Aglets

Probably. The Boston/NY stuff is just so tiring and exhausting. And TOR and TB are two of the jankiest playing surfaces to play on 9-10 times a year. I wouldn't be thrilled about going to the NL but within the next decade I think the NL will have the DH.

Thanks Drungo for this important and insightful clarification that the Nats were done rebuilding in 2012. And that it didn't take 10 years. They moved over here in 2005 so it only took them EIGHT years. I feel much better now!

Are we ahead of the curve with this? Behind the curve? ummmmmmm, "on" the curve? I'm asking how many other teams use this or similar technology?

I predict that the new manager will like the save rule.........but like the "win rule" a little bit better. And then manage to the save rule.

I hear a soft voice whispering "I like our guys!" off in the distance...................is it getting louder?

There was also the postseason where they decided to shoot themselves in the foot by not using Strasburg.

Astros.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/buck-showalter-leaked-candidate-not-125808189.html Really interesting story here about how there is mutual interest between Buck and the Phillies, despite Kapler (currently) having a contract for 2020.

Facing a grand total of 3 batters officially, while also allowing a hit. Which seems pretty difficult to do but I guess there was a CS.

Every year that Dan and Buck were here the Orioles were trying to compete and make the playoffs. That's why they held onto Manny as long as possible until literally they were the worst team in baseball.

Hmmm, I had him at an increase of 185. Guess I need to recalibrate my 4K radar Rapsodo machine. Honestly I really enjoyed following the minor leagues this year at the expense of the major league team. I will probably do so again in 2020, but I admit I will likely want to watch more ML games as the future pieces actually become regulars on the team. Unless Chris Davis is on the ML roster. God help them if that happens.

Mookie Betts seems like a pretty likely non-tender candidate in Boston. Does that change the math for anyone?

Elias has basically said that Davis is going to stick around at least until spring training 2020 guaranteed. I admit I am a bit concerned he might make the Opening Day roster. We also know how little Elias cares about Spring Training stats. I can't imagine Davis finishes the 2020 season as an Oriole at this rate...............but I wouldn't bet money on it anymore unfortunately.

Pretty sure Tony just accused Brady Anderson of arson. Sounds like a good story...........we're waiting.

No Appreciation thread? Brady Anderson, I greatly appreciate your contributions to the Orioles from 1988-2001. You were genuinely one of my favorite players to watch as a kid and I will always choose to remember you in that light. Thanks!

Another way to look at it: In 2018 we were literally the worst run scoring offense in the AL. This year we were 11th. That is something. In 2018 and 2019 we had the worst pitching staffs in the AL. That is...........consistency!

It's the balls. Look at what happened in AAA from 2018-2019 too. And note that the same trends did not occur in AA. What changed in AAA? The balls. So in 2018 our team OPS was 38 points below average? And this year it was 32 points below average? I suppose that is a degree of improvement.

Eric Hanhold??? We got THE Eric Hanhold!?!!??! I thought he was a myth.......

tee hee hee For the record we have 23 games left and only 6 of them are against teams with a winning record. 55 sounds about right to me, sure.

I'm losing faith fast you guys.................. Detroit is just so much better at this.

Glad to see some improvement this year at least?

Sep 30

I'll just link it again cuz I think some of the information in there can really inform the discussion here: https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-spring-training-0228-20150227-story.html

According to the article I linked he was denied the exemption in 2013...........when he hit 53 HR and led the league. It says he did not even reapply for the exemption in 2014 when he got suspended. Before the 2015 season he got the exemption for a different drug (Vyvanse) so presumably he has been taking that ever since. He had a 47 HR season and a 38 HR season in back to back years in 15-16, so he has certainly shown he can hit with the new medication.

https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-spring-training-0228-20150227-story.html It isn't overtly stated here, but the way I read it is that he was diagnosed with ADHD in 2008 and started taking Adderall to treat it. AFAIK that is a prescription drug, so I have to assume he had a prescription unless there is evidence to the contrary.