2021 MLB Thread...

Shemp_Diesel · **on:** February 26, 2021, 06:41:14 PM

It seems like I start this topic every year, but with that gawd-awful Superbowl & the Heat dogging it in the NBA, I need a major sports fix. So much so, that I'm actually thinking about spending this Sunday watching spring training (yipes)...

The Mets seem to be poised to really compete, even after losing the Trevor Bauer sweepstakes. The lineup is more than capable, but the issue--as it is with many teams--is starting pitching & whenever Noah Syndeergaard can come back from injury, who knows if he'll be close to his old self before Tommy John.

I'm sure there's some intrigue in the American League, too. Almost forgot that AJ Hinch is back with the Tigers & even sweeter, this season the old 10 team playoff format is back, which probably means the Universal DH is probably kaput, too (not sure about that one)...

play ball...

metaldams · **Reply #1 on:** February 26, 2021, 06:44:53 PM

There’s something seriously wrong with baseball when the Yankees give the Red Sox a good reliever and a prospect to make more room in their payroll.

I’ll be watching like an addict anyway. Go Sox.

Paul Pain · **Reply #2 on:** February 26, 2021, 06:45:54 PM

10 team playoff, 7 inning double headers, and no universal DH were already confirmed.

metaldams · **Reply #3 on:** February 26, 2021, 06:50:48 PM

Not a fan of 7 inning double headers at all. Games are nine innings and I’m a purist in that sense.

I hope that extra inning guy on second doesn’t return.

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #4 on:** February 26, 2021, 06:55:30 PM

I think I'm cool with the 7-piece doubleheaders, but the extra man on second base during extra innings; no bueno....

Paul Pain · **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2021, 06:58:33 PM

Quote from: metaldams on February 26, 2021, 06:50:48 PM

Not a fan of 7 inning double headers at all. Games are nine innings and I’m a purist in that sense.

I hope that extra inning guy on second doesn’t return.

Yes, that is returning as well...

metaldams · **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2021, 07:12:25 PM

Quote from: Paul Pain on February 26, 2021, 06:58:33 PM

Yes, that is returning as well...

Crap

HomokHarcos · **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2021, 10:49:32 AM

I have a feeling they might try to find a way to make those rules permanent, however gimmicky. Personally, I don't even like having designated hitters.

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2021, 02:24:32 PM

I don't know if I'm reversing my stance on 7-inning games, but I'm watching the live stream of the Mets playing Houston & I'm finding myself wishing it was a full 9 inning contest--even though, I know spring training means "bupkis" in the long run...

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2021, 09:17:21 AM

Opening Day is here and I'm sort of excited. There's a glut of good pitching matchups all day & night--hope my Mets come out firing...

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2021, 11:08:39 AM

Just found out on Baseball Tonight that Mets & Nats won't play until Saturday--co-vid 19 rears its ugly head...

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2021, 03:44:08 PM

Watching the Tigers game atm & here we go with that lame ass extra innings rule...

metaldams · **Reply #12 on:** April 07, 2021, 11:45:00 AM

Red Sox win in extras last night, but almost lost because of giving up a run.

Man starts inning on 2nd. Wild pitch advances runner to third followed by RBI groundout. Pitcher retires all three batters faced and run still scores.

I really hate this rule.

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2021, 08:13:33 PM

I'm feeling very indifferent about how the Mets won today, with Conforto intentionally leaning into a pitch to get plunked with the bases loaded & the Mets walking off because the umps didn't call him out....

At any rate, it's great to have fans in the seats again & not just because I'm looking forward to the next time the Astros are on the road & whether or not the fans will bring trash cans with them...

metaldams · **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:18:26 PM

Quote from: Shemp_Diesel on April 08, 2021, 08:13:33 PM

I'm feeling very indifferent about how the Mets won today, with Conforto intentionally leaning into a pitch to get plunked with the bases loaded & the Mets walking off because the umps didn't call him out....

At any rate, it's great to have fans in the seats again & not just because I'm looking forward to the next time the Astros are on the road & whether or not the fans will bring trash cans with them...

Michael Conforto had one of my first moments watching baseball where I realized I’m getting old. When he was a rookie, they showed his Mom in the stands. I thought she was attractive. I’m noticing the baseball player’s Moms. Hell, the younger ones, I can be their Dad.

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #15 on:** April 08, 2021, 09:36:09 PM

It's tough getting old, isn't it Metal?

I can't remember Conforto's mom, but I do notice a lot of the hotties in the stands watching various games. At the moment, though, I think I'm in love with Heidi Watney from the MLB Network....

metaldams · **Reply #16 on:** April 08, 2021, 10:02:20 PM

Quote from: Shemp_Diesel on April 08, 2021, 09:36:09 PM

It's tough getting old, isn't it Metal? I can't remember Conforto's mom, but I do notice a lot of the hotties in the stands watching various games. At the moment, though, I think I'm in love with Heidi Watney from the MLB Network....

Heidi Watney used to be the Red Sox sideline reporter. Definitely attractive.

Paul Pain · **Reply #17 on:** April 09, 2021, 07:26:18 AM

Quote from: metaldams on April 08, 2021, 09:18:26 PM

Michael Conforto had one of my first moments watching baseball where I realized I’m getting old. When he was a rookie, they showed his Mom in the stands. I thought she was attractive. I’m noticing the baseball player’s Moms. Hell, the younger ones, I can be their Dad.

Same thing here. I now find attractive girls I thought were terrible old back 8-10 years ago.

Paul Pain · **Reply #18 on:** April 09, 2021, 07:41:34 AM

Quote from: Shemp_Diesel on April 08, 2021, 08:13:33 PM

I'm feeling very indifferent about how the Mets won today, with Conforto intentionally leaning into a pitch to get plunked with the bases loaded & the Mets walking off because the umps didn't call him out....

At any rate, it's great to have fans in the seats again & not just because I'm looking forward to the next time the Astros are on the road & whether or not the fans will bring trash cans with them...

The Fish got robbed yesterday, but it was all Bass's fault in the first place. He has been a dumpster fire in every appearance this season, and this is his 10th or 11th team in the last 9 or 10 seasons.

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #19 on:** April 10, 2021, 01:23:10 PM

Apparently, that hefty Mets payroll can't buy hits--especially with men on base. Poor deGrom, another brilliant start that might end with a no decision or loss...

metaldams · **Reply #20 on:** April 28, 2021, 08:47:50 PM

Quote from: Shemp_Diesel on April 10, 2021, 01:23:10 PM

Apparently, that hefty Mets payroll can't buy hits--especially with men on base. Poor deGrom, another brilliant start that might end with a no decision or loss...

Yeah, I hate it when that happens.

All kidding and tonight aside, the entire Mets squad owes DeGrom about 30 steak dinners.

Shemp_Diesel · **Reply #21 on:** April 29, 2021, 04:31:03 PM

Believe me Metal--as a long suffering Mets fan--I've heard too many depressing numbers about the Mets record when they squander these great pitching performances by deGrom; especially when he's in his prime & building a Hall of Fame worthy career.... $:-\$

metaldams · **Reply #22 on:** April 29, 2021, 04:45:49 PM

Quote from: Shemp_Diesel on April 29, 2021, 04:31:03 PM

Believe me Metal--as a long suffering Mets fan--I've heard too many depressing numbers about the Mets record when they squander these great pitching performances by deGrom; especially when he's in his prime & building a Hall of Fame worthy career.... $:-\$

I just read he has over 30 something games in his career where he’s gone six innings and gave up zero or one run and has either lost or had a no decision - insane. I have an old school friend (in his sixties) who swears by win totals for HOF credentials, to the point of questioning Pedro Martinez’s HOF worthiness. That mentality may delay DeGrom, and it’s a shame.

For some irony, last night’s Red Sox pitcher, Nick Pivetta, I saw on the Phillies beat the Red Sox and Chris Sale 1-0 back in 2017. Pivetta actually got a no decision as he went 7 and the go ahead run scored in the 8th, but there is irony there. Out of the zillion Red Sox vs Phillies games I attended, it’s the only time the Phils ever won.

Paul Pain · **Reply #23 on:** April 30, 2021, 10:41:32 AM

In recent years (not this year; this year is a train wreck), this has happened a lot to the Marlins as well. Sandy Alcantara or Pablo Lopez will go out there and give up 1 or 2 runs in 6-7 innings and get a loss or ND, yet somehow two nights later Robert Dugger or Jordan Yamamoto would go out there and gives up 3-7 runs and somehow get 2-7 runs of support. Too many pitchers suffer from "cold bat" syndrome.

HomokHarcos · **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2021, 06:22:14 PM

I was hoping the Tigers would at least be doing better than last this year.