2013 MLB Regular Season running thread

Hell, nobody's even sure that superior in-game strategy has much value over the course of a season. Might win you 2-3 more games with all things being equal, so it definitely helps in a short series or the postseason. But if you've got a guy who can "optimize" his lineup construction and bullpen management, but cultivates dissension or apathy in the clubhouse, your team's going to be lucky to finish .500 no matter how talented it is.

 

It's raining right now at Wrigley Field...

 

Another shining moment for the umpires in Philly.
Kyle Kendrick gets picked off second, except the Brewers second baseman dropped the ball. The ball hit Kendrick in the shoulder and rolled back toward the bag, where the Brewers guy picks up the loose ball. Ump calls Kendrick out, then Cesar Hernandez hits what would've been a game-tying double. Instead, the Brewers work their way out of the jam and win 4-3.

 

And...?

 

I think a logical step forward would be to ignore anyone who posts abuse about managers and can't get their names right.

 

Mike Matheny, my bad.

 

In an act of unbelievable stupidity, the Braves pinch hit Reed Johnson for Jason Heyward in a tie game in the ninth inning. Wow.

 

At this exact moment, the Chicago Cubs have a better run differential than the New York Yankees. Baseball is weird.

 

Yup. Awful call. But, in the umpire's defense, he was in position, the ball was initially caught and wasn't dropped until it was under Kendrick and shielded from the ump. The true giveaway, however, should have been that Segura (shortstop, not second baseman, BTW) showed the ball in his bare hand.

 

I'm almost starting to buy into the conspiracy theories that the umps are doing this on purpose to protest instant replay.

 

The problem with that theory is, some were so bad to start with (Hello, Angel Hernandez), it's hard to imagine them getting worse.