baseball
Sabermetric analysis of all things baseball - on-and-off the field. Barry Bonds fan club.
Additional Thoughts About the Houston Astros in 2024
First and foremost, I'm not sorry for using this photo as the main image for this story. Also, for all of you Astros fans out there who are in their feelings, as a Rangers fan, I still don't forgive your team for cheating another out of a World Series title in 2017. Some of you Astros fans are probably wondering why I'm always bringing this up and I should just let it go. I don't give a hoot if the scandal happened 20 years ago. If you don't have any integrity for the game and unwilling to take full responsibility for your actions, then why should we, the baseball community, cut you any slack? The majority of the baseball community and most MLB players who took the time to castigate them weren't in a forgiving mood when it comes to these cheats, because that's what they'll forever be known as: cheaters. They'll always have the Cheater label attached to them forever. Almost a year ago, I shared my thoughts about the Houston Astros' cheating scandal. If you would like to read it, I'll provide a link of that below. In the previous story, I explained how the cheating scandal was exposed and thought the punishment handed down to them from Major League Baseball was far too light, absolving them from any responsibility. In case you were wondering what their punishment was, they were fined $5 million, gave up two draft picks (first and second round), and suspended both Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and field manager A.J. Hinch for the entire 2020 season. They were later both relieved of their duties. As far as the players, they were given a slap on the wrist. Translation: they didn't face any consequences from MLB. I still maintain to this day that their 2017 World Series title, rings, and bonuses should be returned, because they didn't earn it. That would be the most noble thing to do to send a huge message to the other 29 teams and since they still refused to take any personal responsibility, apologize to their fans, the City of Houston, and baseball fans everywhere, my pure dislike of them has been even deeper. I also believe that the Astros owner, Jim Crane, should've be fired. He was no innocent soul, either. Neither is Justin Verlander, with whom I'll talk about in a bit. I'll never acknowledge these jokers as World Series Champions and I'm not being petty. I know I'll be hit with the whole "You're just jealous" schtick. Whatever. I feel that baseball fans, including Astros fans, say that to me whenever they can't come up with anything else to add to their argument. If I can condemn and shun Barry Bonds for using steroids to falsely claim the home run record, then I can harshly condemn the Astros for their cheating ways.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard about a year ago in Unbalanced
2024 Division Series Preview
This year features a milestone in baseball history. On Saturday, October 5, the 30th edition of MLB's Division Series will kick off. This doesn't include the makeshift version that was featured in 1981. The Division Series officially began in the 1995 season, replacing the League Championship Series as the opening round of the postseason. Originally, one series featured the #1 seed against the league's lone Wild Card, while the other pitted the other two division winners against each other. If the #1 seed and the Wild Card were in the same division, then the Wild Card faced the #2 team, and #1 would face #3. That changed with the introduction of the Wild Card Game in 2012, which was modified into the Wild Card Series in 2022.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: You Have to Play TWENTY-SEVEN Innings, Brewers
I was happy that this Wild Card Series went the maximum three games, because that hadn't been happening a lot. Our first taste of the Wild Card Series came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, and that was done to make up for the shortened regular season, similar to the extra "bubble" games in the NHL and NBA. Out of the eight series played (in a best-of-three format), only two went the max. Since the Wild Card Series became a permanent staple in 2022, only one series went the max. This series between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers became the third to go the full three games.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Were Injuries REALLY the Problem?
You know, we really should be commending the Atlanta Braves this season. After all, this team had so many injuries on the squad. Key players from all positions. Ronald Acuna, Jr. was out yet again. It was a disaster, yet the Braves survived. They rose from the proverbial ashes and persevered. The Braves managed to snag one of the National League's three Wild Card spots, doing so in the second game of the makeshift doubleheader that was played on September 30.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Red Sox Consider Young Valuable Japanese Pitcher
Ending a third tragic season without making it to the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox will be watching the playoffs from their couches again this year. The bullpen needs a makeover, the team must continue to find producers on offense, and with some time before spring, the Red Sox as we know it will be looking different. This is a good thing, the franchise is not winning, it is not making the playoffs, so it is time to spruce up Fenway with impactful offseason decisions. With Craig Breslow looking to make a name for himself, will Boston consider 22-year-old Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki for their bullpen?
By Total Apex Entertainment & Sportsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: 18 Innings, One Run
Last year, the Baltimore Orioles won 101 games; their best season in good bit. The expectations were high for the O's that year, but in a shocker, they were swept by the Texas Rangers, who went on to win the World Series. That was taken as a learning experience for that group, and it was believed that the following year would see the Orioles continue to flourish. Sure enough, that's what happened. Well, from March to mid-August, at least.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
John Jay Cross Country Goes Round the Bend at Byram Hills
Please see tip, pledge and subscribe buttons below. On Tuesday September 10, John Jay Cross Country traveled to Byram Hills for their first dual meet of the season, and even Sloan Wasserman and her All State standing intended to ease into the trial run.
By Rich Monettiabout a year ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Ding Dong, the 'Stros are GONE!
You know, we just witnessed a new tradition in Texas sports: being eliminated at home by teams who had no business getting in. First off, there was the Dallas Cowboys. Won the NFC East, finished second in the conference behind the Niners, and were at home facing a Green Bay Packers team that was held together by scotch tape and Elmer's Glue. What happened? Cowboys were decimated. Blown out at home by a seventh-seeded Packers team with a rookie QB. Clearly embarrassing, right?
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Red Sox Consider Young Valuable Japanese Pitcher
Ending a third tragic season without making it to the playoffs, the Boston Red Sox will be watching the playoffs from their couches again this year. The bullpen needs a makeover, the team must continue to find producers on offense, and with some time before spring, the Red Sox as we know it will be looking different. This is a good thing, the franchise is not winning, it is not making the playoffs, so it is time to spruce up Fenway with impactful offseason decisions. With Craig Breslow looking to make a name for himself, will Boston consider 22-year-old Japanese superstar Roki Sasaki for their bullpen?
By Total Apex Entertainment & Sportsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
Cross Country Team Gets out of the Gate at Byram Hills
Please see tip, pledge and subscribe buttons below. On Tuesday September 10, Somers traveled to Byram Hills High School for the first dual meet of the season and banking off Exit 3 of 684 turned out to be a bit of a prelude for the run. “I wasn’t really into all the sharp turns on the course,” said Mia Sandolo. But she still managed a third place finish, and her teammate did the race one better.
By Rich Monettiabout a year ago in Unbalanced
2024 Wild Card Series Preview
We made it, folks! A wild MLB season full of history (both good and bad), amazing moments, and jaw-dropping milestones has come to an end. It needed an extra day due to a hurricane, but we reached the finish line. Now, the fun really begins. The Postseason is here! I always love MLB's Postseason; it's always been a sprint to crown a champion. Even with this current format, it's still a sprint--lasting barely over a month.
By Clyde E. Dawkinsabout a year ago in Unbalanced
What the F***?. AI-Generated.
### What the F***? The Psychology and Culture of Swearing Swearing, often considered taboo, has a complex role in human communication and society. The phrase "What the f***?" exemplifies how profanity can convey a wide range of emotions—from shock and disbelief to frustration and anger. But why do we swear, and what does it say about us?
By Someoneabout a year ago in Unbalanced
