casimir

It seems like the Scherzer deal was more about a clash of egos. Just from what I remember, reading through the tea leaves, there was some back and forth discussion about an extension and then an absolute about face that nearly included name calling from both sides. It just seemed like a negotiation that never went anywhere and someone walked away from the table and that was that. Verlander was just an awful trade that didn't need to be made. But, bad GM did bad GM things, and here we are. I don't think Cabrera's contract factored in either case. That's not to say Cabrera's contract extension wasn't bad. The extension started in what, 2016? I estimated OPS+ for the time period, weighted by season OPS+ & season PAs, but it should be a reasonable guesstimate. Maybe its just me, but that 162 game average is unimpressive for the contract that he has.

Indeed. I think most folks, and I'm as guilty as anyone else, look at free agency as the way to bring in different MLB ready talent. I'm interested to see what they do on the trade front this offseason.

I kind'of wish I was day drinking, too.

I can see a durable middle rotation SP, a RHH OF, and an IF as likely targets this offseason. I also wouldn't be surprised if they just go SP and RHH OF. There's not much available on the IF front in FA.

I agree, that doesn't pass the sniff test.

I didn't think Shepard was that bad with the interview. Morris, on the other hand, ... ugh. I don't recall the exact ridiculous question Morris asked, but it was obvious Shepard tried to clean it up and save face for the broadcast crew while lining up another question for Harris. Honestly, given dancing around the uncertainty of how a baseball inning goes, and it obviously clear to either side whether it was due to go one half inning or one full inning, I would think that's not the easiest interview to pull off. Add in the fact that this is the first time these guys have talked to each other, so its not like the interview with Tyler Alexander where there is some already existent familiarity among the group. And kudos to Harris for playing along with Morris. Again, I don't remember the exact question, and it might not have even been a question but rather Drunk Uncle Jack rambling on and he finished up with "I can't wait to pick your brain" to Harris. Harris offered the same line back to Morris when he could have just brushed it off. It seems like Harris does place some weight into different perspectives and data points, and (OK, kids, here is where you make sure you aren't driving or operating heavy machinery) maybe Morris might something to offer every once in a while. Or maybe, and probably moreso, Harris was just smart enough to play nice.

I'd add in that the pixy dust being used on some of the pitching needs to continue as well as continued growth from Torkelson and Greene. One thing that I liked about the presser was the emphasis on getting into the work to continuously improve rather than structure goals around a 3 to 5 year plan to improve. They have players to reasonably build around (there's some risk with younger players, but I think Torkelson & Greene are cornerstones to bank on offensively & defensively), they have the capacity to add players (as you mention with the $45M below average), and they have some bench filler pieces to work with. It just seems like with Avila, it was sit back and tank, rely on the odds of higher draft slots working out in the long term. Well, that might work in the long run, but its not a guarantee. And along the way, there's still the major league product to worry about. That's the reason the organization exists and it can't be ignore for season after season after season.

Its not that difficult of a concept to understand. The math might lose folks. But the theory is really pretty simple.

Well, but remember that there are only 2 extra slots to use in September vs the rest of the year. Its possible that Pittsburgh (or anyone else) shuffles its active roster a bit more on a daily basis at the very end of the year to keep arms fresh.

The only defense to it is that it did take two almost perfect relays from the outfielder and the cutoff to get Candelario at home on a very close play. But as you alluded to, given the situation, why chance it?

Detroit Tigers (57-91) at Baltimore Orioles (76-71)

I can't believe Coolbaugh wasn't included on the coaching staff.

"Hello, I'm Scott. I'm happy to be here. Look, let's be honest, this team sucks and there's a lot to do. But I'm getting a lot of good suggestions off of motownforums."

But what did you do after the hits? Did you keep watching or did you turn it off?

Detroit Tigers (56-91) at Baltimore Orioles (76-70)

And still healthy in the top of the 4th.

A Riley double scores Baddoo. Idaho Bert to goose egg.

BADDOOOOOOOO!!!!! A well placed duck snort to plate a pair.

Must be from a decade ago.

WP to score a run, 3 to naught.

Dude, how are you ahead of me even when I watch the game live? Barnhart just struck out.

Sooooo...... Cabrera.......

Somebody needs a group of mentors instead of a group of enablers.

He must have impressed AJ if he signed off on the hire already.