The MLB Thread

Five thoughts, in no particular order:

1) I want to know who's in charge of the replay system, because it's beginning to sound like they aren't that well trained. Quite a few missed calls, even with it established. Here's to hoping they get better at their jobs.

2) The "Tommy John epidemic" is a real problem, with so many pitchers already out for the year. It's a sign too many pitchers are expected to throw like Nolan Ryan, and not enough are expected to throw like Greg Maddux. Scouts need to look for more than just velocity. (On the bright side, this could lead to a resurgence of the knuckleball, since that rarely causes arm strain.)

3) Them Brewers and their MLB-leading win record. There's always a surprise team every year (last year was Pirates), and it's looking like it's their turn. Good luck to them. On the flip side, what the &%#$! is wrong with the Diamondbacks?

4) Baseball journalists on opening day: Braves are in trouble, their rotation has too many injuries. Nationals will easily win the NL East. Baseball journalists two weeks later: Braves are one of the top five teams in the majors, hands down. More flip floppity than pancakes or Mitt Romney.

5) Overseas games to kick off the season are completely pointless and just serve to wear out the players. Sorry, but that should not happen. If MLB wants to bring baseball to Australia or somewhere else so bad, they should just fund a separate league.

They are already helping fund the ABL.

El oh el.

"BOOO- oh hey." Oh, Yankee fans...

Also, I dug out my old copy of MVP Baseball 2004 for PS 2 today. I don't think I'd take it over a newer version of The Show, but the gameplay holds up remarkably well for a now 10(!) year old sports simulation title.

edited 29th Apr '14 9:32:43 AM by CombatC122

I really wish I could get my copy of High Heat 2001 to work on my current computer. Absolutely fantastic game.

Incidentally, I wonder why no one has thought of just making a single baseball (or any sports game) simulator engine and then offering each season's new rosters as annual DLC.

edited 29th Apr '14 10:30:51 AM by TotemicHero

I think I read in an article once that they can't do that because the game companies are under contract with the leagues to make a full price yearly release as part of the licensing agreement. It's a shame really.

Heck, maybe they could just compromise and make the full retail games on a two year cycle, and go the paid DLC roster update route on the off years (perhaps with a download code for said DLC packaged with new retail copies after a certain point). That way, they'd at least have the extra time to develop new modes and iron out glitches and such.

Well, this is an interesting experience. A distant cousin of mine is making his MLB debut tonight, as the starting pitcher for the Yankees. Yes, really.

Definitely going to be rooting for him, even if I'm not exactly a huge Yankees fan.

I would pull for him if he were not playing against the Mets. >_<

I finally made it to my first game of the season last night. Fun times, even though the Twins got blown out by the Red Sox 9-4. I'm going to the game Saturday night against the Mariners too, so hopefully better luck then.

While I'm not a huge fan of the Yankees, I don't hate them...despite that they're trying to make me hate them.

They pulled my cousin after 4.2 innings due to him getting in a two-on jam. Nope, can't let him get experience pitching out of a jam...come on, it's May, not September.

His final stat line: 4.2 innings, 0 runs allowed, 2 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, 74 pitches. Not a bad rookie debut, all things considered. Welcome to the bigs.

edited 15th May '14 6:25:12 PM by TotemicHero

I'm watching the game. He did pretty well.

Now if only the Mets could get a few runs. -_-

It's okay to compartmentalize. My city's local nine is a Yankees farm team, and we cheer for them, but we all hate the Yankees regardless. Most of us locals even painstakingly pick the threads of the Yankees logo out of the back of our team's ball caps.

edited 23rd May '14 7:05:21 AM by Jhimmibhob

That's dedication

Was at the mets double header on sunday. Ended up leaving after that fifth double play in the 8th of the first game.

The entire Mets season has been pain. Luckily, one of my other teams is doing well.

There is something amusing about the Yankees drafting Mariano Rivera. And by Mariano Rivera, I mean the son of Mariano Rivera...who is also named Mariano Rivera.

Crossposting this from the RIP thread: MLB Hall of Famer Tony Gwinn has passed away at the age of 54.

As a Padres fan:

Ave atque vale, Mr. Gwynn. We Braves fans might have given you the occasional guff from the bleachers, but it was just to let you know that we cared. A worthy HoFer, and a great gentleman.

edited 16th Jun '14 11:23:42 AM by Jhimmibhob

Screw you, I'm going to first base.

I mean, there's seeing the ball well, but seeing it before it's even left the pitcher's hand?

The Angels are absolutely dismantling the Rangers. I love it.

It's almost All Star Game time. Too bad Yadier Molina's out 8-12 weeks and will miss it, but on the bright side it's right here in Minneapolis this year. I can't wait, especially since I wasn't living in St. Louis for the 2009 edition. Not that I get to go, but it'll be more fun watching on TV for sure.

I almost forgot about the ASG. I've honestly neglected to watch it for the last several years.

I've managed to catch it in recent years, but this year I almost feel obligated to watch it.

I certainly enjoyed watching the 2001 All Star game when it was in Seattle. Then again, considering the roster that year, it was practically a Mariners home game. I think it still would have been fun even without so many players from my team though.