⚾ The MLB Thread

[InCali]

It is quite unbecoming for a 64-year-old man to act in this manner. Michael Kay, it’s time to grow up. However, I suspect that his behavior is influenced by his superiors, who instruct him to consistently criticize Juan Soto and misrepresent his intentions regarding his decision to remain a Met, or suggest that he regrets it. The Mets have already debunked this narrative.

The day after the Subway Series in Boston, Juan Soto clarified to the media that he has no regrets about signing with the Mets. He stated, “We have a good team; we’re never out of any game.” Additionally, Mets YouTubers highlighted that Michael Kay lied about Zach Wilson, showcasing a pattern of fabricating stories. Nevertheless, Kay continues to show up at tailgates at the beautiful Citi Field—a genuine ballpark—in stark contrast to the little league field where his Yankees play. Was his intention to incite a riot or provoke someone into throwing at him, hoping he could sue or insult us?

For years, it was the worst-kept secret in MLB that Juan Soto would eventually become a Met; it was only a matter of time. I also believe that the Yankees' security mistreated his family. I visited the old Yankee Stadium once, and it was the worst experience ever.

Congratulations to Pete Alonso on tying and surpassing David Wright! He has been incredibly clutch throughout the year. However, Major League Baseball must address the ongoing issue with umpires, as they frequently struggle to call balls and strikes accurately. If we reach the World Series and lose due to these mistakes, I will be extremely frustrated, especially considering we have the best record in the National League. I may be one of the few who believed in this team when I confidently said, “Bring on everybody!” at the start of the year. The media has noted that this Mets team has 1986 vibes. A year ago, they were saying to blow up the core; now we are the best team since 1986!
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Yankees announcer Michael Kay goes scorched earth on Mets fans: ‘Ill-informed nit wits’
Michael Kay goes off on Mets fans over Juan Soto gripe: ‘Ill-informed nitwits’

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I'll be the frist to admit it when I'm wrong and I was wrong about Pete Alonso. Up to this year, I always saw him as a mistake hitter, but he's showing good plate discipline and is really barreling up on the ball. If he keeps anywhere close to where he's been so far this year, he's made himself a LOT of money in his "show me" year. IIRC, he has an opt out after this year and should get the guaranteed, long term contract he wants.

The Mets pitching has also been very, very good. They haven't had Manaea or Montas and if those guys can comeback and have good years, they'll be even tougher in the last half. The guy who I thought would be the clear staff ace, Senga, was just that, but his injury really hurts. He was the one guy I felt could be a consistent stopper. No disrespect to the rest of the Mets staff as most are having good years, but they aren't proven front line pitchers (so far anyway, but who knows whaat the future brings).

All that being said, if the Dodgers can fill out their pitching staff in the second half (Sasaki, Glasnow, Snell, Ohtani), they're going to be damn difficult to beat. Anything can happen in a short series, but throwing those arms at you in the playoffs along with Yamamoto (who has been pretty lights out himself) really squeezes you. I don't know of another team in the league that could lose so many pitchers (and I'm not even counting the bullpen) and be anywhere close to 1st place.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[InCali]

Shohei Ohtani to make his first start for the Dodgers against the Padres today.

https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-nearing-return-to-dodgers-rotation

"Get in" ticket prices went from about $50 to about $150. LOL

EDIT: I can just see MLB front offices scrambling to get the Dodgers/Padres on National TV.

 

[InCali]

Interesting fact I just became aware of......

Juan Soto is only 3 years younger than Ohtani and Ohtani is 3 years younger than Aaron Judge. For some reason, I thought Ohtani was much older than Soto and around the same age as Judge.

 

[InCali]

So........what's the bigger splash and/or more consequential news? The G's getting Devers or Ohtani being green lighted to pitch?

 

[blueharvest]

 

[InCali]

You always seem to get the skinny on these deals before anyone else. Maybe you should be helping tto broker these deals.

Man, the Dodgers are just ripping the hearts out of the Padres. The story in the first 2 games was the same. the Pads are up and the Dodgers bust out a 5 run inning to beat them. Then last night, the Pads are up before the Dodgers put up 3 to take the lead. The Pads tie it in the top of the ninth because of an error so you figure the Padres have the momentum before Will Smith hits a walk off solo HR to win it in the bottom on the 9th. If you're on that team, or a fan, it just doesn't get any worse.

Having watched the Padres a few times, they are a good, but flawed team. Their pitchers have over performed and the top of their lineup is tough, but when you get past the 4 spot, they can't seem to do much. So far, Cronenworth and Bogaerts have fallen off a cliff offensively and their 7-9 hitters are basically pathetic and lingering in the low .200s......as are their 5 and 6 hitters mentioned earlier. You can't expect to consistently win with a lineup like that. If Jake and Xander (both pretty much proven MLB hitters) can't get it going, the Padres are cooked.

The Dodgers are putting up people like Pages (near .300 with 15 or so HRs) and Edman (.250 with 10 HRs) in the bottom of their order after throwing a very dangerous top 5 at you and SD just doesn't have the depth to consistently stay with them. They are also very susceptible to injury and if one of their top 4 gets hurt for any length of time, it's even worse.