Something odd is happening in baseball this year

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 4:09 am

I haven't been following all that closely this year, but I tuned into a game today and saw an interesting factoid:

Four teams have more home runs this year than the previous team record, which was set last year. It was 267 last year and this year two teams have more than 300 and four have more than 267.

What's the deal all the home runs this year? Not one but four teams smash the previous all-time record for team home runs? Two by over 30 runs?

Are we in a new steroid era or are the balls juiced? Have the players figured out how to beat the drug-testing system? Some kind of new PED the testers don't know about yet? Something is fishy about this.

If the Yankees face the Twins in the playoffs, which appears likely, that will be the two highest home run hitting teams of all time facing each other. They will have over 600 home runs between them. In the game I just watched, the Yankees hit 6 out of the park. I kinda doubt they'll be in the World Series though. The Astros seem to have the best overall team in the AL. They've got the best pitchers. The Dodgers look like the best team in the NL, and they're one of the 4 top home run teams too, along with the Astros, Twins and Yankees.

Grammatron · Post by **Grammatron** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 5:20 am

I believe it's this.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juiced_ball_theory

https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/juiced-baseballs/

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 8:42 am

Juiced baseballs might be it. I suppose that's a better story than a new steroids era. Still, the game keeps changing in ways that make comparisons from different eras like apples and oranges.

Rob Lister · Post by **Rob Lister** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 10:00 am

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said,

"Our scientists that have been now studying the baseball more regularly have told us that this year the baseball has a little less drag. [...] We are trying to understand exactly why that happened and build out a manufacturing process that gives us a little more control over what's going on. But you have to remember that our baseball is a handmade product and there's gonna be variation year to year."

But the 6,668 home runs in 2019 is almost 10% (well, 9.2%) more than the record 6,105 in 2017. I find it pretty unlikely this isn't intentional; you should be able to see the difference.

In 2017, Rawlings makes their balls in Costa Rica. Did that change? Suppose they switched to some other factory.

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 10:45 am

If they make baseballs every year there must still be a lot of older baseballs that were used in MLB in the past around somewhere. A bunch of them end up in the stands every game as fan souvenirs.

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Sun Sep 29, 2019 5:34 pm

You know if you open a baseball you release an acid gas that will dissolve your face.

馬鹿！

–J.D.

shemp · Post by **shemp** » Sun Sep 29, 2019 5:55 pm

And if you open a football you get a 4-game suspension!

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Thu Oct 10, 2019 6:28 am

How 'bout them Dodgers!

*snicker, snicker*

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Sun Oct 13, 2019 6:10 pm

–J.D.

Grammatron · Post by **Grammatron** » Thu Oct 17, 2019 6:29 pm

But hey, Dodgers keep winning the regular season. So...yay....

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Sun Oct 20, 2019 4:28 am

It's the MOST WonDERful TIME of the Year!

–J.D.

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Sun Oct 20, 2019 4:50 am

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Mon Oct 21, 2019 4:40 pm

@jenfulwiler
My husband (in TX) texting me (in NYC):

“Please go down to the hotel bar and describe the sadness of the Yankees fans to me”

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 3:31 am

Admitting 'we were wrong,' Astros fire assistant GM Brandon Taubman

The Houston Astros fired assistant general manager Brandon Taubman on Thursday, admitting in a statement that his "inappropriate comments" about the acquisition of closer Roberto Osuna were directed at a group of female reporters.

A report published earlier this week by Sports Illustrated's Stephanie Apstein said that during the celebration in the Astros clubhouse after clinching the American League Championship Series on Saturday, Taubman turned to a group of female reporters -- including one wearing a purple domestic violence awareness bracelet -- and repeatedly yelled, "Thank God we got Osuna! I'm so f---ing glad we got Osuna!"

Last season, Osuna served a 75-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy, stemming from an incident that happened while he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Our initial investigation led us to believe that Brandon Taubman's inappropriate comments were not directed toward any reporter," the Astros said in Thursday's statement. "We were wrong. We sincerely apologize to Stephanie Apstein, Sports Illustrated and to all individuals who witnessed this incident or were offended by the inappropriate conduct. The Astros in no way intended to minimize the issues related to domestic violence.

"Our initial belief was based on witness statements about the incident. Subsequent interviews have revealed that Taubman's inappropriate comments were, in fact, directed toward one or more reporters. Accordingly we have terminated Brandon Taubman's employment with the Houston Astros. His conduct does not reflect the values of our organization and we believe this is the most appropriate course of action.

"We are thankful to Major League Baseball and to everyone that cooperated in the investigation. As previously stated, the Astros are very committed to using our voice to create awareness and support on the issue of domestic violence. We fully support MLB and baseball's stance and values regarding domestic violence. We will continue to make this cause a priority for our organization."

The Astros initially called the report "misleading and completely irresponsible" and accused SI of trying to "fabricate a story where one does not exist." Taubman later apologized for his language but said his comments were misinterpreted. Astros manager AJ Hinch told reporters Tuesday that the incident was "unfortunate" and "uncalled for."

The Astros seem to be getting pummeled both on and off the field. (No pun intended.)

(Fwiw, the Yankees have had problems with domestic violence this year too. One of their best pitchers had to sit out the playoffs because of it, which may have hurt their chances of advancing to the World Series.)

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:35 am

That and Sucking.

Meanwhile, I can happily root against the "Stros" for this reason.

–J.D.

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:39 am

Doctor X wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:35 am That and Sucking. But not as bad the Red Sox who Failed to make the playoffs!!1!

Ftfy

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Fri Oct 25, 2019 5:01 am

Anaxagoras wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:39 am
Doctor X wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:35 am That and Sucking. But not as bad the Red Sox who Failed to make the playoffs!!1!
Ftfy

Who has won not one but TWO World Series this decade?

While being UNDEFEATED in the Toilet Bowl II in the post-season?

–J.D.

shemp · Post by **shemp** » Sat Oct 26, 2019 2:31 am

Anaxagoras wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:39 am
Doctor X wrote: ↑Fri Oct 25, 2019 4:35 am That and Sucking. But not as bad the Red Sox who Failed to make the playoffs!!1!
Ftfy

MFY-loving bastard!

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 3:50 am

Coming soon: “Conglaturations Steers ‘n Queers!”

— J.D.

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Fri Nov 01, 2019 3:51 am

– J.D.

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Fri Nov 01, 2019 11:41 am

That was weird. Does he have laryngitis?

This guy usually yells from the beginning of his videos to the end but this time he just used subtitles.

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Fri Nov 01, 2019 6:52 pm

Apparently he was "on the road" so he could not vocalize it.

Sort of worked with the music from Chernobyl.

– J.D.

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Sun Feb 23, 2020 1:22 pm

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Sun Feb 23, 2020 5:09 pm

Apparently there was a kid at the Red Sox Spring Training with a search saying, "They Stole My Sign" or something like that.

I have been watching this with some amusement. Girardi, the Last Yankee Manager to Win So He was Fired, admitted to using video signaled from above years ago perhaps when he was a player:

– J.D.

Anaxagoras · Post by **Anaxagoras** » Mon Feb 24, 2020 12:19 am

You know how pitchers whenever there's a conference on the mound will use their glove to cover their lips so that lip readers can't tell what they're saying? I always thought that was kind of pointless, but it goes to show just what kind of tricks they think other teams might be using.

Hotarubi · Post by **Hotarubi** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 12:34 am

Anaxagoras wrote: ↑Mon Feb 24, 2020 12:19 am You know how pitchers whenever there's a conference on the mound will use their glove to cover their lips so that lip readers can't tell what they're saying? I always thought that was kind of pointless, but it goes to show just what kind of tricks they think other teams might be using.

I blame Will Clark. Or Mrs Maddux - Depending on which version you believe.

No idea why Masahiro Tanaka does it.

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Tue Mar 03, 2020 6:33 am

You implying that there are not Spanish lip-readers?!

– J.D.

Hotarubi · Post by **Hotarubi** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 12:34 am

Doctor X wrote: ↑Tue Mar 03, 2020 6:33 am You implying that there are not Spanish lip-readers?!

– J.D.

外国人ばか!

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Wed Mar 04, 2020 8:09 am

教師だよ！

– J.D.

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:01 pm

Link: https://twitter.com/Indians/status/1248611692688240645

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:54 pm

Yeah I hate Facebook. Synopsis: guy who does color commentary for Indians games does color commentary for short videos of kids and dads playing baseball in their yards.

https://www.wkyc.com/article/sports/mlb ... 6db3a4fec3

Indians' Tom Hamilton will call your home videos
In "Home with Hammy," Cleveland Indians radio play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton will call your home videos.

Rob Lister · Post by **Rob Lister** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 1:58 pm

Loaded fine for me. But I'm not using Netscape.

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 2:06 pm

That goat left the barn a long time ago.

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Sat Apr 11, 2020 2:19 pm

Cow-Milking Contest at Cleveland Municipal Stadium (1977)

https://imgur.com/r/imagesofthe1970s/rPsM5nV

Doctor X · Post by **Doctor X** » Thu Apr 16, 2020 6:20 am

– J.D.

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Thu Apr 30, 2020 3:38 pm

Link: https://twitter.com/KostelecPlan/status/1255665114759548929

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Thu Apr 30, 2020 3:38 pm

Link: https://twitter.com/KostelecPlan/status/1255665114759548929

Hotarubi · Post by **Hotarubi** » Thu Apr 30, 2020 5:32 pm

Love the Yankees reference.

Pyrrho · Post by **Pyrrho** » Thu Jun 18, 2020 1:17 am

@ZackMeisel

As we await an answer on when a season might begin, a number of Indians players — including Carlos Santana, Shane Bieber, Roberto Perez, Logan Allen, Greg Allen and Daniel Johnson — as well as manager Terry Francona, have returned to Cleveland, just waiting for the green light.

Like many Clevelanders, they're waiting for a stop sign to turn green.

In other news:

https://www.cleveland19.com/2020/06/17/ ... shoreline/

Midges begin invasion on northern Ohio, seen on weather radar along Lake Erie shoreline

Grammatron · Post by **Grammatron** » Thu Jun 18, 2020 5:58 am

Sounds more annoying than anything. One thing about living in California, particularly in a large city, are virtual lack of insects. So I've learned something, thanks Pyrrho.

A healthy population of midges means plenty of food for the animals that depend on insects as food.

Maybe we can have nice things?