now

Thinking of Povich today after practicing flute--trying some note sequences that sounded way off, compared to some that were harmonically pleasing. Sometimes the biggest help to learning is find out what doesn't work. In other words, I'm betting on a good outing next time out, whether it's vs. NY or someone else. It can help to get beat up by the pros once in a while.

Small sample size (20 IP) but this favorite stat here -- K/H, 33/5 -- is otherworldly even for high-end relievers. Back in the day (e.g., 1987, peak Tom Henke at 128/62) when I first started noticing it, the best of the best were at around K/H = 2.0. This sample, 33/5, is 6.6. For probably the closest comparable context, last year the Mountain had a historic 110/30, or 3.7 (in 61 IP).

... if we're interested in collecting more of Beavers/McDermott FV. One of each? Um, have to think about it. Once we get a taste of Mayo it would be easier to part with Mountcastle. As has been noted, sometimes he can carry the team.

Just kidding! But there should be such a stat!

Interesting quandary for KC, if they don't want to trade starters, and don't have decent prospects to trade. Then how are they going to acquire hitters and relievers? We're basically opposite, except every team always needs relievers.

And for closers, don't forget the M/V-Q (Moxie/Veteranosity Quotient)!

Dang, where's the Wow! emoji when you need it? : o

I'm blacked out from Seattle, as well as Toronto. Go figure.

Okay, that's funny. I'll take the Big flies over the Sac flies any day.

Kjerstad has 40 HR written all over him. (Of course, I penciled in 50 HR for Glenn Davis when he was acquired, but anyway...)

Still trying to keep that dang helmet from falling off...

That's an intriguing nexus of decision-making going forward: Elias - Rubenstein + the rest of the ownership group. I'm assuming Rubenstein trusts Elias with the baseball decisions; yet with contracts coming up these turn back to how much the owners will front him. I wonder if anyone here has more insight/reporting to share on that balance of power in these upcoming decisions (beginning probably with the trade deadline).

I find this news pretty shocking, given our board "consensus" about the lack of pitching. Thx for the heads up. Granted, most of those SP are still at high A or below, and the RP are only rated 35 or less FV, but given the impressive quantity of arms, some should pop above that in time. And the top 10 feature 3 SP in Povich, McDermott and Young.

Sure... and then the arms fall off.

I hear ya but I think the angst comes from looking forward from here. In the first half we had at least the equivalent of a main rotation piece (15 starts) from those three. Going forward that's 0. Also on the trepidation scale is the shelf life of good starts from Suarez and Irvin, with Irvin already confirming doubts. Then there's Kremer, also spending time on the IL. Amid all the carnage we have Povich as a ray of (also tentative) hope, to complement the ace and king we're still holding. So yes, there is real concern over the rotation (and the bullpen has its own concerns beginning with the loss of Coulombe). All that said, I'm fully on board with considering Kjerstad as a top-gun member of the Untouchables!

The money quote. More rep!

Funny, reading this post in the sidebar under the thread title, I assumed you were talking about Kremer. I dunno, maybe the shoe fits him too. Anyone heard otherwise lately?

Meanwhile, while offense in general (espec. batting average) is down by historic levels, homers are high at historic levels (at least with some players and some teams). So it's not all bleak for lovers of offense, since the power pitchers are countered by the power hitters. Not necessarily the game we want to see, but there's still lots of pop to keep us entertained.

Yet another confirmation of the wisdom of Elias's drafting approach (so far) to favor hitters.

That's a striking reveal of the low offense numbers in context, @DrungoHazewood. What's your best guess to account for it?

Shades of overtaking the miracle Rays last year around midseason.

Exactly. Which is why we can field a top lineup every night with a chance to win regardless of what rotation patchwork of the week is in effect, and what Norfolk-shuttle bullpen we trot out there. Day in, day out supremacy on the field.

Unbelievable talent on this team right now, reflected in All-Star finalists at every position except 2B: Rutschman, Mountcastle, Henderson, Westburg, O'Hearn, Santander (only one OFer, we're not greedy). https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-mlb-all-star-ballot-finalists

Right on. Add to those bashers, Mayo and Kjerstad as regulars. Good times ahead. Hasta manana!

Gregor, is that you?