# The Official MLB Offseason Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [October 29, 2011, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185 "2011-10-29T14:39:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 35
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2012, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/681 "2012-03-23T17:37:15Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > If Joba Chamberlain isn’t the funniest player in MLB, I don’t know who is. It’s like he’s a great big teddy bear who keeps unraveling. Seriously, a _trampoline_ injury. I find it hard to imagine Chamberlain has a child, when he himself is this ultra coddled pitcher who can get hurt just by looking at him wrong. He’s much like a little kid who keep scraping his knee. He’s even covered in baby fat and has a comical, childlike name. He looks and sounds like a cast member from “The Goonies.” > > The real shame is that 20, 30 years from now, people will look back at Chamberlain’s stats page and career and think he was just another pitcher who was a flash in the pan and flamed out, like hundreds of others. The true, pathetic and hilarious story of Joba Chamberlain will be largely lost to the average baseball fan. The whole time Linsanty was taking place, I kept thinking about Joba Rules insanity from his rookie year. Your description is pretty apt sadly from the Yankee fan perspective. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/682 "2012-03-23T18:10:29Z")
Looks like today is a bad day for already injured Relievers. [Bobby Jenks arrested on DUI, more](http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/eye-on-baseball/17992784/bobby-jenks-arrested-on-dui-more) > [@](#): > > Jenks, 31, was already set to miss around half of this season – he’s on the 60-day disabled list – after having a pair of offseason back surgeries. > > Jenks is set to make $6 million this season, the final year of his two-year, $12 million contract signed prior to the 2011 season. ---
**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:** [March 23, 2012, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/683 "2012-03-23T18:16:14Z")
I’m a Yankee fan, but Rickjay’s post was hilarious. I never thought of Chamberlain that way. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2012, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/684 "2012-03-23T23:21:35Z")
Some good news on Statistics: Negro League stats: [Minor League, Negro League, Independent League, Foreign League, NCAA Baseball | Baseball-Reference.com](http://www.baseball-reference.com/nlb/) > [@](#): > > **Sources** > This data comes from two sources. 1) The Negro Leagues Researchers and Authors Group put together by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum thanks to a grant provided by Major League Baseball. 2) Gary Ashwill and his collaborators. > The Hall of Fame data is found for the years 1920-1948 and the Ashwill data is found from 1904-1919. Many statistics are incomplete due to ongoing research and/or limitations in published sources, so please be assured that we are aware there are issues with the data and will continue to work with our data providers to improve the data that appears here. > … ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2012, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/685 "2012-03-23T23:34:42Z")
Assuming these are accurate, what is striking about them is that they suggest Negro League baseball was of extremely high caliber, perhaps higher than previously believed. Go ahead and look up the stats for the consensus GREATEST Negro League players - Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston. They put up excellent numbers, but they weren’t utterly dominating numbers. They weren’t the kind of numbers you would expect a Hall of Famer to embarass an AA league with. Paige is listed as 92-45, 3.23 in NNL play - great, but not Koufax domination. This is a guy who\*\* in the major leagues in his 40s was a highly effective pitcher\*\*. Josh Gibson, widely described as the most terrifying power hitter to ever catch, puts up amazing numbers but not Nintendo numbers. Cool Papa Bell’s career numbers are similar to those of Roberto Alomar, certainly a Hall of Famer but not exactly Babe Ruth. OScar Charleston’s numbers are excellent but not ridiculous either. What this suggests to me is a very high level of play. Tightening of statistical accomplishment is a sign of quality. In a high school league some guys will bat .600 and hit a home run every game; in college ball some guys will hit a home every two games; in MLB a home every three games is a hell of an accomplishment. That the Negro Leagues’s best players weren’t batting .475 over a career (you get that in some individual seasons, but that’s because of small data samples) tells me Negro League ball was even better baseball than I had thought. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2012, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/686 "2012-03-23T23:56:22Z")
The trampoline story does top the image of the swarm of insects surrounding Joba’s head in that playoff game in Cleveland. In Red Sox news, Cuban hotshot Jose Iglesias is the new starting shortstop. The only question is if he starts from Opening Day, as Bobby V obviously wants, or far enough into the season that it won’t count toward his arbitration eligibility, as the front office obviously wants. ---
**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:** [March 24, 2012, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/687 "2012-03-24T06:56:42Z")
Kansas City closer Soria is [out for the season](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120323&content_id=27541150&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb) as he is going to undergo a (second) Tommy John procedure. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2012, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/688 "2012-03-24T19:19:55Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Kansas City closer Soria is [out for the season](http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120323&content_id=27541150&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb) as he is going to undergo a (second) Tommy John procedure. Ryan Madson will also have Tommy John surgery and miss the season. Chipper Jones is going to have arthroscopic surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Braves say he’ll miss the first six or so regular-season games. ---
**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:** [March 24, 2012, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/689 "2012-03-24T19:28:40Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Chipper Jones is going to have arthroscopic surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee. The Braves say he’ll miss the first six or so regular-season games. Six games? Modern medicine in amazing. ---
**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2012, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/690 "2012-03-25T18:21:23Z")
What is it with all the DUIs during spring training? [Matt Bush in DUI hit and run](http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/24/matt-bushs-bail-set-for-1-015-million/). Is Spring Training now like a party scene for players? I don’t read about NFL/NHL/NBA players getting duis during their training camps on a regular basis. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/691 "2012-03-26T15:41:07Z")
Why is the regular season starting so late? Toronto starts their season on Thursday, April 5. Why? Why aren’t they starting at the beginning of the week, like they used to? I need BASEBALL, dammit. Baseball baseball baseball BASEBALL! ---
**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:** [March 26, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/692 "2012-03-26T15:44:09Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Why is the regular season starting so late? Toronto starts their season on Thursday, April 5. Why? Why aren’t they starting at the beginning of the week, like they used to? > > I need BASEBALL, dammit. Baseball baseball baseball BASEBALL! In two days, there will be an epic battle to determine first place in the AL West! Get ahold of yourself, man! ---
**Author:** ![fiddlesticks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddlesticks/32/18129_2.png) [@fiddlesticks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fiddlesticks)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2012, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/693 "2012-03-26T19:20:39Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Why is the regular season starting so late? Toronto starts their season on Thursday, April 5. Why? Why aren’t they starting at the beginning of the week, like they used to? > > I need BASEBALL, dammit. Baseball baseball baseball BASEBALL! They made that move to start the season one the weekend last year. It also affects when the playoffs start as well. For one, I imagine it helps keep attendance up throughout the opening weekend. But mostly its about November 1st being a big red line that MLB doesn’t want to cross if at all possible (though World Series Game 7 should be on November 1st this year). ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/694 "2012-03-27T14:05:45Z")
You know what’s only nine days away? BASEBALL. (If you’re following the Blue Jays, that’s when they start.) Baseballbaseballbaseballbaseballbaseballbaseball. Gimme the baseball, the baseball, lots and lots of baseball! ---
**Author:** ![Jas09](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d07c76/32.png) [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/695 "2012-03-27T14:08:05Z")
Yup, nine days from when the Cards begin the defense of their World Series title. Oh, how I love saying that phrase… And once again I submit my petition to make Opening Day a national holiday. Call your Congressperson! ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/696 "2012-03-27T14:13:34Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > You know what’s only nine days away? > > BASEBALL. (If you’re following the Blue Jays, that’s when they start.) > > Baseballbaseballbaseballbaseballbaseballbaseball. Gimme the baseball, the baseball, lots and lots of baseball! Can’t wait for baseball to start and I can’t wait for March Madness & Tebow to go away. Baseball is what I want. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/697 "2012-03-27T15:13:38Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Can’t wait for baseball to start and I can’t wait for March Madness & Tebow to go away. Baseball is what I want. I’m already scheduling the days I can make it down to the stadium. Baseball, baseball, lovely lovely lovely lovely baseball. First game will likely be April 14 (1 PM against Baltimore). Anyone in Toronto want to come out? I’m putting together a group and will be buying tickets in the 100 level of the outfield. $42 a pop unless we get a big group anbd then you’d get a few bucks back. Gotta ask by April 1, tickets are going fast as this is the team’s first home weekend game. ---
**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:** [March 27, 2012, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/698 "2012-03-27T16:22:36Z")
I will be at Opening Day, as I have been for the several years. My office manager always laughs when I schedule that single day off in April as soon as we’re granted vacation time at the beginning of the year. I am pleased because, thanks to all the overtime I worked in the last few months, I’ve been able to buy the season-ticket parking to go with my mini-plan this season, so I’ll be able to drive right up to the gate and have everyone admire my “True Dodger” custom license plate. Good times ahead! ---
**Author:** ![Southern\_Yankee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/southern_yankee/32/2800_2.png) [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/699 "2012-03-27T16:50:23Z")
In person, I will need to content myself with the Charlotte Knights (White Sox AAA club) on April 5. On the plus side, it’s very close to my house, cheap, fun and it’s BASEBALL. On the negative side… wait, I can’t think of anything. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2012, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185/700 "2012-03-27T21:02:28Z")
Well, my Mariners open it up tomorrow vs. Oakland, in Japan, but I don’t think I’ll be awake for the 3:10 AM PDT start time ☹ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185.md?page=34) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-official-mlb-offseason-thread/601185.md?page=36)