2023 MLB Thread

[Dream Team]

Well a new season is upon us . . . how do you like your team's chances? As a Red Sox fan, I have no optimism whatsoever about this upcoming season. One bright spot might be if Chris Sale is finally 100% good to go for a full season.

[pg1067]

Red Sox

I.e., Dodgers East.   


Dodgers will be fine offensively, but there are huge question marks with the pitching staff.  Julio Urias is probably the least concerning guy.  Will Walker Buehler be back this season and, if so, will he return to being one of the best pitchers in the league?  Does Kershaw still have it, and how much time will he miss on account of his inevitable back issues?  Dustin May has absolutely filthy stuff, but has he learned to control it?  When will Tony Gonsolin be back and can he duplicate what he did last year?  Can Mark Prior and his staff get Noah Syndegard back anywhere close to what he used to be?  Will any of our minor league studs (Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone) contribute?

I think the Dodgers will benefit from the anti-shift rule, but they really need to have worked on swinging for contact.  WAY too many strikeouts the last few years.

Ultimately, the Padres are probably the favorite to win the NL West again, but I have full confidence that the Dodgers will compete for the division and be no worse than a WC.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

After the complete fiasco that was the Giants offseason. I am not optimistic at all. More castoffs that may contribute more so than for their previous teams, but I'm not holding my breath for career years out of anyone.

[romdrums]

The Guardians should benefit from eliminating the shift.  They swing for contact and are aggressive on the base paths.  Pitching is pretty solid and they play in a weak division.  Should be in the hunt for the division title all year long.  I think my main concern is the outfield being a black hole offensively, but if Oscar Gonzalez can pick up from where he left off last year and Steven Kwan continues to spray the ball all over the place, they should be in good shape. 

[lordxizor]

I think the Twins will be in contention for the AL central throughout most of the season but ultimately fall short of the playoffs. Even if they do manage to squeak in, I doubt they'll go beyond the first round. But we'll see. Maybe they'll surprise me and be better.

[T-ski]

Brewers still have great pitching and a mediocre offense. I expect them to be around .500 but with a little luck they could make the post season.

[Dream Team]

The NFL seems to have great success in creating parity. I think MLB needs to borrow a few tricks so that the little guys can compete, and that includes an enforced MINIMUM payroll for cheapskate owners.

[TAC]

The NFL seems to have great success in creating parity. I think MLB needs to borrow a few tricks so that the little guys can compete, and that includes an enforced MINIMUM payroll for cheapskate owners.

Yup.

[Glasser]

Anthony Volpe just made the Yankees Opening Day roster. LFG!!!!!!

[pg1067]

The NFL seems to have great success in creating parity. I think MLB needs to borrow a few tricks so that the little guys can compete, and that includes an enforced MINIMUM payroll for cheapskate owners.

Yup.

The Padres have proven that the whole "small market" cry is bullshit.  The Padres are in the 5th smallest MLB market but had the 5th highest 2022 payroll (and it's only grown bigger).  Revenue sharing is bullshit without a salary floor.

[ProfessorPeart]

Budgets and spending are going to be really interesting with the collapse of the RSN's. Many of these teams rely on that money and I don't see the RSN's surviving. MLB is going to have to step in and blow the whole model up and start over. The next few years might be a bit interesting financially.

I'm just looking forward to the end of the blackout model and the cord cutting solutions they are working on.

[axeman90210]

Anthony Volpe just made the Yankees Opening Day roster. LFG!!!!!!

Was very happy to see that, the kid earned it. Like the last few years I feel like the Yankees should be strong WS contenders if a bunch of "ifs" break their way (health, continued development of players). I feel like the most likely outcome this year is another second or third round playoff disappointment.

[Dream Team]

Boston gives up 10 runs on opening day? Sounds about right.

[pg1067]

OK Red Sox fans...

As some of you know, my kid goes to school in New Hampshire, so I'm squaring things away for her return to school in August.  I'm taking vacation the week after I drop her off and am planning to go to the Sox game on August 30 against Houston.  I've been to Fenway 2-3 times before and (as best I can remember) have sat in the first base side grandstand seats (sections 14-16 or thereabouts).  Looking for something a little different.  I'm not paying the silly prices for Monster seats, but otherwise, money isn't much of an object.  I think I probably also don't want to do the right/centerfield bleachers (but what do I know?).  I was thinking maybe something out by the Pesky pole.  Looks like I could actually get the front row in section 4, just past the pole.  However, I've heard that the angle of the seats out there might not be so good?  What do you guys think?

[lordxizor]

Nice opening series by the Twins. Two shut-outs and a series sweep. Against the Royals, so not a reflection of being a great team, but certainly what you would expect a good team to do against a crappy one. I really wish I had a way to watch their games. I refuse to pay for cable and MLB's streaming app blacks out your local team. So I just watch highlights the next day.

[hunnus2000]

Rangers are 3-0! 

[TAC]

OK Red Sox fans...

As some of you know, my kid goes to school in New Hampshire, so I'm squaring things away for her return to school in August.  I'm taking vacation the week after I drop her off and am planning to go to the Sox game on August 30 against Houston.  I've been to Fenway 2-3 times before and (as best I can remember) have sat in the first base side grandstand seats (sections 14-16 or thereabouts).  Looking for something a little different.  I'm not paying the silly prices for Monster seats, but otherwise, money isn't much of an object.  I think I probably also don't want to do the right/centerfield bleachers (but what do I know?).  I was thinking maybe something out by the Pesky pole.  Looks like I could actually get the front row in section 4, just past the pole.  However, I've heard that the angle of the seats out there might not be so good?  What do you guys think?

I wouldn't sit anywhere near the Pesky Pole. Front row on the field is great....but you're still in the outfield.

[pg1067]

OK Red Sox fans...

As some of you know, my kid goes to school in New Hampshire, so I'm squaring things away for her return to school in August.  I'm taking vacation the week after I drop her off and am planning to go to the Sox game on August 30 against Houston.  I've been to Fenway 2-3 times before and (as best I can remember) have sat in the first base side grandstand seats (sections 14-16 or thereabouts).  Looking for something a little different.  I'm not paying the silly prices for Monster seats, but otherwise, money isn't much of an object.  I think I probably also don't want to do the right/centerfield bleachers (but what do I know?).  I was thinking maybe something out by the Pesky pole.  Looks like I could actually get the front row in section 4, just past the pole.  However, I've heard that the angle of the seats out there might not be so good?  What do you guys think?

I wouldn't sit anywhere near the Pesky Pole. Front row on the field is great....but you're still in the outfield.

I don't necessarily mind the outfield, but I don't want to have to crane my neck to see what's happening on the field.  Someone else suggested field boxes from behind the plate down the third base line because they're in the shade (which is appealing since it'll be the end of August).

[TAC]

OK Red Sox fans...

As some of you know, my kid goes to school in New Hampshire, so I'm squaring things away for her return to school in August.  I'm taking vacation the week after I drop her off and am planning to go to the Sox game on August 30 against Houston.  I've been to Fenway 2-3 times before and (as best I can remember) have sat in the first base side grandstand seats (sections 14-16 or thereabouts).  Looking for something a little different.  I'm not paying the silly prices for Monster seats, but otherwise, money isn't much of an object.  I think I probably also don't want to do the right/centerfield bleachers (but what do I know?).  I was thinking maybe something out by the Pesky pole.  Looks like I could actually get the front row in section 4, just past the pole.  However, I've heard that the angle of the seats out there might not be so good?  What do you guys think?

I wouldn't sit anywhere near the Pesky Pole. Front row on the field is great....but you're still in the outfield.

I don't necessarily mind the outfield, but I don't want to have to crane my neck to see what's happening on the field.  Someone else suggested field boxes from behind the plate down the third base line because they're in the shade (which is appealing since it'll be the end of August).

Yes, that would be the correct seat location.

[pg1067]

OK Red Sox fans...

As some of you know, my kid goes to school in New Hampshire, so I'm squaring things away for her return to school in August.  I'm taking vacation the week after I drop her off and am planning to go to the Sox game on August 30 against Houston.  I've been to Fenway 2-3 times before and (as best I can remember) have sat in the first base side grandstand seats (sections 14-16 or thereabouts).  Looking for something a little different.  I'm not paying the silly prices for Monster seats, but otherwise, money isn't much of an object.  I think I probably also don't want to do the right/centerfield bleachers (but what do I know?).  I was thinking maybe something out by the Pesky pole.  Looks like I could actually get the front row in section 4, just past the pole.  However, I've heard that the angle of the seats out there might not be so good?  What do you guys think?

I wouldn't sit anywhere near the Pesky Pole. Front row on the field is great....but you're still in the outfield.

I don't necessarily mind the outfield, but I don't want to have to crane my neck to see what's happening on the field.  Someone else suggested field boxes from behind the plate down the third base line because they're in the shade (which is appealing since it'll be the end of August).

Yes, that would be the correct seat location.

It is done.  Loge 133 on the aisle.  I almost got front row of the section, but I saw some comments that there's a lot of distracting foot traffic (which probably explains why a LOT of front row seats were available for the loge).

Now, all that remains is to decide if I fill out the week with WooSox and Yard Goats games.  I already bought tix for the Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats.

[TAC]

Excellent seats Paul, and hell yes, the foot traffic doesn't stop.
We were in 141 for the Winter Classic.

[pg1067]

Since no one else did...

The Rays just missed a historical start to the season.  13 straight to start the season, tying the '82 Braves and the '87 Brewers, and missed setting the record by losing to Toronto yesterday (and then dropped another one today).  Despite the impressive start, the '82 Braves BARELY won the NL west (with an 89-73 record) and lost to the eventual World Series champion Cardinals.  The '87 Brewers finished with a 91-71 record but finished 7 games behind the Tigers in the AL east.  We'll see how the Rays do.

In other news, the Dodgers played 8 of their first 10 games against the Diamondbacks, with the snakes winning 5 of the 8.  Based on those games, I think Arizona may be the surprise team of the season.  They hit for contact and are FAST as fuck.  If their pitching staff can be average or a little above, they have a real chance to contend.

[pg1067]

Does Kershaw still have it, and how much time will he miss on account of his inevitable back issues?

So far so good.  He looked like vintage Kershaw last night, notching career win #200 with 7 shutout innings and 9 strikeouts.  The only time he was in any danger was one batter into the game when Jason Heyward botched a fly ball (presumably lost it in the sun or the lights) into a 3-base error.  Fortunately, Kersh struck out the side.  And the Dodgers thus far suspect bullpen didn't botch things in the 8th and 9th.

[Dream Team]

Since no one else did...

The Rays just missed a historical start to the season.  13 straight to start the season, tying the '82 Braves and the '87 Brewers, and missed setting the record by losing to Toronto yesterday (and then dropped another one today).  Despite the impressive start, the '82 Braves BARELY won the NL west (with an 89-73 record) and lost to the eventual World Series champion Cardinals.  The '87 Brewers finished with a 91-71 record but finished 7 games behind the Tigers in the AL east.  We'll see how the Rays do.

In other news, the Dodgers played 8 of their first 10 games against the Diamondbacks, with the snakes winning 5 of the 8.  Based on those games, I think Arizona may be the surprise team of the season.  They hit for contact and are FAST as fuck.  If their pitching staff can be average or a little above, they have a real chance to contend.

Yeah; them and the Pirates.

[Prog Snob]

It looks like Oakland is moving to Vegas. I know it was one of those places that was considered for an expansion team. I guess that's taken care of now.

[Glasser]

It looks like Oakland is moving to Vegas. I know it was one of those places that was considered for an expansion team. I guess that's taken care of now.

Interesting. I know MLB will be adding 3 more teams over time.

[Prog Snob]

It looks like Oakland is moving to Vegas. I know it was one of those places that was considered for an expansion team. I guess that's taken care of now.

Interesting. I know MLB will be adding 3 more teams over time.

I believe Nashville was another potential location as well. Someone I work with mentioned that he heard Utah as well.

[pg1067]

It looks like Oakland is moving to Vegas. I know it was one of those places that was considered for an expansion team. I guess that's taken care of now.

Interesting. I know MLB will be adding 3 more teams over time.

THREE more?  That would be an odd number (both literally and figuratively).  Honestly, MLB has no business adding teams until they fix the situation with the "small market" teams who refuse to spend money to be competitive.

[Prog Snob]

It looks like Oakland is moving to Vegas. I know it was one of those places that was considered for an expansion team. I guess that's taken care of now.

Interesting. I know MLB will be adding 3 more teams over time.

THREE more?  That would be an odd number (both literally and figuratively).  Honestly, MLB has no business adding teams until they fix the situation with the "small market" teams who refuse to spend money to be competitive.

I don't think that would prevent them from adding teams to a potentially lucrative market. Though, whatever number of teams they add, I know they wanted to be certain that the AL and NL have the same number of teams.

[pg1067]

One-third of the league is averaging less than 20,000 for their home games:

Diamondbacks:  19,817 out of 48,519 capacity = 40.84%
Tigers:  19,634 out of 41,574 capacity = 47.23%
Orioles:  17,543 out of 45,971 capacity = 38.16%
Reds:  17,447 out of 42,319 capacity = 41.23%
Guardians:  17,050 out of 35,041 capacity = 48.66%
Royals:  15,974 out of 37,903 capacity = 42.14%
Pirates:  15,524 out of 38,000 capacity = 40.85%
Tampa Bay:  13,927 out of 42,735 = 32.59%
Miami:  11,203 out of 37,000 = 30.28
A's:  9,973 out of 47,170 = 21.14%

https://www.espn.com/mlb/attendance/_/year/2022

Other than the Rays and A's, these teams play in some of the nicest stadiums in the MLB, and the Rays have been regular contenders with 2 WS appearances in the last 15 years.  When you've got 1/3 of your teams who can't even fill their stadiums to 50% capacity, you have no business expanding.

[DragonAttack]

It looks like Oakland is moving to Vegas. I know it was one of those places that was considered for an expansion team. I guess that's taken care of now.

Interesting. I know MLB will be adding 3 more teams over time.

I believe Nashville was another potential location as well. Someone I work with mentioned that he heard Utah as well.

Nashville O's perhaps?  The Angeloses are such a dysfunctional lying sack o' shit family, that I wouldn't be surprised the team ends up there, unless the state of Maryland gives them 3x more than what they need in 'improvements' to Camden Yards.

Figured Vegas would get the A's.  Gee, it might mean more money in Oakland for the police, firemen, teachers, etc.......you know, people that are way more important.

Attendance:  it's still early in the season, and the weather is what it is.  Still, in some markets, there's nothing drawing in people.  In others.....  I'm basically done with leaving a venue in Baltimore after dark. 

[Prog Snob]

One-third of the league is averaging less than 20,000 for their home games:

Diamondbacks:  19,817 out of 48,519 capacity = 40.84%
Tigers:  19,634 out of 41,574 capacity = 47.23%
Orioles:  17,543 out of 45,971 capacity = 38.16%
Reds:  17,447 out of 42,319 capacity = 41.23%
Guardians:  17,050 out of 35,041 capacity = 48.66%
Royals:  15,974 out of 37,903 capacity = 42.14%
Pirates:  15,524 out of 38,000 capacity = 40.85%
Tampa Bay:  13,927 out of 42,735 = 32.59%
Miami:  11,203 out of 37,000 = 30.28
A's:  9,973 out of 47,170 = 21.14%

https://www.espn.com/mlb/attendance/_/year/2022

Other than the Rays and A's, these teams play in some of the nicest stadiums in the MLB, and the Rays have been regular contenders with 2 WS appearances in the last 15 years.  When you've got 1/3 of your teams who can't even fill their stadiums to 50% capacity, you have no business expanding.

I don't disagree with your perspective. I've noticed it myself. What I think is that MLB will use that rationale for adding new teams - to add a market that would do better than some the current ones. It could be that MLB pushed for Oakland to leave the state and wouldn't approve a deal for a new stadium. It's probably no coincidence that they are moving to one of the locations that MLB was hoping to expand to in the future anyway. 

[jammindude]

Prog Snob is on to something.

The fact is that a new team (at least in the short term) will almost always sell out even if they suck. Thus, creating revenue.

[lordxizor]

Crappy early season weather usually plays a significant role in low attendance in April.

[Prog Snob]

I wonder if MLB team owners used to fight over who was able to host the Yankees the most.