries, you name it. Even though he put up career numbers last year, it wasn't the greatest. His stuff this year is a little questionable, but he's probably the healthiest he's been in a while. Being able to pitch without batting most of the time in the American League can feel pretty good. The only thing that sticks out with Cole is his ERA and strikeouts. He's only 27 years old. I wouldn't say he's using substances to help his spin rate. If he is, shame on him, because those kind of pitchers his age can be dominant with their arms.
The only guy I've thought would doctor their pitches is Dallas Keuchel. I've seen filthy pitches in my life that can strike out batters, but nothing this filthy. Just some of his sliders seem doctored. Like Morton, he hasn't had a strong career. The last few years haven't been his best due to injury and just not being as good. Not as bad as 2012 and 2013, but still disappointing. I feel like he's the only one that would use substances on the baseball, but his career numbers just don't add up. The only other starter is Lance McCullers. I don't think he's doing anything illegal. He's still a young pitcher, still has a career in the making, so there's nothing that makes me think he's using substances.
I kind of buy it, but I don't at the same time. Verlander has been on a resurgence going back to 2016. Morton is just a healthy pitcher who isn't coming off of injury from the previous season. Cole and McCullers are young talent that can be beneficial to a team. Keuchel... I don't know. Bauer needs a lot more than just spin rates. Then again, there's worse accusations.
Bauer has gone on Twitter thinking the Astros starters are using substances to help with their spin rate of the baseball. Some of them like Lance McCullers are not responding enthusiastically about this. I kind of buy into this... somewhat. I'm looking at mainly Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton. As far as others go, Justin Verlander has always been a dominant pitcher and he has built a very solid career. Most likely, another four to five years of success, and he can be heading to Cooperstown. The only thing that seems off might be his ERA but that's not much to really go on. He's just a lethal pitcher. No way is he putting illegal substances on the ball. However we'll have to see how the year goes for him before making a final judgment.
Morton has never had a strong career Inconsistency, injuries, you name it. Even though he put up career numbers last year, it wasn't the greatest. His stuff this year is a little questionable, but he's probably the healthiest he's been in a while. Being able to pitch without batting most of the time in the American League can feel pretty good. The only thing that sticks out with Cole is his ERA and strikeouts. He's only 27 years old. I wouldn't say he's using substances to help his spin rate. If he is, shame on him, because those kind of pitchers his age can be dominant with their arms.
The only guy I've thought would doctor their pitches is Dallas Keuchel. I've seen filthy pitches in my life that can strike out batters, but nothing this filthy. Just some of his sliders seem doctored. Like Morton, he hasn't had a strong career. The last few years haven't been his best due to injury and just not being as good. Not as bad as 2012 and 2013, but still disappointing. I feel like he's the only one that would use substances on the baseball, but his career numbers just don't add up. The only other starter is Lance McCullers. I don't think he's doing anything illegal. He's still a young pitcher, still has a career in the making, so there's nothing that makes me think he's using substances.
I kind of buy it, but I don't at the same time. Verlander has been on a resurgence going back to 2016. Morton is just a healthy pitcher who isn't coming off of injury from the previous season. Cole and McCullers are young talent that can be beneficial to a team. Keuchel... I don't know. Bauer needs a lot more than just spin rates. Then again, there's worse accusations.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
2017's MLB Surprise
While no doubt millions will talk about the Boston Celtics and the gruesome injury that may have ended Gordon Hayward's season, baseball has a bit of a series in the American League Championship Series. At the time of this blog, the Houston Astros and New York Yankees are tied, each with two games a piece out of seven. The Yankees staged late inning heroics in the seventh and eighth to even the series as they finish their home stretch of the ALCS. What makes them tick?
With the last two games, there has been a surge in their offense. These are the two top home run teams and the Yankees have shown their biggest strength. It all starts with Aaron Judge, who has cracked a few long balls in these last two games. Other big contributors in the postseason include Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird, Didi Gregorius, and Todd Frazier in getting those runs in. They are capable of getting guys on base as well, which has lead to these home runs.
One of the bigger surprises is the starting group of pitchers. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have shown up in October, especially Tanaka. Getting quality starts have been the key for these two in the Division Series against the Cleveland Indians and this series against the Astros. The starting rotation hasn't given up too many runs and have one of the lowest E.R.As in the playoffs this year despite some flops for Luis Severino. They need to step up their game if they want a shot at that World Series title.
The bullpen is the lifeblood of the Yankees. Considering some of the moves in the summer, it might be stronger than ever. Consistency will be the big factor as they continue with the series and possibly World Series. The team has to stop the big starters of Houston in Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. They are about as deadly a duo, though I feel like Keuchel is doctoring his pitches. No one's pitches are that nasty when they hang low. Verlander has the playoff experience considering his time in Detroit and it has paid off. The Astros got a solid offense with guys like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa.
Both these teams have the necessary tools. One of them is bound to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although it's too early to predict them as the ones winning the National League pennant, they look to be the easy favorite to get back into the World Series for the first time since 1988. It will certainly be tough dealing with Clayton Kershaw if it does come down to that unless the Chicago Cubs can stage a huge comeback. For now, the Yankees are making the 2017 playoffs a year to remember for Major League Baseball. No one expected them to get this far. With the veterans and young players gelling together, they have the makings of a contender/dynasty for a good five, six years.
With the last two games, there has been a surge in their offense. These are the two top home run teams and the Yankees have shown their biggest strength. It all starts with Aaron Judge, who has cracked a few long balls in these last two games. Other big contributors in the postseason include Aaron Hicks, Greg Bird, Didi Gregorius, and Todd Frazier in getting those runs in. They are capable of getting guys on base as well, which has lead to these home runs.
One of the bigger surprises is the starting group of pitchers. Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia have shown up in October, especially Tanaka. Getting quality starts have been the key for these two in the Division Series against the Cleveland Indians and this series against the Astros. The starting rotation hasn't given up too many runs and have one of the lowest E.R.As in the playoffs this year despite some flops for Luis Severino. They need to step up their game if they want a shot at that World Series title.
The bullpen is the lifeblood of the Yankees. Considering some of the moves in the summer, it might be stronger than ever. Consistency will be the big factor as they continue with the series and possibly World Series. The team has to stop the big starters of Houston in Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. They are about as deadly a duo, though I feel like Keuchel is doctoring his pitches. No one's pitches are that nasty when they hang low. Verlander has the playoff experience considering his time in Detroit and it has paid off. The Astros got a solid offense with guys like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa.
Both these teams have the necessary tools. One of them is bound to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although it's too early to predict them as the ones winning the National League pennant, they look to be the easy favorite to get back into the World Series for the first time since 1988. It will certainly be tough dealing with Clayton Kershaw if it does come down to that unless the Chicago Cubs can stage a huge comeback. For now, the Yankees are making the 2017 playoffs a year to remember for Major League Baseball. No one expected them to get this far. With the veterans and young players gelling together, they have the makings of a contender/dynasty for a good five, six years.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Major League Baseball: April 2017
With the end of April, there have been some interesting storylines for Major League Baseball. Certain teams most expect to get a postseason spot are struggling. Some divisions are shaping up to be a tough one. Let's take a look.
The American League East is one where pretty much everybody has a fair chance at the division and potentially a wildcard spot. For the Baltimore Orioles, they have put up good numbers despite pitching problems. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are getting runs while having some strong pitching, especially with good bullpens. At Tampa Bay, the Rays are okay. It's a matter of how both the batting and pitching will sustain a 162 game season. Really, the Toronto Blue Jays are a shocker for struggling so much this month. While this isn't a panic mode compared to other sports, if things don't go to a winning side in May, changes are going to happen.
In the AL Central, it's close with similar stuff like the East. The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians have picked up with some good pitching and decent power at the plate. Starting off strong was the Minnesota Twins, but they have fallen a little flat. Age is a factor for the Detroit Tigers, and the Kansas City Royals doesn't have much going for them. The death of Yordano Ventura doesn't help. I really can't say much on the West division. They are either hot or cold. The Houston Astros are at the top with some young players on the mound and at the plate. Power is not a problem for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners. Can they avoid slumps and can the pitching help carry them to a division title?
Getting into the National League, it's all a matter of what the Washington Nationals do. They look to be the East's top team and maybe of its league. They got power and great starters when healthy. The Philadelphia Phillies are a surprise, but I would wait until the end of May to see how this division looks. It is a surprise the New York Mets are in last place, but they could flick the switch to be a great team depending on the health of their pitchers. That can also be said for the Miami Marlins, but with their batting, specifically Giancarlo Stanton. Relying on a few 40 plus year old pitchers, I don't have much confidence in the Atlanta Braves.
It is tight in the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs leading the way, but barely. Can they avoid the championship hangover? Their batting and pitching is good, but it has to be better if they want to defend their title. As far as the other teams go, the Milwaukee Brewers is surprising with the run support. Like most of the AL West, can they avoid slumps? The pitching might be a problem if they can't get past other teams. Despite being in second place, pitching is also a concern if I'm the St. Louis Cardinals. If it can't carry them, it will be a long year. Not much can be said for the Cincinnati Reds. On any day, they can get the hits and runs while dominating fro the mound. Can it do that for the whole season?
San Francisco is the big storyline in the West. The Giants lost their main starter for a few months after a mediocre start to begin the season. With some good batters, someone has to step up for the starting pitching and the bullpen can't suffer another collapse. Fear is not a worry for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Having hot bats and surprisingly exceptional pitching has propelled these two to the top of the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers are not far away with the same kind of stuff, and they could be a first place team at the end of May. Anything can happen in this division. And the San Diego Padres are the same old, same old. They got power, but can't hit for anything and their pitching is pretty mediocre. It's another year of disappointment for the city.
Keep your eyes on the AL East and NL West. The teams could flip flop in divisional races as the year goes on. I would say the NL Central and East will see certain teams improve from where they are right now. And the West could come down to two teams at the end of September. For 2017, it will pack some big surprises.
The American League East is one where pretty much everybody has a fair chance at the division and potentially a wildcard spot. For the Baltimore Orioles, they have put up good numbers despite pitching problems. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are getting runs while having some strong pitching, especially with good bullpens. At Tampa Bay, the Rays are okay. It's a matter of how both the batting and pitching will sustain a 162 game season. Really, the Toronto Blue Jays are a shocker for struggling so much this month. While this isn't a panic mode compared to other sports, if things don't go to a winning side in May, changes are going to happen.
In the AL Central, it's close with similar stuff like the East. The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians have picked up with some good pitching and decent power at the plate. Starting off strong was the Minnesota Twins, but they have fallen a little flat. Age is a factor for the Detroit Tigers, and the Kansas City Royals doesn't have much going for them. The death of Yordano Ventura doesn't help. I really can't say much on the West division. They are either hot or cold. The Houston Astros are at the top with some young players on the mound and at the plate. Power is not a problem for the Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners. Can they avoid slumps and can the pitching help carry them to a division title?
Getting into the National League, it's all a matter of what the Washington Nationals do. They look to be the East's top team and maybe of its league. They got power and great starters when healthy. The Philadelphia Phillies are a surprise, but I would wait until the end of May to see how this division looks. It is a surprise the New York Mets are in last place, but they could flick the switch to be a great team depending on the health of their pitchers. That can also be said for the Miami Marlins, but with their batting, specifically Giancarlo Stanton. Relying on a few 40 plus year old pitchers, I don't have much confidence in the Atlanta Braves.
It is tight in the NL Central with the Chicago Cubs leading the way, but barely. Can they avoid the championship hangover? Their batting and pitching is good, but it has to be better if they want to defend their title. As far as the other teams go, the Milwaukee Brewers is surprising with the run support. Like most of the AL West, can they avoid slumps? The pitching might be a problem if they can't get past other teams. Despite being in second place, pitching is also a concern if I'm the St. Louis Cardinals. If it can't carry them, it will be a long year. Not much can be said for the Cincinnati Reds. On any day, they can get the hits and runs while dominating fro the mound. Can it do that for the whole season?
San Francisco is the big storyline in the West. The Giants lost their main starter for a few months after a mediocre start to begin the season. With some good batters, someone has to step up for the starting pitching and the bullpen can't suffer another collapse. Fear is not a worry for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Having hot bats and surprisingly exceptional pitching has propelled these two to the top of the division. The Los Angeles Dodgers are not far away with the same kind of stuff, and they could be a first place team at the end of May. Anything can happen in this division. And the San Diego Padres are the same old, same old. They got power, but can't hit for anything and their pitching is pretty mediocre. It's another year of disappointment for the city.
Keep your eyes on the AL East and NL West. The teams could flip flop in divisional races as the year goes on. I would say the NL Central and East will see certain teams improve from where they are right now. And the West could come down to two teams at the end of September. For 2017, it will pack some big surprises.
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