LA DODGER TALK is not your normal Dodger blog site. Even Ray Charles can see that no other Dodger site has a Dodger historian like Michael Norris. Michael or “Bear” as we know him, is a National Dodger Treasure! What he lays down is not available anywhere else!
Then we have 2Demeter2, who has committed to trying to write one blog a week wherein he will give his “opinion from his recliner.” 2Demeter2, or Rob Schelling has opinions that we all need to consider. His posts are a breath of fresh air and we all love him.
Jeff Dominique or Always Compete (“AC”) is on the Injured List, but I am confident that he will finish his rehabilitation and come back and win the MVP. Get well soon, Jeff. We are all rooting for you and your opinions (except when you disagree with mine). 😉 We are all praying for you, Jeff!
Recently, Harold Uhlman (aka/Dodger Chatter) retired. No one knows the minor leagues like Harold. I think he will pull a Michael Jordon and come out of retirement to put up 30 points a game. He’s only 90… so why not? Harold gets the MiLB Press Releases and here is what he sent me yesterday in it’s entirety:
Major League Baseball (MLB) announced today the testing of a variety of experimental playing rules at various levels of the Minor Leagues during the upcoming 2021 season. These experimental playing rules have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee. MLB will closely monitor and analyze the impact of each rule change throughout the 2021 season and report to Clubs on their effects for further analysis. Consistent with the preferences of our fans, the rule changes being tested are designed to increase action on the base paths, create more balls in play, improve the pace and length of games, and reduce player injuries.
Below is a summary of the experimental rules that will be tested during the 2021 Minor League season, which will vary by level of play:
· TRIPLE-A (LARGER BASES): To reduce player injuries and collisions, the size of first, second and third base will be increased from 15 inches square to 18 inches square. The Competition Committee also expects the shorter distances between bases created by increased size to have a modest impact on the success rate of stolen base attempts and the frequency with which a batter-runner reaches base on groundballs and bunt attempts.
· DOUBLE-A (DEFENSIVE POSITIONING): The defensive team must have a minimum of four players on the infield, each of whom must have both feet completely in front of the outer boundary of the infield dirt. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB may require two infielders to be positioned entirely on each side of second base in the second half of the Double-A season. These restrictions on defensive positioning are intended to increase the batting average on balls in play.
· HIGH-A (“STEP OFF” RULE): Pitchers are required to disengage the rubber prior to throwing to any base, with the penalty of a balk in the event the pitcher fails to comply. MLB implemented a similar rule in the second half of the Atlantic League season in 2019, which resulted in a significant increase in stolen base attempts and an improved success rate after the adoption of the rule.
· LOW-A (PICKOFF LIMITATION, PITCH TIMER, AND ABS
ALL LOW-A LEAGUES: Pitchers will be limited to a total of two “step offs” or “pickoffs” per plate appearance while there is at least one runner on base. A pitcher may attempt a third step off or pickoff in the same plate appearance; however, if the runner safely returns to the occupied base, the result is a balk. Depending on the preliminary results of this experimental rule change, MLB will consider reducing the limitation to a single “step off” or “pickoff” per plate appearance with at least one runner on base.
LOW-A SOUTHEAST: In addition to the limitations on step offs/pickoffs, MLB will expand testing of the Automatic Ball-Strike System (“ABS”) that began in the Atlantic League and Arizona Fall League to select Low-A Southeast games to assist home plate umpires with calling balls and strikes, ensure a consistent strike zone is called, and determine the optimal strike zone for the system.
LOW-A WEST: In addition to the limitations on step offs/pickoffs, following the successful pace of game rules testing among Florida State League teams in 2019, on-field timers (one in the outfield, two behind home plate between the dugouts) will be implemented to enforce time limits between delivery of pitches, inning breaks, and pitching changes. The on-field timer used in Low-A West will include new regulations beyond the system currently used in Triple-A and Double-A to reduce game length and improve the pace of play.
“We are listening to our fans. This effort is an important step towards bringing to life rules changes aimed at creating more action and improving the pace of play,” said Michael Hill, MLB Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “These experimental playing rules have been approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee to be tested and analyzed in a highly competitive environment.”
“These experimental rules are designed to put more balls in play, create more excitement on the basepaths and increase the impact of speed and athleticism on the field,” said Raúl Ibañez, MLB Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations. “As another important goal of the rules approved by the Competition Committee and the Playing Rules Committee, we expect the new larger bases to increase player safety. We look forward to testing these rules in the Minor Leagues.”
“The game on the field is constantly evolving, and MLB must be thoughtful and intentional about progressing toward the very best version of baseball – a version that is true to its essence and has enough consistent action and athleticism on display to entertain fans of all ages,” said Theo Epstein, Consultant to MLB. “These rules experiments will provide valuable insight into various ways to create a playing environment that encourages the most entertaining version of the game. What we learn in the Minor Leagues this year will be essential in helping all parties chart the right path forward for baseball.”
MLB also continues its three-year partnership agreement with the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), which was announced in 2019. This partnership agreement allows MLB to test and adjust experimental playing rules and changes to equipment each season. Any new experimental playing rules for the 2021 season will be announced in the coming weeks.
************************************************************************OK, there you have it!
It is evident that Michael Hill, Theo Epstein, and Raul Ibanez are deeply involved with this and I am going to say (at the risk of gathering the ire of some of you) that I like it a lot! It’s experimental… it may evolve somewhat, but change is good. In fact, it is essential because, without change, you die! These changes will add another level of excitement to the game and hopefully speed up the pace of play. I’m all it!
Spring Training News
- It appears to me that the Dodgers are intent upon having Dustin May on the MLB roster at the start of the season and he is intent upon making the team as well, regardless of his role. He will be fine taking a year off from being a starter.
- I think Trevor Bauer is having a big impact on Walker Buehler who may not have been the hardest worker in the Spring (past tense). Whatever you think about Bauer (Jay Johnstone-Esque comes to mind), he is a very hard worker… and that tends to rub off. If you are a clown and a slacker, that’s a problem. Trevor is not the latter, but he may be the former!
- We all saw Kaybear’s first AB and that sweet LH swing, that resulted in a double and 2 RBI’s. He’s the Dodgers #1 prospect for a reason.
- The Dodgers pitching staff has a 3.03 ERA this spring, #2 in MLB behind the Marlins at 2.76. The Dodgers are however #1 in WHIP. The Padres are #11… just sayin’… He’s now 22 (still younger than Will Smith when he made his debut). I wonder if he will keep hitting RH? He is most certainly bound for AAA, but what skills he has. It’s true that he could be a huge trade chip or part of the Dodger’s future catching core. Stay tuned!
- DJ Peters has struck out 7 times in 15 at-bats – he is slowly fanning his way off the team. Early in the Spring, he was outstanding but as the pitchers have caught up with him, he is once again EXPOSED! I am not sure the Dodgers need another (more athletic) Joey Gallo.
- Kody Hoese and Mike Busch are future starters for the Dodgers… if not All-Stars. But they will have to wait another year (barring catastrophic injury).
- Sheldon Noisy has emerged as the RH Swiss-Army Knife behind Chris Taylor and LH Zach McKinstry.
- Edwin Rios is struggling mightily with the bat but has only fanned 2 out of 13 times at-bat. Some of it is just bad luck, I get that, but don’t assume he is a lock to make the team. He remains one of my favorites.
- Luke Raley and Zach Reks have looked over-matched and Matt Beaty MAY take the spot Ed Rios had.
- Gavin Lux has (so far) won the 2B job.
- Austin Barnes just keeps on keepin’ on. What a backup catcher whom Kershaw and Bauer want to be their personal catcher.
- Don’t count out Matt Davidson… YET!
- Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas are a year or two away, but watch out!
- Jacob Amaya has done nothing wrong.
- Garrett Cleavinger is stepping up and has not allowed an ER in 4 innings to go with 7 K’s.
- David Price is looking like a starter, but it’s too soon to tell, however, his stuff is in Mid-Season form.
- Tony Gonsolin also looks to be a lock to make the team.
- Dennis Santana, Scott Alexander, and Alex Vesia are battling for one spot.
- I need to see more from Jimmy Nelson before pronouncing him a member of the team.
The Dodgers take a break today – no game. Then Sunday night, Julio Urias will take the mound against the Royals. A Cody Bellinger sighting isn’t far off!
R.I.P. Norm Sherry
Dodger Historian Mark Langill said it best, RIGHT HERE!
Cover Photo: (by Jon SooHoo/Los Angeles Dodgers)
Yes Mark, LADT has to be the best blog available for a Dodger fan. We have extensive Dodger history covered by Norris, MiLB and prospects addressed by AC and Harold (before retirement), and overall observations and opinions by you. Add the many well informed and opinionated posters and we have an incredible source for a Dodger fan. I’ve mentioned in the past that this blog often exceeds most national and local publications when it comes to information about the Dodgers and baseball in general. So, thanks for the platform.
Carry on.
The minors is the place to test the new innovations. Monday talked about some of them during yesterday’s game. Not sure how increasing the size of the bases is going to keep players from collisions. The way some of the umps are today, I am all for the electronic strike zone. The DH is a question for next year. I would like to see Ruiz catch more than just a couple games at the MLB level. I think he and Smith would be an awesome tandem. And there are some kids in the pipeline behind them who could be just as good. I think Peters still has some games to prove he is getting better at pitch recognition. He really has chased only 2 bad pitches in those 7 K’s and he drew an important walk just before Ruiz’s double. He wasn’t doing that last spring. Besides, I am not ready to give up on that kind of power. Rios is hitting in bad luck, but I do not think his hitting is going to have any affect on his making the roster. McKinstry has looked pretty good. I am not as sold on Neuse as some others are. I think he starts at OKC. Gonsolin solidified his place in my book. The second lefty out of the pen is the big battle. I think Santana has a better chance of breaking camp with the big club than May. Simply because he looks more comfortable coming out of the pen, and May needs some more experience at AAA.
I’ll admit I was hopping on the DJ hype train a little bit, too, along with many others here, but he’s always had a strikeout problem. Chances are, he always will. He was the 49th ranked Dodgers prospect in one list I read, and I think many here were higher on him than most scouts or analysts. “Light tower power” is seductive.
Rios saw his strikeout rate drop quite a bit last year. He had a problem with this, too, during his stint at AAA and the MLB in 2019. I don’t know that I’d read too much into this small sample. I think he makes the team.
I have a good feeling about Noisy. He gives the Dodgers options: if Lux struggles, if Rios struggles and can’t fill in for JT or Muncy, if JT is on the IL for any stretch, if the Dodgers need to put Taylor in the outfield. As I said before, he’s not flashy but is an above average defender and has a potentially high offensive ceiling if you put weight into his 2019 AAA year. He’s probably more of a plug in replacement for Kike’s role than McKinstry is.
Agree with almost all your takes, Mark. Peters is being exposed a bit and there is that one last battle on the bench.
As a huge Vargas fan, I’ve been shocked by how tentative he’s looked: half-swings, weak follow-throughs.
To me the story of the Spring has been the young arms. We have about 6-8 potentially high -impact guys ready to get their shots over the next 2-3 years. I like them all, but I think Pepiot stands out right now.
I would like to see a six man starting rotation. I know Kershaw and Bauer would not like it. However, it would give them more rest and they could be stronger in the post season. Santana, Cleavinger,, May, Gonsolin, and Nelson have all looked good to me. What a weath of talent. The team on paper looks very strong. Good starting pitchers. Good bull pen. Some starters are going to be in the bull pen. Good position players. McKinstry and Taylor as subs. Smith and Barnes as catchers. Wow!!!
Don’t sell yourself short, Mark. You are, in my opinion, the main reason this blog is so good, informative, interesting and teachable with the patience of you, AC, Bear, 2D2 and DC along with others like philjones, Dodgerpatch, SoCalBum and lots more. Thank you all.
You guys are missing the boat on Peters. Yes, he has struck out 7 times. But only 3 of those swinging. He also has 5 walks, something he did not do all last spring, and his plate discipline got him a walk last night and he scored on Ruiz’s double. He is still hitting .267 in spring, and leads the team in runs scored. A little early to pull the plug and say he won’t make it. He has plenty of games left to show his wares. He might get some more time in AAA since he spent a very short time there in 2019. I see a lot of improvement in his game, and a solid defender, especially in CF. That .267 average is exactly the same as Will Smith’s spring mark. Neuse is hitting .400, with no extra base hits. Betts, Seager, and Taylor are the only regulars who have been hitting consistently. Bellinger is due to debut this spring on Tuesday.
If Peters is going to make the team, he has to prove he can’t just be exposed by high velocity and major league breaking stuff.
He has improved no doubt–his defense, speed, athleticism were already there–but a bench role on an all-time great team is no time for learning.
He might start the year in AAA for a little more seasoning, but he will be one of the first called if someone goes down simply because they are short on MLB caliber OF’s. He is outplaying Reks, and Raley who both have more experience than he does, and the Dodger offense is good enough to carry him while he gets his feet wet.
I love Ruiz LH swing as well. I’d hate to give him up in a deal unless it was a blockbuster. I’m sold on Busch being a future star for us but I think Hoese has some work to do. As who will make this pitching staff it’s all about options. If Nelson is healthy and continues to throw like he has, he’s making this team. And if everyone is healthy at the trade deadline he could be a huge chip in a package for a good young right handed left fielder.
I think if one of the lefties doesn’t step up at the end of the ST to join VGon then Price will pass the bullpen and Gonsolin will be # 5.
At the moment they are arranged like this:
1 CK22
2 Bauer
3 Buehler
4 Urias
Will it be a coincidence ???
It’s nice to see that David Price offered to be a reliever, but I’m guessing he starts. There seems to be little question that the Dodgers use all “seven starters” as starters at one point or another. All look pretty good. Then there is Jimmy Nelson. Impressive outings.
I agree with Bear on Peters. Hey, I’m impressed. The more I see McKinstry, the more impressed I become. Cleavinger has been pretty impressive, so has Neuse. Somebody is doing their homework on these trades.
Looks like 11,000 plus for opening day, but the next level is the one they need to reach, allows for 37,000 plus. May happen earlier than expected.
I agree with Dave Roberts on bubble wrapping Corey Seager until opening day. He’s firing on all cylinders.
Neuse needs to show me some of that AAA power before I am sold on him at all.
Agree. Let him work with our swing doctors. 2022 is his year.
Did anyone ask the pitchers if they would like home plate increased from 15″ to 18″?
I found this article on :”Baseball History
Comes Alive.” Although this doesn’t feature the Dodgers, I did find it interesting including the catcher who tried to catch a baseball dropped from 800 feet,
The Philadelphia Athletics Complete A Rare “Double Triple Steal”
You may be wondering what the heck is a “double triple steal.” You’re not alone. I had never even heard of it until recently. So if you don’t know what it is, let’s take a trip back in our baseball history time machine to the 1930s to find out…
This year will see the 87th anniversary of this really unusual game. Back on July 25, 1930, in a game between the defending World Champion Philadelphia Athletics and the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland’s League Park, the A’s – not known for their base-stealing ability – pulled off a real rarity: a “double triple steal.”
In the great featured photo, we see A’s stars Bing Miller, Mickey Cochrane, Al Simmons, and Jimmie Foxx.
Here’s the scene: There were two outs in the top of the first inning. Jimmy Dykes was at the plate batting for the A’s, and the Indians’ Pete Appleton was on the mound. The bases were loaded, with Al Simmons on third, Bing Miller on second, and Dib Williams on first. The A’s then successfully completed a “triple steal,” meaning all three runners advanced with steals of home, third and second.
OK…I think you’ll agree that’s pretty unusual…but here’s the real kicker: They did it again in the fourth inning! That’s right…in the same game, the A’s successfully completed a second “triple steal.” I doubt that’s ever been done before or since!
The second one also started with two outs. It was the top of the fourth with Bing Miller at the plate this time and Milt Shoffner pitching for the Indians. Mickey Cochrane was on third, Al Simmons on second, and Jimmie Foxx on first. Again,
they all stole a base. Right after the second triple steal, Bing Miller followed with an inside-the-park home run to complete a six-run inning. The A’s went on to win the game, pummeling the Indians in a 14-1 rout.
You might be wondering who the Indians catcher was that day. Was he just having a bad day or was he just not very good? I think the latter description applies. He was a guy I’ve never heard of named Joe Sprinz. In his three-year career, he batted .170 with no home runs and 2 RBIs. But he did have one notable “achievement.” Read this paragraph from his Wikipedia page:
“As a member of the San Francisco Seals, Sprinz attempted to beat the World Record for catching a baseball dropped from a great height, set by members of the 1938 Cleveland Indians. In 1939, Sprinz had a blimp hover overhead at 800 feet, from which balls were to be dropped for him to catch. On his fifth attempt, a baseball entered his glove, slamming his glove hand into his face with such force that he broke his upper jaw in twelve places, fractured five of his teeth, and he was rendered unconscious.”
Not only was he not a very good catcher, apparently he wasn’t real bright either…
A quick look through the box score that day reveals that Lefty Grove went the distance for his 14th win, while Appleton took the loss. The Indians were managed that year by Roger Peckinpaugh, and their lineup on this day was unnotable except for future Hall-of-Famers Earl Averill and Joe Sewell. Even though there was plenty of action with 18 hits and 15 runs scoring, the game was played in a nifty 2:08. (Today, this would have been a four-hour game easily!). The umpires that day were Bill McGown, Brick Owens, and Bick Campbell.
What makes it all the more interesting is that the A’s stole only 48 bases the entire season, ahead of only the Red Sox with 42. The total of seven stolen bases in this one game represented 15% of their entire season output!
What a great team the A’s of this era were (1929-’30-’31). Some baseball historians credit them as being one of the best ever. Their powerful roster included Hall-of-Famers Mickey Cochrane, Al Simmons, Jimmie Foxx, and the great Hall-of-Fame pitcher, Lefty Grove. The 1930 A’s finished the season at 102-52 (.662), eight games ahead of the Senators, and went on to defeat the Cardinals in the World Series 4-2. They captured their second straight World Series championship, having defeated the Cubs in the 1929 Fall Classic. They won another pennant in 1931 but lost the World Series to the Cardinals.
Yep, we’re seeing a different brand of baseball today. The odds of us ever seeing a “double triple steal” in the era of “home run or strikeout” in which we find ourselves is pretty remote.
Gary Livacari
This was my comment yesterday about the changes in MiLB. It drew ZERO comments. Today it was a main topic of Mark’s post:
“Well, I see Manfred and the MLB worker bees have been busy coming up with more changes to “re-imagine” the game and “add athleticism”. The changes last year and adjustments due to covid have now opened the door for more changes and MiLB experimentation. This will “create” interest and excitement eventually in MLB. You know, make the game like the NBA. Through “extensive research and opinion gathering” the Commish is “listening to the fans”.
What a crock.”
“Manfred and his clowns use the magic wand to have all the minors above short A play just 120 games with no playoffs (why is that?) but can’t successfully negotiate for things like the DH. They have no problems “re-imagining” baseball to their liking. From bigger bases to reducing pick off attempts, I count at least 20 “rules” either already implemented in MLB or being tried out in the minors this year. With the contentiousness between MLB and the Players Association making a work stoppage next year a real possibility, Manfred seems more concerned with “fixing” the obviously broken game. Do some tricks. Pull some rabbits out of the hat to gain interest from that crowd that spends more time on their cell phones than watching the game. The TV ratings will dictate how the game is played.
I have a suggestion; leave the friggin game alone and get a new Commissioner.”
Here are my thoughts today:
* First, I don’t like change for the sake of change. Maybe one of the experiments will ever be implemented in MLB.
* The poor minor leaguers lost a season, lost a spring train, start late, play only 120 games with no playoffs in the end and now get to play with some goofy “experimental” rules at every level, like lab rats.
* Tell me again how bigger bases are safer.- I see more guys trip or tumble over a base then slip on it. The surface is already rough. That’s a safety issue produced by a poor baserunner, not a defective (too small) base.
* Maybe they could recess the bases flat with the ground so nobody can trip, like home, If you want to make the bases safer you might tale the pitchers off them.
* They have just about eliminated holding runners in A ball. With having to step off on limiting the number of moves over, the rabbits can just tap in the starting blocks. It makes me wonder the wisdom of having A level pitchers abandon what they’ve learned about holding runners and mastering pick off moves. I’m sure the Andy Pettite types are happy to hear that their A move hs been taken away.
* New flash – teams are not stealing bases because the distance is too far, or because of low success rates or because the pitchers are holding them on so well. It’s because the team doesn’t want to. Current teams follow the metrics and don’t want to give up outs, even if their opponent is handcuffed to prevent it. It’s a team philosophy issue.
* I’m looking forward to more 5 minute replays as we all get to see if 6 inch shorter bases make for more reviews.
* In AA, this if the first rule in the process of banning the shift. I hate the rover in short right nabbing past base hits. But the real solution isn’t making more rules, it’s to hit the ball away from the shift. These rules are a concession to the Joey Gallo’s who refuse to adapt.
I guess I don’t think the game is broken and in need of more and more rules. And stupid ones to boot. I follow the game and not the TV ratings so things like field dimensions are a big change for me.
i’s sure maybe here disagree and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts..
I missed it Phil because I had some things going on here. But I totally agree that Manfred is nothing more than a tool. They are not listening to fans. If they were, the universal DH would be back already. I do not trust that guy as far as Mark could throw him. I am too damn old, I would hurt my back!
There are two things they are testing that I can get behind. Electronic strike zone, and making infielders keep two feet on the dirt and have 2 infielders on each side of second base. I hate the shift.
Bear, those are there only 2 worth considering in my mind too. I think the conversation about the ABS has practically ended since last season when many thought it would be in for 2020 in MLB. After no chat this winter, the system shows up in A ball.
I looked at who all have options and a lot of our guys have options. Doc has a lot of flexibility with this team because of all the options the guys have. Hell even Scott Alexander has an option year left. The only 2 guys that I personally think could be a problem or will be a problem that don’t have options are Joe Kelly (will be a problem) and Corey Knebel (could be a problem), that’s it.
Friedman has not only built a good team, but built a team with a lot of flexibility.
Pretty sure Kelly is going to be on the IL for a while, so he won’t be a problem out of the gate. Knebel looked better his last time out.
Good write-up, Phil, sorry I missed it. I agree about the shift, I hate it too. I like the electronic strike zone, and dh but think making the bases bigger is questionable. Are they trying to cut down on getting caught stealing a base or cutting down on injuries? Not sure.
Also I am not sure why we need these changes in the first place. Just my thoughts.
They are trying to bring the stolen base back, although most baseball people do not like wasting outs. They also are hoping that the size of the bases cuts down on collisions and injuries. Read MLBTR, they talk about all of them and the reasons for using them.
The shift doesn’t bother me, as positioning has always been part of the game. Why can’t batters act like Wee Willie Keeler and hit ’em where they ain’t? Especially in the age of the DH? Slightly bigger bases seem a fine way to reduce injury–and make it harder for guys like Machado to act like jerks. My favorite rule change opens extra innings with the runner on 2nd. It adds elements of excitement and strategy.
I’m intrigued by the electronic strike zone, but I wonder how it will measure the vertical parameters. I frankly don’t know the precise rules even now for measuring the vertical, which obviously alters with each batter. When we say “knees,” well, is that the bottom of the kneecap, top or middle? We say “letters” or chest or whatever, again, how do we be precise? (Will uniforms require sensors? Nipple pasties, perhaps? Can the Astros be trusted?)
When I’m catching my 11-year-old southpaw son, I tend to be a generous ump to encourage him. “Top of the ball, bottom of the knees,” I’ll say. Will the electronic zone be making that call?
On other matters, I wonder when Friedman will resume dealing from his surplus of quality arms. Nelson is a feel-good story that might feel better on a team that needs help (like the Angels) and has a good prospect to spare.
The electronic strike zone has become necessary, because of the lack of quality umpiring. Anyone who has played the game, can easily see how today’s calling of balls and strikes has deteriorated over the years. Heck, they never called them perfectly 60 years ago, when I was playing, but some of the stuff today has become ridiculous! The DH for the national league should have been done right when the american league made it permanent. I wasn’t in favor originally, but after using it last season, see the merits. Nobody wants to see pitchers hitting or risking injury running the bases. Everything else … leave it alone, and instead, get a real leader as commissioner. Manfred is an absolute embarrassment !!
I think it is time to eliminate real people playing the sport all together, just make it a virtual game, then no injuries, no people in the stands to spread dreaded diseases, no traffic jams in and around stadiums on game days, all stadiums could be retooled to be vaccine centers and homeless shelters, oh the list goes on and on as to the improvements that could be made for the game and society if only real players were eliminated from this obviously out of date and out of touch game called baseball.
Truth Hurts and Absurdity is even better!
Things change. That’s just progress. People who can’t adapt and won’t change are not progressive. Living in the past is generally considered to be a bad idea. In order to have light, you have to get current.
Read the rule book. I had to know it inside out when I umpired years ago. I’m sure there are a few things that have been amended. Even the Constitution has its amendments. It’s that progressive concept I mention. Move forward. Some of these changes will stick, some probably won’t. Whatever. I don’t play and I don’t coach anymore, and I haven’t umpired for years. I’m just an observer at this point. In the rule book there are clear definitions of the strike zone and interference/obstruction calls. Changing base size won’t effect those rules. What has always disturbed me is how badly those rules are interpreted by blue year after year.
My thoughts on this team haven’t changed. The starters we know already. Lux is my second baseman. The utility guy will be the closest we have to a Kiké clone. We will use at least 7 starters IF we go 162. I think we will have a full season if the nation gets behind the vaccination program. We will always have that 30% that covers their eyes and ears but speaks loudly.
O/U 105 wins. I’ve seen 1 person take the over.
Any type of progress – scientific or social – is based on the established and effective foundations of the past. One scientific discovery or innovation is always built on top of another. You don’t discard or toss out previous knowledge simply for the sake of change. You build on it in a methodical and rational way. Traditions form an important cohesive role as well as a foundation for what works. Roger Scruton is essential reading to understand this.
As for baseball, what makes baseball unique and special is it’s grounding in tradition. We can compare the play of Joe DiMaggio to todays players because the rules have been essentially unchanged. It’s what makes baseball attractive. It is a tradition. The more you change and tinker, the quicker it loses all connection to what was and becomes unrecognizable.
Cuts coming soon?