2018 MLB Spring Training Running Thread

So make it hockey by taking one player off the field in each extra inning. Why not go full stupid?

 

Yup. Though I had fun back in the day writing a few times a year about the non-prospect position player who earned the win by tossing a scoreless 16th & 17th inning.

 

I like this idea, in a way. Instead of putting a runner on second base in extra innings, pull an outfielder from the defense instead. Might be fun to see how the game plays out against two outfielders, and how teams adjust on the fly.

 

Just watched Freddie Freeman in an interview for the first time. Good head on his shoulders. Really personable.

 

Thought OOP might like this one.

 

They are seventh in payroll and they just bought the National League MVP. They didn't give up anything near Stanton's value in talent because they could take on the massive contract. They bought their last World Series championship and they are trying to do it again, though this time they are doing it the smart way again. This is how the run in the '90s began. They developed a strong core of talent from within and supplemented that roster with trades and free agency rather than just relying on expensive veterans.

I know some baseball apologists think they have a gotcha because the Yankees are currently only seventh in payroll, but that simply isn't true.

 

Looks like he felt free to lecture you about how the Yankees are trying to “buy” another championship.

 

And a year's supply of Rice O Roni if the pitcher strikes someone out.

 

The smart way to buy a championship is to not buy a championship?

 

Actually, the best move might be to take out your second baseman and play a shift (which so many teams do now anyway). arranging the three infielders depending on whether the batter's a lefty or righty, and bringing the opposite field outfielder in shallow. Obviously there are risks, but two outfielders could turn any gapper into an inside the park home run, or at least a triple.

 

Yeah, that's what I mean. Two outfielders opens some attractive gaps, but the batters still have to hit 'em. Any good drive or hard liner could turn into a double or more, and the game could get pretty fast at that point. And fun to watch.

 

The smart way to do it is to build up a solid talent base first, then buy the remaining pieces needed to put you over the top. That's how they did it in the '90s and what they seem to be doing now. If you never have to lose a player you develop and you can still purchase elite talent from other teams, you are still buying your success.