MLB 2024 Season

[wadesworld]

Maybe they should let sticky stuff back in the game for pitchers.

[cheebs09]

The tough part is always determining if it's intentional or not. For example, the above the shoulders HBP as an ejection could be tough if a curve ball slips and hits the shoulder.

I feel like there's been an emphasis on batters protecting the outside and getting close to the plate, while pitchers want to make sure they aren't letting guys extend their arms.

I know the Brewers have had a few ugly HBPs of a guy getting hit in the face when bunting.

[Lennys Tap]

I do think you can do some things to try to make the penalty for hitting a batter more severe. For instance, you could treat it like a ground rule double. Or say that any HBP shoulder and above means an automatic ejection for the pitcher and the pitcher who takes his place has to pitch to at least six batters.

I agree that a penalty more severe than awarding first base would be a good idea for teams/pitchers who hit batters at the shoulder level or higher.

[WhiteTrash]

I agree that a penalty more severe than awarding first base would be a good idea for teams/pitchers who hit batters at the shoulder level or higher.

Like putting a fastball in the ear of the other team's SS? 

[jficke13]

How about something like Little League rules ... two HBP in an inning or three in a game, and you're out.

This kinda has existed forever in the whole "the umpires have warned the benches" thing. Once the warning has been issued, then any subsequent HBP regardless of intent is an ejection.

[Pakuni]

This kinda has existed forever in the whole "the umpires have warned the benches" thing. Once the warning has been issued, then any subsequent HBP regardless of intent is an ejection.

The problem with the whole warning thing is that it's entirely arbitrary and subjective. A warning isn't issued after the vast majority of HBP, and then it's up to the whims of the umpire whether someone actually gets thrown out if there's another HBP or inside pitch.

[Jockey]

It’s not always the case, but it is usually pretty obvious when the HBP is intentional.

[Jockey]

I would be interested in a study on which pitchers are hitting batters. Starters or relievers. Is it because guys are brought up who aren’t ready?

[MUfan12]

It’s not always the case, but it is usually pretty obvious when the HBP is intentional.

Yep. And really, how many beanball wars are there now? Hardly ever happens.

Accidents happen, especially at the velocity these guys throw at now. It's unfortunate. But ejecting someone for one pitch getting away is extreme.

[SoCalEagle]

Ohtani at 45/46.

[MU82]

Ohtani at 45/46.

First MLB player ever to get to 45/46 on a Friday in September.

[tower912]

On Thursday night, Parker Meadows did something only Ted Williams had done.    Hit a ninth inning grand slam to provide all of his team's runs in a 4-3 win.   Meadows truly lived the dream.   Two outs, full count.

[#UnleashSean]

On Thursday night, Parker Meadows did something only Ted Williams had done.    Hit a ninth inning grand slam to provide all of his team's runs in a 4-3 win.   Meadows truly lived the dream.   Two outs, full count.

Did David bote not do this in like 2018? Against the nats. Or was that something like a 2-2 count?

[tower912]

Not according to the stat geeks.  I think the uniqueness is that it provided Detroit's only runs of the game.

[SoCalEagle]

First MLB player ever to get to 45/46 on a Friday in September.

Anybody have any thoughts on a DH potentially winning the MVP award?  I would love to see Ohtani take it, but not sure if a player who only hits should win it. 

82, given your background as a sportswriter, any bias against a DH winning it?   

[MU1in77]

How come it’s Sept 7, the Brewers are up by 9 1/2 games over the Cubs and i’m still worried about them winning the division?

[MU82]

Anybody have any thoughts on a DH potentially winning the MVP award?  I would love to see Ohtani take it, but not sure if a player who only hits should win it. 

82, given your background as a sportswriter, any bias against a DH winning it?

Nah. Most voters would have no trouble picking Ohtani, and I'll be surprised if he doesn't win MVP decisively.

[MU82]

How come it’s Sept 7, the Brewers are up by 9 1/2 games over the Cubs and i’m still worried about them winning the division?

Cubs pitched a combined no-hitter two days ago. Since then, they've lost twice, failing to score a single run while managing only 5 total hits.

I wouldn't be very concerned if I were you.

[wadesworld]

Yeah. The Brewers are winning the division. Just bummer they’ve fallen back of one of the first round byes.

[Lennys Tap]

Anybody have any thoughts on a DH potentially winning the MVP award?  I would love to see Ohtani take it, but not sure if a player who only hits should win it. 

SoCal,

Playing in the field at minimum is a tie breaker. Playing a premium position at an elite level is much more than that.But Ohtani at or near 50/50 will win going away this year. Kettle Marte had an outside chance before an extended stay on the IL, same with Ozuna when it looked like he’d win the triple crown.

[jficke13]

How come it’s Sept 7, the Brewers are up by 9 1/2 games over the Cubs and i’m still worried about them winning the division?

Magic number is 10, 20 games to go. If they lose the Central it's one of the bigger collapses in memory.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

How come it’s Sept 7, the Brewers are up by 9 1/2 games over the Cubs and i’m still worried about them winning the division?

Relax, Ned Yost is no longer the manager

[MUfan12]

Relax, Ned Yost is no longer the manager

I'm not convinced Murphy is all that much better than Ned was.

[BM1090]

I'm not convinced Murphy is all that much better than Ned was.

Actually pretty similar I think. Good culture guys and motivators who make some weird ass decisions. But I might be misremembering Ned, I was pretty young.

[MUfan12]

Actually pretty similar I think. Good culture guys and motivators who make some weird ass decisions. But I might be misremembering Ned, I was pretty young.

No you have it right. Both tend to manage the pen on hunches and struggle to put a lineup together.

Ned managed so tight in September that it rubbed off on the team. Murphy seems to have a good feel for the clubhouse so hopefully that doesn't happen again.