2021 MLB Non-Phillies News/Notes

[andyb]

This article on the Ringer posits that all the no-hitters might just be the thing to push MLB to implement real changes like in 1968. One small note, they divide the season into 4 periods and offense is up a bit in the latest period (.243) instead of in the mid-230s. Unfortunately the Phillies did not get that memo.

The Historic No-hitter Pace Is Bad for Fans. But It May Be Just What MLB Needs.

[zambonir]

One thing Breen didn't point out here. If JT is saying this:

“I think the substance issue is real. I think pitchers are using a lot more substances now than they have in the past,” Realmuto said. “Not just a lot more, but it’s been more effective than it has been. Guys are increasing their spin rate. That’s why there’s so many walks and strikeouts every game, because guys are just letting it rip with all the spin. It’s harder to control but also harder to hit. I think if they fix that idea that could help a lot.”

Some of his own teammates are likely among them. (In the same article Bauer says he thinks 70% of pitchers do it).

[bkox]

Yes... alot of people forget that the spitball was banned in 1920, which helped (along with the change in the baseball) to bring in the live ball era.

[Philsmania]

Some of this is interconnected with the wave of injuries. Pitchers are being taught to throw harder and harder. As it already is, pitching pushes the boundaries of what evolution intended the human arm to do. At some point, will there be some lessening if the drive to get pitchers to throw harder and harder?

[zambonir]

Doesn't seem like the game really cares. Burn 'em out, use 'em up, stop giving out big contracts (at least for relievers).

[Philsmania]

MLB declares Mickey Calloway on the ineligible list through the end of 2022 and the Angels fire him.

Mickey Callaway placed on MLB Ineligible List through 2022, fired by Angels

[zambonir]

Amazing stuff in the Cubs-Pirates game. With two outs.

https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1397965478027530246

[Lucky_Beagle]

I didn't realize there were 2 outs when I saw the replay. Why wouldn't a first baseman just go touch the bag? Why would he even worry about a runner coming home?

[BostonRoss]

Worse yet, even after the runner crossed the plate, the Pirates could have nullified the run by tagging first before Baez got there.

[zambonir]

A true cavalcade of situational unawareness, mental errors and physical errors.

[BostonRoss]

A true cavalcade of situational unawareness, mental errors and physical errors.

And it wasn’t the Phillies!

[LoneStarPhan]

As much as I lambast the Phillies for mistakes and mental errors, in truth, they are not the only team making such mistakes.

[zambonir]

We are demonstrably no worse or better than any other team in the division overall. But being as bad as they are defensively would certainly seem to be due to mistakes and mental errors as much as lack of ability (and decline).

[bkox]

Josh Donaldson of the Twins scored the 2 millionth run in MLB history today

[el-pietro]

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1398811211672793090?s=19
Thats Ozuna done for the year. Very similar sounding crime to the one Odúbel was punished for. What are the odds Ozuna misses games other than those hes suspended for.

[zambonir]

That actually doesn't sound similar to Odubel at all, despite the surface similiarities. Much worse. Herrera was only charged with simple assault, a misdemeanor, Ozuna's got a felony and a misdemeanor. His suspension is bound to be longer - and possibly shorter than his jail time if the case actually proceeds without a deal.

[bkox]

From Sandy Springs, Ga., police: Officers allegedly witnessed Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna grab his wife by her neck and throw her against a wall. He also hit her with a cast on his arm, according to the department's release. pic.twitter.com/jArly4bEIk

— Jeff Passan ( @JeffPassan ) May 30, 2021

[el-pietro]

Im not familiar with the various levels of crimes in the US so i missed that. The details are horrifying here, and the fact that police witnessed it make it much more cut and dry.
Will it still come down to whether his wife presses charges though?

[tom81]

Since the police witnessed it he may face charges even if his wife doesn't press them.

[zambonir]

Yes, there being a third-party witness, particular when it's actually law enforcement, is a huge difference. With all the same issues and ambiguities in terms of what the victim's wishes may be. I expect it ends with a deal, but the terms of that could still be pretty punitive. I would also think MLB might not make a final ruling on his status until that plays out (he'll just be suspended indefinitely until then) so they still might not count the time he was already going to miss due to injury as part of the punishment.