Gentile4

Not sure why you take Akin out in a game that's clearly lost. OTOH, maybe Hyde figures he's only got to cover 8 innings.

I only looked at 1997, but Perez did indeed catch each of Maddux's starts in the playoffs. Not sure why, but in one game, Perez started and Lopez PH for him in the first inning.

I'm not comfortable using Mateo in the outfield mainly because he doesn't hit well enough to justify a spot in the lineup. I'd like to see Norby in Camden Yards, but I suspect Elias plans to give Hays a long rope. I can't see Hays being sent to AAA even though he has options. Either way, Kjerstad, Norby, and Mayo (when healthy) need to get a shot.

I certainly understand the thinking that you leave him in with an 11 run lead, but in my 60+ years of watching baseball, I've seen a lot of strange things. You have a nearly guaranteed win in front of you; don't let it get away. There's no reason to let it get close. Remind me again why we let Baumann go.

This might as well be me. Diamond Jim was my favorite player, and I still can't believe they traded him for Norm F'ing Siebern. I have little interest in the new analytics and am happy following the traditional statistics I embraced as a youngster. That said, I wouldn't mind a CG now and then.

I'm glad I came to this thread since I've been wondering if it's too soon to worry about a 22 year old at High-A who's not lighting things up. I feel better about the young man's progress, and I know it's VERY early still.

That seems way low given what I've seen.

I can't help but wonder whether Kjerstadt or Stowers might not be a better option over Hays at this point.

Great. A 32yo middle infielder who can't hit. Meanwhile, Norby returns to Norfolk. Oh yeah, and that Holliday kid.

My concern w/O'Hearn is that he's had two good years w/four bad years separating those good years.

So I just read that Flaherty is "betting on himself" with his new Tiger's contract which begs the question - what the hell was he doing during his stint w/the Os.

I coached high school fast pitch for a long time, and between innings of a close game, the umpire pulled my catcher aside to talk. He told her to stop insulting his intelligence with exaggerated pitch framing, that he's familiar with the strike zone. I had to smile. I don't understand why umps don't call out the catchers in MLB.

I'm more inclined to retire Dave McNally's number than Mussina's.

Is that what I said? Man, your critical reading skills need work.

I do it all the time, purely for amusement. My favorite, however, is going on Cleveland Browns boards after they meltdown yet again.

After only four pitches, why would you not let Baker start the 9th?

Does Mateo have options? He's still relatively young, and perhaps a decent offensive stretch at Norfolk could bring a useful middle reliever.

Two things keep coming back to me. 1. We have a lot of infielders who have hit well in the minor leagues. None, other than Gunnar, have shown they can hit in the majors. Time will tell, but it's not a given. 2. Didn't Mateo win a Gold Glove last season, or the equivalent?

Mateo at least brings solid defense to the table which justifies occasional playing time. I'm done w/the Frazier experiment.

There's little chance Mountcastle's left off the roster once he's healthy.

Still, in this day and age, that's not terrible for a power hitter.

Any time McCann is the DH, that's a problem.

I could be wrong about this, but many of those games that featured Chirinos in the lineup were days when it seemed Hyde was just packing it in and giving everyone a rest. Almost as if he really didn't expect to win that game.

I don't understand what anyone sees in Phillips. I like McKenna as a 4th/5th outfielder who gets maybe 150 PA's for the season, but that's it. Which offensive Mullins is the real Cedric? Regardless, it's going to be tough to upgrade his overall performance as the everyday centerfielder. Santander made a case to be the primary DH, and Hays' numbers indicate he had an okay season. I agree, Stowers has to be an everyday player, and it appears he's better and more comfortable in right. We're talking about 13 position players, two of whom will be catchers. Vavra has to be on the team, and since Urias can also play short, Vavra being limited to 2B/OF isn't that much of a deterrent given his on base skills.

I'm not up on all the nuances of the 40-man, but is there a reason to not bring up Westburg other than releasing someone like Nevin?