The Mariners phenomenon was explained very well in the mid 80s by Bill James in one of his "Baseball Abstracts". He used the mid eighties Cubs as his example. His theory was that the home stats were distorting the overall stats enough that the Cubs thought they had a very good offense and so-so pitching so they kept trying to make their pitching better and leaving their offense intact, when actually, it was their pitching that was pretty good and their offense that wasn't, you just couldn't see it due to the wind blowing out at Wrigley.
"It’s fair to wonder if Severino knows exactly what he’s gotten himself into."
$67MM, that's what he's gotten himself into. And expectations are gonna be pretty much nil - he's on a team where he could throw a half-dozen one-hitters and lose 5 of them. Or in that ballpark, he could give up 6 runs a half-dozen times and win 5. Either way, He's gonna roll out there every 5th day, pitch his 5 or 6 or 7 innings and collect a VERY solid paycheck. Would he be here if anyone had made him a better offer?
I thought the last Dr Strange movie was loads of fun - over the top, goofy horror - Cumberbatch was hilarious especially when he was mocking the 'Illuminati'.
I really, really, REALLY hope Trout is able to return to full abilities. The game has been less interesting with him injured. Yeah, he's in his 30s now, and recovering from injuries. So, he's probably not going to be generating a 10 WAR season like he used to. But the AL is so much richer when we get to follow his exploits.
Sevvy made a business decision is what he did. I think I speak for most Mets fans (and management) when I say that I’m happy for him and wish he was coming back, but not for that much money and that many years, but happy that someone paid him.
I've heard that the reason the Mariners park is so bad for hitters is because the batter's field of vision creates a very low-contrast backdrop that makes it especially difficult to see the ball. Is this true, and if so, are there any reasonably low-effort ways to mitigate it?
No, but it feels unhealthy for any one park to have a reputation as a place hitting goes to die. Otherwise, Mariners players get the worst of both worlds. The hitters' stats look worse than they should be, and other teams don't trust their pitchers' stats because they play in such a pitching-friendly environment.
I like variety, but I don't want any park to be a place that nobody wants to play in.
OK, dark Supes outfits remind me of a question I've had all season:
Is the NFL darkening the football? Has the ol' pigskin gotten a gritty reboot?
Did this happen awhile ago and I just missed it? Is there an official explanation? Because the truth—"we wanted the world's most violent, testosterone-soaked mainstream sport to appear more macho, probably because we got called woke after 2000"—isn't something they can admit in a press release.
Supposedly the [Location Name] Angels are one of the teams Arenado will accept a trade to, so maybe they can continue cornering the market on "professional ballplayers" by picking him up. It's not like Rendon will be playing 162 games at third, after all.
As for Superman, I am now disappointed Cleveland didn't lean in that direction and call the team the Meteors.
The baseball columns are why I read you, Joe. But it’s the Superman (and the like) writing which is why I love reading you.
Let us know how Superman turned out because I wouldn't watch it if I lived to be 1,000.
The Mariners phenomenon was explained very well in the mid 80s by Bill James in one of his "Baseball Abstracts". He used the mid eighties Cubs as his example. His theory was that the home stats were distorting the overall stats enough that the Cubs thought they had a very good offense and so-so pitching so they kept trying to make their pitching better and leaving their offense intact, when actually, it was their pitching that was pretty good and their offense that wasn't, you just couldn't see it due to the wind blowing out at Wrigley.
Colorado perennially suffers from this.
"It’s fair to wonder if Severino knows exactly what he’s gotten himself into."
$67MM, that's what he's gotten himself into. And expectations are gonna be pretty much nil - he's on a team where he could throw a half-dozen one-hitters and lose 5 of them. Or in that ballpark, he could give up 6 runs a half-dozen times and win 5. Either way, He's gonna roll out there every 5th day, pitch his 5 or 6 or 7 innings and collect a VERY solid paycheck. Would he be here if anyone had made him a better offer?
Love the Superman storytelling!!
I thought the last Dr Strange movie was loads of fun - over the top, goofy horror - Cumberbatch was hilarious especially when he was mocking the 'Illuminati'.
Can we start calling the A’s “The Los Angeles Athletics of Anaheim?”
The Sacremento Athletics of Las Vegas
“The Los Angeles Athletics of Anaheim in Sacramento en route to Las Vegas"
Wait … Superman’s dog is a Russian doge coin? Can I get royalties on that?
Think Wash and the Angelas are making their own movie out there. Sort of like that DeNiro old guys caper.
I really, really, REALLY hope Trout is able to return to full abilities. The game has been less interesting with him injured. Yeah, he's in his 30s now, and recovering from injuries. So, he's probably not going to be generating a 10 WAR season like he used to. But the AL is so much richer when we get to follow his exploits.
Sevvy made a business decision is what he did. I think I speak for most Mets fans (and management) when I say that I’m happy for him and wish he was coming back, but not for that much money and that many years, but happy that someone paid him.
Your take on Superman echoes my exact thoughts and feelings. Bring back the goodness of Superman. Cuz man do we need it
Couldn't agree more.
St. Louis Browns Pitcher Barney Pelty (1903-1912) was known as the "Yiddish Curver"
Would have gone with Patrick Sandoval leaving over Canning, but either way the team was bad last year and doesn't look much better for next season.
I've heard that the reason the Mariners park is so bad for hitters is because the batter's field of vision creates a very low-contrast backdrop that makes it especially difficult to see the ball. Is this true, and if so, are there any reasonably low-effort ways to mitigate it?
Must we now strive for offensive output homogeneity in MLB ballparks? Remember the 70s and 80s?
No, but it feels unhealthy for any one park to have a reputation as a place hitting goes to die. Otherwise, Mariners players get the worst of both worlds. The hitters' stats look worse than they should be, and other teams don't trust their pitchers' stats because they play in such a pitching-friendly environment.
I like variety, but I don't want any park to be a place that nobody wants to play in.
I don't understand why a pitcher wouldn't want to pitch in an extreme pitcher's park. Has anyone ever looked at Sandy Koufax's home/road splits?
Paint?
Sorry, that was a smart ass response.
That’s what made it great
OK, dark Supes outfits remind me of a question I've had all season:
Is the NFL darkening the football? Has the ol' pigskin gotten a gritty reboot?
Did this happen awhile ago and I just missed it? Is there an official explanation? Because the truth—"we wanted the world's most violent, testosterone-soaked mainstream sport to appear more macho, probably because we got called woke after 2000"—isn't something they can admit in a press release.
I have wondered that myself. You've made it into a passing league and then made the ball harder to see?
Supposedly the [Location Name] Angels are one of the teams Arenado will accept a trade to, so maybe they can continue cornering the market on "professional ballplayers" by picking him up. It's not like Rendon will be playing 162 games at third, after all.
As for Superman, I am now disappointed Cleveland didn't lean in that direction and call the team the Meteors.
Loading up on Veteran Presents just in time for the holidays!
Arenado to the Angels as Rendon's contract winds down (2 years left) would be the most Angels thing ever.
The The Angels Angels
Hapless?