mtutiger

This suggests that there isn't self-interest involved in Al going out to defend his record.... there's quite a bit of self interest, his comments suggest that he doesn't feel as secure in his position as he once did. People have good reason to doubt Pizza Jr., but there's parts of Rosenthal's reporting that suggest Al is on thinner ice than previously realized. The comment about Avila's contract length (and not being aligned with Hinch's) is a big one.

Rosenthal's reporting is that Hinch is under contract for longer than Al. On top of the comment about the opt-out, Lynn also had different terms as well when he speculated over a year ago. Who you gonna believe? Rosenthal, or the guy whose Twitter feed is 95% left wing politics at this point in his career?

Kevin M.... strategic genius.

The "liberal" media strikes again lol. I know it's a different publication, but NYT Pitchbot couldn't have dreamed this one up if he tried

Honestly, I really didn't follow the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard case and, to the extent that I do know about it, fail to understand why it matters.

But they really needed a #1... on that level, the trade hasn't worked out. I do wonder if this is another case where Al limited his options by moving too early and pre-lockout... post-lockout, we saw other catchers move in trades (Mitch Garver the most notable). Had he waited, maybe he could have found an alternative. Who knows, it's hard to be counterfactual when the prevailing wisdom was that it was a good move (even among the more impartial beat writers like Stavenhagen).

People live in the here and the now... and while the here and the now sucks, it's just not as bad as the Randy Smith era. That said, they need to replace the GM.

I dont think the situation is as dire as the mid 1990s right now... but they need to replace the GM regardless. I really believe a good one could get this thing turned around within a couple of years. But the owner has, to date, shown little willingness to part with Al.

Yeah, I can't quantify it, but it doesn't feel justifiable at all.

I'm probably reading into it too much, but he could have easily said "no comment" to Ken Rosenthal. And he didn't.

I will say I am open to the idea that he is a plus behind the dish as a game caller and that maybe his influence is a factor in the success of some of our starters and relievers. But globally, I dont know how much of a downgrade having Haase starting and Ali Sanchez or Dustin Garneau up here backing up would be at this point given the lack of offense.

I still can't believe there were rumors of extension before the season. I didn't mind the acquisition and it's not like Quintana is doing much, but extending a guy with his declining profile as a hitter would be insane

People like the game calling and defense. Which has been pretty good after a rough first month. But there's a point where the lack of offense overtakes whatever you get in the field, and Barnhart has blown past that at this point.

I wonder what Wenceel projects to at this point.... Fangraphs in their last ranking said utility player, but that was predicated some on a lack of power. Which isn't necessarily the case anymore

One poison is clearly better than the other at this point.

Why is Barnhart getting an AB here? I know the odds are slim, but Haase is gonna give you a better AB here

They could just, ya know, move Tork up.

Hard to say, I missed the last inning but it just looked similar to his last start against Texas where he missed glove side a bit. I have confidence that he can course correct. He wasn't likely to maintain a 2.1 ERA the rest of the year.

Are we under the assumption he can't rebound?

Tough way to end the night for Skubal. The lack of offense probably means qhite flag time lol

He may still be OK, we'll see.

There's something to this... the spotlight in Detroit is much more Javy centered than he had in Chicago. Just star studded lineups surrounding him Ideally, that changes if/when Riley and Spencer get more experience

Good God Duran is annoying...

Javy!!!!

Said it in the game thread, but the more I think about it the more I'm surprised he agreed to go on the record for this story. He avoids the press most of the time as it is and generally is only seen in friendly environments... Maybe he felt the need to defend his record this time because he's actually concerned?