Tenacious D

Losing might be the best outcome. This team might need to be humbled or grounded a bit. Going back to the Championship game, we’ve played 6 quarters of disappointing ball. We may lose a few battles along the way, but the goal remains to win the war.

I doubt we’ll see big turnouts. Kids are back in school, Bally is back on Xfinity. I can see the remaining Skubal home starts getting a bump. If we make a dent in the standings next week, interest should pick up some.

Can someone explain to me in terms that a 10 year old would understand why Hurter, Madden, Sammons, Hanifee and Montero have all exceeded their performance in AAA? Similar to Olson and Gipson-Long previously?

Nice little day—28th wedding anniversary (celebrating at the Chicago restaurant where I proposed many years ago). Tigers win, Sparty wins, Michigan loses. Couldn’t draw it up any better.

We’re actually playing better (W-L wise) since those moves were made, with young replacements who are now getting valuable playing time. At this point, I’d rather have Liranzo in the org than a couple more months of Flaherty.

A lot of overreactions to Mize and Tork. Mize can be an important contributor to our rotation for years. Probably not an ace, but after TJ and back surgeries, I’ll be happy with a #3/4 guy if that’s what he settles into. There is no reason to cut bait with Tork. He’s controllable for many seasons. I’d probably source a contingency option this offseason, but I definitely wouldn’t cut him or sell low. I do think we need to get a major league bat to provide some protection for Tork, Greene, etc. And not a Canha-type.

This is a .500 team. As such, we don’t have a particularly deep or proficient bullpen. The home team has the advantage in these extra innings games—I was happy we went as deep as we did. If there is a criticism, it’s that we don’t have a playoff-caliber roster. I can’t let a game like last night ruin my outlook on this season. We’re making great progress with a very young, inexperienced squad. Enjoy the ride.

Can’t feel good about this. We have to ride him now.

The cool thing is that all four runs were scored by rookies.

Hard not to like Parker. Kind of a poor man’s Gibby. Lot of power and speed and make things happen. Doesn’t hit as well as Kirk did, but fields much better. Also, seems much more approachable. ****, they’re nothing alike. Please disregard this post.

I like Max Clark. Baseball needs guys like him. Gonna be our lead off hitter for years. You guys just hate him, cause you ain’t him.

Bert—quit trying to make fetch happen, you little skeez

2nd night in a row that AJ left a young guy in too long.

They need to pay Juan Soto. He’s the best fit for this club—same age range and Cabrera-esque. Of course it will require us to outbid everyone, except maybe the White Sox.

On pace for 36 wins.

Let’s not bury Sweeney after 50 AB’s. Remember Keith’s debut earlier this season? I’d also avoid Adames-let’s not repeat our mistake of investing a long term deal in a middle infielder who is likely on the decline.

Hoping the Fetter Effect kicks in with Ty. Would be nice to get contributions from him, too. The MLB innings and coaching that he and Hurter are getting this season should hopefully expedite their ability to contribute next season. I’ve been particularly impressed with Hurter—throws strikes and seems to be confident out there.

Conversely, the pitching stats at Toledo don’t appear to be a good predictor of success at the major league level. Olson, SGL, Hurter, Sammons and Hanifee have all achieved much better results in the bigs than in AAA.

I think these assessments are correct. Just looking at Navigato’s stats, he deserves a promotion. Has to be some other underlying issues or limitations. Similar to Lipcius, I suppose.

I hope Baltimore sees Skubal twice.

Identical reporting—never seen the use of “no longer has a locker” and all three used it.

White Sox postgame is nuts. Ozzie Guillen is laughing at how bad the team is. I know he’s a no-filter guy, but have to wonder long the front office will tolerate that.

The Tom Brookens of the ‘68 squad?

So, he’s playing cards with old women? How ‘bout some baseball?

Also, don’t mention Trevor Bauer to him.