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Friday, March 10, 2023

Spring training OMNICHATTER 2023

A general thread for lesser controversies arising over the next few weeks.

sanny manguillen Posted: March 10, 2023 at 09:03 PM | 164 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: omnichatter

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1. sanny manguillen Posted: March 07, 2023 at 09:14 PM (#6119876)

I noted in a recent thread that Albie Pearson passed away at 88. He was a CFer for the Senators, Orioles, and Angels in the 1960s.

Dave Nicholson died on February 25. He struck out 175 times for the White Sox in 1963, setting a major league record that Bobby Bonds would top a couple of years later.

2. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 10, 2023 at 07:12 PM (#6120102)

Reporting from the Ballpark of the Palms Beaches: Patrick Corbin pitched 3 scoreless innings for the Nationals, then gave up a run in the 4th. If the National are to compete for anything other than the NL East cellar, Corbin will likely need to return to respectability. Might happen. In other news, Herbert Hoover won the President’s Race, beating a surprisingly fit William Howard Taft. The Rushmore Four don’t do Spring Training, of course.

Post- Corbin, Alex Colme is being lit up in the 5th. Pace is rather quick.

3. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: March 10, 2023 at 07:15 PM (#6120104)

Attended my first game of the spring today. Wow are the teams terrible. With the WBC the Red Sox-Blue Jays game was laughable in the “talent” on display. I’ll note that the pitch clock was not noticeable in any way. The game just kinda moved along. I did notice that when the umpire is getting new balls delivered from the batboy the pitch clock doesn’t start until the ump is ready to go.

4. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 10, 2023 at 08:06 PM (#6120106)

Brendan Donovan had 5 hrs in 126 games last year, has 4 this spring training. Even before he hit the first one there was an article talking about how he changed his stroke to hopefully get more power. I have to think that it's working. Jordan Walker is making it nearly impossible to keep him off of the opening day roster. And the Cardinals have flat out stated if he makes the roster, it's as a starter not a bench player. Masyn Winn is looking like someone who wants to skip triple A entirely, it's very unlikely he makes the opening roster no matter how well he plays this spring, but it's not like DeJong is doing anything to keep him from the roster, the drawback for Winn though is that Donovan and Edman both are worthy of starting, and just like Walker, Winn would have to be starting or else they are wasting his time (and Gorman isn't doing horrible either) Obviously it's still early in the spring and who knows what might change when the pitchers catch up.

5. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 11, 2023 at 12:24 AM (#6120125)

Can we talk about the WBC here or only spring training?

6. The Duke Posted: March 11, 2023 at 01:27 AM (#6120130)

Lars Nootbar is the talk of Japan. The articles coming out about him are amazing. He apparently is having to be escorted out side doors of hotels to avoid the adoring fanbase.

If he and Albert Pujols can convince Ohtani to come to STL, I'd be over the moon happy

7. The Duke Posted: March 11, 2023 at 01:33 AM (#6120132)

Cards have about 15 guys who could start in most teams. Walker will land in starting lineup and Winn is about a year away but could maybe play right now. Then they have Arenado, Edman, Donovan and Goldy on the infield along with Dejong and Gorman. In the outfield they have O'Neill, carlson, Nootbar, Burleson, yepez, Gomez along with Walker who could all start. They have three catchers who could plausibly start as well.

But they have virtually no pitching signed up for next season so I expect a couple deals at mid season to upgrade the staff and get rid of soem surplus. Tyler O'Neill will likely go and maybe even Edman

8. Walt Davis Posted: March 11, 2023 at 02:05 AM (#6120134)

Poking my nose in where it don't really belong since I haven't watched any yet this year with a Cub update of publicly available stats that might be of interest:

Madrigal is at least hitting over 300 (barely)
Hosmer is hitting over 300
Trey Mancini is tearing it up -- save some for the season!
Matt Mervis is 2 for 17
Clay Bellinger is 3 for 17
PCA is 2 for 16 (no worries, he hasn't even reached AA yet) -- he has swiped 4 bases
Dansby is 1 for 11 -- is he in the WBC or is he hurt?
Our C combo of Gomes/Barnhart is 4 for 32

On the pitching side, Smyly and Taillon are the only guys with more than 5 innings and they've been knocked around a bit (nothing historic). 2016 RoY Michael Fulmer is in camp and doing fine in 4 IP. Among our various "phenoms" Wesneski has 7 K in 4.2 IP.

9. Snowboy Posted: March 11, 2023 at 04:03 AM (#6120136)

I get to return an appreciation: thanks for this thread, sanny manguillen

10. sanny manguillen Posted: March 11, 2023 at 05:08 AM (#6120137)

Can we talk about the WBC here or only spring training?

Talk about anything baseball-related.

11. The Duke Posted: March 11, 2023 at 09:56 AM (#6120150)

One of the nice things about the WBC is that the lineups in spring training are all rookies with so many players gone. The Cardinals have 13 guys at the WBC so the lineups are all young guys every day. Super fun to watch basically quad A games every day.

12. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: March 11, 2023 at 09:58 AM (#6120152)

I did notice that when the umpire is getting new balls delivered from the batboy the pitch clock doesn’t start until the ump is ready to go.

That makes sense. And, the pitch clock rule created jobs!

13. The Duke Posted: March 11, 2023 at 09:59 AM (#6120154)

There was a shot on Twitter of a player on the Italian team standing next to an espresso machine in the dugout puffing on a ciggy. It was perfect

14. The Duke Posted: March 11, 2023 at 01:36 PM (#6120180)

Phillies pitcher Noah Song has been shut down due to tightness in his back, according to multiple reports Saturday.

That's convenient. I bet he has soreness a lot this year

15. My name is Votto, and I love to get Moppo Posted: March 11, 2023 at 01:46 PM (#6120182)

I would really love to see Walker in the bigs this year, he played HS ball for my local team and was obviously very exciting to watch.

16. The Duke Posted: March 11, 2023 at 04:32 PM (#6120196)

Walker now out with shoulder injury - doesn't sound terrible though

17. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 11, 2023 at 05:23 PM (#6120198)

One of the nice things about the WBC is that the lineups in spring training are all rookies with so many players gone. The Cardinals have 13 guys at the WBC so the lineups are all young guys every day. Super fun to watch basically quad A games every day.

That is something I really like about the WBC and teams willing to let their players participate, is that the roster in spring training is filled with opportunity now. Cardinals have something like 16 players in the WBC so their roster is composed of people fighting for that 23-26th spot of the lineup and getting real chances to put a stamp on their name.

18. Miserable, Non-Binary Candy is all we deserve CoB Posted: March 11, 2023 at 06:39 PM (#6120203)

South Korea starting off 0-2 has to be a surprise (not surprising they lost to Japan, but they should be 1-1 at this point).

19. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 11, 2023 at 08:09 PM (#6120210)

Took a bit more than an hour to complete 3 innings in tonight’s Mets @ Nationals, #No Rush.

20. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 11, 2023 at 08:28 PM (#6120211)

For the 2nd year in a row, the Mets are employing a full-bearded bat ‘boy’ in spring training. Not the same guy, unless last year’s fat guy lost a lot of weight. A bit unusual.

21. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 11, 2023 at 09:19 PM (#6120212)

2 hours 10 minutes to complete 6 innings @ the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.

22. Howie Menckel Posted: March 11, 2023 at 10:14 PM (#6120216)

They have three catchers who could plausibly start as well.

the Cardinals? "start" what, exactly?

Contreras is a stud, and after that looks to me like a dumpster fire.

23. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 11, 2023 at 11:45 PM (#6120221)

the Cardinals? "start" what, exactly?

Contreras is a stud, and after that looks to me like a dumpster fire.

Neither Herrera or Knizner have proven they can cut it at the big league level yet, that is true, but both have been highly touted prospects, both considered to have surpassed Carson Kelly on the upside, but yes it's a stretch to think they are potential starters as they have not done anything at the ML level to prove that faith. So yes, they would probably be challenging for a starting job on a team like the Diamondbacks, Mets or Cubs.

24. The Duke Posted: March 12, 2023 at 12:13 AM (#6120222)

Wainwright looks done. He's topping out around 86-87. It seems like his arm died in August of last year and the obit hasn't been written yet. He could survive at 88-90 but 85-87 is a tall order

25. Born1951 Posted: March 12, 2023 at 01:06 AM (#6120224)

The Royals have 10 players in the WBC, but it didn't seem to matter today, as they continued to pound out the hits, scoring 12 runs. They are 13-2 and averaging over 8 runs per game. We'll see if any of that carries over to the regular season.

26. The Duke Posted: March 12, 2023 at 11:31 AM (#6120238)

Italy and the espresso machine go through !

27. Howie Menckel Posted: March 12, 2023 at 01:06 PM (#6120246)

Neither Herrera or Knizner have proven they can cut it at the big league level yet, that is true

Knizner has proven plenty - proven that he sucks. 65 OPS+ in 553 PA over parts of 4 MLB seasons, and he's 28 years old.

Herrera - ok, he's 22 and went 2-for-18 in his debut last year. unproven, but certainly not hopeless in his case. my apologies to the Herrera family.

That said, if the Mets wanted to start a kid behind the dish, they have the more highly regarded Alvarez - so Herrera would not be in the mix to start for them. nor the Diamondbacks, actually.

28. The Duke Posted: March 12, 2023 at 03:49 PM (#6120253)

Herrera was in Keith laws top 110 prospects so he's likely pretty good. Knizner has hardly ever played three games in a row. His stats are putrid but whose wouldn't be with the usage he's gotten - basically a four year pinch hitter. Knizner would likely deliver better performance than Yadi's 2022 if you played him 500 at bats. He can Carson Kelly were twins coming up - he's about that level of catcher.

29. The Duke Posted: March 12, 2023 at 08:56 PM (#6120273)

Lot of scoring in the WBC games. Fun tournament - they should start it earlier and make it a bit more robust

30. Snowboy Posted: March 13, 2023 at 01:19 AM (#6120284)

Watching MEX lead USA 11-2 in bot8, with the broadcast giggling about a possible "mercy rule" win/loss before 27 outs, it miiiiight be disconcerting for some fans* to see Mike Trout and Paul Goldschmidt still striding to the batters box.

*[edit] and some front offices

31. Walt Davis Posted: March 13, 2023 at 03:30 PM (#6120322)

starting job on a team like the Diamondbacks, Mets or Cubs.

Hey now! We have two -- count them two -- proven major league starting Cs. We are set baby!

32. Starring Bradley Scotchman as RMc Posted: March 13, 2023 at 05:11 PM (#6120339)

Lot of scoring in the WBC games. Fun tournament - they should start it earlier and make it a bit more robust

How about starting the damn games earlier? The four US games start at 9pm, 10pm, 10pm and 10pm Eastern time, thus ensuring that nobody east of the Mississippi can stay up late enough to watch them. Why wasn't Pool D (which contains the US and Canada) placed in Miami instead of Phoenix? (I mean, do you want people to watch these games or not?)

33. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 13, 2023 at 06:22 PM (#6120345)

Australia qualifies for final 8 for the first time! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.... OY, OY, OY! Korea puts the hurt on China 22-2 and it's called in the 5th on the mercy rule; Chinese players not looking forward to returning home...

Colombia currently down 7-3 to that baseballing powerhouse GB!

I love the WBC, it's just crazy, good fun.

34. Howie Menckel Posted: March 13, 2023 at 06:40 PM (#6120351)

just heard on the radio (so it must be true) that a 21-year-old kid struck out Machado, Soto, and Julio Rodriguez (is he "J-Rod?"). as soon as the game ended, a Tigers scout offered him a contract, and he signed it on the spot.

even if none of that is true, it has a nice ring to it.....

35. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 13, 2023 at 09:08 PM (#6120365)

Appears to be quite true, although terms of the deal aren’t known. Probably didn’t even have an agent, so likely a modest contract, but it’s a potential path to the big leagues.

36. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: March 13, 2023 at 09:42 PM (#6120370)

He was dazzling. I was at the game and my goodness what a great time. Bands, drums, trumpets, noisemakers, just a deluge of noise and joy. The kid was very impressive.

37. Walt Davis Posted: March 13, 2023 at 10:04 PM (#6120373)

For the record, he K'd Soto and Rodriguez, Machado doubled, then he K'd Devers.

38. My name is Votto, and I love to get Moppo Posted: March 13, 2023 at 10:26 PM (#6120374)

[For the 2nd year in a row, the Mets are employing a full-bearded bat ‘boy’ in spring training. Not the same guy, unless last year’s fat guy lost a lot of weight. A bit unusual.

Jayson Stark’s column has a note that Buck Showalter was considering bringing his best batboy on the road so his hitters wouldn’t have to waste precious seconds waiting for equipment, I couldn’t tell if he was kidding or not.

39. Howie Menckel Posted: March 14, 2023 at 12:01 AM (#6120379)

e was dazzling. I was at the game and my goodness what a great time. Bands, drums, trumpets, noisemakers, just a deluge of noise and joy.

have literally attended way, way over 1,000 major sporting events - but I'm still jealous.
I might be being greedy.

40. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 14, 2023 at 01:45 AM (#6120385)

USA mercy rules Canada. Colombia has typically been a tough out, though (despite losing outright to a bad Great Britain team).

41. Snowboy Posted: March 14, 2023 at 11:14 AM (#6120396)

Electing to wear skates in this tournament was always a controversial decision for Canada.
Guys who had played the game (like Larry Walker and Ernie Whitt) were against it.
But the boardroom khakis sent down a decree.
In the first game it worked, to considerable effect.
The Brits cowered and waved the white flag. "Who are these giants?"
But the Americans, tipped to the plot, came out calmly.
"You think you're big?" said Lance Lynn, "well that ain't nothing. Tall ain't nothing. You wanna be big? Just look at my belly!"
As the buttons on his jersey wailed, the Canucks realized they were beaten, and not so large.

Final Score:
USA - 12
CAN - 1

42. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 15, 2023 at 08:50 PM (#6120499)

The WBC has so many good stories, from a 19 year old Canadian pitcher getting his ass handed to him and getting support from everybody for him to realize "Look at who he was facing?", to Randy Arozarena once again arguing that clutch exists, and it's name is Randy. An electrician striking out Ohtani, a kid getting a contract with a major league team because of one inning of performance etc... It's hard to not love the WBC.

43. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: March 15, 2023 at 09:17 PM (#6120502)

And now the DRis in real danger of being knocked out. They trail PR 5-2 in the sixth of a winner take all game.

44. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 15, 2023 at 10:43 PM (#6120510)

Mind you the MLB page kinda sucks at keeping track of what is going on, but it looks like the arguably favorite team in the tournament is out? Domincan Republic was widely listed as the favorite.

45. The Duke Posted: March 15, 2023 at 11:02 PM (#6120512)

Arozarena. That guy loves big games.

46. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 15, 2023 at 11:15 PM (#6120513)

Mets closer Edwin Diaz carted off in a wheelchair after being injured in postgame celebration:

Puerto Rico's joy after defeating the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic on Wednesday night was short-lived after closer Edwin Díaz was injured in the postgame celebration. After striking out Teoscar Hernández to end the 5-2 victory, the Mets closer walked off the mound toward home plate, clapping. His countrymen streamed out from the dugout, embracing him and hopping up and down.

Moments later, the group separated and waved toward the dugout for assistance as Díaz sat on the ground, his right leg extended. The celebration stopped, and players from both teams looked on with concern. Eventually, Díaz was helped off the field and put into a wheelchair, then rolled down a concourse beneath the stands.

No more hopping, eh?

47. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 15, 2023 at 11:22 PM (#6120514)

In four games at the group stage, Arozarena, who was born in Cuba and became a Mexican citizen in 2022, went 7-for-14 with six extra-base hits and nine RBIs,

There is no denying a performance for the ages, a.500 average is not something you can ignore. He's entered the David Ortiz, Lou Brock level of clutchiness.

48. Starring Bradley Scotchman as RMc Posted: March 16, 2023 at 07:52 AM (#6120525)

Re 46: A player hurt, not in an exhibition game, but in the post-game celebration after an exhibition game...?!

Is this the most Mets thing ever?

49. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 16, 2023 at 06:12 PM (#6120564)

Reporting from the Ballpark @ the Palm Beaches for Mets v Nationals: Surprisingly, none of the Mets players are encased in bubble wrap, although the traveling squad is lacking in core assets.

50. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 16, 2023 at 10:07 PM (#6120584)

The US is set up to play Venezuela and Cuba in the quarterfinals and then semifinals if they win. It’s up to America to save the World (baseball classic) from communism!

51. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 17, 2023 at 02:33 PM (#6120614)

The Cardinals showed up today, but it was against Miami so not too impressive I guess Masyn Winn is 3 for 3 in the 5th inning (single, double, triple so far) He's not going to make the team, but he has definitely opened eyes up this spring. When they finally get rid of DeJong, it's going to be tough keeping him off the roster. (Except he just isn't going to have everyday playing time with Edman/Donovan/Walker/Carlson/O'Neil/Nootbar taking all the open playing time.

52. Tony S Posted: March 17, 2023 at 07:20 PM (#6120630)

PR has jumped ahead 3-0 over Mexico in the top of the first. Javier Baez parked one.

And now 4-0 after Rosario follows suit.

Red jerseys vs. Red jerseys is very confusing.

53. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 17, 2023 at 08:53 PM (#6120636)

An interesting Nationals @ Astros game today. Houston led 7-4 in top of 9th, when Darren Baker - Dusty’s son, best known for his wayward batboy antics in the 2002 World Series - hit a game-tying barely fair grand slam that just cleared the left field wall. The Nationals then scored 4 more in the inning to win 11-7. Late-inning exhibition game performance by the scrubs doesn’t really matter much, but this game may be discussed frequently in the Baker household.

54. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 17, 2023 at 09:14 PM (#6120643)

An interesting Nationals @ Astros game today. Houston led 7-4 in top of 9th, when Darren Baker - Dusty’s son, best known for his wayward batboy antics in the 2002 World Series - hit a game-tying barely fair grand slam that just cleared the left field wall. The Nationals then scored 4 more in the inning to win 11-7. Late-inning exhibition game performance by the scrubs doesn’t really matter much, but this game may be discussed frequently in the Baker household.

That math doesn't add up. :)

55. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 17, 2023 at 09:27 PM (#6120646)

Oops, score was 7-3 before Baker’s ‘blast’.

56. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 17, 2023 at 09:54 PM (#6120649)

5 unanswered runs for Mexico to give them the lead against Puerto Rico.

57. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 17, 2023 at 10:00 PM (#6120651)

If I had to guess, this game (PR vs Mexico) is going to come down to Baez vs Arozerana)

58. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 17, 2023 at 10:02 PM (#6120652)

Arozerana also made a huge defensive play to save the game.

59. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 17, 2023 at 10:26 PM (#6120654)

And Mexico heading to the final four for the first time.

60. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 18, 2023 at 01:20 PM (#6120673)

I’m at Marlins @ Nationals - Kim Ng sitting two rows behind me. Of course, I paid for my seat.

61. The Yankee Clapper Posted: March 18, 2023 at 02:28 PM (#6120677)

Kim Ng moved up to my row after two innings, 2 seats to my left. She’s working fairly intently on her iPad - doesn’t appear to be reading or posting at BBTF. If I see any trade negotiations - I’ll go full Jon Heyman and break the news here.

62. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: March 18, 2023 at 08:18 PM (#6120689)

It’s the Marlins, she probably paid for her seat too.

63. What did Billy Ripken have against ElRoy Face? Posted: March 18, 2023 at 08:47 PM (#6120691)

She’s working fairly intently on her iPad

She should get her head out of the spreadsheet and watch the game!!

64. PeteF3 Posted: March 18, 2023 at 09:09 PM (#6120692)

DeRosa with some all-time bad bullpen management to leave Daniel Bard in when he's Rick Ankiel-ing it all over the place. And not only doing that, but injuring people in the process.

65. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 18, 2023 at 09:14 PM (#6120693)

DeRosa with some all-time bad bullpen management to leave Daniel Bard in when he's Rick Ankiel-ing it all over the place. And not only doing that, but injuring people in the process.

How many batters did he face? By the box score it looks like three which is the minimum he's allowed to face assuming that they are using MLB rules. (oops, make that four, missed the hbp---so one more than the minimum)

66. PeteF3 Posted: March 18, 2023 at 09:18 PM (#6120694)

It was absolutely unconscionable to leave him after he hit and injured Altuve. Inexcusable. Bard was literally looking into the dugout almost begging to be taken out.

67. Tulo's Fishy Mullet (mrams) Posted: March 18, 2023 at 10:23 PM (#6120697)

Bracho turned into Christy mathewson after that GS allowed.

68. The Duke Posted: March 18, 2023 at 10:36 PM (#6120698)

Good game tonight. Losing Altuve will hurt Ven

69. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 18, 2023 at 11:10 PM (#6120700)

Yeah, I was shocked that Bard wasn’t pulled when he hit Altuve. It wasn’t his first pitch that got away from him and then his next pitch was behind Santander and DeRosa still let him finish the at bat. But Quijada looked nearly as bad in the 8th inning (in terms of missing the zone, but not so much that he was a threat to safety like Bard was) to give USA the win.

70. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: March 19, 2023 at 12:28 AM (#6120703)

A friend and I saw Bard in 2012/13 in short season A ball when he was trying to find his control again. It was the worst inning I’ve ever seen. We were texting during the game tonight about how much it reminded of us of that. No control, plunk a guy, bounce one in the left handed batters box, it was all there.

71. cardsfanboy

Posted: March 19, 2023 at 01:16 AM (#6120704)

Baseball is the one sport that doesn't deserve single elimination tournaments. I get the appeal, put out the best you can per game, but it's still such a random thing in comparison to other sports, that it feels a bit cheap.

72. What did Billy Ripken have against ElRoy Face? Posted: March 19, 2023 at 01:16 AM (#6120705)

I didn’t see him pitch tonight, but I saw his previous two WBC outings, and I suspected that maybe the yips were coming back. Seems to have been the case?

73. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 19, 2023 at 11:02 AM (#6120724)

The WBC is a fun tournament used to generate global interest for the game. I know it gets basically 0 coverage in the US and even barely any on a baseball dedicated site like this, but over in Japan, some of these games were watched by over 40% of people there. I think single game elimination is fine. Like if Mexico wins, we all know they’re not really the most talented team, but part of the beauty of the WBC is that the huge talent disparity is balanced by the super small sample size that makes it so more countries have realistic chances to win.

74. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 19, 2023 at 07:36 PM (#6120754)

The USA is playing Cuba in the semis right now, is there a chat for this somewhere? I thought we were baseball fans? I must admit, outside of Jose and a just a couple of others, no one seems terrible interested in the WBC and I think it's brilliant.

75. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 19, 2023 at 07:47 PM (#6120755)

This is the defacto WBC thread. But maybe if someone posted the title "WBC omnichatter" it would get more posts?

76. The Duke Posted: March 19, 2023 at 08:17 PM (#6120758)

Adam wainwright. Will he make it very far this season? Still throwing painfully slow. Topping out at 88. Sitting at 84-87

77. Meatwad Posted: March 19, 2023 at 09:15 PM (#6120760)

Do the mercy rules apply this late in the tourny? Usa has a real chance to do that to cuba if they do.

78. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 19, 2023 at 09:25 PM (#6120762)

USA flexing it's muscle now, up 9-2 in 5th. The Cards players doing a bit of heavy lifting in this one.

79. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 19, 2023 at 09:50 PM (#6120763)

Turner looking to prove to the Philly phaithful that he'll be worth every cent of that new contract!

80. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 19, 2023 at 09:53 PM (#6120764)

Is there a mercy rule in the semis? What inning does that normally apply? USA puttin' on the hurt, up 12-2 in the 6th. Really showing those commies who's economic system is boss!

81. Meatwad Posted: March 19, 2023 at 09:54 PM (#6120765)

I really hope japan beats mexico, a us vs japan final could be epic. So much talent on both teams. Hell even US vs Mexico would be great too. Really more international baseball would be amazing.

82. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 19, 2023 at 09:55 PM (#6120766)

Ordinarily the mercy rule is 15 runs after 5 or 10 runs after 7. But I think it only applies in pool play (or did in previous WBCs anyway)

Edit: announcers just said no mercy rule this round

83. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 19, 2023 at 10:09 PM (#6120770)

Really more international baseball would be amazing.

I could not agree more. This has been a terrific tournament so far and it's nice to see the American players really go all in and not treat it like its some exhibition. It's just been super fun to follow and I have to disagree with CFB in #71, I like the single game format as it just creates a super intense atmosphere for every game.

84. Meatwad Posted: March 19, 2023 at 10:40 PM (#6120771)

Win or go home is the best.

85. Joyful Calculus Instructor Posted: March 19, 2023 at 11:56 PM (#6120774)

It’s good to start with a round of pool play. Getting sent home after only one game would suck. I liked having two rounds of pool play in previous WBCs, but the expansion to 20 teams meant there wasn’t enough time for it and that’s ok, too. The World Cup only has one round of pool play before the knock out rounds begin.

86. The Duke Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:56 AM (#6120800)

The Cardinals are flooded with players who need playing time. It seems a trade for pitching must be in order. Walker looks like he's ready. Winn looks much closer than expected. Donovan is pounding HRs an Burleson/yepez are ready as well. Gorman is better than last year

Cardinals only have one starter signed for 2024. Seems like packaging up a starter(flaherty/Mikolas) plus some prospects to get a top of the rotation starter with control is the path to maximize value

The cards would have been better off if Arenado had opted out and they could have jettisoned his high salary. Goldschmidt may not be resigned either

87. Meatwad Posted: March 20, 2023 at 07:17 PM (#6120850)

This pitcher for Japan is nasty. Wonder how long he will go.

88. My name is Votto, and I love to get Moppo Posted: March 20, 2023 at 07:33 PM (#6120851)

How does Tyler O’Neill look? He was a really fun player two years ago and struggle last year. Hope he can get back to the 2021 version.

89. Hombre Brotani

Posted: March 20, 2023 at 08:40 PM (#6120856)

Randy Arozarena reaches over the fence to steal a homer. That guy shows up for the bright lights.

90. Hombre Brotani

Posted: March 20, 2023 at 08:57 PM (#6120858)

Arozarena with another nice play with the bases loaded to keep Japan off the board.

91. Der-K's tired of these fruits from poisoned trees Posted: March 20, 2023 at 09:34 PM (#6120862)

87 - that pitcher is arguably the top prospect in the world

92. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 20, 2023 at 09:46 PM (#6120863)

Future Boston Red Sox star homers to tie it 3-3.

93. Hombre Brotani

Posted: March 20, 2023 at 09:48 PM (#6120865)

Yoshida with a 3-run shot that hugged the pole down the right field line. Tie game! Another fantastic WBC classic in the making!

94. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:05 PM (#6120867)

Arozarena doubles(of course) and scores on the Verdugo single, Mexico up 4-3 in the 8th.

95. Hombre Brotani

Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:41 PM (#6120875)

Japan down 1, and Ohtani doubles to the gap on the first pitch he sees. Flips off his batting helmet to let that sweet hair flow.

96. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:45 PM (#6120876)

Holy moly, Japan wins in it the 9th!

97. the Hugh Jorgan returns Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:46 PM (#6120877)

Ohtani doubled, future Red Sox star BB'd(then go pinch ran for) and Murakami doubles them both in for the walk off..just awesome stuff.

98. Hombre Brotani

Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:46 PM (#6120878)

MURAKAMI!

99. Hombre Brotani

Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:51 PM (#6120879)

And Samurai Japan takes a moment after celebrating the winning run to bow towards the Mexico dugout as they leave the field. There's literally nothing I don't completely love about the WBC.

100. Howie Menckel Posted: March 20, 2023 at 10:53 PM (#6120880)

a timely Twitter check directed me to watch the final 2 pitches tonight.

welp, I'm sold.

brutal injuries for EDiaz and Altuve obviously - but this isn't just want so many MLB players WANT, this is what they NEED.

so, long live WBC

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