# MLB: April 2017 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [April 2, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594 "2017-04-02T17:24:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Club\_33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@Club\_33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Club_33)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2017, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/81 "2017-04-11T21:40:57Z")
And Otis Nixon was found. So, there’s that. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2017, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/82 "2017-04-11T23:03:43Z")
ESPN has a survey for baseball fans on their opinions of the state of the game and possible improvements. > **[MLB fan survey: Is baseball boring and other burning questions](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19069535/mlb-fan-survey-baseball-boring-other-burning-questions)** > > Does the game need to be fixed -- or is it just right as it is? We want to know how bullish -- or bearish -- you are on Major League Baseball. Take our poll! There are half a dozen or so choices under the question of what should be done to improve MLB. Only 3% thought putting a runner on second base in extra innings was a good idea. On the other hand, 22% were in favor of limiting pitching changes and mound visits and instituting a pitch clock (my top choice as well)\*. 16% were for shortening the season to 154 games or less. \*I’d also eliminate warmup pitches for relievers. That’s what the bullpen should be for. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/83 "2017-04-12T00:08:29Z")
Is the 15 day disabled list now 10 days across the board, not just for concussions? I’ve come across a number of references to it in the media, but I don’t remember an announcement. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c57346/32.png) [@Little\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Pig)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/84 "2017-04-12T00:10:25Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > ESPN has a survey for baseball fans on their opinions of the state of the game and possible improvements. > > [MLB fan survey -- Is baseball boring and other burning questions - ESPN](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19069535/mlb-fan-survey-baseball-boring-other-burning-questions) > > There are half a dozen or so choices under the question of what should be done to improve MLB. Only 3% thought putting a runner on second base in extra innings was a good idea. On the other hand, 22% were in favor of limiting pitching changes and mound visits and instituting a pitch clock (my top choice as well)\*. 16% were for shortening the season to 154 games or less. > > \*I’d also eliminate warmup pitches for relievers. That’s what the bullpen should be for. Thanks\*\* Jackmannii\*\*. ---
**Author:** ![Asimovian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asimovian/32/172_2.png) [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/85 "2017-04-12T00:38:04Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Is the 15 day disabled list now 10 days across the board, not just for concussions? I’ve come across a number of references to it in the media, but I don’t remember an announcement. It was a rule change for this season, as I recall. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/86 "2017-04-12T02:07:09Z")
My Orioles are down 5-1 to Boston, but my Fantasy team is having a hell of a day. I have Boston SP Drew Pomeranz, who gave up one run over 6 innnings with 6 Ks, and is in line for a W. Daniel Murphy is 4/5 with a HR and 5 RBI, and Yoenis Cespedes is 4/5 with 3 (!!!) homers as 5 RBI. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/87 "2017-04-12T12:55:32Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Is the 15 day disabled list now 10 days across the board, not just for concussions? I’ve come across a number of references to it in the media, but I don’t remember an announcement. 7 days for concussions. 10 for regular dl. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/88 "2017-04-12T13:36:30Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > ESPN has a survey for baseball fans on their opinions of the state of the game and possible improvements. > > [MLB fan survey -- Is baseball boring and other burning questions - ESPN](http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19069535/mlb-fan-survey-baseball-boring-other-burning-questions) > > There are half a dozen or so choices under the question of what should be done to improve MLB. Only 3% thought putting a runner on second base in extra innings was a good idea. On the other hand, 22% were in favor of limiting pitching changes and mound visits and instituting a pitch clock (my top choice as well)\*. 16% were for shortening the season to 154 games or less. > > \*I’d also eliminate warmup pitches for relievers. That’s what the bullpen should be for. I especially like the last question. > [@](#): > > How do you feel about your team’s chances to win a World Series over the next five years? > > Optimistic 61 % > Pessimistic 23 % > Neutral 16 % I’m surprised how much optimism there is across all fans. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/89 "2017-04-12T16:25:35Z")
That seems reasonable. Most teams COULD win a World Series within five years. At least half the teams in MLB could win the 2017 World Series, and a few years is all it takes to be good enough to make the playoffs. ---
**Author:** ![Crybaby\_Boobie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crybaby_boobie/32/545_2.png) [@Crybaby\_Boobie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crybaby_Boobie)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/90 "2017-04-12T16:57:27Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > And for the Mets, runs are still as scarce as Chinese policemen (to quote a classic, less than ethnically correct line by Ring Lardner). > > Queens is where bats go to die. Philly is where Mets bats go to live again! ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/91 "2017-04-13T12:18:15Z")
Reds are off to a great start. Got some good young arms, great bullpen production and where did this offense come from? Duvall, Votto, Suarez and company are playing really well right now. And then Bronson Arroyo pitches tonight. As much of an innings eater as he was for the Reds the last time he played here, if he has another start like he did last time it’ll be the last time Arroyo ever starts a MLB game. He’ll become a long reliever or perhaps cut depending on how bad he becomes. I feel bad for the guy, he was never a lights out guy but steady, and never went on the DL. I think age has finally caught up with him. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/92 "2017-04-13T13:27:11Z")
What was the radar showing on Arroyo’s first start? I mentioned earlier in the thread I heard his fastball was consistently around 83-84mph during spring. That’s getting into Jamie Moyer levels of slow. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/93 "2017-04-13T13:31:40Z")
I do not believe the Blue Jays have ever started a season 1-7 before. As a team they now have the rough equivalent of half a player’s season of at bats. They’re hitting .190 with four home runs. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/94 "2017-04-13T14:36:40Z")
Jackmanii: > [@](#): > > \*I’d also eliminate warmup pitches for relievers. That’s what the bullpen should be for. For basic loosening up, that should be sufficient, but I think it’s fair that the relief pitcher should be given some “practice” pitches to properly get the measure of the catcher he’ll actually be throwing to, as opposed to the bullpen practice catcher. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/95 "2017-04-13T14:49:53Z")
> [@cmkeller](#): > > Jackmanii: > > For basic loosening up, that should be sufficient, but I think it’s fair that the relief pitcher should be given some “practice” pitches to properly get the measure of the catcher he’ll actually be throwing to, as opposed to the bullpen practice catcher. Also the mound, possibly the wind. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/96 "2017-04-13T14:52:37Z")
Eliminating eight warmup pitches for a relief pitcher isn’t going to save much time. ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/97 "2017-04-13T15:33:27Z")
In close games, especially in the era of one and done situational “specialists”, it might. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/98 "2017-04-13T16:14:28Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Also the mound, possibly the wind. Don’t most (if not all) bullpens have mounds? Unless it’s blowing a gale out there, I have difficulty believing a new pitcher is going to be caught by surprise when entering the game. > [@cmkeller](#): > > …I think it’s fair that the relief pitcher should be given some “practice” pitches to properly get the measure of the catcher he’ll actually be throwing to, as opposed to the bullpen practice catcher. The team’s regular catcher must be a man of great mystery. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/99 "2017-04-13T16:22:24Z")
> [@Casey1505](#): > > In close games, especially in the era of one and done situational “specialists”, it might. How much time do eight pitches take? It’s not like there’s THAT many mid inning pitching changes. What’s the average per game… two, if that? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594/100 "2017-04-13T16:41:25Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Don’t most (if not all) bullpens have mounds? > > Unless it’s blowing a gale out there, I have difficulty believing a new pitcher is going to be caught by surprise when entering the game.The team’s regular catcher must be a man of great mystery. :dubious: [From here.](https://physics.csuchico.edu/baseball/Pubs/PitchingWindLong.pdf)PDF pg 9 > [@](#): > > As you probably guessed, the biggest effect of a crosswind is the horizontal position of the ball as it crosses the plate. Figure 6 shows a variation of about half a foot over the 20mph range or 3inches per every 10mph. > This is the largest change due to the wind we’ve seen yet. > > The crosswind was a bit more complicated. > Are you still with me Kruk? In summary, the crosswind hardly changes the speed to the plate or the vertical motion of the ball, but makes relatively large changes in the horizontal break. Just asfor the head or tail wind, it is not obvious which type of crosswind is better for a given pitcher. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-april-2017/783594.md?page=6)