At the AS Break, O's pitching tied for 4th in AL Team ERA

[DrungoHazewood]

Lets, see if I can break it down for you. Answer 2 questions:

1. Do you agree the the team that wins the first game of a playoff series enjoys a statistical aadvantage in that series?

2. Lets assume we have 2 theoretical teams. One with a no 1 TOR starter, 3 number 3 starters and one 4/5 starter. The other team with 5 number three starters. Everything else is "equal". Which team is more likely to win the series?

Yes, I agree with number I.

The better team is more likely to win. In a short series the team that can throw an ace has an advantage over one who doesn't.

But I still contend that that is just one of many factors, and you can't build a team a certain way to win playoff series. If you're going to go out and break the bank to acquire a TOR starter, do it because you want to win a lot of baseball games all year, not because it might increase your odds of winning a postseason series some small number of percentage points.

I don't think it's trivial or insignificant that teams with top-heavy pitching staffs haven't fared well in the postseason. It might (probably?) be luck, but having a couple aces clearly isn't enough to overcome a bunch of other factors.

[Can_of_corn]

Ok, show me a GM that hasn't made mistakes and some poor trades.

Of which the Samardzija deal might one day be an example of.

Because Beane did it isn't a good enough reason.

[Il BuonO]

Ok, show me a GM that hasn't made mistakes and some poor trades.

I'm still wondering what to make of the Jimenez deal.

[Can_of_corn]

I'm still wondering what to make of the Jimenez deal.

Going to take at least two more years.

[CA-ORIOLE]

Yes, I agree with number I.

The better team is more likely to win. In a short series the team that can throw an ace has an advantage over one who doesn't..

Thank you.

But I still contend that that is just one of many factors, and you can't build a team a certain way to win playoff series. If you're going to go out and break the bank to acquire a TOR starter, do it because you want to win a lot of baseball games all year, not because it might increase your odds of winning a postseason series some small number of percentage points

You dodged the parameters of the question.

Yes, there are multiple factors that can help you overcome an obstacle. You still have to overcome the obstacle. After losing out a couple years, I think that the bolded part is exactly what Beane did this year with Samardzija. Be interesting to see see how it works out for them with Gray and him at 1/2 this year. It is kind of a big deal to win the World Series (or even be in it). That is the ultimate goal, No?

[Il BuonO]

Going to take at least two more years.

That's bad news.

[Can_of_corn]

Thank you.

Yes, there are multiple factors that can help you overcome an obstacle. You still have to overcome the obstacle. After losing out a couple years, I think that the bolded part is exactly what Beane did this year with Samardzija. Be interesting to see see how it works out for them with Gray and him at 1/2 this year. It is kind of a big deal to win the World Series (or even be in it). That is the ultimate goal, No?

For the fans? Sure

For the GM? Maybe

[Can_of_corn]

That's bad news.

I figure 2 1/2 out of four might be enough.

[CA-ORIOLE]

Of which the Samardzija deal might one day be an example of.

Because Beane did it isn't a good enough reason.

Give me a break. The reason was stated and is obvious. It's nice to be a playoff team but at some point you do want to take next step. Is there big risk there? Of course, but not some devastating risk either. .

[weams]

I'm still wondering what to make of the Jimenez deal.

Flush the first 12 million down the drain. You know, like if we still had Brian Roberts.

[CA-ORIOLE]

For the fans? Sure

For the GM? Maybe

I would argue for both. If not, then something is seriously wrong.

[Can_of_corn]

I would argue for both. If not, then something is seriously wrong.

You don't think something is seriously wrong in Miami?

[Il BuonO]

I figure 2 1/2 out of four might be enough.

There was no reason to sign anyone to more than a two deal with what we had waiting in the wings. And there were guys available. Less years and money.

[Can_of_corn]

There was no reason to sign anyone to more than a two deal with what we had waiting in the wings. And there were guys available. Less years and money.

And no draft pick.

I think Bundy getting hurt really messed up the plan and had them scrambling.

[CA-ORIOLE]

You don't think something is seriously wrong in Miami?

Of course there is. That's a terrible situation. That said, and as bad as the owner is, I'm not sure that's great fanbase either.