# MLB: March/April 2025 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb\ **Created:** [March 27, 2025, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195 "2025-03-27T15:01:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/81 "2025-04-08T01:24:13Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Ruiz was in the bottom 5% in the league for exit velocity last year - he’s as light-hitting as they come. 2/3 of their non-pitcher 40-man roster should be batting in front of him. Last year was last year. Tonight: Nats 6, Dodgers 4. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/82 "2025-04-08T01:43:02Z")
> [@Jaycat.again](#): > > Last year was last year. His velocity is actually down from last year - but 9 games is too small to make any meaningful distinction. Ruiz’s only value as a hitter is that he does an awesome job at not striking out. But his quality of contact is absolute garbage. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/83 "2025-04-08T19:04:51Z")
A nightclub roof collapsing may have killed former MLB pitcher [Octavio Dotel](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44588823/ex-mlb-p-octavio-dotel-survives-deadly-nightclub-roof-collapse). Some reports say he survived, others have reported him dead. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/84 "2025-04-08T19:31:23Z")
Dotel played for the Astros, White Sox, Tigers, Athletics, Pirates, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Royals, Dodgers, Mets, Yankees, Braves and the Rockies. 13 teams in 15 seasons is kinda crazy. Dotel racked up 4.2 bWAR (3.3 fWAR) solely in relief in 2002. He was pretty good in his prime. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/85 "2025-04-08T19:55:33Z")
And it appears [that he’s confirmed dead](https://people.com/former-mlb-pitcher-octavio-dotel-dies-dominican-republic-nightclub-collapse-reports-11711426). Apparently he died of his injuries en route to the hospital. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2025, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/86 "2025-04-08T23:49:49Z")
The Pittsburgh Pirates truly are a despicably cheap franchise that has such a nice stadium they don’t deserve. > **[Removed Bucco Bricks found dumped at recycling facility](https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pirates-statement-missing-bucco-bricks/)** > > The Pittsburgh Pirates have issued a statement about the missing "Bucco Bricks." And no, didn’t expect the Nats with Ruiz to get that nice of a win last night. Ruiz hitting 3rd tonight and Nats on the Dodgers 5-0 > **[MLB Gameday live updates: Dodgers at Nationals game on 04/08/2025 free](https://www.mlb.com/gameday/dodgers-vs-nationals/2025/04/08/778409/live)** > > Follow MLB results with FREE live box scores, pitch-by-pitch strikezone info, and Statcast data for Dodgers vs. Nationals at Nationals Park ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2025, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/87 "2025-04-09T00:35:33Z")
ESPN is reporting that, in addition to Octavio Dotel dying in the roof collapse, former MLB player [Tony Blanco](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44591287/ex-mlb-pitcher-octavio-dotel-dies-nightclub-roof-collapse). Blanco apparently played one season, 2005, with Washington. He hit .117 with 1 home run and seven career RBIs. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2025, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/88 "2025-04-09T16:48:09Z")
After getting thrashed by the Yankees, and their torpedo bats, in three straight to start the season, the Brewers have gone 6-2. While several of their batters are off to a hot start (Sal Frelick is hitting .375, and Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio are over .300), a number of their everyday players are still ice-cold, and well below the Mendoza Line, including Christian Yelich (.139 BA) and William Contreras (.143). ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/89 "2025-04-10T12:07:54Z")
The Jays won their first extra inning game of the year, 2-1 in 11 over Boston. As has been the case in past years, they cannot hit. I’m not complaining about an 8-5 start and it’s a fluke Vladdy is hitting the ball well but hasn’t hit a homer yet, and Santander will be better, but there are a lot of guys on this roster who just aren’t hitter. Ernie Clement, David Schneider, Nathan Lukes, there’s a lot of AAA hitters on this roster. Fortunately, the pitching (surprisingly) and fielding (very expected) have been stellar. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/90 "2025-04-10T12:24:20Z")
On another note, I can’t be the only person immensely irritated by MLB’s insistence on calling them just “Athletics.” They’re the Sacramento Athletics. Let’s be honest, guys. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/91 "2025-04-10T13:09:10Z")
Especially since they’re going to be there for at least 3 years. Not even sure what’s up with Las Vegas stadium situation and if they’re really going to end up there ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/92 "2025-04-10T14:22:15Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > MLB’s insistence on calling them just “Athletics.” It’s not MLB’s call - the team gets to call themselves whatever they want. It will be curious how this “temporary relocation” will be historically viewed. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/93 "2025-04-10T15:31:36Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > Especially since they’re going to be there for at least 3 years. Not even sure what’s up with Las Vegas stadium situation and if they’re really going to end up there They were supposed to start building it by now. Now they’re saying summer. ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2025, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/94 "2025-04-10T20:13:42Z")
To add a little levity and good news for the Miami franchise, a Marlins minor league outfielder accomplished a [feat](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44617961/marlins-minor-leaguer-emaarion-boyd-gets-6-steals-hit)that hadn’t been accomplished in at least 20 years: Emaarion Boyd successfully stole 6 bases in the game without recording a single hit. He reached first base via a fielder’s choice, a walk, and was hit by a pitch. He successfully stole both second and third bases each time. He also walked in the 9th inning with 0 outs, but there was already a runner on second, so he wasn’t able to attempt steal #7. Boyd plays for Marlins High-A affiliate Beloit (Wisconsin). ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/95 "2025-04-11T02:18:38Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > They’re the Sacramento Athletics. Let’s be honest, guys. Truthfully, I always thought Sacramento is one of those cities that deserves **and could support** a team (along with Portland, Nashville and several others) and moving the A’s there permanently would have been an excellent mood. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/96 "2025-04-11T12:21:13Z")
> [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > Truthfully, I always thought Sacramento is one of those cities that deserves **and could support** a team (along with Portland, Nashville and several others) and moving the A’s there permanently would have been an excellent mood. It might work. Metro Sacramento has 2.6 million people. It’s the same size as Vegas. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/97 "2025-04-11T13:36:34Z")
Vegas gets like 40 million tourists per year though. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/98 "2025-04-11T13:42:22Z")
Fewer than half during baseball season, I’d think. I don’t know the draw for tourists to a baseball game. I’m not sure how the Knights do for that sort of thing. I might see a game if I ever go to Vegas again, but I’m obsessed with baseball. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/99 "2025-04-11T14:15:27Z")
It’s definitely something someone would do if they were there anyway and big fans like you would definitely make a trip of it. LA has tons of transplants and it’s super easy to get to LV. Lots of people would make a vacation out of seeing their team rather than having to go across the country. That’s not to mention all of the LV transplants wanting to see their team on top of the homers. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195/100 "2025-04-11T17:01:03Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > It’s definitely something someone would do if they were there anyway and big fans like you would definitely make a trip of it. One of our posters here (@Omniscient , I think, though I may be mistaken) made a trip to Vegas a couple of years ago, in part to see the Bears play the Raiders. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-march-april-2025/1016195.md?page=6)