Baseball 2025 - Batter Up! ⚾

[jmyrlefuller]

Previous years:

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021

[Hoodat]

Thanks, @jmyrlefuller .  The Caribbean Series is coming up at the end of the month:


Everything you need to know about the 2025 Caribbean Series

David Mitchell  |  December 16, 2024



With the participation of Japan as a guest team, the Caribbean Series will be held at the home of Los Águilas de Mexicali from January 31 to February 7

MEXICO — The Caribbean Series Mexicali 2025 It will take place from January 31 to February 7 and this Tuesday the trophy, the uniforms and all the details surrounding the aforementioned competition were presented.

The Caribbean Series is of notable importance in this new edition, which will be held in Mexicali, Baja California, since it will be a very special guest: Japanwhich will compete for the first time in the tournament that takes place annually and hosts winter baseball teams.

“The presence of Japan has aroused great expectations, because there is a large Japanese community not only in Mexicalibut throughout California,” reported Tomás Serna, commercial director of the event.

In the 2025 edition, the Caribbean Series It will also have the traditional member countries, such as Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Mexico.

Tomas Serna explained that it is expected “that this baseball festival will exceed the expectations of the thousands of fans who will attend the Caribbean Series“, since the presence of more than 200 thousand visitors is expected during the eight days that the competition will last, which will not have more than two games per day.

In fact, on why they have not increased the number of guests to the traditional Caribbean Seriesit was said that it is due to the capacity they have; That is to say, there is no way to do more than two games in one day.

“It is very difficult to do more than two games per day; then, inviting more teams represented having a ‘series’ of 12 or 13 days, which also makes it very complicated for the fans, being able to spend so much time in the city” , he stated Tomas Serna.  .  .  .

https://www.am850.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-2025-caribbean-series/

[AllThatJazzZ]

Previous years:

• 2024
• 2023
• 2022
• 2021

Thanks, @jmyrlefuller. This is when I miss Easy Ace. I don't know if he would be discussing the various acquisitions across the League, but as someone who doesn't understand it at all, I try to glean whatever I can from those who understand the ins and outs of contracts, etc. I'm still smarting at losing Kyle Tucker, and many say it's a forgone conclusion that Bregman won't be an Astro soon. It's the part of baseball I didn't know about when I became a fan. Can I take it? I'm not sure. Don't know if it's just a female thing, but my friend and I are really having a tough time losing "our guys."

[DCPatriot]

Thanks, @jmyrlefuller. This is when I miss Easy Ace. I don't know if he would be discussing the various acquisitions across the League, but as someone who doesn't understand it at all, I try to glean whatever I can from those who understand the ins and outs of contracts, etc. I'm still smarting at losing Kyle Tucker, and many say it's a forgone conclusion that Bregman won't be an Astro soon. It's the part of baseball I didn't know about when I became a fan. Can I take it? I'm not sure. Don't know if it's just a female thing, but my friend and I are really having a tough time losing "our guys."

 
              Easy Ace

[Polly Ticks]

A little bit past this now, but it is a nice bookmark, anyway. 

[AllThatJazzZ]

https://youtube.com/shorts/enzn8TkXFzY?si=tznhjQSx_wqiqdOj

 

[Hoodat]

https://youtube.com/shorts/enzn8TkXFzY?si=tznhjQSx_wqiqdOj

Awesome.  While the first three pitches were borderline (i.e. they could easily have been called 'strikes'), the one that Buck Farmer threw was right down the middle.

[GrouchoTex]

So, where does Alex Bregman land?
Any opinions?

[AllThatJazzZ]

Awesome.  While the first three pitches were borderline (i.e. they could easily have been called 'strikes'), the one that Buck Farmer threw was right down the middle.

@Hoodat

During regular season when the umpire is infuriating me, I'm going to come back here and view that video again so that I can calm myself down.

So, where does Alex Bregman land?
Any opinions?

@GrouchoTex

I have no guesses, educated or otherwise. I just wish the dust would settle and Breggy would still be a 'Stro. I really needed less drama this year, but... 

[Hoodat]

Free agent signings and trade additions since season end:


AL EAST

Blue Jays

Jeff Hoffman
Yimi García
Andrés Giménez
Nick Sandlin
Josh Walker


Orioles

Tyler O’Neill
Tomoyuki Sugano
Gary Sánchez
Charlie Morton
Andrew Kittredge


Rays

Danny Jansen
Eloy Jiménez


Red Sox

Garrett Crochet
Walker Buehler
Patrick Sandoval
Aroldis Chapman
Justin Wilson
Jovani Morán
Carlos Narvaez


Yankees

Max Fried
Devin Williams
Cody Bellinger
Paul Goldschmidt
Jonathan Loáisiga
Fernando Cruz
Alex Jackson


AL CENTRAL

Indians

Austin Hedges
Shane Bieber
Carlos Santana
Luis L. Ortiz
Slade Cecconi


Royals

Jonathan India
Michael Lorenzen
Joey Wiemer


Tigers

Gleyber Torres
Alex Cobb


Twins

None


White Sox

Martín Pérez
Austin Slater
Mike Tauchman
Bryse Wilson
Josh Rojas
Tyler Gilbert
Matt Thaiss


AL WEST

Angels

Yusei Kikuchi
Jorge Soler
Travis d’Arnaud
Kyle Hendricks
Kevin Newman


Astros

Christian Walker
Isaac Paredes
Hayden Wesneski


A's

Luis Severino
Jeffrey Springs
Gio Urshela
T.J. McFarland


Mariners

None


Rangers

Nathan Eovaldi
Joc Pederson
Jake Burger
Kyle Higashioka
Chris Martin
Jacob Webb
Hoby Milner
Shawn Armstrong
Robert Garcia
Luis Curvelo


NL EAST

Braves

Bryan De La Cruz


Marlins

Eric Wagaman
Matt Mervis


Mets

Juan Soto
Clay Holmes
Sean Manaea
Frankie Montas
Jose Siri
Dylan Covey
Justin Hagenman
Jared Young


Nationals

Nathaniel Lowe
Michael Soroka
Josh Bell
Trevor Williams
Amed Rosario
Jorge López


Phillies

Jesús Luzardo
Jordan Romano
Max Kepler
Joe Ross


NL CENTRAL

Brewers

Nestor Cortes
Grant Anderson
Grant Wolfram


Cardinals

None


Cubs

Kyle Tucker
Matthew Boyd
Eli Morgan
Carson Kelly
Caleb Thielbar
Colin Rea
Cody Poteet
Vidal Bruján


Pirates

Andrew McCutchen
Spencer Horwitz
Caleb Ferguson
Enmanuel Valdez


Reds

Nick Martinez
Brady Singer
Gavin Lux
Jose Trevino
Owen White


NL WEST

D-backs

Corbin Burnes
Josh Naylor


Dodgers

Blake Snell
Michael Conforto
Blake Treinen
Giovanny Gallegos
Teoscar Hernández
Hyeseong Kim


Giants

Willy Adames
Justin Verlander


Padres

None

[AllThatJazzZ]

Mookie and/or Dodgers should sue. These pukes could have caused a career-ending injury. Make an example for other fans to remind themselves of when they're feeling too rambunctious.

[jmyrlefuller]

And let the games begin.

https://x.com/Brooks_Gate/status/1893033666982424965

[catfish1957]

[quote author=AllThatJazzZ link=topic=550090.m I'm still smarting at losing Kyle Tucker, and many say it's a forgone conclusion that Bregman won't be an Astro soon. It's the part of baseball I didn't know about when I became a fan. Can I take it? I'm not sure. Don't know if it's just a female thing, but my friend and I are really having a tough time losing "our guys."
[/quote]

@AllThatJazzZ

Yes, it has been a tough off season.  But, from my POV, I felt the most hurt at the onset of losing Springer.  Prior to his move he was our greatest post season clutch hitter.  But one thing about our players in the past 10 years.....   Having such a potent lineup has resulted in players having great seasons due to the depth of pitchers not being able to pitch around other weaker hitters, or those in slumps.  Look at Springer's stats since moving to Toronto.  Decent, but no where near his output in Houston.

To the others....

Tucker-  One kind of overlooked physical attribute to injuries are a few that seem to create lasting nagging issues....   One of those are deep deep shin contusions like what Tucker suffered last year.  Sometimes, players never regain that sweet spot leg plant while hitting.   This isn't always the case, but I am sure it entered the team's thinking process.  The add then $16M likely salary arbitration, plus one year to free agency?   It boiled down to economics

Bregman-  To me this was a no-brainer.  Bregman had great seasons for us, but I don't think there is much chance that the 30-35 y.o Bregman will be as productive as the <30 y.o. version. And the price tag?  $40/M a year?  He definitely won't be $40/M good in Boston.  Plus I think that he will have a problem overcompensating for the Green Monster.   As inviting as it sound and looks, there have been those like Bregman who are susceptible to over-swinging.  And on a personal note, I hated his Hotdogging.  '17 was bad enough without having his ongoing antics.

And let's not forget we are going to have freed money in a few years to pay who I feel might be the greatest Astro hitter of all time when it is said and done.  Yordan Alvarez is a monster who has a decent chance of being the first Astro to have a shot at 500 HR's.  He is a franchise player.

[AllThatJazzZ]

Just wanted this to get more exposure. Didn't want anyone to miss it. Great story!



My So-Called Baseball Career by Luis Gonzalez

https://www.gopbriefingroom.com/index.php?topic=556099.0

[AllThatJazzZ]

@catfish1957

Yes, it has been a tough off season.  But, from my POV, I felt the most hurt at the onset of losing Springer.  Prior to his move he was our greatest post season clutch hitter.  But one thing about our players in the past 10 years.....   Having such a potent lineup has resulted in players having great seasons due to the depth of pitchers not being able to pitch around other weaker hitters, or those in slumps.  Look at Springer's stats since moving to Toronto.  Decent, but no where near his output in Houston.

To the others....

Tucker-  One kind of overlooked physical attribute to injuries are a few that seem to create lasting nagging issues....   One of those are deep deep shin contusions like what Tucker suffered last year.  Sometimes, players never regain that sweet spot leg plant while hitting.   This isn't always the case, but I am sure it entered the team's thinking process.  The add then $16M likely salary arbitration, plus one year to free agency?   It boiled down to economics

Bregman-  To me this was a no-brainer.  Bregman had great seasons for us, but I don't think there is much chance that the 30-35 y.o Bregman will be as productive as the <30 y.o. version. And the price tag?  $40/M a year?  He definitely won't be $40/M good in Boston.  Plus I think that he will have a problem overcompensating for the Green Monster.   As inviting as it sound and looks, there have been those like Bregman who are susceptible to over-swinging.  And on a personal note, I hated his Hotdogging.  '17 was bad enough without having his ongoing antics.

And let's not forget we are going to have freed money in a few years to pay who I feel might be the greatest Astro hitter of all time when it is said and done.  Yordan Alvarez is a monster who has a decent chance of being the first Astro to have a shot at 500 HR's.  He is a franchise player.

There's nothing I can argue with in your reply. It's just that I don't want to be practical. I'm not ready. Women process these things differently. It's just how we're built. I'll be okay around the time of the All-Star Game. 

[GrouchoTex]

I am excited for the new season to begin.
I am taking 1/2 day vacation to watch Mets-Astros at 3:00pm central.
Looking forward to see how Cam Smith does this year.

[Polly Ticks]

I'm excited, too.
I've had Free MLB.TV day from T-Mobile Tuesdays marked on my calendar for the last 6 weeks, so yesterday was like Christmas.

[Canuck Conservative]

Can I just say I hate the Dodgers, and I hate the way MLB allows big-city teams to get overstacked like that

How are the smaller-market teams ever supposed to have a chance??

[rustynail]

The Reds are two games up on the Cubs.

[catfish1957]

Can I just say I hate the Dodgers, and I hate the way MLB allows big-city teams to get overstacked like that

How are the smaller-market teams ever supposed to have a chance??

Not exactly a large market team down here in Houston, but we had a pretty good run.

It's going to be strange to be in a rebuilding year.

[catfish1957]

I am excited for the new season to begin.
I am taking 1/2 day vacation to watch Mets-Astros at 3:00pm central.
Looking forward to see how Cam Smith does this year.

Little ambivalent putting that much pressure on the kid that early.  Preferred he got some AAA AB's first.
We will see soon.

[Polly Ticks]

Baseball is back!!!

... and MLB.TV is down.   

[GrouchoTex]

Little ambivalent putting that much pressure on the kid that early.  Preferred he got some AAA AB's first.
We will see soon.

Cam Smith got a hit. Altuve in left was a bit of an adventure, but he did okay. Needs to get out of the way sometimes.
Abreu and Hader almost gave up the game, but the 785K Mets star Soto struck out swinging on a 3-2 count, low and outside pitch to end it.
3-1 Astros.

[DCPatriot]

Baseball is back!!!

... and MLB.TV is down.   

I'm pissed, too!

O's game today is only on Apple TV.  APPLE TV???  

[Polly Ticks]

I'm pissed, too!

O's game today is only on Apple TV.  APPLE TV???  

Ugh. My other pet peeve. It's ridiculous.

Is that the Orioles or the Nationals?  I haven't looked at the schedule today, since I already know we don't play until 9:40pm.  (I also hate starting the season on a West coast trip. Ugh.)

Edit to add - Oops, nevermind.  I see you already said it was the O's.  Best of luck to them! 

[DCPatriot]

Ugh. My other pet peeve. It's ridiculous.

Is that the Orioles or the Nationals?  I haven't looked at the schedule today, since I already know we don't play until 9:40pm.  (I also hate starting the season on a West coast trip. Ugh.)

Edit to add - Oops, nevermind.  I see you already said it was the O's.  Best of luck to them!

Thanks, Polly!

O's are lacking a quality pitching rotation...on paper.  And I'm from the Church that you can't win anything without quality pitching.

[Hoodat]

MLB Opening Day 2025 takeaways: Orioles' home run bonanza, Skenes vs. Alcantara, Phillies and Guardians extra-innings victories stand out

Also, the White Sox won their opener, and surprise heroes came through for several teams on Thursday

Jordan Shusterman  |  March 27, 2025  |  11:39 PM EDT

With 28 teams in action, Opening Day was sure to bring its fair share of excitement and surprises, and Thursday’s contests did not disappoint.

The Dodgers logged another victory, and so did the Marlins and White Sox. Two Yankees not named Aaron Judge hit home runs, and so did Tyler O’Neill. Two games went to extra innings, and nobody got no-hit.

Here are some of the highlights and takeaways from Opening Day 2025.

The Orioles can’t stop hitting homers  .  .  .

Chicago White Sox … win?  .  .  .

Phillies strike out 19 times and blow a save, win anyway  .  .  .

Paul Skenes vs. Sandy Alcantara delivers. As for their teams?  .  .  .

Padres beat Braves thanks to superior NRI  .  .  .

Wilyer Abreu reminds everyone that he is good at baseball  .  .  .

Guardians Indians win a wild one in Kansas City  .  .  .


https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/mlb-opening-day-2025-takeaways-orioles-home-run-bonanza-skenes-vs-alcantara-phillies-and-guardians-extra-innings-victories-stand-out-033918552.html

[catfish1957]

Yesterday's boxscore line on the Stankees....

20-16-5.  I'll venture that's likely never happened before.

[catfish1957]

Tyrus on Gutfeld last night made a good comment....   Just a matter of time, where pitchers will adjust, and watch much more pitching on the outside corners off the center of gravity of the bat. 

[catfish1957]

The torpedo bat mania continues.  How many of you think this is a step change in batting technology, or just due to pure randomness?

One point that doesn't seem to be being covered is that with the physics of the new bats, it seems there would be a drop off, though slight in bat speed.   I still think MLB pitchng is still adjusting, and will learn or almost obsess on painting outside corners.  I also want to see a full year of data on bat exit velocity and HR lengths.

It might end up being where the bats may be more advantageous for those hitting for average vs the sluggers.    Still, I am skeptical that these bats are changing the game as much as they are thinking.

[DCPatriot]

The torpedo bat mania continues.  How many of you think this is a step change in batting technology, or just due to pure randomness?

One point that doesn't seem to be being covered is that with the physics of the new bats, it seems there would be a drop off, though slight in bat speed.   I still think MLB pitchng is still adjusting, and will learn or almost obsess on painting outside corners.  I also want to see a full year of data on bat exit velocity and HR lengths.

It might end up being where the bats may be more advantageous for those hitting for average vs the sluggers.    Still, I am skeptical that these bats are changing the game as much as they are thinking.

IMHO, if they're going to allow the new tech "torpedo" bats, they have to go back to calling the RULE BOOK strikezone....knees to the top of the letters of the jersey. 

Oh...and raise the mound back to its original height of fifteen inches.

But NOOOOOOOO.... the restless/hyper ADHD fans must be 'entertained', right??

[catfish1957]

IMHO, if they're going to allow the new tech "torpedo" bats, they have to go back to calling the RULE BOOK strikezone....knees to the top of the letters of the jersey. 

Oh...and raise the mound back to its original height of fifteen inches.

But NOOOOOOOO.... the restless/hyper ADHD fans must be 'entertained', right??

 

Nailed it.  New stadiums already have been made to look like pinball machines.  MLB has turned the game we used to love into Home Run Derby, and destroyed 75% of the charm of the record book and strategy with their silly tactics and rules.  I think the "ghost man" on base for extra innings  garbage finally sealed the deal for me.   

I used to be obssessed April- October.  Now, I'll spend 5 mnutes a day checking box scores, and watch playoffs if my team is in it.   That's it.

[DCPatriot]

Just seeing that the Blue Jays are paying Vlad Guerrero Jr. $500M over 14 years!

Wondering if the fine print forbids him from walking on the shoulder of the road...crossing against the light...owning/driving sports cars or eating by himself in case he chokes, etc..

[mountaineer]

IMHO, if they're going to allow the new tech "torpedo" bats, they have to go back to calling the RULE BOOK strikezone....knees to the top of the letters of the jersey. 

Oh...and raise the mound back to its original height of fifteen inches.

But NOOOOOOOO.... the restless/hyper ADHD fans must be 'entertained', right??

Agreed. It's just like all the new rules in football, designed for more and more offense, and nothing but offense.

 I would like to think knowledgeable baseball fans appreciate an outstanding leaping or diving outfield catch or nicely turned double play at least as much as (yet another) towering home run.

[DCPatriot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRTrpVsJmis

Daulton Varsho's -Catch of the Year! 2025

[Polly Ticks]

Pete Rose has been removed from the ineligible list.

Commissioner Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others. In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-ineligibility-status-after-death-decision

[Hoodat]

Rule 21(d)(2)  Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.

[jmyrlefuller]

Rule 21(d)(2)  Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.

Well, don't worry, they're not putting dead people in the lineup, dugout or bullpen. So they're still ineligible to do those things, it's just that they're ineligible because they're dead. And dead is just as permanent.

The Hall of Fame is not subject to the Laws of the Game, because it does not play the game. It is a museum.

[catfish1957]

Rose and Jackson?  At this point, I really don't care.  The leadership of the game has ruined it the past 20 years anyway. 

[DCPatriot]

[DCPatriot]

FOR THE LOVE OF GAWD.....

Red Sox 19  Orioles 5

Is the O's bullpen even "Major League" caliber??  Seems more like they just draw names from the fans in the seats.

[catfish1957]

FOR THE LOVE OF GAWD.....

Red Sox 19  Orioles 5

Is the O's bullpen even "Major League" caliber??  Seems more like they just draw names from the fans in the seats.

Look on the bright side.....

O's are the best .300 team on paper in the past 30 years.   
Kidding aside, this is too good a team to have this record.  Problem is, they are already 10 games off the pace.  If they do want to have a chance, they better turn it around pretty quickly.

Astros are lucky to be at .500, with their worst team in 15 years.  I still think they miss the playoffs this year, but the run was fun. 

[Hoodat]

After an abysmal start, the Braves finally climbed above .500 for a day, but have since lost three in a row.

[DCPatriot]

[cato potatoe]

After an abysmal start, the Braves finally climbed above .500 for a day, but have since lost three in a row.

Public ownership is wrecking them.  Take this afternoon's game.  You might consider it a bad way to end the series, but the game was sold out.  The shareholders are happy with whatever maximizes their return on investment.  Anthopoulos lied about increasing payroll in order to preserve season ticket sales.  He's probably going to squeeze whatever value remains out of this window, and negotiate a golden parachute on his way out.

[DCPatriot]

Okay...am tuned into the Braves/Phillies game.

The Strider pitch caught the edge of the inside on-screen strike zone.

The umpire jumped up and looked to his left but did nothing...for a second too long, IMO.
ONLY then, did he accentuate "STRIKE THREE - GTFOOH!!

Does he have earphones to the electronic judges?   

It ended the inning.

[Hoodat]

CWS Bracket

[DCPatriot]

[jmyrlefuller]

Meanwhile, outside the pros... the Congressional Baseball Game!

https://www.c-span.org/program/public-affairs-event/2025-congressional-baseball-game/660812