The Official MERB 2010 Baseball Thread.

[lgna69xxx]

No kidding, i had not seen that article yet, maybe i am getting like JoeT and getting good at predictions thanks for posting it JohnM

Seriously tho, it makes sense to expand the wild card option of making the playoffs, that way the less talented teams who are on the cusp of being good,(White Sox,Padres,cardinals,red sox to name a few) actually get to prove they belong by at least making it to the playoffs. Also it helps to grow the game further by having more teams in, which means more interest by more fans

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/10/28/playoffs.selig.ap/index.html

 

[lgna69xxx]

ROFL! i think your frustrations are felt by ALOT of people, but for me, i cant say i am one of them, at least when i pay big $ to go to a game in person, watching on tv is a little different. When i go to a professional sporting event in a nice stadium or arena, i want to be there as long as possible. The atmosphere to me is great, especially when my team is one of the 2 playing. On tv you have so many options at your disposal with the remote right next to ya so if the game is boring or a blowout and is going on way to long, just change it, but in person, it is the awesome atmosphere i love and dont care to go home very soon after arriving. Longer the better!, i used to love the rain delays at the Big "O" when they never shut the roof, lol, more time to meet, chat and exchange phone numbers with French Canadian Girls and drink another O'Keefe!

MLB also has to address how to make the games shorter. There have been way too many 4+ hours games this past season. Baseball used to be a 2 hour game, not 3 or 4. Other pro leagues such as the NHL, NFL & the NBA have altered & inserted rules in order to try to speed up the games. Shot clocks, new rules in regards to off-sides, play clocks, etc. Why is MLB the only sport where there's a long break during the 7th inning (7th inning stretch) and another song or anthem is sung? It's fucking ridiculous if you ask me! What the hell does a stupid song, anthem or whatever, have to do with a sports game? They should get rid of the national anthems altogether! The games are already long enough & there are more players in MLB that aren't even from Canada or the States. What if they'd start asking that the Dominican Republic national anthem be played? Cuba's? Venezuela's? Japan's? And so on...........get rid of them! Insert 'pitch clocks' where the pitcher has 10 or 15 seconds to throw the stupid ball once the catcher has thrown it back to him. If the idiot hasn't thrown the ball yet, call a ball on him. Also limit the number of mound visits per inning, by all parties, not just coaches or managers. One per inning for everybody, and if either the catcher or first basemen goes up to the pitcher for a discussion after him having being visited once, it's a balk! And if all of this doesn't work, play 7 innings! Today, a 9 inning baseball game is simply too long & a big reason for this is the commercialization of the sport. Take away all the sponsorships (commercials, etc) and just see how much time would be saved in the lenght of a ballgame.

I understand that my views & suggestions might offend the die-hard baseball fans, but those are fewer & fewer in numbers. I don't know a single 'die-hard' baseball fan under the age of 50. Most of the 40-something fans i know are passionate about the sport, but can't be considered to be true die-hards. Most of the ones i know or are aware of are old geezers who are retired or approaching retirement. Twenty or thirty years from now, so-called die-hard baseball fans will be a dying breed. Literally! There are fewer & fewer die-hard baseball fans in their 20's & 30's. The truth is, most of them don't give a flying fuck about baseball & look at us as a bunch of retards when they see us spending 3 hours a day nearly every single day in front of the tv watching baseball. I keep hearing them say that i'm waisting my life away spending that much time in front of the tube (or travelling out of town to catch a few games) and that it's total nonsense. But who am i to say that they're totally wrong about this? Think about it....

It's time for old man Bud Selig & his cronies to wake-up & make some drastic changes in order to save major league baseball & encourage future generations to become fans of this great game we all love!

 

[EagerBeaver]

MLB also has to address how to make the games shorter. There have been way too many 4+ hours games this past season. Baseball used to be a 2 hour game, not 3 or 4. Other pro leagues such as the NHL, NFL & the NBA have altered & inserted rules in order to try to speed up the games. Shot clocks, new rules in regards to off-sides, play clocks, etc. Why is MLB the only sport where there's a long break during the 7th inning (7th inning stretch) and another song or anthem is sung? It's fucking ridiculous if you ask me! What the hell does a stupid song, anthem or whatever, have to do with a sports game? They should get rid of the national anthems altogether! The games are already long enough & there are more players in MLB that aren't even from Canada or the States. What if they'd start asking that the Dominican Republic national anthem be played? Cuba's? Venezuela's? Japan's? And so on...........get rid of them! Insert 'pitch clocks' where the pitcher has 10 or 15 seconds to throw the stupid ball once the catcher has thrown it back to him. If the idiot hasn't thrown the ball yet, call a ball on him. Also limit the number of mound visits per inning, by all parties, not just coaches or managers. One per inning for everybody, and if either the catcher or first basemen goes up to the pitcher for a discussion after him having being visited once, it's a balk! And if all of this doesn't work, play 7 innings! Today, a 9 inning baseball game is simply too long & a big reason for this is the commercialization of the sport. Take away all the sponsorships (commercials, etc) and just see how much time would be saved in the lenght of a ballgame.

I understand that my views & suggestions might offend the die-hard baseball fans, but those are fewer & fewer in numbers. I don't know a single 'die-hard' baseball fan under the age of 50. Most of the 40-something fans i know are passionate about the sport, but can't be considered to be true die-hards. Most of the ones i know or are aware of are old geezers who are retired or approaching retirement. Twenty or thirty years from now, so-called die-hard baseball fans will be a dying breed. Literally! There are fewer & fewer die-hard baseball fans in their 20's & 30's. The truth is, most of them don't give a flying fuck about baseball & look at us as a bunch of retards when they see us spending 3 hours a day nearly every single day in front of the tv watching baseball. I keep hearing them say that i'm waisting my life away spending that much time in front of the tube (or travelling out of town to catch a few games) and that it's total nonsense. But who am i to say that they're totally wrong about this? Think about it....

It's time for old man Bud Selig & his cronies to wake-up & make some drastic changes in order to save major league baseball & encourage future generations to become fans of this great game we all love!

I believe one of the reasons games have gotten longer is the embracing of sabermetrics and the so called "Moneyball" philosophy being preached in many baseball organizations. This emphasizes batters being patient and taking pitches in an effort to wear down the opposing starting pitcher. The other things you mentioned are more secondary factors in prolonging games. High pitch counts is the bigger factor in prolonging games. You can blame Bill James, if you are looking for a solitary scapegoat.

I heard a long interview today on WFAN with one of the smaller stars in "Moneyball", new Mets GM Sandy Alderson. During the interview with Mike Francesa, Alderson admitted that he "suspected" Jose Canseco of using steroids during the late 1980s halycon days of the Oakland As when he was their GM. He also admitted that although he did not harbor the same suspicions of Mark McGwire, because he came from a "larger family" including a brother who played in the NFL, he said that he believed McGwire looked "way too big" in 1991 when he suffered the plantar facsitis injury. Alderson also admitted that because the As were one of the first teams to hire a strength and conditioning coach and develop a significant offseason strength and conditioning program, they may have "inadvertently" ushered in the Steroid Revolution in baseball from 1988-2003. Alderson also blamed the Steroid Revolution on Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson who was caught at the 1988 Olympics, and said this watershed event became the dawn of the Steroid Revolution.

 

[Jman47]

MLB also has to address how to make the games shorter. There have been way too many 4+ hours games this past season. Baseball used to be a 2 hour game, not 3 or 4. Other pro leagues such as the NHL, NFL & the NBA have altered & inserted rules in order to try to speed up the games. Shot clocks, new rules in regards to off-sides, play clocks, etc. Why is MLB the only sport where there's a long break during the 7th inning (7th inning stretch) and another song or anthem is sung? It's fucking ridiculous if you ask me! What the hell does a stupid song, anthem or whatever, have to do with a sports game? They should get rid of the national anthems altogether! The games are already long enough & there are more players in MLB that aren't even from Canada or the States. What if they'd start asking that the Dominican Republic national anthem be played? Cuba's? Venezuela's? Japan's? And so on...........get rid of them! Insert 'pitch clocks' where the pitcher has 10 or 15 seconds to throw the stupid ball once the catcher has thrown it back to him. If the idiot hasn't thrown the ball yet, call a ball on him. Also limit the number of mound visits per inning, by all parties, not just coaches or managers. One per inning for everybody, and if either the catcher or first basemen goes up to the pitcher for a discussion after him having being visited once, it's a balk! And if all of this doesn't work, play 7 innings! Today, a 9 inning baseball game is simply too long & a big reason for this is the commercialization of the sport. Take away all the sponsorships (commercials, etc) and just see how much time would be saved in the lenght of a ballgame.

I understand that my views & suggestions might offend the die-hard baseball fans, but those are fewer & fewer in numbers. I don't know a single 'die-hard' baseball fan under the age of 50. Most of the 40-something fans i know are passionate about the sport, but can't be considered to be true die-hards. Most of the ones i know or are aware of are old geezers who are retired or approaching retirement. Twenty or thirty years from now, so-called die-hard baseball fans will be a dying breed. Literally! There are fewer & fewer die-hard baseball fans in their 20's & 30's. The truth is, most of them don't give a flying fuck about baseball & look at us as a bunch of retards when they see us spending 3 hours a day nearly every single day in front of the tv watching baseball. I keep hearing them say that i'm waisting my life away spending that much time in front of the tube (or travelling out of town to catch a few games) and that it's total nonsense. But who am i to say that they're totally wrong about this? Think about it....

It's time for old man Bud Selig & his cronies to wake-up & make some drastic changes in order to save major league baseball & encourage future generations to become fans of this great game we all love!

Well Doc...two questions come to mind just based on the way you state things:
1. What do you REALLY know about the American tradition and sport of baseball?
2. Which age group do you fall into?

I don't ask the questions with malice...I ask because much of what you are saying steps all over the game and some of its traditions. For example the song/anthem you refer to during the 7th inning stretch (Google 7th inning stretch to learn about that tradition) has traditionally been "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and its as old as the game.
The song "God Bless America" became largly popular (Sunday, playoff and other special games) after the attacks on our country on 9/11/01. It is simply an expression of patriotism...I find your comments to be insulting.

Another...there is a limit to the number of mound visits by a manager or coach before he must make a change. Catcher time outs are controlled by the umpires.

Another...a pitch clock is not practical...there is a thing called base running...if there were a clock the runner would know when to steal...

Another...most of the wasted time between pitches is because of BATTERS, not pitchers asking for time out and it being GRANTED by the umpire.


I will defer all other comment for now, you should get a rule book and do a little more homework before commenting further.

One of the beauties of baseball and the thing that distinguishes it from every other sport is...there is NO time clock and it ain't over until the last out is recorded. It's part of the beauty and uniqueness of the game.

BTW, I do not fall into the age class you refer to as "old", so lets toss that out the window. My advise to people who can't relax for 3 or 4 hours - learn to relax.

Have fun,

Jman

 

[Jman47]

I believe one of the reasons games have gotten longer is the embracing of sabermetrics and the so called "Moneyball" philosophy being preached in many baseball organizations. This emphasizes batters being patient and taking pitches in an effort to wear down the opposing starting pitcher. The other things you mentioned are more secondary factors in prolonging games. High pitch counts is the bigger factor in prolonging games. You can blame Bill James, if you are looking for a solitary scapegoat.

Ya know Beav...you have uttered some amazingly stupid things...this is just one of them. If I did not know any better I'd say it was that thing at the end of a candle...lol.

Who are some of the worst time wasters you have witnessed play...you know, the guys who have to step out on every pitch, fix their gloves & fix their make up & adjust their cups & spit 3 times & whatever else they do...
Nomar - used to drive me crazy
ARod - how many times can you adjust a cup protecting nothing
Pedroia - becoming the new Nomar
Cano - One of the WORST
Posada - DITTO
Swisher - how many times can you focus in an AB

I can go on and on...but you get the picture - THIS is what delays a game. I say...JUST stand there and f^%$ing bat!!!

I agree - there should be efforts made to speed up a game. You can't have a pitch clock, it impedes the running game. BUT the umpires control the time outs...how about they just say NO...play ball...hmmmm....what a novel idea.

Have fun,

Jman

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

Ya know Beav...you have uttered some amazingly stupid things...this is just one of them. If I did not know any better I'd say it was that thing at the end of a candle...lol.

Y'know, Jman, the Beav has said an enormous amount of stupid shit in this thread, but here I'd have to agree with him...to a limited degree, though I wouldn't "blame" Bill James. Longer at bats is one factor.

Increased advertising is another. I've seen a tape of the sixth game of the 1952 World Serious. One 30 second Gillette commercial between each inning.

Blame Al Quaida. The playing of God Bless America in the seventh inning has added 3-4 minutes to ballgames all by itself. While I'm in total accord with Doc as far as getting rid of national anthems at athletic events, the idea of playing two, count 'em (2), jingoistic songs at each game positively turns my stomach.

Pitching changes is probably the biggest factor in longer games.

More dangerous hitters create longer games. Pitchers used to pitch to contact; let him hit the ball, just don't let him hit it hard. Now with many more players (and DHs) capable of hitting home runs, more pitchers are pitching to strike out. That creates longer at bats, longer games.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Jman47,

Your post is completely idiotic and you apparently know little or nothing about the game, which is one of the reasons why I rarely post in this thread. Anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that higher pitch counts are the primary reason why baseball games have gotten longer. There have always been guys in the game who were time wasters. Joe Morgan wasted time, so did many other players who played in the 1970s either as much or way more than the guys you mentioned. I can name them but I doubt you ever heard of them or saw them play so why bother. The thing that has changed is not the players or the way they are playing, it is organizational philosophies on how to play.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

The World Series aren't as interesting without any of the two teams i love to hate, the Yankees & Red Sox. I haven't watched a single game yet. I'm simply not interested & the baseball season is way too long. Hopefully i'll regain interest if it goes to a game 6 or 7. I honestly don't give a crap who wins the World Series with these two teams involved.

I don't think I've ever disagreed with a post more than I disagree with this one. I think this is a great match up. Two long time underachieving teams, one which started the season with a $65 M payroll, the other with $96 M. One team that's never even played in a World Serious, the other hasn't won one since 1954, and never in their current home city. One team comes from a vibrant, cultural mecca full of progressive people, the other from the redneck capital of the western world, full of people like Jerry Jones and CS Martin. And both teams are full of likeable players.

I know Yankee fans feel like they're entitled to win every year, and hell, why not, they paid for it. But as a Red Sox fan, I have no problem on the sidelines and, of course, I still know that the Sox are the only team to have won two championships in the 21st century.

 

[Jman47]

Jman47,

Your post is completely idiotic and you apparently know little or nothing about the game, which is one of the reasons why I rarely post in this thread. Anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that higher pitch counts are the primary reason why baseball games have gotten longer. There have always been guys in the game who were time wasters. Joe Morgan wasted time, so did many other players who played in the 1970s either as much or way more than the guys you mentioned. I can name them but I doubt you ever heard of them or saw them play so why bother. The thing that has changed is not the players or the way they are playing, it is organizational philosophies on how to play.

You should be ashamed of yourself, I thought more highly of you...and you should also know more about the person you are talking to before you level an insult. I know more about baseball than you have probably forgotten. But thats ok...I have nothing to prove to you. And wow...I am the reason you rarely post?!...that sir is an idiotic statement.

And yes, SIR ... I do remember Morgan, Bench, Rose, Stargell, Schmidt, Luzinski, Carlton...shall I go on...do you want to go back to the '60's or jump ahead to the '80's? Want to talk history or statistics?

I agree that the abundance of information has led to over analysis and in some cases paralysis of the game...but you blamed one man, one concept and tied it to certain organizations; when in fact ALL MLB teams subscribe to similar systems...that is what my comment was about.

I do suppose that somewhere there are timed statistics on time wasters at the plate on a per pitch basis that you will be quoting...

BTW...what drives up pitch count?

Have Fun,

Jman

 

[Merlot]

Hello all,

WOW! You know whats amazing about baseball this time of year is the total unpredictability...I love it.

Here we have a Giants team that scored a total of 19 runs in the NLCS vs Phila who has ripped the Rangers pitching for 20 runs in 2 games. We have a Rangers team who amassed 38 runs while manhandling the Yankees (who scored a lowly 19) in the ALCS being held to a paltry 7 runs in two games. Great stuff.

So far the Giants have had home field which means the Rangers were forced to play without their DH. Now as the series shifts back to Texas, I suspect we may see some more Rangers fireworks and find some holes in a Giants pitching staff that this far has been outstanding in its execution. But as Cliff Lee showed in Game 1...even the best, just by the law of averages, is bound to have a bad day now and then.

Should be fun. I see it going 7 games. Hell I would not be surprised if the Rangers take 2 of 3 in Arlington and then go back to San Fran and win 2 straight....

LOL...either way...no matter who wins...Bengie Molina gets a ring...

Have fun,

Jman

I was hoping a new team (Rangers) would win the Seires, but I have to say I didn't know all that much about the Giants until the NLCS. After seeing how Texas manhandled the Yankees it's shocking to see how the Giants are doing even worse to the Rangers. The indications were there in how the Giants handled that amazing Phillies pitching trio, but this Series is still a bit of a shock considering Cliff Lee and C. J. Wilson got knocked off like they were clay pigeons. The Rangers may comeback at home, but the way the Giants are going it doesn't look like homefield matters.

Why is MLB the only sport where there's a long break during the 7th inning (7th inning stretch) and another song or anthem is sung? It's fucking ridiculous if you ask me! What the hell does a stupid song, anthem or whatever, have to do with a sports game? They should get rid of the national anthems altogether!

Anthems Doc? You want to get rid of anthems? For Hockey too? How does eliminating respect and honor for our countries improve the game?

Why hasn't MLB shown some initiative & use a successful formula in order to try to lure fans to their stadiums? I'm alluding to SEX. Cheerleaders. There are cheerleaders in the NFL, NBA, and now several NHL teams. Teams are putting out all stops in trying to fill their seats. Why haven't we seen this strategy in MLB? Heck, just a decade or two ago, you could go to Tampa or some other city in Florida & buy a hotdog from a girl in a thong. People were lining up for hotdogs! Imagine how successful this would be if you'd have a special 'adult' section at a ballpark where the vendors are hot girls in thongs?

Yeah, rip out half the concessions and put in private sex booths too...lol.

I love cheerleaders and have fantasized about being the lone male donor at a cheerleader orgy, but I've been to many professional baseball, football, basketball, and hockey games and never bought any of those tickets because of cheerleaders...and never cared if they were there. Though big-boobed bouncing boombshell barbie blonde bimbos (try saying that three times fast) in thongs would make a difference...lol. But there goes the "family" sales angle.

The best thing about baseball is the absence of a clock. If you put one in, figuratively speaking, it isn't baseball any more. Back in the 2004 ALCS a number of games went over 5 hours long. Didn't notice. When it's a great game no one cares about time.

WAKEFIELD RECEIVES CLEMENTE AWARD
Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox has been named the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet today at a press conference prior to Game Two of the World Series at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

Bestowed annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines a dedication to giving back to the community with outstanding skills on the baseball field, the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet recognizes players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their Clubs. The Award pays tribute to Clemente's achievements and character by recognizing talented current players who truly understand the value of helping others.

Way to Go Wake!

Have fun,

Jman

Just a totally awesome guy. I heard this morning that Wake has been nominated 8 times straight for this award and now finally won it. An outstanding team player who among many notable game moments sacrificed himself in game 3 of the 2004 ALCS to save the pitching staff, and who has always been a great all-around person for the community at large. BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Tim Wakefield on receiving the Roberto Clemente Award.

Many Cheers of Pride,

Merlot

 

[lgna69xxx]

EB, nice post and as usual, SPOT ON! .... look at the avg. time of game between the Yanks and red sox, always near or over 4 hours per game, and as has been mentioned over and over again by the play by play guys, and experts, it is pitch count being the main reason, and both teams are notorious for taking pitches and driving those counts high. (Doc, i dont think we will ever see a "time clock" in between pitches lol)

You should post more Beav, you have alot of baseball knowledge to offer and it shows.

Jman47,

Your post is completely idiotic and you apparently know little or nothing about the game, which is one of the reasons why I rarely post in this thread. Anyone who knows anything about baseball knows that higher pitch counts are the primary reason why baseball games have gotten longer. There have always been guys in the game who were time wasters. Joe Morgan wasted time, so did many other players who played in the 1970s either as much or way more than the guys you mentioned. I can name them but I doubt you ever heard of them or saw them play so why bother. The thing that has changed is not the players or the way they are playing, it is organizational philosophies on how to play.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

Although the Beav has said an inordinate amount of stupid shit™ in this thread, his stupid shit™ quotient takes a distant back seat to that of Joe "I never met a game I couldn't over-manage" Girardi.

Red Sox and Blue Jays fans can celebrate this morning as Girardi has come to terms on a three year mega-million dollar deal with the under-achieving overpaid NY Yankees. The fact of the matter is, however, is that they'll probably be paying him to play golf for the final two years of the deal after they can his sorry ass after another dismal, failed season in 2011.

 

[Jman47]

EB, nice post and as usual, SPOT ON! .... look at the avg. time of game between the Yanks and red sox, always near or over 4 hours per game, and as has been mentioned over and over again by the play by play guys, and experts, it is pitch count being the main reason, and both teams are notorious for taking pitches and driving those counts high. (Doc, i dont think we will ever see a "time clock" in between pitches lol)

You should post more Beav, you have alot of baseball knowledge to offer and it shows.

Higher pitch counts are a direct result of 2 things.
1. The pitcher being more selective in his choices as dictated by the info he has available from analysis of the batters.
2. The batter doing WHATEVER he can to disrupt the pitchers rhythm - IE stepping out of the box countless time during EACH pitch and being allowed to do so by the umpire. That is why Sox - Yanks games take so long...BOTH teams subscribe to the same tactics.
Interesting recent read on the BATTER and the tactic of taking pitches: http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2010/10/yankees_vs_rangers_being_picky.html

You guys can debate a point and thats cool, actually admirable...but once in a while you should listen to what the other guy has to say...You may actually learn something.

General comment -
Its laughable...I know it is the season of politics and the election is upon us...but in a baseball thread, on an escort web site, based in Montreal...I have to agree with EB here...what a waste of my time and energy to participate in such tripe...

Nice job with the dog names. Great little game you got going on. I guess in this case you play the role of Roofus to the Beav...thats funny. Gotta ask, do you watch "Family Guy"? Brian is my fav dog. Ever see the episode where Brian owes Stewie a payback and he never knows when its gonna happen...then at the end, out of nowhere, totally unsuspecting he gets shoved in front of a bus...man that was a funny episode. I split a gut every time I think about it.

Hello all,



I was hoping a new team (Rangers) would win the Seires, but I have to say I didn't know all that much about the Giants until the NLCS. After seeing how Texas manhandled the Yankees it's shocking to see how the Giants are doing even worse to the Rangers. The indications were there in how the Giants handled that amazing Phillies pitching trio, but this Series is still a bit of a shock considering Cliff Lee and C. J. Wilson got knocked off like they were clay pigeons. The Rangers may comeback at home, but the way the Giants are going it doesn't look like homefield matters.

Hello M,

Lets see how the Giants do on the road, under an AL setting before we throw in the towel on the Rangers. Remember, its the Post Season where anything can and does happen. Remember the headlines in '04 when the Red Sox were down 3 - 0 ... feels like yesterday.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Have fun,

Jman

 

[Jman47]

Although the Beav has said an inordinate amount of stupid shit™ in this thread, his stupid shit™ quotient takes a distant back seat to that of Joe "I never met a game I couldn't over-manage" Girardi.

Red Sox and Blue Jays fans can celebrate this morning as Girardi has come to terms on a three year mega-million dollar deal with the under-achieving overpaid NY Yankees. The fact of the matter is, however, is that they'll probably be paying him to play golf for the final two years of the deal after they can his sorry ass after another dismal, failed season in 2011.

HERE, HERE...

Have fun,

Jman

 

[Joe.t]

Although the Beav has said an inordinate amount of stupid shit™ in this thread, his stupid shit™ quotient takes a distant back seat to that of Joe "I never met a game I couldn't over-manage" Girardi.

Red Sox and Blue Jays fans can celebrate this morning as Girardi has come to terms on a three year mega-million dollar deal with the under-achieving overpaid NY Yankees. The fact of the matter is, however, is that they'll probably be paying him to play golf for the final two years of the deal after they can his sorry ass after another dismal, failed season in 2011.

I have to disagree with you rumples, the biggest failure in professional sports next to the Cubs would have to be the Red Sox, 2 World Series wins in 96 years is just plain failure of epic proportions, especially when the 04 and 07 wins have **** beside their wins(Oritiz, Ramirez and god knows who else), heck, even the Blue Jays have won it twice but they don't have **** beside their wins, the reality is that we will never ever ever see the Red Sox win it in our lifetime due to mismanagement, sabremetrics(ineffective system and rejected by 95% of the baseball world) etc etc.

As far as speeding up the game and making it more exciting I would love to see a 3 balls and 3 strike pitch count(eliminate the 4th ball), it would force pitchers to throw strikes and would make the game more exciting, also I hate it when a batter fouls off 10 foul balls, make it that lets say that after 6 foul balls it is a automatic out, my 2 cents.

 

[Jman47]

I have to disagree with you rumples, the biggest failure in professional sports next to the Cubs would have to be the Red Sox, 2 World Series wins in 96 years is just plain failure of epic proportions, especially when the 04 and 07 wins have **** beside their wins(Oritiz, Ramirez and god knows who else), heck, even the Blue Jays have won it twice but they don't have **** beside their wins, the reality is that we will never ever ever see the Red Sox win it in our lifetime due to mismanagement, sabremetrics(ineffective system and rejected by 95% of the baseball world) etc etc.

Do you REALLY want to go there??? You failed to mention the Yankees **** titles...
In addition to those, evidence points to steroid and other PHD being WIDELY used from lets say the mid '80's (definately early 90's) though the current season. So I suppose we should **** all of those titles? Which kinda put everyone on equal footing wouldn't you say?

As far as speeding up the game and making it more exciting I would love to see a 3 balls and 3 strike pitch count(eliminate the 4th ball), it would force pitchers to throw strikes and would make the game more exciting, also I hate it when a batter fouls off 10 foul balls, make it that lets say that after 6 foul balls it is a automatic out, my 2 cents.

In a game where the rules already favor the pitcher...as is evident since the hitter fails to produce in over 7 out of every 10 plate appearances...why do we want to give the pitcher more weapons. Hell...why not just just expand the strike zone (nose to toes and box to box)!?...much simpler solution. Because in a sport where hitters FAIL 7 in 10 times it would behoove the game and entice kids to play if we gave them the opportunity to fail more often. Ya, right...

All of these comments relative to speeding up the game are why? Because as individuals some think it takes "too much" of our individual precious time to watch and enjoy a ball game? If thats the case I say try WWF or something else mindless to entertain yourself...but don't advocate ruining the game of baseball because you want everything to fit in a tidy little time frame.

Have fun,

Jman

 

[Merlot]

I have to disagree with you rumples, the biggest failure in professional sports next to the Cubs would have to be the Red Sox, 2 World Series wins in 96 years is just plain failure of epic proportions, especially when the 04 and 07 wins have **** beside their wins(Oritiz, Ramirez and god knows who else), heck, even the Blue Jays have won it twice but they don't have **** beside their wins, the reality is that we will never ever ever see the Red Sox win it in our lifetime due to mismanagement, sabremetrics(ineffective system and rejected by 95% of the baseball world) etc etc.

As far as speeding up the game and making it more exciting I would love to see a 3 balls and 3 strike pitch count(eliminate the 4th ball), it would force pitchers to throw strikes and would make the game more exciting, also I hate it when a batter fouls off 10 foul balls, make it that lets say that after 6 foul balls it is a automatic out, my 2 cents.

LOL,

So the the 04 and 07 wins "in our lifetime" don't count??? Right, because they were Red Sox wins, and it would eliminate the biggest collapse in history...by the Yankees. Gee, that's not just a little too self-serving is it...lol. Another steroids cheap shot from a fan of the team (Yankees) with the most named players on the steroids list...a list that also impugns the Blue Jays ala Clemens and nearly every team that has won the Series in the roid era. Yet, for YOU the Sox championships are the only ones who shouldn't count. Who could have guessed that...lol. Really, drop it. Every time you bring this up you are shooting huge holes in the Yankees most of all.

Reducing the number of allowed foul balls or making all of them strikes would be the biggest possible factor in shortening all of the games. But aren't pitcher-batter duels high drama and so, EXCITING!

Driving up pitch counts is a legitimate part of the game. It's as much of a skill as making batters swing at balls out of the strike zone or using brush back pitches to throw a batter off.

Cheers,

Merlot

 

[Jman47]

LOL,

Another steroids cheap shot from a fan of the team (Yankees) with the most named players on the steroids list...a list that also impugns the Blue Jays ala Clemens and nearly every team that has won the Series in the roid era. Yet, for YOU the Sox championships are the only ones who shouldn't count. Who could have guessed that...lol. Really, drop it. Every time you bring this up you are shooting huge holes in the Yankees most of all.

So the the 04 and 07 wins "in our lifetime" don't count??? Right, because they were Red Sox wins, and it would eliminate the biggest collapse in history...by the Yankees. Gee, that's not just a little too self-serving is it...lol.

Reducing the number of allowed foul balls or making all of them strikes would be the biggest possible factor in shortening all of the games. But aren't pitcher-batter duels high drama and so, EXCITING!

Driving up pitch counts is a legitimate part of the game. It's as much of a skill as making batters swing at balls out of the strike zone or using brush back pitches to throw a batter off.

Cheers,

Merlot

Well said Merlot. In other words...its all "part of the game"...BRAVO!!!

Have fun,

Jman

 

[Doc Holliday]

ROFL! i think your frustrations are felt by ALOT of people, but for me, i cant say i am one of them, at least when i pay big $ to go to a game in person, watching on tv is a little different. When i go to a professional sporting event in a nice stadium or arena, i want to be there as long as possible. The atmosphere to me is great, especially when my team is one of the 2 playing. On tv you have so many options at your disposal with the remote right next to ya so if the game is boring or a blowout and is going on way to long, just change it, but in person, it is the awesome atmosphere i love and dont care to go home very soon after arriving. Longer the better!, i used to love the rain delays at the Big "O" when they never shut the roof, lol, more time to meet, chat and exchange phone numbers with French Canadian Girls and drink another O'Keefe!

I attend approximately 20-25 games a year & i usually arrive late or leave early since my back can't take sitting in those crummy seats for more than 2 hours. I've had several back surgeries in the past & it prevents me from standing up or sitting down for long periods of time, which is the main reason why i can't drive to Mtl anymore. So maybe, just maybe...if i'd be as healthy as you are, maybe i wouldn't mind spending 3-4 hours at a ballpark.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Well Doc...two questions come to mind just based on the way you state things:
1. What do you REALLY know about the American tradition and sport of baseball?
2. Which age group do you fall into?

1. Contrary to the majority of the people posting in this particular thread, I actually played the sport for many years. I played organized baseball from the age of 6 until age 35. I was fortunate enough to win many mvp awards in several of the different leagues i played in. I was a pitcher, but played various positions around the infield & outfield when i hit the 30's since i had lost my fastball. But i could still hit pretty good. I had quite a bit of speed when i played in my teens & twenties, but two back surgeries in my late 20's & early 30's killed any amount of speed i had left. The fact i had wrecked my knees while playing ball didn't help either. Back in the 80's, I once participated in a baseball tournament held at the Big 'O'. Back in the days of the Expos, i ranked baseball as my #1 sport over hockey. I was passionate/fanatic about it. I listened to every single radio broadcast (prior to the age of cable tv & later satellite tv) of the Expos, either with Jacques Doucet & Claude Raymond as broadcasters, or Dave Van Horne & Duke Snider. Baseball has been in my blood for my entire life....i have two uncles who nearly made it to the pros & both parents starred in the sport (one at an amateur level, the other at the semi-pro level) until their mid-30's. Okay, enough about me & my various exploits.

2. To your second question, i'm in my 40's. Many who've met me believe i'm in my 30's, but i'm actually closer to 50. Blame it on the secret potion i've been taking with my food over the past 10 years.

Now, what about you? I ask you the same questions. What are your 'baseball' credentials? In what age group do you belong to?