2016 MLB Regular-Season Thread

Greinke had never given up 5 in a game.

 

Settle down big guy. This is the baseball thread, we're all friends here. Snicker.

 

Vin just told a little diddy about Don Newcombe. Not sure its relevance but it was cute the way he told it. About the year he had 7 homers, 20 something RBIs "and oh by the way, he won 20 games!"

 

Boy sobering to see the Giants do the slow fade. I feel like a Yankee fan; after 3 titles, then seeing them dominate the 1st half, it seemed like a title was within reach. Now, they don't do anything above average. The pitching is gone, they get shutout at Coors Field, their closer has the most blown saves in MLB. The seasons not over, but it feels like it since late July.

 

We had ups and downs.

 

You should find out before you make that argument. Also, no way a major league team should put the playoff fortunes of a minor league affiliate ahead of the needs of the major league team. Sounds to me like an excuse to save a few pennies.

 

Do a lot of teams in contention typically bring up 15 players in September?

Seems like they bring up a few guys who they feel can help out, like a few relievers, a minor league starter to serve as a long man for the bullpen, an extra catcher, a couple other bench guys with some speed, power, or really good defensive ability. Maybe eight or nine guys, instead of 15. Or am I really off-base with this?

 

No, you're not off-base. There's more to it than just need -- bringing a guy up can cost you re: your control of him -- but you rarely bring up everybody that you can.

 

A team that brings up seven guys has brought up a lot.

And most teams do not drain their affiliates of talent for the playoffs. The minor league teams also have a business to run, and MLB teams do well to keep their affiliates happy.

 

What Old Tony said.

There is also this: Some guys are just not ready for the majors, even if they're on your 40-man.
After a quick search the Double-A Altoona Curve is in contention for the playoffs, and it's going right down to the wire.
Double-A naturally is where the prospects are.

 

If it were me, I would call up a few toolsy outfielders and relievers. Somebody that can steal me a base in a pinch, a left-handed bat.
There's no point calling up players to rot on the bench. These guys are used to playing every day.

 

I agree on that point. It should be guys who can pinch run or add depth to the bullpen. Perhaps a third catcher if you don't normally carry one.

All I was saying is that the initial argument you made, that the number of call-ups was limited by minor league affiliates being in the playoffs, was kind of silly. Could the seven they brought up be all they feel can help right now? Sure. But if a team was saying certain players could help, but we're keeping them down so Podunk can win the Class AAA championship, that would sound like an excuse to save a few bucks.