BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: OMNICHATTER for the week of September 26

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Monday, September 26, 2022

OMNICHATTER for the week of September 26 - October 5, 2022

Scoreboards for the Major Leagues and all minor leagues,
courtesy of Jefferson Manship (Dan Lee).

Hombre Brotani Posted: September 26, 2022 at 06:20 PM | 314 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: omnichatter

Reader Comments and Retorts

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101. Howie Menckel Posted: September 29, 2022 at 11:45 PM (#6098424)

Ohtani no-no w 1 out in the 7th, only one baserunner on a walk

kind of want a disclaimer before MVP comments: "Both Ohtani and Judge have had epic seasons, well beyond what so many MVP selections have achieved....."

THEN feel free to make your case.

:)

102. cardsfanboy

Posted: September 29, 2022 at 11:59 PM (#6098426)

"Both Ohtani and Judge have had epic seasons, well beyond what so many MVP selections have achieved....."

Yep. Every time I lean one way or the other I change my mind. I'm not caught up in just the war argument like others, but still a triple crown (saber/traditional) while hitting 60+ hr is pretty epic. At the same time, 15 wins, qualifying for the era title and qualifying for the batting title and hitting 30 hrs is something that has never been done before, and it's not like he's not doing it at an elite level on both sides of the ball.

103. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: September 29, 2022 at 11:59 PM (#6098427)

Neither the Phillies nor Brewers seem particularly interested in the prospect of playing postseason baseball.

104. cardsfanboy

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 12:12 AM (#6098428)

back to back singles with two outs in the 8th breaks up the no hitter. Still strong performance.

105. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: September 30, 2022 at 12:16 AM (#6098429)

Still strong performance.

Yep, another 10K's. Not bad for a guy with 34 homers and a 148 OPS+.

106. cardsfanboy

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 12:17 AM (#6098430)

8 innings 2 hits, 1 walk, 10 strikeouts, 2 for 4 hitting, just another day at the office for Ohtani.

107. Walt Davis Posted: September 30, 2022 at 12:48 AM (#6098433)

just another day at the office for Ohtani

Just another 6th day at the office for Ohtani. I don't get employee of the month when I only do half my job on most days.

By the way, another one of those "modern baseball" factoids in today's Cubs-Phils game. With today's win, the Cubs have swept the "season series" from the Phils -- the first time in 139 years that either team has swept the season series. But of course they used to play each other 20+ times a year, this "sweep" is 6-0.

The Cubs are closing out with some respectability. Despite having no offense (80 runs in 25 games) they are 14-11 in Sept and 35-29 in the second "half."

108. Booey Posted: September 30, 2022 at 11:58 AM (#6098466)

Ohtani is now 2nd in the AL in pitching WAR, just 0.5 behind Cease for the league lead. He's a legit contender for the CYA itself.

Oh, and he's also 4th in the league in OPS+ (and top 5 or 6 in most offensive categories). So...yeah. He's pretty good.

Maybe they should just give Ohtani the CYA as a compromise in the Judge/Shohei MVP debate? ;-) In a sense, a two way player winning the award for best pitcher over all the full time pitchers would be even more impressive than another combined hitting/pitching MVP would be.

109. The Yankee Clapper Posted: September 30, 2022 at 02:21 PM (#6098492)

Ohtani is now 2nd in the AL in pitching WAR, just 0.5 behind Cease for the league lead. He's a legit contender for the CYA itself.

Don't remember who, but there was a pundit at ESPN, or maybe FanGraphs, who advocated counting Ohtani’s hitting toward his Cy Young worthiness, since his pitching & hitting weren’t quite enough to win the MVP this year. That combination seems a bit dubious, IMHO. Being 2nd in the MVP balloting, with a season good enough to win some years, is still a significant accomplishment.

110. Walt Davis Posted: September 30, 2022 at 03:40 PM (#6098500)

I'd recommend solving this dilemma in one of two ways. (a) trade Ohtani's onerous contract to the Cubs where he can win NL MVP next year or (b) Aaron Judge sign an equally onerous contract with the Cubs this offseason.

111. The Yankee Clapper Posted: September 30, 2022 at 04:31 PM (#6098509)

Phillies take Game 1 of a scheduled day-night doubleheader in DC, 5-1 over the Nationals, with just light sprinkles from the 6th inning on, but the forecast is for rain for this evening continuing until Monday, as Hurricane Ian passes to the west. Not sure what Plan B would be if they can’t play the next 3 games as scheduled.

112. Walt Davis Posted: September 30, 2022 at 05:36 PM (#6098516)

Not sure what Plan B would be if they can’t play the next 3 games as scheduled.

Hope the Brewers have a big losing streak? More seriously, do the new tiebreaker rules cover scenarios where the teams have a different number of games or do they have to complete the regular season?

113. Howie Menckel Posted: September 30, 2022 at 06:54 PM (#6098522)

no modern playoff format will ever be perfect, but for this year anyway, I love it.

The Mets and Braves each may win 100 games, and the "loser" deserves better than a 1-game series as the Dodgers had last year. so the stakes are high - a bye, plus a perfectly set-up rotation for the NLDS - but the alternative feels less punitive.

Mets have a 20-year-old phenom making his MLB debut and batting 7th tonight.

deGrom vs Fried - what's not to like?

114. JJ1986 Posted: September 30, 2022 at 07:11 PM (#6098523)

Man, JD Davis has a 151 OPS+ for the Giants.

115. Walt Davis Posted: September 30, 2022 at 07:37 PM (#6098527)

the "loser" deserves better than a 1-game series

Time to update the HowieBot. The WC is a 3-game series now. Of course it now features a non-WC team now so I don't know whhat the round is called. (EDIT: also the higher seed hosts all 3 games.)

116. Howie Menckel Posted: September 30, 2022 at 07:43 PM (#6098528)

Walt:
You might want to slow down and read my post again - unless this is WaltBot. otherwise, you are allowed to make a new reply, and we'll strike the first one from the record and direct the jury to disregard.

meanwhile....

09.30... Braves star rookie right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) has yet to be cleared to resume throwing.
Spin: Strider attempted to throw off of a mound last Friday and "felt something" in his left oblique. He has not picked up a baseball since. While the Braves are hopeful that he'll be able to return for the postseason, there's currently no clear timeline for how long he'll be sidelined.

117. JJ1986 Posted: September 30, 2022 at 07:57 PM (#6098532)

If deGrom is going to be middling, then the Braves are a much better team than the Mets.

118. Howie Menckel Posted: September 30, 2022 at 08:07 PM (#6098534)

ERA+

METS
Scherzer 182
deGrom 132
Bassitt 118
TWalker 108
Peterson 99
Carrasco 98

BRAVES
Fried 165
Strider 154
Wright 129
Morton 96

if both deGrom and Strider are question marks, the Mets would have an SP edge in war of attrition - especially if they get to a 7-game series.

119. The Yankee Clapper Posted: September 30, 2022 at 08:46 PM (#6098541)

Zack Britton’s effort to come back from Tommy John surgery may be over. I don’t know what he showed in the minors or in bullpens, but he’s been a disaster for the Yankees, and is now exiting, perhaps with an injury, after a BB & run-scoring WP.

120. Banta Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:22 PM (#6098545)

Glad deGrom was able to manage a whole 86 pitches in the biggest regular season game of the year.

He’s on a pace to give up 30+ HRs over a full season too. Very odd given his ridiculous K:BB and WHIP. He’s basically like if Diaz 2022 merged with Diaz 2019.

I’d also hate to say it but Tylor Megill kinda sucks.

121. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:24 PM (#6098546)

The division is on the line and deGrom is pulled after only 86 pitches? Was he puking in the dugout too?

122. Banta Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:27 PM (#6098548)

Yeah, I’m just not impressed. Have to say that barring some playoff miracles, this deGrom return has been less than thrilling. He can’t sniff 100 pitches and now has an ERA over 3.00. Still want to opt out, Jake?

And that opt out looming just makes me so irritated that they babied him so much. Either he’s a long term investment or you use him up. Sorry, that’s business. You can’t have it both ways. And it’s not like I’m advocating for Dusty Bakering him or something. Just show me 100 pitches when the season is on the line.

Anyway, like I said, Tylor Megill sucks.

123. TVerik - Dr. Velocity Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:30 PM (#6098549)

the "loser" deserves better than a 1-game series as the Dodgers had last year.

The word "deserves" is the single most destructive word when sports talk about playoffs.

It kinda sucks regardless of context.

I think English would be better were it banned.

124. cardsfanboy

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:33 PM (#6098550)

Albert with 701. Ties a relatively meaningless game between the Cardinals and Pirates.

125. Banta Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:33 PM (#6098551)

At least Trevor May is out here now to put me out of my misery. He’s another guy who the Mets want to make happen because he had one good year once and will now hang around forever. Someone had to take Gsellman’s role.

126. Howie Menckel Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:33 PM (#6098552)

weird that the Mets' VERY well-rested and solid 'pen watches as April SP/very rusty just-returning and now RP Megill comes on to allow 2 runs in the 7th to make it 5-1.

I mean, Mets figure to be tied for the season and have the better-rested relievers for the last 2 games - but do you give up at 3-1? not like the Braves have an Edwin Diaz lockdown option in the 9th.

127. Banta Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:36 PM (#6098553)

Agreed Howie, it’s all very bizarre. I guess since they weren’t up by five runs or more that Ottovino wasn’t available.

128. TVerik - Dr. Velocity Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:41 PM (#6098554)

Roughned Odor just bantered with Jose Trevino and then Aroldis Chapman. Isn't there an old-timey rule about fraternizing with opponents on the field?

129. Banta Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:42 PM (#6098555)

Superstar Tomas Nido with his third September homerun (third overall). Glad the Mets punted the last inning. Who wants a one run game anyway!

Y’all may notice I’m a bit salty.

130. TVerik - Dr. Velocity Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:44 PM (#6098557)

Yeah, there it is:

Rule 3.09: “…Players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in uniform”

Woulda been fun if the home plate ump up and tossed Odor.

131. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 09:53 PM (#6098558)

I won't ding deGrom for giving up three solo homers, particularly since he struck out 11 and walked no one. This start was light years better than the last one.

That said, Buck ought to let us know why, in his 11th start of the season and a must-win game, Jake wasn't permitted to throw 100 pitches.

132. Walt Davis Posted: September 30, 2022 at 10:17 PM (#6098560)

Tyler Naquin has a 26% career K-rate ... it should not take 35 pitches to close him out. How much longer can the Braves stick with Jansen?

133. Howie Menckel Posted: September 30, 2022 at 10:19 PM (#6098561)

Jansen needed 24 pitches to barely close out the 9th (I think 8 to an overwhelmed Naquin). I smell toast.

BUT Braves win, and they earned it by using their best pitchers.

Mets now have a key edge in top bullpen arms on Saturday - but it might not matter.

of course, maybe because Mad Max maxes out - in which case the Mets maintain bullpen usage for the finale.

134. Mike A Posted: September 30, 2022 at 10:32 PM (#6098563)

Most importantly, the Braves (+182) increase their Pythag division lead. Mets (+153) gonna need some 12-1 wins to overtake.

Jansen gets it done again, hard to complain. Well, aside from my heart rate going up a couple hundred.

135. Walt Davis Posted: September 30, 2022 at 11:25 PM (#6098565)

#116 ... I did misread it. I was thrown because the sentence construction "A deserves better than outcome X" is usually reserved for scenarios where A faces outcome X but, fair enough, you eventually get around to something that's along the lines of "so it's a good thing they changed that" which did not really sink in with me.

But lord knows I don't need to start a clarity of prose war given my writing style. I will surrender on that front now and cede 40% of my posts to Russian sovereignty.

136. cardsfanboy

Posted: September 30, 2022 at 11:26 PM (#6098566)

We were talking about Goldy's defense in a previous chatter, tonight the last play of the game shows he hasn't completely lost a step. (I think the Cardinal announcers go overboard with it, but it was still a fine play) Foul ball, into the tarp, caught to end the game, neither the second baseman or right fielder were within camera range as you see often times in these plays.

137. The Yankee Clapper Posted: September 30, 2022 at 11:39 PM (#6098567)

In the AL Batting Title battle, Judge went 1-for-2, with 2 BB, while Bogaerts was 0-for-3, and Arraez didn’t play today (against a left-handed starter, surely just a coincidence). That leaves it (rounded to 6 decimals):

Arraez: .314711
Judge: .314079
Bogaerts: .307130

Bogaerts has fallen a bit off the pace, but a couple of good games could get him back into it.

138. JJ1986 Posted: October 01, 2022 at 01:06 PM (#6098600)

What's going to happen if the Nats/Phillies can't play this weekend? Triple-header Monday?

139. Rally Posted: October 01, 2022 at 01:24 PM (#6098602)

The division is on the line and deGrom is pulled after only 86 pitches? Was he puking in the dugout too?

Apparently it was a finger blister. Not a good thing, but better to hear than manager deciding his ace can’t throw more than 86 pitches.

140. salvomania Posted: October 01, 2022 at 01:28 PM (#6098603)

I notice that both early games, in NYC and DC, have delayed starts for "inclement weather" yet weather reports show no actual rain at the moment. None forecast until tonight in NYC, with chances of rain around 2-5pm in DC, and much greater chances tonight, which suggest Game 2 of the Phi-Wash doubleheader will be affected.

141. The Yankee Clapper Posted: October 01, 2022 at 01:49 PM (#6098606)

They’re playing now in NYC & DC, with DC looking iffier, particularly for the nightcap.

142. The Yankee Clapper Posted: October 01, 2022 at 01:52 PM (#6098607)

Undoubtedly outraged by an Aaron Judge HBP (clipped him in the elbow), the Yankees score 3 in 1st, including a Giancarlo Stanton solo HR to LF that went a quite respectable 447 feet.

143. vortex of dissipation Posted: October 01, 2022 at 02:52 PM (#6098612)

From ESPN:

"Cal Raleigh is the 1st player in MLB history to hit a pinch-hit, walk-off home run to clinch a playoff spot for his team."

The Double will always be The Double. But this might be the second most dramatic hit in the history of the Seattle Mariners.

144. The Yankee Clapper Posted: October 01, 2022 at 04:24 PM (#6098624)

Angels & Ohtani avoid arbitration, agreeing on a 1 year/$30M 2023 contract.

145. salvomania Posted: October 01, 2022 at 04:39 PM (#6098627)

"Cal Raleigh is the 1st player in MLB history to hit a pinch-hit, walk-off home run to clinch a playoff spot for his team."

Next, when a right-handed batter does it, the lead sentence will be "Joe Shlabotnik is the 1st right-handed batter in MLB history to hit a pinch-hit, walk-off home run to clinch a playoff spot for his team."

146. The Yankee Clapper Posted: October 01, 2022 at 04:41 PM (#6098629)

One would think that Kyle Schwarber stealing home in the 1st inning would bring good luck to the Phillies, but the Baseball Gods appear to be miffed that he didn’t ‘stay in his lane’, and the Nationals now lead 13-4 in the 9th. Could be some change in the playoff fortunes by day’s end.

147. The Duke Posted: October 01, 2022 at 06:22 PM (#6098642)

I seem to remember from my high school days that the way to defeat the 1st and 3rd steal scenario is for the catcher to pop up and fire a bullet to the pitcher. Since the man on third releases with the throw, chances are the pitcher will either get him scampering back to 3rd or it's an easy throw home for the put out

148. The Duke Posted: October 01, 2022 at 06:27 PM (#6098644)

This new playoff system sure has made the end of the season exciting. Basically anyone over .500 gets in now and there's really no pennant races. I'm on the edge of my seat.

149. Howie Menckel Posted: October 01, 2022 at 07:29 PM (#6098653)

This new playoff system sure has made the end of the season exciting. Basically anyone over .500 gets in now and there's really no pennant races. I'm on the edge of my seat.

me, too !

the addition of a second bye makes this Mets-Braves series - winner, bye, bye - much more exciting.

150. JJ1986 Posted: October 01, 2022 at 07:44 PM (#6098654)

The Fox play-by-play guy seems a little out of his depth. He got super excited when Wright struckout Lindor and just horribly misjudged a ball off the bat of Harris.

151. JJ1986 Posted: October 01, 2022 at 07:49 PM (#6098655)

Phillies up big early in an almost empty stadium in Washington. With Milwaukee down in their game and Philly holding the tiebreaker, this one could be almost over after today.

152. Walt Davis Posted: October 01, 2022 at 08:33 PM (#6098661)

Angels & Ohtani avoid arbitration, agreeing on a 1 year/$30M 2023 contract.

If my last job had offered me a $24.5 M raise, I woulda stuck around.

I seem to remember from my high school days that the way to defeat the 1st and 3rd steal scenario is for the catcher to pop up and fire a bullet to the pitcher.

A play I probably haven't actually seen attempted in at least 30 years and I don't recall ever actually working.

153. JJ1986 Posted: October 01, 2022 at 09:09 PM (#6098666)

Maybe the Mets could ever hit a home run...

154. Snowboy Posted: October 01, 2022 at 09:39 PM (#6098669)

Walt, you either need to watch more high school games, or reminisce more about your high school days.
Or join us in putting Duke on ignore.

155. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: October 01, 2022 at 09:48 PM (#6098670)

Maybe the Mets could ever hit a home run...

Or a multi-run inning? The goal here is to win, not please Smoltz.

156. Walt Davis Posted: October 01, 2022 at 09:49 PM (#6098671)

I miss the good ol' days before weight training and launch angle when guys named Dansby couldn't hit HRs off guys named Max.

157. JJ1986 Posted: October 01, 2022 at 09:54 PM (#6098673)

I am declaring Francisco Alvarez a bust after 4 at bats.

158. Snowboy Posted: October 01, 2022 at 09:55 PM (#6098674)

Covid update (hopefully the last one ever): effective today 01Oct2022, international travelers into Canada [that includes baseball players of any nationality] are no longer required to download and complete the ArriveCan app (including submission of a plan for quarantine in case of testing positive), no longer required to submit proof of vaccination against covid, no longer subjected to an order to return to the airport and submit to a random selection test for covid upon arrival. Also travelers (and employees who work in these areas) are, as of today, now no longer required to wear a non-medical face mask in areas under the purview of Transport Canada, such as onboard commercial planes or trains, and their boarding areas, their requisite security screening check points, and (for the most part) in every square foot of an airport or train terminal.

159. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: October 01, 2022 at 10:01 PM (#6098676)

I am declaring Francisco Alvarez a bust after 4 at bats.

Still don't get why the club thought this weekend was the perfect moment to introduce the young man to big-league action.

160. Mike A Posted: October 01, 2022 at 10:22 PM (#6098682)

And because baseball makes no sense, the Braves get to Scherzer and Jansen sets them down 1-2-3 in the ninth.

Tomorrow's game is kinda big.

161. Howie Menckel Posted: October 01, 2022 at 10:30 PM (#6098686)

I believe it's:

- if Braves win Sunday, they are 2 games up with 3 to play AND they hold the 10-9 series tiebreaker. so one W in their final 3 games, and the Braves can relax for a week.

- if Mets win Sunday, they are even with 3 games to play AND they hold the 10-9 series tiebreaker. so they control their own destiny - just matching the Braves in the final 3 games gives the Mets the NL East title.

corrections welcomed....

162. cardsfanboy

Posted: October 01, 2022 at 10:34 PM (#6098687)

In a completely meaningless game (except for viewer pleasure, and my personal satisfaction in hoping that the Cardinals pass the Mets in run differential.... if you haven't figured it out, I find goals to go for as much as I can until the end of the season. That is how you engage and enjoy, find some type of race to look forward to--- Cardinals gain 12 runs today on the Mets who were leading by 24 coming into today's action....) The Cardinals win 13-3.

163. The Duke Posted: October 01, 2022 at 11:06 PM (#6098693)

Pujols seems to have a good chance to move into some possession of second place in the RBI leaderboard. Two to tie and three to move into second place

164. cardsfanboy

Posted: October 01, 2022 at 11:06 PM (#6098694)

With 2 rbi today, Albert now has 2211 in his career, third all time. Second all time is Babe Ruth with 2214, very doable for Albert to pass him with 4 games remaining.

165. Walt Davis Posted: October 02, 2022 at 01:29 AM (#6098715)

Well in that case ... NL 2nd "half" standings ...

LAD 50-18 (that's insane)
ATL 43-21 (about a 110 win pace ... and they're well behind the Dodgers)
STL 42-22
NYM 40-25
CHC 37-29
PHI 36-30

That's right, the Cubs are a 2nd-half WC team!! Is that a thing? The future looks bright ... at least in terms of winning more meaningless games in the 2nd half next year after playing our way out of it in the 1st half.

166. Walt Davis Posted: October 02, 2022 at 01:34 AM (#6098716)

Mets 3 hosting Nats
Braves 3 at Miami
Brewers 3 hosting DBacks
Phils 3 at Hou

Don't count the Brewers out yet. Of course Stros might trot out the B squad all three games.

167. Walt Davis Posted: October 02, 2022 at 03:19 PM (#6098743)

Cubs rolling 5-0 after 1 with 2 on, 2 out in the second. I have now jinxed them.

A's and Nats have lost 100 already; the Reds and Pirates cling to slim hopes of avoiding that fate. But the Tigers and Royals have sailed past 62 wins.

168. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 03:57 PM (#6098748)

Cardinals Paul Dejong got his Monthly base hit today. Looks like he will be able to maintain that .150 BA. Yeah, Paul.

169. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 03:59 PM (#6098749)

Albert continues to roll into the post season with a double and HR today. His hands are super quick. I wonder how he has found that magic all of a sudden. It's hard to believe you can make quickness re-appear after it declines.

170. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:06 PM (#6098750)

The replay people have the easiest job in baseball, and yet, they miss a call now and then. Bradley caught that ball (Casas). They got a DP on the next AB, so it didn't matter, but wow. The ball was clearly caught. It flew into his glove and never hit the ground. The glove was on the turf, the ball clearly entered his glove and he squeezed it.

171. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:12 PM (#6098751)

Interesting play in STL. Man on second no one out. Batter hits a ball to the right of the RF and it one hops to the wall. Runner on second doesn't score. So a double to the wall doesn't score a man on second. Runner is Bae who is a speed demon. Never seen that in my life

172. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:20 PM (#6098752)

Wainwright gets pulled in the 5th and they also pull Yadi and Pujols. All three walk off the field together. Makes one think that Waino might be done too.

173. TomH Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:31 PM (#6098753)

Pujols with 3 RBI, tying the Babe. Super congrats.

Yes, it's with an advantage of over 2400 times to the plate, but still

174. TomH Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:38 PM (#6098754)

175. Infinite Yost (Voxter)

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:51 PM (#6098756)

Yes, it's with an advantage of over 2400 times to the plate, but still

I mean, "Not as good as Babe Ruth" ain't much of an insult.

176. Infinite Yost (Voxter)

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 04:54 PM (#6098757)

Anyway, if the Dodgers win out -- a possibility, if not a probability -- they match the 98 Yankees with 114 wins. If not, they're still only the 7th team ever to win 110 games, and they did it without Walker Buehler for much of the season and with the giant, quivering question mark that is Bellinger in center field.

I haven't been secretive about the fact that I prefer sillyball-style baseball to what we currently have on our hands. But it has been pretty spectacular to follow the Dodgers this year.

177. Walt Davis Posted: October 02, 2022 at 05:28 PM (#6098758)

Still don't get why the club thought this weekend was the perfect moment to introduce the young man to big-league action.

Nobody said it was the "perfect" moment. The kid got hurt, missed about three weeks and came back in mid-Septish ... then crushed it for two weeks. This was essentially the earliest they could promote him and rather than say "oh good golly, the pressure!!" they brought him up. And if they think he can help in the playoffs, better to get him exposure to high-pressure baseball before throwing him into the really deep end.

If he hadn't gotten hurt, he probably would have been up in early Sept. Sure, maybe they could have called him up for the series before this one but otherwise it was call him up now or not at all.

178. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: October 02, 2022 at 05:28 PM (#6098759)

In my ever-evolving personal ranking of best baseball players, Pujols has nudged into the top 20; 15th among non-pitchers; 18th among MLBers; 9th if I only count post-1960-expansion; and 6th post-1960 if I drop anyone with PED issues. I now have him ahead of Gehrig (#22), which would make him my all-time 1Bman except I put fellow Cardinal Musial at first ahead of him.

How is that possible? Not that you have Pujols ahead of Gehrig, but that he's only pulled ahead of him recently. Nothing he's done size 2013 has increased his standing as a ballplayer. 5000 PA with 10 WAR and -7 WAA can't possibly improve his value as a player.

179. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 05:36 PM (#6098760)

Hard to believe with six games left there were only a couple interesting playoff scenarios. One lousy pennant race left which is Phillies and Mil and that one hasn't seemed that close. Atlanta/NY is are playing for a bye. Not really the same thing

180. cardsfanboy

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 07:34 PM (#6098770)

Albert with his 702 hr, and as Duke has been pointing out the past month or so, it tied the game. Albert hasn't been hitting meaningless homeruns in garbage time, but actual high leverage hr, almost all of them have been meaningful since August.

181. sunday silence (again) Posted: October 02, 2022 at 07:48 PM (#6098772)

One lousy pennant race left which is Phillies and Mil and that one hasn't seemed that close.

How many pennants are they giving out this year?

182. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 07:53 PM (#6098773)

So MIL loses and now there is zero tension in the playoff race. Remember those days when they'd have to start the final game of the season at the same time so that none of the teams could have an advantage. That used to be fun.

183. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 08:19 PM (#6098775)

One lousy pennant race left which is Phillies and Mil and that one hasn't seemed that close.

Tied with 5 games left isn’t close enough?

184. TVerik - Dr. Velocity Posted: October 02, 2022 at 08:38 PM (#6098776)

Might we see deGrom for an inning or so?

185. TVerik - Dr. Velocity Posted: October 02, 2022 at 08:50 PM (#6098778)

I think I say this every year. But I'll say it again:

There was NOTHING like a pennant race. The Braves and Mets could be playing for almost all of the marbles right here, rather than the loser being inconvenienced in the playoff seeding. The Mets get a big lead and then play well, the Braves play out of their minds after June 1. Each game over months is meaningful and interesting.

It would suck for the Mets and for Mets fans to go home playoffless after a 100-win season, but life isn't fair.

186. TomH Posted: October 02, 2022 at 08:50 PM (#6098779)

187. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:08 PM (#6098780)

Sure, maybe they could have called him up for the series before this one but otherwise it was call him up now or not at all.

Calling him up wasn't the issue. Throwing him into the fire, when Vientos and Ruf remained right-handed options, was.

188. Hombre Brotani

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:36 PM (#6098783)

Getting swept in ATL right before the playoffs is a bad look.

189. yo la tengo (the poor man's Ron Darling) Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:43 PM (#6098784)

It sure is a bad look but give the Braves. Reddit here. If they sweep deGrom, Scherzer, and Bassit they deserve the division. Rough weekend here for the Mets. They seem to keep getting men on but not getting them across

190. The Duke Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:45 PM (#6098785)

The Braves are the defending champs - there nothing embarrassing about it.

191. JJ1986 Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:48 PM (#6098786)

Too bad the Mets pulled Vogelbach for no reason.

192. Walt Davis Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:51 PM (#6098787)

Calling him up wasn't the issue. Throwing him into the fire, when Vientos and Ruf remained right-handed options, was.

Calling him up to sit him would have been an issue. And if you're calling him up to be a RH bat option, it would be really weird to sit him in favor of RH bat options who have both been quite bad and the reason you are hoping Alvarez can be that RH bat. He went 0-6, whoop de doo.

193. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:55 PM (#6098788)

I've still got the telecast going but wow, it's been a while since a one-run deficit in the fourth and fifth innings seemed insurmountable.

194. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 09:56 PM (#6098789)

it would be really weird to sit him in favor of RH bat options who have both been quite bad

Does anyone really think Alvarez has looked more comfortable at the plate than Vientos or heck, even Ruf?

195. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: October 02, 2022 at 10:00 PM (#6098790)

The Braves are the defending champs - there nothing embarrassing about it.

With deGrom and Scherzer on the mound you can't take one game? That's embarrassing. And I'm rooting for the Mets. I though they had a better shot at a Championship than my Yankees, but if they lose tonight, that's not true anymore.

196. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: October 02, 2022 at 10:01 PM (#6098791)

Does anyone really think Alvarez has looked more comfortable at the plate than Vientos or heck, even Ruf?

You don't throw a guy fresh from AA and the DL into a critical series unless you have no other choice. It's just dumb.

197. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: October 02, 2022 at 10:08 PM (#6098792)

snapper, somewhat poor wording on my part; I didn't mean to convey that Pujols jumped a pile of spots in my rankings lately, only that as his career finishes, I feel more confident in placing him, and his good 2022 did inch him up a tad. As to the specifics you justifiably pointed oout, I will show this
player/stage..... WAA WAR
Pujols 2022...... <1 . 2
Pujols thru 2021 59 100
Pujols thru 2015 69 100
L Gehrig career.. 79 114

so with timelining, I had them about tied thru 2015.

Yeah, I'd find his career much more impressive if it had ended in 2015. To me, his decline phase is almost worst case. I might have had him ahead of Gehrig in 2015, but to me, he's now played himself back a full rung in the rankings.

198. cHiEf iMpaCt oFfiCEr JE

Posted: October 02, 2022 at 10:21 PM (#6098793)

With deGrom and Scherzer on the mound you can't take one game? That's embarrassing.

Followed by Babbitt's shortest outing of the season.

199. Textbook Editor Posted: October 03, 2022 at 09:05 AM (#6098822)

Happy "Pafko at the Wall" Day to all who celebrate.

200. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: October 03, 2022 at 09:18 AM (#6098827)

Dave Winfield celebrates "Pafko at the Wall" Day by blowing out 71 candles on his birthday cake. It beats the A's Rupe Toppin, who'll celebrate his 81st birthday on December 7th.

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