I hadn’t thought clearly about this until I heard a caller mention it on sports radio. I hate the ABS. Now when I’m watching a game all I think about is the strike box and why they didn’t ask for a review whenever a pitch seems to be called wrong. Its a big distraction. I hope it gets better for me.
A few days after locking up Pete Crow-Armstrong in a long-term deal, the Cubs wasted no time signing 2B Nico Hoerner to a 6 year extension. Financial terms were not disclosed as yet, and the deal is pending a physical.
Mets outfielder Carson Benge made his major-league debut yesterday in the game against the Pirates. He struck out in his first two plate appearances, then he walked and scored a run, hit a homer, walked again and stole a base. Pretty good start to a career.
Oh, and a dead bird fell near him in right field.
While this is true, I’d just add that those 6 (not 7) runs came on 7 singles, a walk, and a sac fly. Two of the singles were infield singles (basically accidental bunts), and at least one was a bloop. I think the only well-hit ball that inning was the third out.
That is a possible outcome of having relievers with low K-rates, but it certainly seemed like a very “bad luck” kind of inning.
The problem is the challenge system. I think it’s pretty clear that this is just a back-door way to make it all automated. Once fans get used to the fact that the computer is the “truth”, not the umps, they will just have the computer call all balls and strikes.
I was looking forward to the full system being implemented, I don’t love the 2 challenge system for this season.
I think that you are correct.
You and me both. Based on what I’ve seen thus far, the computer appears to be extremely accurate, MUCH more so than human umpires.
The ABS, for example, won’t be swayed by catchers framing the pitches, which is one of my biggest beefs with human umps.
I’ll see your Carson Benge and I’ll raise you a Kevin McGonigle. The Tigers infielder’s first major league at bat was a two-run double. His second at bat was another double. He ended up going 4 for 5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI.
If you look quickly, you’ll see the Colorado Rockies at the highest position they’ll be all season. By virtue of not having their first game until today, they are only a half-game behind the Dodgers in the NLWest!
Yes, but did a dead bird drop beside him when he was on defense?
Which was my main point.
No. 
You win.
Stupid dead bird.
I want to know how the dead bird was flying in the first place.
Does anyone know where Randy Johnson was at the time?
I was going to include that reference in my first post about the bird, but I forgot.
Good job!
That’s still one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen. Here’s the video of it.
ETA: It happened 25 years ago this past Tuesday.
Meh. He didn’t even get arrested. Dave Winfield killed a bird and was taken into custody.
Aaron Judge is on pace to hit 81 home runs and 162 RBI. Also to get close to 500 strike outs.
Only 2 games and they weren’t playing the Dodgers or Blue Jays but there are some very promising things happening. Game 1 was won by their back end of the batting order and timely hitting. Game 2 was won by home runs from their big guns. If they can do both of those things consistently it will be a good season. And in both games the pitching was lights out. It’s a good way to start the season on the road.
And this is the really important part, the line up is good, the strength of the Yankees is the starting staff.
No they didn’t. The Red Sox not once but twice got 21 K’s in nine innings (neither of which involved Roger Clemens note), but, since both games went to extras they were denied the record in both cases. I attended one of them note.
“Most strikeouts in the first nine innings of a game” is apparently viewed differently by MLB from “most strikeouts in a nine-inning game.”
And Jacob Young of the Nationals is ‘on pace’ to hit 162 home runs and 324 RBIs.
Such is the nature of stats after one or two games.