BASEBALL 2017---Bring it On!!!

[EasyAce]

Also known as "free baseball".

@Polly Ticks

Never mind beer, you deserve this for that . . .

[Polly Ticks]

@Polly Ticks

Never mind beer, you deserve this for that . . .

@EasyAce

Oooooo, thanks!  Fancy-schmancy!  But can I drink it with my baseball hat on?

[EasyAce]

@EasyAce

Oooooo, thanks!  Fancy-schmancy!  But can I drink it with my baseball hat on?

@Polly Ticks
Of course you can!
I would!

(I have: Brooklyn Dodgers, Cubs, Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Washington Nationals, and
Red Sox caps to choose from!)

[Machiavelli]

Braves release former MVP Ryan Howard from minor league deal

Wikipedia

Career stats

@EasyAce

[Polly Ticks]

@Polly Ticks
Of course you can!
I would!

(I have: Brooklyn Dodgers, Cubs, Indians, Los Angeles Angels, Washington Nationals, and
Red Sox caps to choose from!)

I have a new tomahawk spring training cap I got from my trip down to Sun Trust Park this past Friday.  I think I'll  wear that one. 

[EasyAce]

I have a new tomahawk spring training cap I got from my trip down to Sun Trust Park this past Friday.  I think I'll  wear that one. 

Perfect!

I'll wear this one . . .


(I bought one at Angel Stadium two years ago when taking my son in California to a game . . . )

[Polly Ticks]

Perfect!

I'll wear this one . . .


(I bought one at Angel Stadium two years ago when taking my son in California to a game . . . )

Nice!  My son and I were half-frozen to death -- it was 47 degrees that evening -- by the time the Cards were finished blowing us out of the park, but we had a marvelous time.  Memories for a lifetime, yes?   

 ^-^

[EasyAce]

Nice!  My son and I were half-frozen to death -- it was 47 degrees that evening -- by the time the Cards were finished blowing us out of the park, but we had a marvelous time.  Memories for a lifetime, yes?   

 ^-^

Indeed!

My favourite baseball memory with my son, when he was little: We went to see the Angels play the Mariners.
Ichiro Suzuki, of all people, hit one into the right field bleachers in the top of the ninth to tie it; the game
ended up going extra innings.

Somewhere in the tenth he asked if we could move down from the upper deck and get an abandoned seat
in the left field bleachers behind the bullpens. Sure, why not! The crowd leaving the ballpark meant it took
us until the twelfth inning to get there. And no sooner do we sit down than Jose Guillen (then with the
Angels) hit one into those bullpens to win it!

[Bigun]

Astros 23/11 .676  Best in baseball!

Go Stros!

[Machiavelli]

In 1964, the Mets and the Giants played a 24-inning game---and it was the second game of a doubleheader!

I remember some scribe pointing to Gaylord Perry's performance in that game and saying that it was a turning point in Perry's career.

@EasyAce

[EasyAce]

I remember some scribe pointing to Gaylord Perry's performance in that game and saying that it was a turning point in Perry's career.

@EasyAce

@Machiavelli
That season was his turning point, never mind that game: he was put into the Giants' starting rotation
for the first time that season. He finished 21-8 though he slumped in August; he was the National League's
Player of the Month for June, a month in which he went 5-0 with an 0.90 ERA and 31 strikeouts. In the
doubleheader marathon, on Memorial Day, Perry came on in the tenth inning and went ten innings to pick
up the win; the Giants won on back-to-back RBI hits (a double by Del Crandall and a single by Jesus
Alou) in the 23rd inning and Bob Hendley---a year from nearly pitching a no-hitter on the backside of
Sandy Koufax's perfect game (the only hit in the game didn't factor in the lone Dodger run)---retired
the Mets in order in the bottom to save it. The win improved Perry's record to 3-1.

[DCPatriot]

Should the Mets consider sending Matt Harvey to the minors?
Buster Olney


Sure, the Mets have a long and dubious history with medical issues, and yes, the relationship between certain players and the team has seemed odd -- co-dependent, rather than the typical employer-employee dynamic. But the strategically leaked he-said, he-said about the circumstances of pitcher Matt Harvey’s absence from the park last weekend should not distract from the reality that the pitcher didn’t show up for work.

This whole issue is not a Mets problem -- this is a Matt Harvey problem.

That the Mets chose to suspend him rather than to give him another pass shows they are fed up, and they are looking to effect change with a player who might have enormous value -- but only if that change happens.

Which is why folks with other teams are wondering whether the Mets will consider the nuclear option available to them: sending Harvey to the minors.

They can do this without his permission because he is a player with less than five years of service time; at the start of the season, he had four years and 72 days.



more at:     http://www.espn.com/blog/buster-olney/insider/post/_/id/16634/the-mets-should-send-matt-harvey-to-the-minors

[Cripplecreek]

Every walk-up song for the 2017 Detroit Tigers pitchers and hitters

http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2017/05/detroit_tigers_walk-up_music.html#incart_river_home


Alex Wilson (Snake farm) is definitely among the best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89VR_lZehw4

Ian Kinsler uses Detroit's own Jack White (Battle Cry)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qFGsHxSxo0

[catfish1957]

Astros 23/11 .676  Best in baseball!

Go Stros!

Biggest test of the year to date coming up with 4 with NYY.  @ NY.  Will be ecstatic with a split.

[Polly Ticks]

Chief Wahoo decision could be sped up because of MLB involvement

Nobody really expects the controversy surrounding the Cleveland Indians’ Chief Wahoo logo to go away anytime soon. If we’ve learned anything from the drama with the Washington Redskins and their name it’s that these fights are like the Energizer Bunny — they keep going. And going. And going.

But from the sound of things, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred might have sped up the Indians’ timetable to figure things out when he said last month that he wants the Indians to “transition away” from Wahoo.

That’s actually something the Indians have been doing for a few years now, as they’ve changed their primary logo and de-emphasized Chief Wahoo on some of their uniforms. However, the message the Indians appear to be getting is: “Speed this up.”

I wonder who might be next on the "chop"ing block...

[Jazzhead]

Aaron Altherr is Breaking Out

Not too much to cheer lately in Philly,  but Aaron Altherr took an opportunity created by Howie Kendrick's injury and ran with it.   He's currently on a roll of hitting three-run homers in three days straight. 

[GrouchoTex]

Biggest test of the year to date coming up with 4 with NYY.  @ NY.  Will be ecstatic with a split.

Nice way to start the first one. Kuechel wins and Marisnek throws out the runner at home.

[TomSea]

Diamondbacks Chris Iannetta got drilled in the face with a pitch, no concussion, broken teeth and nose.

http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2017/05/14/Chris-Iannetta-drilled-in-face-with-93-mph-fastball-no-concussion/7881494772912/

Former MLB All-Star Doug DeCinces convicted of insider stock training
Former Baltimore Orioles and California Angels third baseman Doug DeCinces was convicted of insider trading on Friday.

According to the Associated Press, DeCinces was found guilty on 13 federal insider trading charges after he purchased stock in Advanced Medical Optics eight years ago that eventually netted him a $1.3 million profit.

DeCinces reportedly purchased more than 90,000 shares of the company just before it was sold to Abbott Laboratories after allegedly learning about the sale from a neighbor who was the CEO of Advanced Medical Optics. The 66-year-old now faces the prospect of serving 10 or more years of jail time. However, a sentencing date has yet to be determined.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2709398-former-mlb-all-star-doug-decinces-convicted-of-insider-stock-trading

Washington Nationals Bryce Harper inks huge baseball deal.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/bryce-harper-reportedly-agrees-to-record-deal-for-2018-with-nationals/ar-BBB5QRV?OCID=ansmsnnews11

[Cyber Liberty]

Diamondbacks Chris Iannetta got drilled in the face with a pitch, no concussion, broken teeth and nose.

http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2017/05/14/Chris-Iannetta-drilled-in-face-with-93-mph-fastball-no-concussion/7881494772912/

We're really glad about the no concussion, but that's going to smart for a while.  It was scary to see it happen.

[Cripplecreek]

JD Martinez returned to the Tigers after his long recuperation with a 2 HR night.

[Cyber Liberty]

JD Martinez returned to the Tigers after his long recuperation with a 2 HR night.

 

You played very well here, looking forward to our next short series in Detroit, June 13-14.

[Cripplecreek]

You played very well here, looking forward to our next short series in Detroit, June 13-14.

Tigers are kind of erratic this year. So far not terrible but not great either. Tied for second in their division at .514 with Cleveland. The Twins look like they're way out front at .576 but they've played fewer games. The Sox are hot on our heels at .471 and the Royals are only 5.5 games out.

[Gefn]

Derek JETER  has retired from baseball tonight.. Yankss retired #2

 http://nypost.com/2017/05/14/derek-jeter-to-exploding-yankee-stadium-thank-you/

[EasyAce]

Derek JETER  has retired from baseball tonight.. Yankss retired #2

 http://nypost.com/2017/05/14/derek-jeter-to-exploding-yankee-stadium-thank-you/

The player retired three years ago, the number was retired tonight. You can put final paid to his career
in two years when he's likely to get to the Hall of Fame, first ballot. ;)

[catfish1957]

Derek JETER  has retired from baseball tonight.. Yankss retired #2

 http://nypost.com/2017/05/14/derek-jeter-to-exploding-yankee-stadium-thank-you/

And on page 10 of the sports page, my Astros beat them 3 of 4 on their turf.   Somehow that story got lost.

[Machiavelli]

White Sox allow hilarious walk-off as outfielder gets hit by Albert Pujols flyball

[Polly Ticks]

White Sox allow hilarious walk-off as outfielder gets hit by Albert Pujols flyball

 

At least it wasn't a homerun?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbIHRGUesZQ

[EasyAce]

@Polly Ticks
At least it wasn't a homerun?

File it in your "Keep Your Head in the Game" department. ;)

[Polly Ticks]

File it in your "Keep Your Head in the Game" department. ;)

You know, in retrospect, that might actually help explain some of Canseco's crazier tweeting and such ...

[EasyAce]

You know, in retrospect, that might actually help explain some of Canseco's crazier tweeting and such ...

Couldn't be. Not with him having a cement block for a head. ;)

[Polly Ticks]

Couldn't be. Not with him having a cement block for a head. ;)

LOL -- I stand corrected. 
(But not in the outfield, with a ball hitting me in the head.)

[EasyAce]

LOL -- I stand corrected. 
(But not in the outfield, with a ball hitting me in the head.)

@Polly Ticks
My dear Polly, if it had been you, you would have caught the ball off your head, not let it
bounce into the seats for a home run!

[Polly Ticks]

@Polly Ticks
My dear Polly, if it had been you, you would have caught the ball off your head, not let it
bounce into the seats for a home run!

 

[EasyAce]

@Polly Ticks

[EasyAce]

Today in baseball history:

17 May 1979: Phillies 23, Cubs 22.
Mike Schmidt: Two home runs.
Dave Kingman: Three home runs.
. . . and even a couple of pitchers hit one out . . .

Phillies 23, Cubs 22

[catfish1957]

Today in baseball history:

17 May 1979: Phillies 23, Cubs 22.
Mike Schmidt: Two home runs.
Dave Kingman: Three home runs.
. . . and even a couple of pitchers hit one out . . .

Phillies 23, Cubs 22

Friendly confines my ass.

[EasyAce]

Friendly confines my ass.

Please, Schmidt and Kingman couldn't be confined in the Grand Canyon.

[Cyber Liberty]

@Polly Ticks
My dear Polly, if it had been you, you would have caught the ball off your head, not let it
bounce into the seats for a home run!

Wait...that looked like a ground-rule double.

[catfish1957]

Nice way to start the first one. Kuechel wins and Marisnek throws out the runner at home.

3-0 Astros over FL.

Now 29-12 !!!!!!!!

Think ESPN will ever notice us?

[Bigun]

3-0 Astros over FL.

Now 29-12 !!!!!!!!

Think ESPN will ever notice us?

@catfish1957 

I sure hope not!  ESPN is the PITS!

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957 

I sure hope not!  ESPN is the PITS!

The PITS?....Yep, and the NYY, the BOS, the NYM, etc.   Bozos have failed to realize baseball exists outside the coasts.

[Polly Ticks]

Wait...that looked like a ground-rule double.

Apparently not.

If a fly ball is first touched by a player in fair territory and then goes over the fence, it is a home run.

7.05(a) Each runner including the batter-runner may, without liability to be put out, advance ... to home base scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing field in flight and the runner touches all bases legally;

When the batted ball was touched by the player in fair territory, the ball automatically became fair. The ball remains in flight until it touches the ground - touching a player does not alter this. Thus, this rule applies.

If a fly ball is first touched by a player in foul territory and then goes over the fence, it is a foul ball.

[Cyber Liberty]

Apparently not.

Well, I'll be.  I stand corrected, because that's a perfect description of what's on the video.

[al_c]

You know, in retrospect, that might actually help explain some of Canseco's crazier tweeting and such ...

No, he was going nuts long before that ball whacked him.

[al_c]

3-0 Astros over FL.

Now 29-12 !!!!!!!!

Think ESPN will ever notice us?

Congrats on the stellar start to the season. Looking good. But … go Rangers!!! If y’all would quit winning every damn game, maybe we could gain some ground on you. 7 straight for the boys from Arlington.

[GrouchoTex]

3-0 Astros over FL.

Now 29-12 !!!!!!!!

Think ESPN will ever notice us?

Who has the best record in baseball?

The HOUSTON ASTROS!

YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHawwwwwwwwwwwwww!

[Polly Ticks]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19411434/freddie-freeman-atlanta-braves-least-8-weeks-fractured-left-wrist-according-reports

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman has a fractured left wrist and is expected to miss at least eight weeks, according to multiple reports.

 :hard crying:

[Bigun]

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19411434/freddie-freeman-atlanta-braves-least-8-weeks-fractured-left-wrist-according-reports

 :hard crying:

That hurts! Especially so when you consider that he is really all they have!

[Polly Ticks]

That hurts! Especially so when you consider that he is really all they have!

Actually, he's not all they have, but he is definitely the cornerstone and he's been having a MVP season thus far.  By some accounts, the only guy better so far this year is Mike Trout:
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/top-100-players-in-mlb-so-far-this-season-freddie-freeman-aaron-judge-among-elite/

Matt Kemp has been hitting just about everything thrown to him lately, and Ender Inciarte is having a nice streak, too.  Offense hasn't been our problem nearly so much as pitching.

But anyway you slice it, this is a big loss.

[EasyAce]

Actually, he's not all they have, but he is definitely the cornerstone and he's been having a MVP season thus far.  By some accounts, the only guy better so far this year is Mike Trout:
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/top-100-players-in-mlb-so-far-this-season-freddie-freeman-aaron-judge-among-elite/

Matt Kemp has been hitting just about everything thrown to him lately, and Ender Inciarte is having a nice streak, too.  Offense hasn't been our problem nearly so much as pitching.

But anyway you slice it, this is a big loss.

The Braves without Freddie Freeman are like the Angels if they should lose Mike Trout for any considerable
length of time. Never underestimate the psychological power of having your franchise face on the field
with you.