Why Manny Ramirez says Derek Jeter would have been ‘just a regular player’ in Kansas City

Ramirez was discussing the pressure that comes with playing in a city like Boston or New York. The way Ramirez sees it, you’re not playing on a big stage unless you’re in Boston or New York. If you’re somewhere else, people won’t care as much.

“You gotta understand this. If you haven’t played in Boston or New York, you’re not in the big leagues,” Ramirez said. “It’s like if you put Jeter in Kansas City in those years, he was just a regular player.

But in New York? Jeter was a legend because he consistently stepped up on baseball’s biggest stage with the Yankees in the postseason.

“You put him on that big stage, you hit .400 in the postseason for many, many years, he’s the greatest in the history,” Millar ...

MLB should consider adopting a mercy rule

There have been some people around baseball, mainly on baseball broadcasts, who have floated the idea of using a “mercy rule” in MLB games, similar to what’s used in international competition.

To wit: If a team is trailing by 10 or more runs after seven innings, by mutual agreement of the managers the game could be stopped.

I’m coming around. This might actually be a good idea.

Let’s have a look at how many games might be affected by this sort of rule change. I looked at games from 2021 and thus far in 2022, so that’s 2,429 total games from last year and 999 games so far in 2022, a fairly large sample size.

There were 98 games decided by 10 or more runs in 2021 (plus three games that had that large a run differential that ...

Here are the All-Star Ballot standings so far

Right now, the leading vote-getters are Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in the AL (1,512,368 votes) and Dodgers star Mookie Betts in the NL (1,446,050 votes).

There are close races across the ballot at positions like AL third base (Rafael Devers leading José Ramírez), AL shortstop (Bo Bichette leading Tim Anderson and Xander Bogaerts), NL second base (Jazz Chisholm Jr. leading Ozzie Albies and Jeff McNeil) and the outfield in both leagues (Judge leading Mike Trout, Betts leading Ronald Acuña Jr.).

Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts leading the way in their respective leagues as first @MLB All-Star voting results are announced: pic.twitter.com/28WI6pPwOT

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) June 21, 2022

The Yankees Are Keeping Pace With Their 1998 Powerhouse

The current Yankees may not have the top spot on either of those lists, but they’ve matched the 1998 Yankees to this point. Their .742 winning percentage puts them on pace to win 120 games, which would surpass the 2001 Mariners and 1906 Cubs for the single-season record. Some other hypotheticals:

If the Yankees go 48-48 (.500) the rest of the way, they would finish 97-65 (.599).

If they go 55-41 (.573) the rest of the way, they would finish 104-58 (.642), their best record since 1998. This is one win ahead of the record that we have them forecast for via our Projected Standings.

If they go 60-36 (.625) the rest of the way, they would finish 109-53 (.673), surpassing the 2018 Red Sox (108-54) for the best record for any team since the ...

Inside the closed-door meeting that got the Braves playing like champs again

“I was getting texts, ‘Are you going to blow these guys up?’ No. Players don’t respond to that.”

So Snitker consulted with his bench coach, Walt Weiss, and decided they needed to act now, calling a closed-door meeting in the visitor’s clubhouse when his players entered Phoenix’s Chase Field facing a potential sweep.

“Snit is not going to get in front of a club and rant and rave,” Weiss said. “It was a very simple message.”

The message: relax. The aftermath: 14 straight wins.

By the time the Braves finally lost for the first time this month Friday, they had cut the Mets’ NL East lead from 10½ games to 5½. They had gone from 4½ games out of a wild-card spot to owning the National League’s fourth-best record.

“One event doesn’t make ...

Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz showcases all his skills in impressive season debut

It was a Statcast showcase. We already pointed out he has the hardest infielder throw of the season. He also hit the hardest ball any Pirates player has hit all season (the 112.9 miles per hour double above) and had the three highest sprint speeds recorded this season by a Pirates player (via MLB Pipeline).

All this from the tallest regular shortstop—assuming he stays put—in MLB history.

This wasn’t Cruz’s MLB debut. He played the final two games last season, going 3 for 9 with a home run, three RBI and two runs. He was sent to the minors to start the season and remained there until his callup for Monday’s game. To this point, the Pirates had been one of the worst teams in baseball in terms of shortstop production. That’ll change now ...

Dave Wickersham dies at age 86

Wickersham had his best season in the majors with the Tigers in 1964, going 19-12 with a 3.44 ERA. He missed out on a 20-win season in agonizing fashion in his final start.

The Tigers were tied 1-1 in the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium, but New York had runners on first and second with two outs. Phil Linz bunted toward Detroit first baseman Norm Cash, who bobbled the ball but secured it as he stood on the bag, as Vintage Detroit recalled. First base umpire Bill Valentine called Linz safe, and Cash followed Valentine down the right-field line, arguing the decision. The runner on second scored, and Wickersham pleaded for play to stop, only to have Valentine eject him.

As The Star reported in 2004, Valentine realized days later that ...

Experts predict MLB’s next great superstar

Mark Feinsand, executive reporter: I know it might sound crazy to say this given that he plays in Tampa Bay, but I feel like Wander Franco is the guy. The hype around him has been crazy, he’s on a team that contends annually, and he has that superstar aura we look for in these guys. Now he just needs to stay healthy.

Andrew Simon, editor/writer/researcher: I’ll go with Julio Rodríguez. The talent is obviously there, the production is getting there, and if we’re considering star power, he also has the sort of magnetic personality that could make him one of the faces of the game.

David Adler, researcher/reporter: Bobby Witt Jr. And it won’t even take five years. I’m all in on him. Love the swing, love the tools, love everything.

...Read More...

RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: June 20, 2022 at 01:48 PM | 22 comment(s)
  Beats: adley rutschman, alek manoah, bobby witt jr., hunter greene, jazz chisholm, jeremy pena, julio rodriguez, mackenzie gore, wander franco

MLB moving forward with long-delayed 13-pitcher limit

Come Monday, there is going to be a little more room in big league bullpens, from Seattle to Tampa Bay, and plenty of places in between.
Major League Baseball is moving forward with its oft-delayed plan for a 13-pitcher limit on active rosters. The move could affect the game in a variety of ways, from more position players taking the mound to a few more trips to the minors for pitchers with options.

“I don’t know that I understand it. And it is OK because we follow the rules,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “But it’s just one of those where it is a little hard when they’re telling you how to compete. I feel like sometimes, especially with our doubleheaders coming up, I think it can put teams at a disadvantage.”

The ...

Amy’s story: After escaping domestic violence, sportswriter’s ex-wife speaks out to help others

In text messages from that period, Keri’s emotions shifted so unpredictably that Kaufman said the texts left her “completely destabilized.” In one text string, Keri wrote the word “sorry” 17 consecutive times.

In another message, he wrote: “I’m an abuser. If I’m nice for 3 weeks or 3 years you will always jump on me the second I’m not syrupy sweet to you. It’s too much pressure. Find someone else. I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

In a separate message, he wrote: “F— you for making me feel like garbage every day. F— you for ruining me.”

All the while, Keri kept up with his work, at times walking down the hall and into a room, literally flipping a switch and cheerily welcoming listeners to his ...

Batter Up: Sinclair’s Bally Sports Plus Streaming App To Launch June 23

Sinclair Broadcast Group’s long-awaited direct-to-consumer regional sports streaming service will emerge from the dugout on June 23.

Bally Sports Plus will initially be available in five markets where the company’s Diamond Sports Group’s regional Bally Sports networks carry Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays.

The app will cost $19.99 a month, or $189.99 a year, and enable fans to watch games without subscribing to a multichannel pay TV cable, satellite or streaming service.

Rob Weisbord, Sinclair’s COO and president of broadcast, told Broadcasting+Cable that Bally Sports Plus would have a soft roll out at first, with additional marketing support ...

Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jack Suwinski becomes 1st rookie in MLB history with 3-homer game that includes walk-off blast

Jack Suwinski hit his third homer of the game in the ninth inning, giving the Pittsburgh Pirates a 4-3, walk-off victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep.

The rookie drove a slider from sidearming Tyler Rogers (0-3) to right for his second game-ending home run of the season after connecting for one June 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Suwinski became the first rookie in major league history to have a three-homer game that included a walk-off home run, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He also became the first Pirates player with multiple walk-off home runs in a single month since Wally Westlake in September of 1947, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

“I was just like, ‘No way, ...

OMNICHATTER, for Monday, June 20, 2021

Manny Machado leaves loss with left ankle sprain | ESPN

DENVER—San Diego Padres star third baseman Manny Machado left Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies after injuring his left ankle while taking a tumble at first base trying to beat out an infield grounder.

Machado’s leg appeared to turn awkwardly while he was running to first base in the top of the first inning. He struggled to put weight on the ankle as he was helped off the field. Machado was later diagnosed with an ankle sprain after X-rays came back negative.

Milwaukee Brewers designate outfielder Lorenzo Cain, 36, for assignment after ‘a great career’

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain was designated for assignment on Saturday, the team announced before its game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Cain, 36, was hitting .179 in 145 at-bats while the Brewers’ offense struggled throughout June. The veteran was 4-for-26 this month with no walks and seven strikeouts. As a team, the Brewers rank 14th in OPS in the National League in June while falling out of first place after a strong start.

Cain broke in with the Brewers in 2010, then spent the next seven seasons in Kansas City before returning to Milwaukee as a free agent in 2018. He’s in the final season of a five-year, $80 million deal. The move comes on the same date that Cain reached 10 years of major league service.

“It just got to ...

Anthony Rendon is done for the season | Twitter

Last night:

#Angels interim manager Phil Nevin said Anthony Rendon is "feeling much better than he felt yesterday." And could be available to pinch-hit tonight.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) June 17, 2022

Today:

Update regarding #Angels INF Anthony Rendon:

“Anthony Rendon will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his right wrist early next week. Additional information will be provided as appropriate.”

— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) June 17, 2022

Weekend OMNICHATTER for June 17-19, 2022

From Tommy John to Cy Young form at 39? Inside Justin Verlander’s unprecedented return to dominance [$]

ESPN Insider Sub required.

His return in 2021 a nonstarter, Verlander began watching games again during the playoffs and lived vicariously through the Astros’ run to the World Series, which they lost to Atlanta. The day after the season ended, Verlander hit free agency for the first time in his career. Houston tagged him with the qualifying offer, and he decided to sign within the next 10 days.

“Houston was at the top of the list,” Verlander said. “As negotiations started going, they kind of fell off. Some other teams really started to show a lot of interest. I would say that the leader was probably Toronto. They were great. And I talked to George (Springer, his former Astros teammate now with the Blue Jays) a bunch. They were very ...

An Historically Bad Offense Is Just One of the Tigers’ Problems

Collectively, these Tigers are hitting .221/.278/.318. Their slugging percentage is the majors’ worst by 18 points, and their 70 wRC+ the majors’ worst by nine points, while their batting average and on-base percentage are merely the AL’s second-worst behind Oakland. Their 31 homers is 15 fewer than any other team, and meanwhile, they’re in a virtual tie for the majors’ lowest walk rate (6.6%) and own the AL’s second-highest strikeout rate (24.3%)....

Some of what the Tigers have dealt with may be bad luck, sheer randomness, or a product of the deadened baseball. By Statcast, they own the majors’ largest gap between wOBA and xwOBA (-34 points), the fourth-largest gap between actual and expected batting average (-23 points), ...

After a minor league announcer reported an assault, the team posted her job for the next season without talking to her

This January, Maura Sheridan found out that the play-by-play job she’d held since February 2020 with the Lynchburg (VA) Hillcats (the Cleveland Guardians’ single-A affiliate) had been publicly posted without any discussion with her on if she wanted to return. As Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic writes in a detailed feature, Sheridan only learned of that posting from friends. That came after Sheridan reported an assault by Hillcats’ player Daritzon Feliz in August 2021; she then finished out the season (through September 13) with the Hillcats, and was planning to return with them the next year before she learned of this posting. The whole feature is well worth reading, but the discussion of the job posting from Sheridan and ...

Minority stake in Cleveland Guardians goes to David Blitzer with future option for controlling interest, per reports

Major League Baseball has approved the sale of a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians to David Blitzer, who also has ownership shares in the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, according to multiple reports.

Blitzer initially will have 25-30% ownership and will have the right to increase his stake to a controlling interest in several years, according to the reports.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced approval of the sale at the conclusion of a three-day owners meeting in New York.

“We did approve a sale of a minority interest in the Guardians, pending the closing,” Manfred said. “Really excited about the change there.”

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred says Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland A’s need new ballpark deals soon

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics need to reach new ballpark deals soon and left open the possibility of considering relocation if agreements are not struck.

“There is urgency with respect to Tampa,” Manfred said Thursday during a news conference following an owners meeting. “There needs to be a resolution in the Tampa Bay region for the Rays.”

Tampa Bay’s lease at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the team has played since its inaugural season in 1998, expires after the 2027 season. The Rays said in January that MLB had rejected the team’s plan to split its season between Florida and Montreal.

“Obviously, the end of that lease is a hard deadline, but you need to take into ...

Visitors paying less, businesses more for Cobb stadium bonds

Visitors to Cobb County in 2021 again contributed less than expected to pay off the public’s share of the Truist Park construction bonds, shifting more of the costs onto local taxpayers, county financial documents show.

Still, county finance officials characterized the update released on Tuesday as great news for county residents, because the pandemic-fueled dip in hotel taxes was more than offset by a rise in property taxes paid by businesses in the surrounding Cumberland area….

Also on Tuesday, the Braves released a report on the fiscal impact to Cobb County, adding another voice to the debate over whether the stadium was worth the cost to taxpayers.

Most economists are skeptical of such subsidies, because fiscal impact studies ...

MLB’s 2022 All-Fun Team: Jazz Chisholm, Aaron Judge, José Ramírez among most enjoyable players to watch

Jazz Chisholm, Marlins - If there’s a team captain here, it’s Jazz. He’s taken over the mantle from the mightily struggling Javier Báez. Chisholm checks so many boxes. He’s an extra-base machine of all varieties (seven doubles, four triples, 13 homers). He’s a power-speed combo when you look at just the home runs and steals. He’ll make things happen on the bases other than steals, including how good he is at bunting for a hit. He’ll make exciting defensive plays. He’s always outwardly amped up and his home run trots are something to behold. The different colors in his hair are just a bonus. All hail our captain.

Jose Altuve, Astros - He’s forever negatively branded in many circles of baseball fans. For me, he’s still the 5-foot-6 dude ...

Dodgers’ Tyler Anderson loses no-hit bid with one out in ninth inning against Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

Tyler Anderson left a cutter out over the plate and knew he had surrendered his first hit as soon as it left Shohei Ohtani’s bat. The resulting line drive traveled at 98.2 mph down the right-field line with one out in Wednesday’s ninth inning. Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts dove full extension, but to no avail. Ohtani had notched a triple, and Anderson’s impressive—somewhat improbable—no-hit bid had ended after a career-high 123 pitches.

“A nice gesture,” Anderson, speaking after the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory, said of Betts’ diving attempt. “But so far away.”

Anderson, the 32-year-old left-hander signed to a one-year, $8 million contract shortly after the lockout ended, reverted to an old changeup grip that makes the pitch ...

OMNICHATTER for Thursday, June 16, 2022

ONNICHATTER for Wednesday, June 15, 2023

Cardinals absolutely confused the Pirates into allowing a run with a brilliant baserunning trick

Well, one thing is for certain: The St. Louis Cardinals paid attention to all the baserunning drills in spring training.

It was amazing to watch that play out in real time. The Pirates simply had no clue how to handle it.

With Paul Goldschmidt at the plate with two outs and the bases loaded in the fourth inning of Tuesday’s game, he hit a sharp grounder to short — which should have ended the inning. But keep an eye on what Nolan Gorman did on the base path. Instead of slowing down to slide, Gorman kept running through the bag at full speed. This led to both a safe call at second base, and it amazingly distracted Pirates second baseman Yu Chang.

Again, the bases were loaded with two outs. So while Gorman’s effort allowed him to ...

Blue Jays lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu out for remainder of 2022 season, will need elbow surgery

Blue Jays left-handed starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu will have surgery on his throwing elbow and is out for the season, the Blue Jays told reporters Tuesday (via TSN). The extent of the surgery isn’t yet known, as it could be a revision to his previous Tommy John surgery—which came all the way back in 2004—or full-on Tommy John surgery.

Regardless, Ryu’s 2022 season is over and he’ll have a long road back, especially if the full procedure ends up being the route taken with his elbow.

Ryu, 35, will be in the final season of a four-year, $80 million deal in 2023. While battling injuries pretty much from the start of this season, he posted a 5.67 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in six starts with 16 strikeouts against four walks in 27 innings.

...Read More...

RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: June 15, 2022 at 08:30 AM | 4 comment(s)
  Beats: blue jays, hyun-jin ryu

How the pitch clock can revive the stolen base

When we talk about speed with regard to the pitch clock, we are typically talking about the pace of game. In this first season of use throughout the Minors, the pitch clock—a 14-second timer with no runners on base, 18 seconds (or 19 in Triple-A) with runners on—has cut the average game time by 25 minutes, from an even three hours in 2021 to 2:35 at last check.

But the pickoff/step-off rule paired with the pitch clock has injected speed of a different sort into MiLB. Last season, an experimentation with pickoff and step-off limits at the A-ball level and larger bases at the Triple-A level contributed to a rise in both stolen-base attempts and the stolen-base success rate.

This year, with the mound disengagement limits, pitch clock and ...