BobP

I get the constant talk about extensions on OH is more about the owner, but we need to remember for an extension to be signed the player must be willing to sacrifice future earnings and the team must be will to take on injury/performance risk. Not every player or team (even ones with the resources) are willing to do this. There is a good chance Gunnar is not interested in an extension. He's never said he's looking for one or that he wants one. His answer has always been he's not been offered and he would look at any offer, not that he wants one. The fierce competitor we see on the field doesn't go away off the field just because he's polite and laid back. I first noticed it when he was asked about SS, where he makes it clear that's where he wants to play. I even wrote before he always answers he wants to play SS, not that he will go wherever the team puts him or whatever is best for the team. My guess its not about the money but he wants to maximize his earnings as a competitor. Once he reaches arb 2, that's when the Orioles will have a better chance of signing him. This is all my opinion though, we'll see what happens.

FYI, the 60 day IL time clock starts on opening day. No backdating. Therefore anyone put on this list stays on until the end of May. Therefore, I don't expect Means to be put on this list.

I believe there is more competition between Holliday and Mayo than you are presenting. I believe only one is making the team, as they will only want one rookie infielder to start the season. If they choose Mayo, Westburg would play 2nd (he's the interchangable part). I do expect Holliday will make the team and Mayo's fate will be decided in June (depends on team standings and trade market / needs).

I probably should of said consistent or unwavering instead of adamant. He is always polite when interviewed, but trying to read between the lines given his competitive spirit. I just don't believe he is going to give up the SS position without a fight. I don't think that's a bad thing either.

Just throwing this out there. Whenever Henderson is asked where he wants to play he is rather adamant it's SS. His response is usually something like I've played SS my whole life and its where I want to play. I've never heard him say "what's best for the team" or "I'll play wherever the coaches tell me to go" etc. This could make decisions more difficult. I see Henderson at SS and Holliday at 2B. 3B will be dependent on the trade market, but if he's still on team Westburg will get plenty of starts there.

It depends on your definition of best baseball team in 2023. I agree with the premise that the MLB playoffs are a crap shoot and rewards being hot once they start, but disagree that the WS champion will be a pretend champion. The Braves and Orioles were the most consistent teams in MLB over 162 games and led to 100+ wins but weren't necessarily the best teams entering the playoffs. The Phillies and Astros took their lumps but managed to win enough games to make the playoffs and were playing as well or better than any other team by the end of September. If the unlikely event that the Diamondbacks win, your point will be valid, but if one of the other teams win I don't think anybody will look at them as pretend champions.

The Phillies 90 wins are misleading compared to the team they are now. Harper began the year on the DL and struggled at the plate when he 1st came back and was also DHing. In addition to finding his bat later in the season, he was also able to play 1B which increased the Phillies ability to win by getting Schwarber out of LF (which is a disaster). Turner was an absolute liability until August and is now back to the MVP caliber player they thought they were getting (even though his D remains awful). Nola was just ok but has pitched well in the post season. Signing Turner also moved Stott to 2B where he may be the best in the league. This team is light years better than last years that lost the World Series. Say what you want about Philly fans, but they are the most passionate in baseball and love this team. Also CBP is underrated, it does sit in a massive parking lot and stole much of its design from OPCY but its seating and site lines to watch baseball is excellent. Also the city embraced the ugly parking lot by letting people tail gate all day and during the game making for an incredible atmosphere. The fans also love the owner because he's at the games and talks to the fans (and spends money). I am a die hard O's fan and always will be but live in Phillies country and its hard not to like what they are doing.

I picked free agent. Signing a current player you already control doesn't add incremental talent to the team for next year where adding an free agent who hopefully replaces a lesser player does. While I wouldn't be upset if we signed one of the young players to an extension, it's not important to me. By not signing, it gives these players more incentive to perform since their salary increase depends on performance. Plus, the 2 most talked about - I doubt Gunnar has any desire to sign and Adley may not either.

I realize this thread is about Saturday's game, but if the Rangers win the series, the most likely game time for Sunday would be around 4:00 pm. That way it's played between the Ravens/Steelers game and the Cowboys/49ers game. I'm not sure if this impacts Saturday's game time.