The 2022 Baseball Season - Things to Come

Disagree. We have one of the most analytical defenses in the big leagues. Takes away a huge defensive and pitching advantage for us.

In fact, we have the highest shift usage for LHB in the majors.
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/visuals/team-positioning

 

I get that but now nobody will have a defensive advantage so it becomes who has the offensive players and more specifically left handed players to take advantage of no shifting. I had the radio on 790 earlier and they said that Tucker and Yordan are two of the most shifted players in MLB and they so happen to be our 2 best players. Out of the 30 most shifted players, 29 are left handed hitters. I'm looking forward to seeing Yordan and Tucker hit without the shift.

 

Mentioned this in another thread, but I think the shift rule might start to affect demand for corner infielders. Having agility at the corners and not quite the ability to cover for a bulky hammer or a guy who can only dig at first might start to change the value structure of infielders. Just a guess though . . . .

Really makes me want a Yuli 2.0 and not some of the stereotypical big body first basemen or outfielder playing out of position - especially as Altuve gets older.

 

I'm fine that the Astros got punished for cheating, though I think the penalty was too big a step up from other penalties for similar violations. It pisses me off that a likely much more impactful form of cheating that probably involves every team is being swept under the rug.

 

Especially since pitchers have admitted to using the illegal stuff before the crack down.

 

OWIE

Good god man

 

Catcher's gear is called "the tools of ignorance" for a reason.

 

100+ years !!!

 

Framber would probably fair pretty well with this group around him

 

I recall when MLB got anal about Pine Tar and selectively enforced penalties for that violation too. And corked bats. Selective harsh enforcement has a long history in MLB.

 

I certainly hope Joe picked up the check. Otherwise he has no business in that elite company.

 

I thought that was the batter's box.

 

It's a keyboard and computer

 

He had a basically impossible job and he got a ring out of it. He'll stay in baseball at some level.

 

It will help SOME players and Hurt Defense. Are we shifting beyond the point of diminishing return? I don't think so. For this reason, I think the rule will have a negative impact on the Astros.

 

Pujols has caused me more baseball trauma than any other player but I got to respect what he has done. The guy has been beast. Owning him and the Angels for the last decade has definitely made it easier.

I find it ironic that a 5'6" 160 pound second baseman is probably this generations version of Pujols to many Yankee fans.

 

Prime Pujols matches Serena, Tiger, maybe Federer as far as just the best to ever do it. 04/05 Pulojs…sheesh. The Machine was really the perfect nickname. Beast