FlipTheBird

Well if you offer them the right deal, any of them. But if you're looking at a right-handed hitter that's probably going to sign a one-year, "prove it," deal... he's very unlikely to choose the Orioles, from a sheer park effect standpoint. That's about it, only person you've boxed out.

I'm just hoping that whatever business we're talking about, it warrants the level of stress that the poster is attributing to it.

Take a breather, champ. They play 162 games for a reason, and you're going to lose 50-60 of them even if you're one of the best teams in baseball. They certainly aren't happy when they lose, but these are professionals that have lost many, many times before in their athletic careers. And they'll lose many, many more. They'll deal with it and be back at it on Tuesday, trying to win ballgames the same as they do every time they go out.

Truthfully, the bullpen is the team's greatest actual weakness. Yes, the bats are cold, but that'll come 'round. But there are multiple guys in the bullpen right now that probably shouldn't be pitching in high-leverage situations for a defending division champ.

I am disappointed with today's game, as well, but inferring that they're at a gut check moment heading into Game 10 at 5-4 is preposterous.

Should have put it in his pocket, for sure. Rough ending. That said, the bullpen has been a mess, too.

Guy has thrown 31 innings the last two seasons and would be getting extended starting with his age 32 season. Sorry, pass.

While Suarez has never replicated quite what he did in Cincy, he's been a big part of the M's the last two years. 150 games and 162 games played, respectively. It's a safe bet they've already got a replacement in mind, be it in FA or via trade.

Neither of these players has established themselves as a No. 1 at this point in time. Both will very much be rotation pieces in 2024 and beyond, but neither has shown anything yet that suggests the organization should stand pat on starting pitching.

There were 10 guys in the league that posted a .900 OPS or better in 2023. Only four of them hit 40 homers. One of those guys was Marcell Ozuna, who basically rose from the grave after looking pretty much done. The other three were Ohtani, Matt Olson and Ronald Acuna. So if you’re saying it’s sign Ohtani or the O’s are doomed, we’re in tough shape. Further, the Braves made it just as far as the O’s despite having three of the four guys that meet your standards.

If you win in the playoffs are get the team championship trophy, that’s what they’re for. These individual awards are supposed to be decided by the incredibly long campaign that leads to October.

Remember that these are voted upon before the playoffs, so as not to over-credit anyone for getting hot in the tournament. Looking at the regular season, Bochy and the Texas FO were not nearly as deserving as Hyde and Elias. Jung... well, we'll never know if he'd have hung on to his lead for ROY.

Even the Rangers have designated Garcia for assignment before. He just went through waivers and came back. Some guys are true surprises.

The Padres are going to reload and try again in 2024. What good would trading Soto do them?

Adley just isn't on par with the dudes at OOO's gym, bro.

You’re an idiot.

He’s here to eat innings because they’re torched. Who else do you want to pitch?

Love a great reactionary thread! Chill out. Jeez. The bullpen is toast. If you want to be angry at someone, blame the starters. They have put the pen in a terrible spot night after night of late.

I view it as six of one, half-dozen of the other. Every team in the field could win a short series - it's not like someone out there's a dud. Gun to my head (and assuming O's do in fact win the East and the No. 1 seed), I'd say I'd root for Toronto to hang on to the 5 seed and hopefully upset Tampa. But I'm not writing the Jays off as an easy W, either. Still a good team.

You say this every night.

How dare you disagree with him! BLOCKED.

Every team is baseball this every year. Including the team that ultimately goes on to the World Series. These are elite, professional athletes. They know how to conduct themselves. They know how to play the game. They certainly have a much firmer grasp of this situation than any of us.

Yeah, all the hand-wringing we see here is crazy. This team could be up 10-0 in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the World Series, leading the series 3-0, and somebody here would be upset that a player smiled in the dugout. "HE'S NOT FOCUSED!"

These guys collectively have won more titles (at many different levels) than any 100 people on this message board combined. They will be excited today and back to business tomorrow. The idea that they suddenly won't work as hard is nonsense.

All true, but he was exciting and became a household name. Jazz Chisholm didn’t make the cover because of his overwhelming talent. He was exciting and fun.