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There are more than a handful of problems facing the game now. Yes, it will take more than reconfiguring teams and divisions to correct. The tanking has to go. There needs to be a spending floor and a spending cap. Even if it is not a hard cap there should be some structure in place that addresses the disparity in competitiveness across the league. One of the biggest problems in the game today is Rob Manfred. He, through support from owners, now has a full blown monopoly on the game.

I prefer the union’s stance on this, based on your description. How does adding more teams increase competition? I believe it is, in reality, only rewarding mediocrity. If there is any success to be realized through an expansion of teams included in the playoffs, that success will be monetary through revenue. That doesn’t add anything to the level of competition. If anything, it rewards the less competitive teams. Adding teams, in my opinion, doesn’t increase competition. Rather, it is simply lowering the bar in a way that redefines what is considered successful.

Late to this thread but I enjoy the conversation. I retired in May of 2017. I invested without fail for over 30 years in a 401K. The 401K was still relatively new to the marketplace for the average investor when I began contributing. As I recall, I began contributing 6% of my salary initially. Then I moved to 10% and then 15%. For about 30 years I contributed 15% of my salary. If I were to offer advice…I would advise that 15% is a base to work off of, 20% if you possibly can. Everyone’s situation is different. This includes the options you may or may not have through your employer. Personally, and I do invest fairly conservatively, I would avoid individual stocks in a retirement account. If you want to buy a few stocks here and there, do it outside money you’re relying on for retirement. Be very aware of fees. Again, your employer is choosing the options you have but be very aware of what you’re paying in fees. A good S&P fund or ETF is fine. The S&P beats practically everything out there year in and year out. The yield is generally around 2%, historically speaking. If you’re relatively young, ignore the market and don’t stop contributing. Educate yourself on investing. I think most here have by reading the comments. Don’t make this complicated, it’s not. Lastly, the most under utilized investment vehicle in this country is the Roth IRA. If at all possible, and again everybody’s situation is different, try to max one of these out every year. I feel for younger investors in this country right now, my son included. SS may or may not be around and at the rate we’re going taxes are going to be a bear. Pensions are long gone. As a FWIW, I’m a Vanguard fan. I subscribe to Morningstar for dabbling in individual stocks now that I’m retired. They are a good resource if anyone is interested. A Premium annual subscription was $199 a few months back. They have a lot of good information for review. Apologies for getting long.

MLB (mouthpiece for Manfred) is claiming there were two versions of baseballs due to production issues and availability. You have to appreciate the bullish!t these guys produce. I read that MLB owns Rawlings, the ball manufacturer. I didn’t realize that if that is true. How convenient.

If I am understanding your comments, 2021 deaths have exceeded the 2020 death count and the numbers are still climbing, unfortunately.

Not surprisingly, not a word about this on MLB.com.

I thought the same thing.

Anxious to see what the terms are for Alex Cobb’s deal with the Giants.

The Tigers have just completed a four year tank job. They have been awarded some of the top talent through the draft for the past several years now. They have been dirt cheap in spending on players. This was the year they said they were ready to spend some money to bring in pieces to compliment their draft picks in an effort to get back in the game after a four year hiatus. I believe the organization is indeed anxious about spending real money and making commitments that today’s market requires to be competitive. If signing a starting pitcher at a fair price and trading for a “plug the hole” catcher is Illitch’s idea of spending to be competitive is, it’s going to be a “dark winter.” I have believed, unlike most others, that the Tigers should fully expect to compete for the division top spot this season. AA says he has “the best manager in baseball.” That being the case, spend a few bucks. One or two pieces would be huge. I still don’t have any confidence in Illitch or Avila to move this team forward beyond simply drafting high after tanking year after year. That won’t get the job done without spending some money. This situation is exactly what I expected from this organization. Your move Al.

I’m seriously beginning to wonder if Illitch has told Avila that his top line on spending is X and Al is toeing the company line by continuing to play the game publicly as if the checkbook is still in play. This whole charade may be beyond Al’s pay grade at this point.

He felt loyalty to the Astros. So, is this to say he’ll wear an Astros hat in the HOF? I wonder if Avila even picked up the phone on this one.

Most anything is better than the name Guardians. The real question to be asked is, how much $$$ did the local roller derby team get to play nice.

…and the National Guard in between.

Finally, I can breath a huge sigh of relief with this news: If there was any concern that Cleveland would not be able to take the next steps with its historic name change, all of that worry can now be put to rest. The team announced Tuesday morning that the lawsuit filed by the local Guardians roller derby team over use of the name “Guardians” had been resolved, with both organizations permitted to continue using the name. 🥵 close call…

He’s flailing now.

Trevor Story turns 29 Monday. At that age I’d be OK with a six year deal if the money is right. Brandon Crawford just had an outstanding year at 34 years of age. Al is probably having some sleepless nights these days. The ball is now in his court. There is zero reason for this team not to compete for the division title in 2022…barring a shutdown.

I think Andrew Miller is washed up. Wouldn’t even consider him. Rodon did not record an out beyond the sixth inning from July 15 to the end of the season. In fact, I believe there are questions regarding his physical condition. Wouldn’t consider him either. Scherzer is the best SP out there. Al should have a conversation to find out what it would take for a deal. Max is the real thing. I know he’s a pipe dream of sorts but at least inquire. He and the Big 3 would be a very formidable rotation (possibly dominant) and maybe Wentz rounds it out. I’d be very cautious on signing Correa. He’ll want the keys to the bank for a lengthy deal. Al says they’re taking a “comprehensive” approach here. BS or not, I do agree with the language.

I won’t believe Avila has signed anyone of significance until after the ink dries. I see DeSclafani as a possible Jordan Zimmerman 2.0. He had a great year for SF and was huge in their success. I don’t believe he can come close to replicating 2021. That’s just my opinion. Jon Gray is a much more interesting conversation.

AA loves him some Mexicans.

Regarding Verlander, I guess everyone saw that 15-20 teams watched him throw the other day. For better or worse, I don’t think he’ll be wearing a Tiger uniform next year.

I saw him play this past summer in Charlotte, NC for the White Sox AAA team. He hit a home run and clustered a defensive play in left.

I’m hearing numbers that are totally ridiculous for Correa. I wouldn’t touch the guy for the years or numbers being thrown around.

As a simple response to your question, don’t you believe it would be wise to at least identify a cause and reason for the sake of preventing a recurrence? Your initial paragraph is spot on. To this end, there is ample reason to want to understand in full what occurred and do whatever is possible to prevent a repeat of this. Even minor occupational accident that injures a person or even damages property requires a thorough investigation and report defining how it happened and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence. This virus is the reason for millions of lost lives across many countries. Wouldn’t it be responsible, at a minimum, to pursue the reasons contributing to how this happened?

You are correct.

In other words, you don’t have any idea why.