1984Echoes

Yep... Hence my inclusion of "sustainability"... Gotta be on the field to actually count for something for the team...

Just a WAG but... I think Matt Manning will take a strong step forward in 2024. I don't know why I think this... but he's had some flashes of ability... How do the Tigers' coaches get some stability/ sustainability out of him? I think they all figure it out in 2024. Again, I'm just taking a guess here...

You can hide problems like that in the BP though... Shorter stints let less keying in on a pitchers' faults, as long as there are enough other positive aspects. I don't know how problematic the tunneling is; it may allow an easier read on his different pitches. But the other thing in the BP is he can let it rip more than trying to pace as a starter. An extra couple MPH may offset the easier reads on tunneling. The BP also usually limits repertoire to a reliever's two best pitches rather than a "use all 4 or 5 pitches mentality" as a starter. I think this could all be shortened to: I think he'll be fine as a 2-3 inning reliever; better than he would be as a starter.

That has a nice ring to it! How about: "Catastrophe for Trump!" "Catastrophe for MAGA!" Those have a really nice sound to them too...

+1 on this...

I'm just guessing but... I think the next vote for Jim Jordan gets worse, not better...

Nice looking truck! Will it haul a 32' camper weighing roughly 6,500 pounds?

I like this one of Night Train Lane mugging a guy:

Couple good ones of Alex Karras:

Here's a good one of Joe Schmidt but with Pitt, not the Lions:

My trade deadline priorities (based on wishful thinking): First Priority: Patrick Surtain II Second Priority: Maxx Crosby

I'd prefer it if it were 30-ish.

Or even a 1st down. It may be simply to get a defense moving, or looking a certain way, and then: convert the 3rd down.

I think you're missing the point. 2nd and long runs are: a) to set up a 3rd down play; which could be play action, misdirection, or a pass, or even another run depending on circumstances. 2nd and long runs are not for the pleasure of fans; they are for setting up the defense the way an OC/ HC wants it to be set up. Quit complaining about 2nd and long runs and "key" in on 3rd down conversions. THAT's the key. Or conversion % if you're just looking at stats (during the game the conversions are more important.) b) They still: take heat off the QB/ eat clock/ keep it conservative if that is what is needed/ wear down a defense/ MAY even set up a play that is NOT in this series but later in the game, during a key drive/ etc. Just my 2 cents.

Bad defense can be hidden, up to a point.

A team also runs those run plays to: 1) Keep the defense off of the passer (so they're not pinning their ears back and teeing off on the QB). 2) Wear on the defense, as you've mentioned above 3) Set up future plays. Which don't even have to be play action. Simply getting a defense moving in the direction you want them to, because they've seen this line movement before. Oh WAIT! Ben just dialed up another trick play by moving the defense where he WANTS them to go and then going the Other Direction!!! 4) Run time off the clock. Etc. There's a hundred reason to run a run play and they are not all/ always to gain 6 yards a pop. The stream of invective towards Ben and these running plays is the most asinine thing I've ever seen. As if the complainant actually knew anything anyways.

The only problem with this, and generally, I agree with you... Is that Riley Greene might be 100% DH the first month or two... I don't think he will be so that's not a block on Malloy... but that's the only argument as of today I believe that makes sense against Malloy on the opening day roster. But I think, otherwise, that Malloy is pretty much a definite (I just don't want to commit to 100%) and, just as you've outlined, in the #1 Lineup spot, leading off, Day 1.

Hi Stephanie, Moderate Republican Representative xxxx of XX, District xx. I will never vote for Fascist Jim Jordan. Not even if Hell Froze over. I wish to live in a Democracy, not a Fascist Dictatorship. Tell Sean Hannity and Jim Jordan to go **** themselves. Just wanted to make certain I was not unclear about my position. Just to reiterate: Jim Jordan can go **** himself.

I don't think he beats out anyone ahead of him. If Bigbie makes the opening day roster, we had a crapload of injuries in ST. Otherwise, I'm saying never for Bigbie on the opening day roster 2024. Same with Hurter... if you note my most recent post just above...

Also... NO. Hurter is NOT an opening day 2024 starter for Detroit.

I agree with that as well... on Malloy. I just don't think they will shut out any rookie in spring training that shows enough to make the roster. But on Malloy... Remember, we no longer have a locked in DH. So there is room for Malloy to be a part-time OF'er and a lot-of-the-time DH... Even with competition from Baddoo/ Vierling on making the roster... And even with Greene maybe holding down DH for the most part the first month or two of the season. Wait: I think I just talked myself into Malloy needing to beat out at least Baddoo... otherwise, even if he has a good spring he may be squeezed on the opening day roster at least until Greene is more of an OF'er than a DH... Vierling can play anywhere... Baddoo & Malloy are mostly limited to LF.

I don't see any possible way that Bigbie opens in Detroit, so in agreement here But I don't agree that they will have any "limit" on the number of rookies on the roster. I don't think they are afraid of turnover, or talent... so if Jung wins 3B in spring training, and Keith 2B, and Malloy LF... Then we're starting with 4 rookies on the opening day roster (including Parker as you've mentioned...); I think there were reasons for holding these guys in the minors this year, and not pushing them to MLB. But I don't think that will hold next spring training. IMO.

Compher looks like he's going to be a good add too. ADB, Compher, Sprong, Gostisbehere all contributing outta the gate... Making Stevie Y look good early... And the Red Wings...

Jobe is pitching tonight... if anyone is interested...

Also... sometimes a player has learned all that they can, regardless whether it's AAA or AA. And the only way they are going to master, or learn, MLB, is to actually, you know... play in MLB.