MiddleCoastBias

Interestingly, the whole ESPN crew was discussing this for half an inning during the cubs/Braves broadcast tonight. Most were in agreement that 1. yes, some form of accountability and improved accuracy is needed and 2. we still like humans behind the plate. They were all discussing augmented reality (hat tip to someone else in this thread that suggested that as well) or a "Google glass thing" as they called it to assist umpires to make the live call. Still probably many years out with how slowly MLB adapts (see: universal DH), but it's definitely part of the national conversation. Also Tim Kurkjian was the only one that didn't like it, because he's a dinosaur.

Yep, it's definitely felt like that. I'm not one to cry "the umps are out to get us!" and that's why I suspect it'll all even out in the wash of a full season, but it's been frustrating early on.

I've seen a few games where we've been given a run disadvantage (the Gio game in Boston gave them a 1.5 run advantage, though it didn't matter after the early hole we were in). I'll be curious if whoever runs the account will compile each umpire's overall score/rating, and if they'll track total run advantage for each team. I'd imagine the run advantage +/- should even out to zero in a full season but curious to see if that's actually the case.

Can we get more excitement in here?? The game has been over for hours after the Sox just completed the sweep, and we have 4 comments. Collins looks like a catcher. "Slow, bad defender" Madrigal legged out a triple, turned a couple double plays, and looked sharp defensively. Abreu continues to drive in runs. Kopech threw a goddamn gem. No one has anything to complain about so everyone went quiet? That's a winning streak, folks! We've broken past that .500 barrier and there's no looking back. Let's go Sox!

Agreed, shook off the cobwebs getting crossed up a bunch in the 1st inning and then settled in nicely.

TIL that Kohei Arihara is not Koji Uehara

Collins and Kopech need to get on the same page, but more importantly our hitters need to be aware that this zone is going to be something today.

Can't use trigger words around LaRussa.

Yeah, I'd say he paid for it ?

We love you, Yerm, we won't leave you alone!

I'm too surprised at the fact that they remember we even exist today to wonder if they know what they're talking about.

I've circled the Milwaukee series on my calendar as well in the event we see a Madrigal vs. Burnes matchup for the same reason.

Yep, that's the /g (green, sarcasm) But it's telling that there are likely fans that just look at the old numbers (avg, HRs, RBIs) and missed his last week that this could be mistaken for a real complaint.

Because he has zero home runs. We were promised 30/30 potential and he's clearly not delivering. /g

Can you do one of these for Grandal now?

It's not even surprising any more - dude just cannot field a ball thrown to the plate, it's like he's got the yips.

- Jose Abreu

And now this upcoming Leury K is the most bankable prediction.

Heads up play by Madrigal

Hell, Dalbec was already walking to the dugout, he knew it too.

Honestly refreshing to see Madrigal NOT try to take home on that ball that got away Vazquez. Feel like last year he was pushing to make everything happen and would've ran into an out.

Don't worry, you guys, the long inning means Eovaldi has cooled off and stiffened up. We have him in the ropes, just like we drew it up!

Grandal could learn a thing or two from how Verdugo beat that shift. I think he needs to just also the bat out there and get a cheap single, get him out of a funk.

If anyone ever gets the opportunity to attend this game in the future, I highly recommend it. There's something unnatural but thrilling about being at an 11am game, like drinking a beer in the shower. The game start time is timed to get out when a bulk of the runners are approaching the finish line. You leave the stadium and walk a few blocks to join the huge crowds cheering everyone on, just a really fun all-around experience.