I still think Quintana has been screwed by the unannounced raising of the strike zone (low strikes getting called less frequently) that has caused him to experiment with other areas (high and inside). He seems to have corrected this by including the changeup more low?

I'm sure this, coupled with the new baseballs, factored into his slow start.

I'm sure this, coupled with the new baseballs, factored into his slow start.

There's new baseballs?

There's new baseballs?

https://theringer.com/2017-mlb-home-run-spi...al-155cd21108bc

https://theringer.com/2017-mlb-home-run-spi...al-155cd21108bc

Interesting - thanks Jose.

I still think Quintana has been screwed by the unannounced raising of the strike zone (low strikes getting called less frequently) that has caused him to experiment with other areas (high and inside). He seems to have corrected this by including the changeup more low?

Not to sound like a stodgy traditonalist (I'm all in favor of a clock on pitchers and rules against stepping out of the batters box and rules to speed up the game) but the old old strike zone worked -- the one in the rule book. Knees to letters. Its f***ing ridiculous the umps have held baseball hostage the only way they can, with a boycott of the real strike zone. They have refused to call a fastball above the belt a strike for years now. Too bad they can't fire umps who won't call a strike a strike, but their union is too powerful. The current umps have ruined baseball with their version of the strike zone and unwillingness to keep the game moving.

Edited June 28, 20178 yr by greg775

Yeah, that's exactly right.

Not to sound like a stodgy traditonalist (I'm all in favor of a clock on pitchers and rules against stepping out of the batters box and rules to speed up the game) but the old old strike zone worked -- the one in the rule book. Knees to letters. Its f***ing ridiculous the umps have held baseball hostage the only way they can, with a boycott of the real strike zone. They have refused to call a fastball above the belt a strike for years now. Too bad they can't fire umps who won't call a strike a strike, but their union is too powerful. The current umps have ruined baseball with their version of the strike zone and unwillingness to keep the game moving.

 

Doesn't the tin foil get itchy on your head?

I still think Quintana has been screwed by the unannounced raising of the strike zone (low strikes getting called less frequently) that has caused him to experiment with other areas (high and inside). He seems to have corrected this by including the changeup more low?

 

Think it was the 4th last night where I was sure he was going to give up a big hit because West refused to call anything low for him.

Doesn't the tin foil get itchy on your head?

That statement context aside, is funny.

My 2 cents - I do not think Quintana will be traded during this season. My first reason in thinking that is that I doubt that teams will offer what Hahn wants, which might be a high value prospect, perhaps in the top 25 in baseball, plus one or two other prospects. No team , in my estimation, will offer that. Secondly, I read a few reports that indicate that Quintana has a comfort level with the WS staff, players and a City where the fans love him, and does not want to be thrown into a play-off race with an unfamiliar team. Of course, Q would not have a choice without a no-trade clause, but the WS might honor his wishes, especially if what is being offered for him is not compelling.

I think the rebuild ha fizzled. I'm just glad they signed Luis Robert to at least keep some hope alive.

Think it was the 4th last night where I was sure he was going to give up a big hit because West refused to call anything low for him.

 

That was the stupidest strike zone I've watched in a while last night. strikes were called 4-5 inches outside, but only on the opposite side of the hitter and high, not called if low and outside, and a grab bag of how low or high he'd call it.

 

I know, Joe West and all and we should be used to it, but it was one of those things where it was so crazy for everyone involved that I don't even know what to make of it.

My 2 cents - I do not think Quintana will be traded during this season. My first reason in thinking that is that I doubt that teams will offer what Hahn wants, which might be a high value prospect, perhaps in the top 25 in baseball, plus one or two other prospects. No team , in my estimation, will offer that. Secondly, I read a few reports that indicate that Quintana has a comfort level with the WS staff, players and a City where the fans love him, and does not want to be thrown into a play-off race with an unfamiliar team. Of course, Q would not have a choice without a no-trade clause, but the WS might honor his wishes, especially if what is being offered for him is not compelling.

I think the rebuild ha fizzled. I'm just glad they signed Luis Robert to at least keep some hope alive.

Good post, miracle. You could be right. We shall see.

Good post, miracle. You could be right. We shall see.

Lol...

Good post, miracle. You could be right. We shall see.

 

The kiss of death

Doesn't the tin foil get itchy on your head?

 

Love your posts...but honestly I don't see anything wrong with what he said. I think it's very true. MLB owns the umpires--they push their agenda/brand of baseball through them as well. Wow factor sells tickets. Offense creates the most wow factor. NFL has evolved to a pass-heavy product. NHL took out the 2-line pass to open up game flow to promote more offense, 3-on-3 OTs really open up the game--not to mention the addition of the shootout. NBA 3-pointers are up by about 5000% as are full court long passes/game, and now strangely baseball Homerun rates are astoundingly high. If you think it's merely a coincidence, your head is in the sand. MLB's branding focus is on the offense. If good defense happens along the way, great. But 9 out of 10 people buy tickets to Yankees' games to see if Aaron Judge homers again...not to see C.C. Sabathia get the benefit of a high strike call. Plus in our society which is now grossly infatuated with self-promotion, social media content and has placed all focus on the individual rather than the team, nothing fits that brand better than the home run. It does wonders for click bait numbers--2 video clip choices: another moon shot HR by Judge, or a high fastball on a 2-1 pitch for a called strike 2...um....CLICK. Umpires are doing their part. They cut down the high strike calls because it's tough to turn around a high fastball for a HR. Pitchers basically have to throw the ball through a thimble to get a called strike and to hitters...that translates to more offense. It's not a conspiracy, it's business...it's the marketing of the sport that drives the game play changes--it doesn't just happen.

Think it was the 4th last night where I was sure he was going to give up a big hit because West refused to call anything low for him.

 

We can all be thankful that Quintana has had an excellent June and his value should be coming back where we need it to be. As much as it sucks to deal a pitcher of his caliber, our rebuild really needs to prospect return he can bring us.

 

Outside of Archer, there is no mlb quality starter that will be available that has the same amount of inexpensive control and track record of both success and health.

We can all be thankful that Quintana has had an excellent June and his value should be coming back where we need it to be. As much as it sucks to deal a pitcher of his caliber, our rebuild really needs to prospect return he can bring us.

 

Outside of Archer, there is no mlb quality starter that will be available that has the same amount of inexpensive control and track record of both success and health.

 

And Archer most likely won't be available.

And Archer most likely won't be available.

 

Archer most likely will not be traded unless the package offered is an overpay. His contract is incredible value.

 

 

Pitchers basically have to throw the ball through a thimble to get a called strike and to hitters...that translates to more offense.

And it sickens me. They haven't called a strike a strike for so many years now. All because of the umps' union. The umps laugh at baseball year after year as they ump the game the way they want to.

Archer most likely will not be traded unless the package offered is an overpay. His contract is incredible value.

 

That and the fact that they are still in the playoff race.

That and the fact that they are still in the playoff race.

Yeah if the season ended today they would be in the playoffs.

Archer most likely will not be traded unless the package offered is an overpay. His contract is incredible value.

 

The Rays are at the edge of contending too, which makes it more difficult to sell.

And it sickens me. They haven't called a strike a strike for so many years now. All because of the umps' union. The umps laugh at baseball year after year as they ump the game the way they want to.

 

Then we have threads about how there are very few Hall-of-Fame caliber pitchers in the game today. While the hitters' list is disproportionately long--and yes I'm still talking about the HOF list..........

The Rays are at the edge of contending too, which makes it more difficult to sell.

 

If I'm Tampa I would not trade Archer for anything short of a Chris Sale esque package, and even more doubtful because the team could still make the playoffs.

 

The Royals are only 2.5 games out of first place, hardly can be considered sellers right now.

 

Oakland could certainly deal Gray, but he has a season less of control than Quintana and has had injury issues. Gray would still require a considerable trade package to acquire.

 

Rangers want to keep Darvish it seems and aren't far out of a wildcard spot either.

 

I actually like the way this market is shaping up for us.

 

 

The Rays are at the edge of contending too, which makes it more difficult to sell.

Cheap contract and being contenders makes Archer more valuable to the Rays. I think it would take more to pry Archer from the Rays than it would to get Q. Even better for the Sox.