MLB 2019

[-Jrabbit]

20-second pitch clock? Not a fan, but willing to see it in action before judging.
3-batter minimum? NO NO NO!

The bottom line is that baseball is a slow game, and you're not going to change that -- no matter what goofy time-savers you dream up. MLB needs to embrace their own game as a calm, strategic throwback, a viable alternative entertainment in a world of hectic jump-cuts. Will it lag behind other sports? Sure! But that's already the case.

I would suggest they consider doing a short-form subscription service that edits out the dead spots and lets people watch an action-only feed that gives you a full game in under an hour. Something like that might actually pull in some younger fans while driving more revenue.

[rah]

Yeah, no on the 20 second rule. If they really want to speed it up, just tell the umps not to grant a time out when a batter wants to readjust his glove between every pitch, even when he doesn't swing.

The shortening the time between innings is ok too. The can always use the split screen to recapture ad revenue. It seems to work for golf. (which is equally slow)

[rah]

I'd also be ok with limiting the amount of practice pitches a reliever gets when he comes in. I know the mound is slightly different from the pen, but not so much to require what, 8 pitches. A couple should be fine.

[pchang]

I'd also be ok with limiting the amount of practice pitches a reliever gets when he comes in. I know the mound is slightly different from the pen, but not so much to require what, 8 pitches. A couple should be fine.

Pitching without sufficient warm up, could result in injury. In most cases, the reliever has been warming up, but I think umpires need to be allowed to make exceptions where the reliever has not warmed up.

[rah]

They do in case of injuries, there is no limit. Otherwise the guy has been up and warming up.

[rah]

Well Trout got his money. It's going to be hard for the players to argue that Free agency is broken or there is active collusion going on..

[-Jrabbit]

At least, not if you're Mike Trout.
But if you're only the best closer in baseball, not so much.

[rah]

When almost all of the top guys go, it will be easy to make the case that maybe he was holding out for too much. Over a BILLION for those 4 players. Hard to claim it's collusion. Unless there's e-mails.

[pchang]

Just another example of our new “winner take all” economy.

[rah]

Bregman gets a hefty extension. Yes, more proof that the owners are colluding.

[pchang]

Go A's. Already 0-2 on Opening Day!

[rah]

Go Baez. MVP

[-Jrabbit]

Cubs finally go all in on 2019. I must say, I'm feeling MUCH better now.

From Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic:

Cubs reach agreement with free agent reliever Craig Kimbrel on a three-year, $43 million contract.

Rosenthal reported earlier on Wednesday that the Cubs were "pushing hard" to acquire Kimbrel. It appears they pushed hard enough, and MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports the deal is a three-year, $43 million pact, with Jeff Passan of ESPN adding that the reliever also has a fourth year possible with a vesting/club option for the 2022 season that contain a $1 million buyout. He'll earn $10 million in 2019, and $16 million over the next two seasons with the potential of $16 more in 2022. Kimbrel has been one of the best closers in baseball over the last decade, and while his stuff isn't quite what it was just a few seasons ago, he still misses bats with the best of them. The Cubs will likely need the 31-year-old to spend a couple of weeks making minor league appearances before he's ready, but he should be the closer in Chicago for much of the summer.

Huzzah!

[rah]

Double Huzzah.

I like that it was only for 3 maybe 4 years. I was afraid they would have to offer more for him to accept.

[Demonbinder]

Strange stat of the day (or maybe year):

Bruce Bochy of the Padre's starting managing them in 1995 and this year is his final season as manager. Going into tonight's game against the Cubs his record is 1995-2019!!