poppysox

I hate that the records are being distorted by rule changes to speed up the game. Who are all these people in a big rush to get the games over with? Part of having built a strong bullpen is to handle the workload of nine-inning games. When you put a runner on second...the effectiveness of a Hoyt Wilhelm type pitcher is reduced because of the pasted ball element. The universal DH has some merit IMO. It does speed up the game by eliminating the double switch over managing and equalizes the fairness of interleague play.

Oops.

Bleacher Report is stating that the 7 inning games for doubleheaders and runner at 2nd in extra innings rules are returning for 2021. Boo!

Leake is definitely worth a look.

Got my 2nd this past Saturday. I am good to go.

Sorry! I got busy fending off doom and gloom attacks.

You are lucky you have us. This entire board would need anti-depressants.

I think we are better off having Vaughn in the lineup and the Cruz money held in reserve. I will take our lineup over anyone. Our lineup will be a nightmare for just about any pitcher to face. Also, if the other team isn't leading after 7...forget it.

I would say the odds are we will have 5 decent starters.?

At least 7 years of winning!

Baseball like all businesses can't stay closed indefinitely. Let people who don't feel safe stay home. Admit a person with proof of vaccination with whatever the politicians want to set as a safe % of capacity. Continue safe practices and play ball.

Probably correct. I just don't think Lucroy is the answer.

And...the playoff system didn't start until 1968 so why are we talking about 1906 forward? You would never suspect some of these guys are really fans.

Good points. Although I would have prefered Collins get everyday work and bring in Flowers...I think Collins is the backup catcher. I think we just may see Yermin for the first few weeks before Vaughn comes up unless we see a pre-season extension.

I agree with everything you said plus the closer. Oh my!

Well written post and I am in agreement 100%.

Part of being an elite franchise is putting together a nucleus of quality players and having the money to keep those players together through solid extensions. I believe JR would rather go into the yearly wars with what he currently has assembled and supplement through free agency and trades. Our core of youngsters is going to be very good for a long time and I sure don't want to lose them through inability to afford them in a few more years. We all know the arguments for "all in" moves but I for one think we will have a long extended run with the current plan of action.

Cease will be #4 and Lopez #5 until Kopech is ready IMO. We did resign Lopez for a reason. I want to see what all these guys can do working with Katz before we muddy the water with yet another castoff.

Proof of vaccination and mandatory mask...pick some % of allowed occupancy...play ball.?

I much prefer Flowers.

I know what you mean but perhaps tomorrow is a new day. I for one will keep the faith. It's more fun.

True...but you are ignoring the season is a couple of months away. As the saying goes..."it ain't over til the fat lady sings."

For all of JR's lack of spending the money like the majority of posters would have him do...we have a potential all-star at every position. We have a top 5 rotation IMO and what looks like the best pen in my lifetime. This JR is cheap stuff doesn't hold water IMO. JR chose to trade for a TOR starter...plug a RF problem with a solid player and get the best closer in the game. We simply don't have the income of the Yankee's and Dodgers. They can overspend their mistakes but we can't. Sure it's fun to get the new shiny toy but not at the overall health of the ballclub. By the way...it won't surprise me if Bauer takes all that money and pitches like a #3 in the rotation.

Don't forget Dunn. Before free agency, the FO had to make the good decisions you are alluding to. They still do. We are in a great position to win the division and many more postseason championships. We still have ammunition as we see how the team gels. The FO has done a fine job of putting a very good team on the field. However, I am venting because this salary stuff is making 3/4 of the teams non-competitive and the game unaffordable for many people.

Been there many times. Been to Hooks games in Corpus many times. Been to games in half a dozen major league parks. What does that have to do with anything? What I said was this runaway salary crap isn't good for the game. If you disagree...explain your opinions...don't knock others for theirs. By the way...try reading what I said. I didn't advocate massive payroll reductions for the WS this year. You can knock off that condescending LOL crap. You don't strike me as that bright.