That's a good question because it is rough out there right now. Mr. Mayor is good, but I'm not sure if it got renewed. Abbott Elementary is really funny. I have a friend who actually likes Young Rock, and that is SO out of character for her that I might have to check it out.
Was that a reference to Trey Wingo's ridiculous tweet about the NFL and the NBA not restricting defensive strategy?
I'm in favor of all the rule changes, but I would have preferred that instead of a pitch clock they
1) allow the pitcher to throw a pitch as quickly as they want, whether the batter is ready or not
2) allow the batter to demand a pitch if they are in the box, the umpire would gesture to the pitcher and the pitcher would have to deliver a pitch immediately
Maybe that wouldn't have been as effective as a simple clock, but I think almost all of pitching is interrupting the batter's timing. I guess I haven't thought through what happens with baserunners. Maybe that's a situation where the batter isn't allowed to demand a pitch.
Oh I didn't see his tweet, but I saw plenty like it, so sort of, I guess?
I think your suggestions would be interesting, but also introduce way more chaos than any sport would be comfortable with. I would still watch it, though.
I wish they would have experimented with more solutions in the minors instead of just going with the clock. You have a whole slew of leagues, there's plenty of room for experimentation while developing players.
Maybe that opportunity is actually closing now though that the minor-leaguers are collectively bargaining.
They could have done more and could do more, but don't forget that the minors aren't the experimentation station. These are legitimate prospects trying to become big leaguers, so I don't think it's in the best interest of anyone to make them guinea pigs. That's why the Atlantic League is a spot you see the most extreme experiments.
That homestead left much to be desired. I often wonder if some of the players are fed up with losing and just going through the motions? For the life of me, and I get the money part, but why on earth are they still carrying Dozier and O'Hearn? Loyalty is one thing, but sports are performance driven. Getting those 2 or of the lineup gets the rookies more playing time. Wondering if Matheny will roll out a lineup with all rookies? They pretty much played together in the minors, why not see what they got.
Very impressed with the Chiefs. Although some injuries and dinged up, a solid performance. The defense will get better with time. The offense is like a plug and play computer - someone leaves and the plug in a new device. Short of a few tackling misses, a very solid, all around game.
Does anyone remember the Chiefs when they barnstormed playing basketball in the off season.? I remember them playing in Great Bend in the 60's. What a great time that was.
They're carrying Dozier because he's under contract through 2024 and they aren't going to move on from that at this point. Maybe in the offseason, but not right now. O'Hearn, I have no earthly idea.
Yup. They’ve rewarded all sorts of players with team-friendly extensions. Dozier’s hasn’t really worked out, though the eye test for me says he’s better than a replacement-level guy. So, whatever. Letting him and O’Hearn play in peace because they’ve both seen their playing time cut and haven’t complained.
While it's commendable that O'Hearn hasn't complained, I also think it would be hilarious to see the reaction if he did. He should be grateful to be on a roster (and I think he is) and any playing time beyond that is a blessing for him. As for Dozier, his issue is that his slumps just drag on forever. From break to break 2021-2022, he hit .263/.329/.447 and handled lefties pretty well, so for the relatively small number his contract is, it works. It looks terrible when he's slumping because those slumps just don't end, but yeah, he's better than he's looked lately, I think.
The only rule change I like is the pitch clock. Bigger bases? Let's bring in the outfield walls so everyone can hit homeruns. How about if the ball falls in a specific area it means an automatic double or triple so the player doesn't have to run too hard to increase their career? Anyway, I also think it's pathetic that a player can't learn to hit against the shift. Gee, is the game just too hard for these lads???
Making the bases bigger will materially affect the game a lot! Making it so there is less distance between bases definitely make it easier to steal a base. Most stolen bases attempts are bang/bang plays, anyway. The real problem with the bases is oversliding or popping up a fraction and having the instant reply call a runner out. That's really not within the spirit of the game, in my opinion...
(reads Chiefs portion)
(best Heisenberg voice)
Stay out of my territory!
:)
NEVER! But yeah, this is probably it. I already got an angry email from someone who was very upset about two paragraphs.
What is an article if not a chance to talk about other passions, really?
They're just lucky I don't get into my sitcom love regularly, but I guess that's what the offseason is for.
I will devour that content for what that's worth hahaha.
New Substack incoming!
(Probably not.)
(But maybe?)
Working title : "Leskyvision"
Are there any good sitcom's right now? I'm lost since The Good Place and Brooklyn 99 ended. Just rewatching The Mindy Project.
That's a good question because it is rough out there right now. Mr. Mayor is good, but I'm not sure if it got renewed. Abbott Elementary is really funny. I have a friend who actually likes Young Rock, and that is SO out of character for her that I might have to check it out.
Was that a reference to Trey Wingo's ridiculous tweet about the NFL and the NBA not restricting defensive strategy?
I'm in favor of all the rule changes, but I would have preferred that instead of a pitch clock they
1) allow the pitcher to throw a pitch as quickly as they want, whether the batter is ready or not
2) allow the batter to demand a pitch if they are in the box, the umpire would gesture to the pitcher and the pitcher would have to deliver a pitch immediately
Maybe that wouldn't have been as effective as a simple clock, but I think almost all of pitching is interrupting the batter's timing. I guess I haven't thought through what happens with baserunners. Maybe that's a situation where the batter isn't allowed to demand a pitch.
Oh I didn't see his tweet, but I saw plenty like it, so sort of, I guess?
I think your suggestions would be interesting, but also introduce way more chaos than any sport would be comfortable with. I would still watch it, though.
I wish they would have experimented with more solutions in the minors instead of just going with the clock. You have a whole slew of leagues, there's plenty of room for experimentation while developing players.
Maybe that opportunity is actually closing now though that the minor-leaguers are collectively bargaining.
They could have done more and could do more, but don't forget that the minors aren't the experimentation station. These are legitimate prospects trying to become big leaguers, so I don't think it's in the best interest of anyone to make them guinea pigs. That's why the Atlantic League is a spot you see the most extreme experiments.
Might it be time to start thinking about tying up Singer to a long term contract?
I'd say so. https://insidethecrown.substack.com/p/extension-talk-brady-singer
How quick I forget. That's my penalty for getting old, I guess.
No joke, I thought that I should write about that when I read your comment before I remembered I did pretty recently, so I get it.
That homestead left much to be desired. I often wonder if some of the players are fed up with losing and just going through the motions? For the life of me, and I get the money part, but why on earth are they still carrying Dozier and O'Hearn? Loyalty is one thing, but sports are performance driven. Getting those 2 or of the lineup gets the rookies more playing time. Wondering if Matheny will roll out a lineup with all rookies? They pretty much played together in the minors, why not see what they got.
Very impressed with the Chiefs. Although some injuries and dinged up, a solid performance. The defense will get better with time. The offense is like a plug and play computer - someone leaves and the plug in a new device. Short of a few tackling misses, a very solid, all around game.
Does anyone remember the Chiefs when they barnstormed playing basketball in the off season.? I remember them playing in Great Bend in the 60's. What a great time that was.
As always, thanks for your insight!
They're carrying Dozier because he's under contract through 2024 and they aren't going to move on from that at this point. Maybe in the offseason, but not right now. O'Hearn, I have no earthly idea.
Yup. They’ve rewarded all sorts of players with team-friendly extensions. Dozier’s hasn’t really worked out, though the eye test for me says he’s better than a replacement-level guy. So, whatever. Letting him and O’Hearn play in peace because they’ve both seen their playing time cut and haven’t complained.
While it's commendable that O'Hearn hasn't complained, I also think it would be hilarious to see the reaction if he did. He should be grateful to be on a roster (and I think he is) and any playing time beyond that is a blessing for him. As for Dozier, his issue is that his slumps just drag on forever. From break to break 2021-2022, he hit .263/.329/.447 and handled lefties pretty well, so for the relatively small number his contract is, it works. It looks terrible when he's slumping because those slumps just don't end, but yeah, he's better than he's looked lately, I think.
The only rule change I like is the pitch clock. Bigger bases? Let's bring in the outfield walls so everyone can hit homeruns. How about if the ball falls in a specific area it means an automatic double or triple so the player doesn't have to run too hard to increase their career? Anyway, I also think it's pathetic that a player can't learn to hit against the shift. Gee, is the game just too hard for these lads???
It’s incredibly hard.
Making the bases bigger will materially affect the game a lot! Making it so there is less distance between bases definitely make it easier to steal a base. Most stolen bases attempts are bang/bang plays, anyway. The real problem with the bases is oversliding or popping up a fraction and having the instant reply call a runner out. That's really not within the spirit of the game, in my opinion...
Singer in top 4 in all of baseball since July 1
Here are his rankings since then:
IP - 17
ERA - 13
K% - 23
BB% - 33
FIP - 23
fWAR - 15
He's been very, very good. I wouldn't say top four, but very, very good.
Since July 1 is 13 starts and 80+ innings, only Cole, Bieber, and Gallen have better xFIPs.
even better than very very good 🤙
I'm not sure what you're looking at there because he's 16th in xFIP too.